Rear-entry style seating for motion-based attractions

Abstract

The ride vehicle includes a platform including a front portion and a rear portion. The ride vehicle also includes a row of seats disposed on the platform. Each seat in the row of seats is configured for a passenger to board from the rear portion and, when seated, for the passenger to face the front portion. The ride vehicle is configured such that each passenger enters the ride vehicle through the rear portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 193,390, entitled "REAR-ENTRY STYLE SEAT ON MOTION- BASED ATTRACTION," filed May 26, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for use with amusement park rides. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Since the early 20th century, amusement parks (or theme parks) have grown substantially in popularity. Certain amusement park rides are created to provide riders with unique motion and visual experiences. For example, amusement park rides may include ride vehicles that move along a path or utilize a motion base. However, some of these ride vehicles may limit the rider's freedom of movement, which in turn limits the rider's ability to interact with the ride environment. Thus, it may be desirable to provide ride vehicles that allow the rider more freedom to interact with the ride environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain embodiments falling within the scope of the initially claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the ride vehicle includes a platform including a forward portion and a rear portion. The ride vehicle also includes a row of seats disposed on the platform. Each seat in the row of seats is configured such that a passenger boards at the rear portion and faces the forward portion when seated. The ride vehicle is configured such that each passenger enters the ride vehicle through the rear portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, a ride system includes a ride vehicle. The ride vehicle includes a platform. The ride vehicle also includes a plurality of seats disposed on the platform and oriented in the same direction. Each seat of the plurality of seats is configured for a passenger to face forward when boarded from the rear and seated. Each seat includes a pad configured to be positioned near the front of a seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact the back of the seated passenger in a seated configuration and to change from the seated configuration to the riding configuration. The pad and back restraint are configured to allow free movement of the arms and upper torso of the seated passenger to interact with the vehicle environment while in the seated configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of boarding a ride vehicle includes orienting the ride vehicle such that each passenger enters the ride vehicle from the rear of each of a plurality of seats, each seat facing the same direction. Each seat includes a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact a back of the seated passenger. The method also includes maintaining the back restraint of each seat in a lowered position as the passenger enters the respective seat from the rear. The method further includes raising the rear restraint of each seat to retract the back of the seated passenger such that the seated passenger is seated in an upright position between the pad and the back restraint, securing the seated passenger to the ride vehicle while allowing the seated passenger to move their arms and upper torso freely to interact with the ride environment.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) having a rear-entry style seating according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with a seated passenger, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 4] 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for boarding the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with a passenger on a ride platform, according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 6] 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with a passenger seated (e.g., rear restraints lowered) according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 7] 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with a passenger seated (e.g., rear restraint raised) according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system (e.g., a dark ride system) in a ride environment (e.g., a dark ride environment) with ride vehicles utilizing a track system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system (e.g., a dark ride system) in a ride environment (e.g., a dark ride environment) having ride vehicles that include or utilize an automated guided vehicle, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of components of a ride system (e.g., a dark ride system) of an amusement attraction (e.g., a motion-based dark ride) in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation will be described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system and business related constraints. It will be further appreciated that such a development effort may be complex and time consuming, but will be a routine exercise in design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0021] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for providing passengers of a ride vehicle (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) with more degrees of freedom to interact with the ride vehicle (e.g., a dark ride). For example, the disclosed systems and methods include a ride vehicle including a platform having a plurality of rows of seats disposed thereon, each seat facing the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the platform or ride vehicle). Each passenger enters the ride vehicle from the rear before boarding the seat. Each seat includes a pad (e.g., a front restraint) that engages the front of the seated passenger. Each seat also includes a back restraint that remains in a lowered (e.g., adjacent to the platform) position while the passenger is boarding the seat and that rises against the passenger's back when the passenger is seated. The pad and back restraint allow the seated passenger to freely move their arms and upper torso to interact (e.g., virtually or physically) with the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle can include a transportation system (e.g., a motion base or a reaction deck) that allows six degrees of freedom of movement of the ride vehicle. Ride vehicles can move along a tracked or trackless vehicle environment, and the inherent seating of ride vehicles provides passengers with more mobility and thus greater freedom to interact with the vehicle environment.

