BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment used in conjunction with amusement park rides.

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 the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Since the early twentieth century, amusement parks (or theme parks) have substantially grown in popularity. Certain amusement park rides may include a water ride configured to carry users only along a water path. Other amusement park rides may include a roller coaster ride configured to carry users only along a track with a bogie. However, such narrow riding formats may serve to limit an experience of a user. Accordingly, it is now recognized that an improved amusement park ride having multiple transportation modes may be desirable to enhance guest experience.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter 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 present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In accordance with one embodiment, an amusement park system includes a ride vehicle configured to move along a path, an aquatic portion of the path defined by a water flow path, and an aerial portion of the path defined by a track configured to support a bogie. The ride vehicle is configured to freely float and move along the water flow path in response to currents of the water flow path. The ride vehicle is configured to be carried along the track by the bogie.

In another embodiment, a ride vehicle system includes a ride vehicle having a slot disposed internal to a hull of the ride vehicle and configured to freely float on a liquid along a flow path. The ride vehicle system further includes bogie configured to move along a track and to couple to the ride vehicle via the slot.

In a further embodiment, an amusement park system includes a ride vehicle configured to travel along a geographic path. The amusement park system further includes a bogie configured to travel along a track, engage with the ride vehicle, carry the ride vehicle along the track, and disengage from the ride vehicle.

