A great bonus of our Universal VIP tour was a back stage tour of the spiderman ride. We were able to see the back lot and where they maintenance the vehicles otherwise known as “Scoops”.
The attraction is a hybrid ride combining special roving motion vehicles with 3-D projection, elaborate physical sets, and both practical and tactile effects.
After donning night vision goggles (3D glasses) the “cub reporters” get in the Scoops and leave the loading docks to a New York back alley where they encounter Spider-Man. He warns that he is in for the most dangerous night of his life and for the guests to be careful.
There are 13 large screens in the attraction, 12 of which use 3D projection. The process utilizes two projectors that have polarizers to interact with each lens of the 3D glasses. By blocking light from one projector with each lens, the 3D effect is achieved.
The illusion of levitating the ride vehicle is achieved by a choreographed combination of several elements: the on-screen visuals with faux-projected windows to the left and right; a large, collapsible building facade; the vehicle’s DOF (Degrees of Freedom) motors moving slowly and without stops; and overhead fans blowing air down onto the vehicle. Afterward, two IMAX screens in the following scene allow for the feeling of being whipped high above the city during the final showdown.
The ride vehicles in the attraction cost several million dollars each. Each is mounted to a track-roaming platform that provides the forward motion to move the vehicle through each show scene. The cabin is capable of moving 360 degrees and different angles thanks to the yaw motor and the six DOF motors attaching it to the platform.
Each vehicle is outfitted with a motor that controls the right side door. Attendants and technicians operate the door by the five- button console under the right-front headlight.
The ride track is constantly monitored by a control-booth operating attendant, who can report errors to the technical crew.
Now I think you know everything you need to know so go ride it! 😀
Disney Chronicles 