[0023] 1 and 2 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 (e.g., a dark ride vehicle) having rear-entry style seats or seating modules 12 (e.g., bicycle-style seats). One or more of the ride vehicles 10 may be utilized as part of a motion-based attraction in a dark environment. The ride vehicle 10 includes a platform 14 coupled to a transportation system 16. The platform 14 includes a front portion 18 and a rear portion 20. The front and rear are defined with respect to how a passenger or rider is oriented when seated in one of the seats 12. For example, a seated passenger faces the front portion 18 and the passenger's back faces the rear portion 20. As shown, a first row 22 of seats 12 is disposed on the platform 14 adjacent the front portion 18, and a second row 24 of seats 12 is disposed on the platform 14 adjacent the rear portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 14 includes multiple levels or decks of different heights. For example, a first row 22 and a second row 24 of seats 12 are disposed on decks 26, 28, respectively. Deck 26 is disposed below deck 28 (e.g., directly below deck 28) to provide an unobstructed view for passengers seated in second row 24. Passengers descend stairs from deck 28 to deck 26 to reach first row 22 of seats 12. The number of rows and decks of seats 12 may vary (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.). The number of seats 12 per row may also vary (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). In certain embodiments, the number of seats 12 within each row may vary between rows. For example, as shown, the number of seats 12 in first row 22 and second row 24 are 6 and 4, respectively. In certain embodiments, each row of seats 12 may include a number of seats with the same name. As shown, the seats 12 at the ends of rows 22, 24 are flanked by panels 30, 32. The platform 14 is open forward of the first row 22 and behind the second row 24. The open front of the first row 22 allows all passengers in the ride vehicle 10 to view the presentation.For example, a presentation (providing ride and / or ride instructions and / or providing content related to the theme of the ride) may be presented to passengers while they are boarding the ride vehicle 10. The open rear of the second row 24 allows passengers to board the ride vehicle 10 from the rear (i.e., rear section 20). Thus, prior to boarding the ride vehicle 10, passengers will be positioned behind all of the seats 12.

[0024] Each seat 12 includes a front restraint 34, a rear restraint 36, and a seat section 38 (shown in FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include other features (e.g., handlebars, monitor, etc.). The seat section 38 supports the occupant when riding on the seat 12 (e.g., when sitting on the seat section 38). The front restraint 34 (e.g., a padded bar or structure) extends near the front of the seated passenger to provide stability. As shown, the front restraint 34 has a U-shape. The shape of the front restraint 34 can vary. The front restraint 34 can be located on or as part of a frame 39 that defines the area of ​​the seat 12. The rear restraint 36 (e.g., a back restraint) contacts and supports the back of the seated passenger to provide seating support. A portion of the rear restraint 36 (i.e., the portion that contacts the passenger's back) can include a pad structure (e.g., a pad disposed on metal). During a ride on the vehicle 10, the rear restraint 36 is in a lowered position adjacent the platform 14 (e.g., in a boarding configuration). In certain embodiments, the rear restraint 36 can contact the platform 14 in the lowered position. While the rear restraint 36 is in the lowered position, passengers enter the ride vehicle 10 from the rear portion 20 (e.g., via the boarding platform). Upon reaching their respective seats 12, passengers straddle the seat portion 38 from the rear. For this purpose, the seat portion 38 can be shaped (e.g., elongated, narrow shape) having dimensions that allow the passenger to straddle. Once the passenger is seated, the rear restraint 36 is raised until it contacts the passenger's back to facilitate seating support (e.g., in a seating configuration). Together, the front restraint 34 and the rear restraint 36 provide stability to the passenger (while seated in an upright position) and allow free movement of the passenger's arms and upper torso to interact with the vehicle (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3 with passenger 56 seated in ride vehicle 10). For example, the passenger may interact with different elements of the vehicle virtually (e.g., via augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR)) or physically (e.g., via soft robotics or the like). In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include a foot rest 40 on either side of the seat portion 38 for placing the feet in or on.In some embodiments, each seat 12 can include knee cups on either side of the seat portion 38. Each seat 12 can also include vehicle themed elements 42 (e.g., wheels as depicted in Figures 1 and 2) to enhance the vehicle environment.

