Monday, March 16, 2026

Disney's new Cars ride uses patent technology that lets you steer freely across a mountain race course; Boing Boing, March 16, 2026

, Boing Boing; Disney's new Cars ride uses patent technology that lets you steer freely across a mountain race course

"WDWMagic has reported on a patent application made by Disney in 2024, published on March 12, 2026, that seems to indicate that the new marquee Cars ride may have a totally innovative ride system that promises to be a lot of fun. Riders would drive free ranging vehicles through multiple paths over a mountainous race course.

The patent describes a ride system where vehicles can move freely across uneven terrain along multiple path options. Guests choose their route. A fleet controller manages all the vehicles on the track, overriding guest input when needed to maintain spacing, prevent collisions, and direct vehicles toward specific attraction elements.

The track itself is designed to handle rough terrain. The patent specifically mentions hills, valleys, bumps, rocks, stumps, puddles, potholes, and shrubbery – exactly the kind of terrain you would expect on an off-road rally race through a national park.

Vehicles navigate the terrain using a guide wire embedded in or below the track surface. Line detectors on each vehicle follow the guide wire, allowing the vehicle to steer along the designated path. Guests control their speed and direction within limits set by the system.

From Patent Application US 2026/0072453 A1, public document"

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