Disney has always been creative with attraction technology. With holograms, animatronics, tubular coasters, and the Pepper’s Ghost Illusion, there are countless tricks and moving parts that make rides and shows so magical. One of Disney’s own patented technologies created a whole new type of attraction, with forced sight lines and more room for equipment without the rider noticing. Welcome to the tricky world of the Omnimover!
Three rides at the Disneyland Resort currently use the Omnimover system: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and the Haunted Mansion. How can you tell? These are the rides that require you to load from a moving platform.
So what exactly is the Omnimover system?
 The Omnimover is a system specifically designed to manipulate what riders see. Disney patented the system in 1968, for the new Monsanto attraction Adventures Thru Inner Space. These high-capacity, highly controlled cars created a single line of vision for riders. They could be programmed to turn and face different angles, all at a precise moment. That way, Disney could force guests to look at specific scenery, while hiding lighting and equipment just out of sight.
 
Think about the Haunted Mansion, for example. In the corridors, you move backwards and then turn sharply to the left. This hides all kinds of lighting, so you never know what creates the shadow of a claw crossing over the grandfather clock. In the Astro Blasters, you can mostly control your car, except when it forces you to face the camera for your family photo. And in the Little Mermaid, you twist and turn constantly, blocking whole walls at a time. This helps create the illusion that you dive into the ocean, and resurface again.
The Omnimover System is one of Disneyland’s most powerful storytelling tools. The intent is to create a “motion-picture” experience, watching perfectly timed elements unfold without distractions. Next time you ride an Omnimover attraction, see if you can look beyond your natural line of sight to spot any technical elements. You’ll be amazed by what Disney can hide in plain sight.
Cool. Thanks for sharing!
Doesn’t every ride manipulate your field of vision, though?
Absolutely! The difference with the Omnimover is the shape of the vehicle. The egg shape makes it really difficult to look to the sides, so you’re forced to face the front. Combine that with the specific turns in front of certain scenes, and it’s a much more limited scope of vision.