[0025] In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include various transducers located within various components of the seat 12 (e.g., handlebars, front restraint 34, rear restraint 36, seat 38, etc.). For example, an audible output may be provided to the passenger via a speaker. The seat 12 may include tactile transducers that provide stimuli to different parts of the passenger (e.g., face, hands, back, etc.). For example, air or water may be directed to the passenger. A scent may also be emitted. A tactile stimulus may also be provided by an object pressing or touching a part of the passenger. The temperature of a part of the seat 12 may also be adjusted to provide the stimulus.

[0026] In certain embodiments, each passenger may be provided with an AR or VR headset to wear on the passenger's head during the ride that enables the passenger to interact with an AR or VR environment related to the theme of the ride. The AR or VR headset for each seat 12 may be coupled (e.g., physically, electronically, communicatively, etc.) to the seat 12 and / or the ride vehicle 10.

[0027] In certain embodiments, each seat 12 may include a gesture tracking system (e.g., in an equipment box integrated within the seat 12). The gesture tracking system may be coupled to a controller of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., located on the ride vehicle 10 or remotely from the ride vehicle 10) and may track gestures of seated passengers. In response to detected passenger gestures, the motion of the ride vehicle 10 may be altered. For example, the ride vehicle 10 may rotate, swivel, reroute, or change orientation. The ride vehicle 10 may alter motion based on a passenger or passengers' gestures. In certain embodiments, the detected gestures may alter what the passengers see within their respective AR or VR headsets. Similar responses may be performed based on or in conjunction with other motions of one or more passengers detected by other aspects of the ride vehicle 10, such as detectors in the seats 12 that track weight shifts of one or more passengers.

[0028] The transportation system 16 enables movement of the ride vehicle 10 in at least three degrees of freedom (e.g., aligned with the ride vehicle 10 and parallel to direction 44, direction 46, and direction 48). In certain embodiments, the transportation system 16 enables movement of the ride vehicle 10 in six degrees of freedom. For example, the movement of the ride vehicle 10 can be parallel to direction 44, direction 46, direction 48, roll 50, pitch 52, and yaw 54. The transportation system 16 and the platform 14 can interact to form a motion base or reaction deck. For example, the transportation system 16 can include wheels, linkages (e.g., between the transportation system 16 and the platform 14), and other devices that enable different movements of the ride vehicle 10. The transportation system 16 can function as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) in moving the ride vehicle 10 along a path through a ride environment (e.g., a trackless dark ride environment). As an AGV, the ride vehicle 10 may move along a substantially smooth ride path, for example, through the assistance of optics, markers, magnets, sensors, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the transportation system 16 may be coupled to a track to enable movement of the ride vehicle 10 along the track in a ride environment (e.g., a dark ride environment).

