In a bustling corner of Shanghai Disneyland, where eager guests are bursting with excitement and anticipation, a fresh attraction beckons, promising an experience like no other. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, the headline act of Shanghai Disney Resort's newest themed land, epitomizes Disney's inventive prowess.

A photo captures a vehicle running on the advanced trackless ride system for the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attraction at the Zootopia of Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

Guests are taken on a whirlwind adventure alongside beloved characters Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Set after the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, the plot unravels with a twist – a jailbreak. Bellwether, the sheep antagonist of the film, has escaped and kidnapped Gazelle, the "Try Everything" superstar, threatening to ruin the night's concert.

The chase is on. The attraction's cutting-edge trackless system is the standout feature, marking its debut in Shanghai Disneyland's array of rides. "It's one of the coolest technologies we can introduce to our attractions these days," underscored Lucas Kaeding, senior ride controls software engineer at Walt Disney Imagineering.

"When we were in the 'blue sky' phase, or brainstorming creatively, we thought of placing everyone in a vehicle that follows the storyline. With our imaginations running wild, we naturally gravitated towards envisioning a trackless ride, imagining it as a real police car from 'Zootopia,'" said Luo Jun, senior ride development engineer at Shanghai Disney Resort.

Today's advancements represent a quantum leap. Modern trackless rides, guided by intricate computer systems, enhance precision and control in these top-tier attractions. Disney's first completely trackless ride, Pooh's Hunny Hut, debuted at Tokyo Disneyland in 2000 and employed a bespoke local positioning system to oversee its sensors. The legacy of such innovation shines through in marquee attractions like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in Disneyland Paris and at the Walt Disney World Resort, Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway as well as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort.

"Imagineering strives to bring advanced technology into storytelling because we believe storytelling will bring happiness to people and enable them to imagine a colorful, beautiful future with optimism and joy. And Zootopia embodies that spirit and mission at every level in every aspect," said Cheryl Chi, the regional AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) technology manager at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Lucas Kaeding, senior ride controls software engineer at Walt Disney Imagineering, tests the vehicle on the trackless ride system for the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attraction at the Zootopia of Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

In Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, guests assume the roles of rookie officers navigating various city districts. Their journey includes sliding through the icy vistas of Tundratown, combing the streets of Sahara Square for fugitives, and deftly evading encounters at Mystic Springs Oasis.

The magic of this attraction is underpinned by intricate engineering, a blend of compelling storytelling and cutting-edge technology. "Because it's a trackless ride, there are so many things we need to consider. Like, how can we achieve all its functions to tell our story?" Luo pointed out. 

The ride's ability to offer variable experiences is another unique feature. Vehicles, independent of one another, can "explore the same space twice," a novelty in ride design, Kaeding noted. They can cross paths, seemingly chaotically, while always under precise control. Unlike traditional rides, guests won't know where they're heading. Kaeding also mentioned that Imagineering has gleaned considerable experience with trackless attractions while also expanding on what's possible for future ones. 

"Just like it is often said in 'Zootopia,' this is a place where anyone can be anything. We have translated this technology into reality. From the moment guests get on the ride to the moment they leave it, they will feel the true essence of this statement, which can be interpreted as having unlimited potential," Luo Jun said.

The building of Zootopia and the ride also relied on Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. Chi explained that BIM served as a digital canvas, blending ideas from collaborators scattered globally, ensuring a visually appealing design and operational excellence. It fundamentally changed how designers process and collect information.

Chi's involvement, which began in 2018, shed light on the transformative power of virtual design. "Everyone can collaborate in this virtual world before we really start buying materials," she emphasized. However, with many different partners and an expansive model, challenges like hardware upgrades arose. Yet, Disney's commitment to innovation ensured a triumphant passage through these hurdles.

Chi mentioned that the trackless system posed a unique challenge, but BIM rose to the occasion. "BIM was instrumental in integrating these elements," Chi noted, revealing its role in ensuring the movement of the ride through the enthralling landscape. BIM's strength lies in its ability to present a visually captivating design that is also operationally reliable.

"I love Zootopia, as there are a lot of wonderful, cute, surprising detail elements, different sizes of animals, different sizes of doors... But the most exciting part still is the ride. The creative team has crafted a rich experience. You can witness the changing environments and observe different beautiful, animated animals engaging in diverse activities, all accompanied by music. There are even temperature changes throughout the ride. It's just amazing," she stated. 

When the team put the ride through an operational test and saw it actually run, the thrill felt by the team was palpable.

Luo Jun, senior ride development engineer at Shanghai Disney Resort, checks a vehicle for the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attraction at the Zootopia of Shanghai Disneyland. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

"It was a big deal for everyone to see the attraction running under (autonomous) control for the first time. To see even the vehicle cycling back and forth on our test track was a highlight for many," Kaeding recalled, adding that they even took a selfie of all the operators gathered together, shouting, "We did it!" Echoing the sentiment, Luo added, "Everyone cheered."

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