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 58 for boarding the ride vehicle 10. The method 58 includes orienting the ride vehicle 10 so that each passenger 56 enters the ride vehicle 10 from the rear 20 (e.g., behind each seat 12 of the ride vehicle 10) (block 60) and over the downwardly facing rear restraint 36. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the ride vehicle 10 is oriented so that the rear 20 of the platform 14 abuts a boarding platform 62 where the passengers 56 are waiting to board. Prior to boarding the ride vehicle 10, passengers 56 already on the ride vehicle 10 may have to exit the ride vehicle 10 before reboarding the ride vehicle 10. Disembarking may occur at the boarding platform 62 or at another location prior to orienting the ride vehicle 10 relative to the boarding platform 62. The method 58 also includes maintaining the rear restraint 36 in a lowered position (e.g., boarding configuration) adjacent the platform 14 during boarding of the passengers 56 (block 64). The rear restraint 36 may be lowered or changed from a seated configuration (e.g., contacting the passenger's back) to a riding configuration (e.g., adjacent to or contacting the floor of the ride vehicle 10) during disembarkation of the previous passenger. The lowered position of the rear restraint 36 allows the passenger 56 to enter the ride vehicle 10 from the rear section 20 (e.g., via the boarding platform 62). As the passenger 56 proceeds to their respective seat 12, they pass over the lowered rear restraint 36 and straddle the seat section 38 from the rear, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Once the passenger 56 is seated, the rear restraint 36 is raised (e.g., in a seated configuration) until it contacts the passenger's back, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (block 66). Together, the front restraint 34 and rear restraint 36 provide stability to the passenger (while seated in an upright position) and allow free movement of the passenger's arms and upper torso to interact with the vehicle while in the seated configuration. During the ride and / or before leaving the ride platform 62, passengers 56 (e.g., in front of the open front portion 18 of the ride vehicle 10) may be presented with a presentation (providing instructions for the ride and / or the ride and / or providing content related to the theme of the ride) on a display (e.g., a flat screen television, computer monitor, projection surface) integral with or in front of the ride vehicle 10.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 68 (e.g., a dark ride system) in a ride environment 70 (e.g., a dark ride environment) with ride vehicles 10 (e.g., dark ride vehicles) utilizing a track system 72. The ride vehicles 10 are as described in FIGS. 1-7. As shown, multiple ride vehicles 10 are moving along a track 74 (e.g., a path) of the track system 72 through a theme element 75. In certain embodiments (as shown), the multiple ride vehicles 10 may be coupled via linkages 76 as they move along the track 74. In other embodiments, the multiple ride vehicles 10 may move along the track 74 independently of one another (i.e., not physically coupled). As discussed above, each ride vehicle 10 may be capable of movement in at least three degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle 10 may be capable of movement in at least six degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom provide a motion-based attraction (e.g., in a dark ride environment). The movement of the ride vehicle 10 may be determined in part by one or more gestures of the passengers 56 .

[0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 78 (e.g., a dark ride system) in a ride environment 80 (e.g., a dark ride environment) in which the ride vehicles 10 (e.g., dark ride vehicles) are or use AGVs. The ride vehicles 10 are as described in FIGS. 1-7. As shown, a plurality of ride vehicles 10 are moving along a smooth trackless surface 82 along a path 84 through a theme element 86. The path 84 may be predetermined or partially predetermined based on sensors 88 on the vehicles 10 detecting markers 90 disposed throughout the ride environment 80 (e.g., on or near the theme element 86) to guide the vehicles 10. In some embodiments, the sensors 88 and markers 90 may be swapped such that the markers 90 are disposed on the ride vehicles 10 and the sensors 88 are disposed throughout the ride environment. Additionally, in some embodiments, the markers 90 and / or sensors 88 may be utilized in both manners. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the path 84 or the movement of the ride vehicle 10 may be determined (at least in part) by one or more passengers 56. As described above, each ride vehicle 10 may be capable of movement in at least three degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, each ride vehicle 10 may be capable of at least six degrees of freedom of movement. These degrees of freedom provide a motion-based attraction (e.g., in a dark ride environment). The movement of the ride vehicle 10 may be determined in part by gestures of one or more passengers 56.

[0032] 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of components of a ride vehicle system 92 (e.g., a dark ride ride system) for an amusement attraction (e.g., a motion-based dark ride). The ride vehicle 10 includes a platform 14 and a transportation system 16 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The ride vehicle 10 also includes a number of seating modules 12 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, each seating module 12 includes a forward restraint 34, a rear restraint 36, and a seat or seat portion 38, as described above.

[0033] Each seat module 12 may include one or more transducers 94. The transducers 94 may be located in various components of the seat 12 (e.g., handlebars, front restraint 34, rear restraint 36, seat 38, etc.). For example, an audible output may be provided to the passenger via a speaker. The seat module 12 may include tactile transducers that provide stimuli to different parts of the passenger (e.g., face, hands, back, etc.). For example, air or water may be directed at the passenger. A scent may also be emitted. And, a tactile stimulus may be provided by an object pressing or touching a part of the passenger. The temperature of a part of the seat module 12 may also be adjusted to provide the stimulus.

[0034] Each seat module 12 may also include a gesture tracking system 96 (e.g., in an equipment box integrated in the seat module 12). The gesture tracking system 96 may be coupled to a controller 98 of the ride vehicle 10 (e.g., located on the ride vehicle 10 or remotely from the ride vehicle 10) to track gestures of seated passengers. In response to detected passenger gestures, the motion of the ride vehicle 10 may be altered. For example, the ride vehicle 10 may rotate, swivel, change route, or change orientation. The ride vehicle 10 may alter its motion based on the gestures of one or more passengers. In certain embodiments, the detected gestures may alter what the passengers see in their respective AR or VR headsets 100. The gesture tracking system 96 may also represent a system that operates to track passenger motions (e.g., tilt in the seat module 12) and provide control based on such motions, either in conjunction with or separate from other forms of gestures.

[0035] The ride vehicle 12 may also include an AR or VR headset 100 for each passenger to wear on their head during the ride that allows the passenger to interact with an AR or VR environment related to the theme of the ride. The AR or VR headset 100 for each seat 12 may be coupled (e.g., physically, electronically, communicatively, etc.) to the respective seat 12 and / or ride vehicle 10. Each AR or VR headset 100 may be coupled to the ride controller 98.

[0036] The ride controller 98 may be located within the ride system 92 (e.g., within each ride vehicle 10 (as depicted) or elsewhere in the overall ride environment) or may be located external to the ride system 92 (e.g., to operate the ride system 92 remotely). The controller 98 may include a memory 101 having instructions stored therein for controlling components within the ride system 92 (e.g., the AR or VR headset 100, the transducers 94, the gesture tracking system 96, the rear restraints 36, the transportation system 16, etc.). Additionally, the controller 98 may include a processor 102 configured to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 102 may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the memory 101 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the ride system 92 includes a track system 104 (e.g., similar to track system 72 of FIG. 8 ) for transporting the ride vehicles 10. In other embodiments, the ride system 92 includes a trackless system 106 (e.g., utilizing AGVs) (as depicted in FIG. 9 ) for transporting the ride vehicles 10.

[0038] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, when any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for "performing" a "function"" or "steps for "performing" a "function," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0039] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the true spirit of the disclosed subject matter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10 Vehicles 12 seats 14 Platform 18 Front 20 Rear part 22 First Column 24 Second Column

Claims

1. A vehicle, a platform including a forward section and an aft section, the aft section being open; a first row of seats adjacent the forward portion and a second row of seats adjacent the aft portion, the first and second rows of seats being disposed on a deck above the platform; each seat in the first and second rows of seats is configured such that a passenger enters from the rear of the seat and faces the forward portion when seated; the ride vehicle is configured such that each passenger in both the first and second rows of seats enters the ride vehicle from behind each seat in the first and second rows of seats via the rear portion; the ride vehicle is configured such that each passenger in the first row of seats passes through the second row of seats to reach the first row of seats. Vehicle vehicle.

2. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats comprises a gesture tracking system coupled to a controller of the ride vehicle, the gesture tracking system configured to detect gestures of the passenger and cause the controller to alter movement of the ride vehicle based on the detected gestures of the passenger.

3. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is configured to allow a seated passenger free movement of the arms and upper torso to interact with the vehicle.

4. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats includes a back restraint configured to descend toward the platform to facilitate rearward entry of the passenger and configured to rise to contact the back of the passenger to facilitate seated support of the passenger.

5. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats includes a pad configured to be positioned adjacent a front of the passenger when the passenger is seated.

6. The ride vehicle of claim 1 , comprising a transportation system coupled to said platform, said transportation system configured to enable six degrees of freedom of movement of said ride vehicle.

7. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats includes a transducer disposed within each seat that provides an audible or tactile stimulus to a seated passenger.

8. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats is equipped with an augmented reality or virtual reality headset configured to be worn by a seated passenger during a ride to enable the seated passenger to interact with an environment of the vehicle.

9. 1. A vehicle system comprising: a platform including a forward section and an aft section, the aft section being open; a first row of seats and a second row of seats disposed on a deck above the platform and oriented in the same direction; Equipped with each seat in the first and second rows of seats is configured such that a passenger enters the seat from the rear and faces forward when seated, each seat in the first and second rows of seats includes a pad configured to be positioned near the front of the seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact a back of the seated passenger in a seating configuration and to change from the seating configuration to a riding configuration, the pad and the back restraint configured to allow free movement of the arms and upper torso of the seated passenger to interact with a vehicle environment while in the seated configuration, the ride vehicle is configured such that passengers in both the first and second rows of seats enter the ride vehicle from behind each seat in the first and second rows of seats via the rear portion, and the ride vehicle is configured such that passengers in the first row of seats pass through the second row of seats to reach the first row of seats. Vehicle system.

10. 10. The ride system of claim 9, wherein the back restraint of each seat in the first and second rows of seats is configured to be lowered toward the platform in the riding configuration to facilitate boarding of passengers in the first and second rows of seats from the rear, and the back restraint is configured to be raised to contact the backs of each of the seated passengers in the seated configuration.

11. 10. The ride system of claim 9, wherein the ride vehicle comprises a transport system configured to transport the ride vehicle through the vehicle and enable six degrees of freedom of movement of the ride vehicle.

12. 12. The ride system of claim 11, wherein each seat in the first and second rows of seats comprises a gesture tracking system coupled to a controller of the ride vehicle, the gesture tracking system configured to detect gestures of the passenger and cause the controller to alter movement of the ride vehicle based on the gestures.

13. 13. The vehicle system of claim 12, comprising a plurality of augmented reality or virtual reality headsets configured to be worn by the passengers during the ride to enable the passengers to interact with an environment of the vehicle system.

14. 12. The ride system of claim 11, wherein the ride vehicle is configured to travel along a track in a dark ride system.

15. The ride system of claim 11 , wherein the ride vehicle is an automated guided vehicle configured to travel in a trackless environment.

16. 12. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein one or more components of each seat in the first and second rows of seats include a transducer disposed within each seat for providing audible or tactile stimuli to the seated passenger.

17. 1. A method of boarding a ride vehicle, comprising: orienting the ride vehicle such that passengers enter the ride vehicle from behind seats in a first row of seats and a second row of seats disposed on a deck of a platform of the ride vehicle, the platform including a forward portion and a rearward portion, the rearward portion being open, the first row of seats adjacent the forward portion and the second row of seats adjacent the rearward portion, the seats in the first and second rows of seats being oriented in the same direction, each seat in the first and second rows of seats comprising a pad configured to be positioned near a front of a seated passenger and a back restraint configured to contact a back of the seated passenger, the ride vehicle being configured such that the passengers in both the first and second rows of seats enter the ride vehicle via the rearward portion and the passengers in the first row of seats pass through the second row of seats to reach the first row of seats. Steps and maintaining the back restraints of each seat in the first and second rows of seats in a lowered position to allow passengers to enter the respective seats from the rear; raising a back restraint for each seat in the first and second rows of seats into contact with the back of the seated passenger such that the seated passenger is seated in an upright position between the pad and the back restraint, securing the seated passenger to the vehicle while allowing the seated passenger to move his or her arms and upper torso freely to interact with the vehicle environment; The method includes:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising presenting a presentation to the passengers during a ride in the ride vehicle, the presentation being presented in front of an open portion of the ride vehicle toward which the front of the seated passengers is oriented.

19. the first row of seats is disposed on a first deck and the second row of seats is disposed on a second deck, the first deck being disposed lower than the second deck; The ride vehicle of claim 1 .

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