Water amusement system and method

A water fountain system, comprising:

• a roof comprising a friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the roof to support the roof such that the roof is capable of rotating during use;
• a first conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate in a first direction during use;
• a second conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate in a second direction during use;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the first and second conduits during use, wherein the water supply system comprises a valve and a reservoir, the valve being positioned between the reservoir and the first and second conduits, wherein the valve is configured to interrupt a flow of water from the reservoir through the first conduit and the second conduit during use.

A water fountain system, comprising:

• a first roof comprising a first friction surface;
• a second roof comprising a second friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the first roof to support the first roof such that the first roof is capable of rotating during use, and wherein the support member is configured to be coupled to the second roof to support the second roof such that the second roof is capable of rotating during use;
• at least one conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the first friction surface to cause the first roof to rotate during use;
• and wherein the conduit is configured to direct water toward the second friction surface to cause the second roof to rotate during use;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the conduit during use.

A water fountain system, comprising:

• a roof comprising a friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the roof to support the roof such that the roof is capable of rotating during use;
• a first conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate in a first direction during use, wherein a first nozzle is connected to the first conduit;
• a second conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction during use, wherein a second nozzle is connected to the second conduit;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the first and second conduits during use, comprising:
• a reservoir;
• a valve, the valve being positioned between the reservoir and the first conduit and the second conduit, wherein the valve is configured to interrupt a flow of water from the reservoir through the first conduit and the second conduit during use;
• and wherein the valve comprises an activation device coupled to the valve, and wherein the valve is configured to be operable by the interaction of a participant with the activation device such that the participant can activate the valve to divert water from one of the conduits to the other conduit during use.
• a pump, the pump for forcing water from the reservoir to the valve during use.

A method of constructing a water fountain system, comprising:

• forming a friction surface on a roof;
• coupling a roof to a support member such that the roof is capable of rotating about the support member;
• positioning at least one conduit proximate the roof such that the conduit is capable of directing water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate;
• and
• coupling the conduit to a water supply system, the water supply system being configured to supply water to the conduit.

A water carousel system, comprising:

• a support member anchored to ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use;
• wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.

A water carousel system, comprising:

• a support member anchored to the ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, the support platform comprising a non-rotatable portion and a rotatable portion, the rotatable portion being positioned above the non-rotatable portion, wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate with respect to the support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use;
• a shaft coupled to the propulsion device;
• and
• a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, the participant power mechanism being operable by the participant during use;
• wherein driving of the shaft powers the propulsion device such that the propulsion device applies the propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.

A water carousel system, comprising:

• a first support member anchored to ground;
• a second support member configured to float on water during use;
• the second support member being further configured to rotate about the first support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the first support member, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use;
• a shaft coupled to the propulsion device;
• a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft during use, the participant power mechanism being operable by at least one participant during use;
• a seating device configured to be located on the rotatable portion to hold the participant during use, and wherein the seating device is positioned proximate the participant power mechanism to facilitate operation of the participant power mechanism by the participant during use;
• a lighting system configured to display lights during use;
• a sound system configured to produce sounds during use;
• and
• a control system configured to be coupled to the lighting system and the sound system to automatically activate the lighting system and the sound system in response to a speed of rotation of the rotatable portion during use;
• wherein driving of the shaft powers the propulsion device such that the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion during use, and wherein the rotatable portion is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.

A method for operating a water carousel, comprising:

• placing a water carousel on top of water, the water carousel comprising:
• a support member anchored to ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on the water, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform;
• a shaft coupled to the propulsion device;
• and
• a participant power mechanism, coupled to the shaft, for driving the shaft, the participant power mechanism being operable by a participant during use;
• operating the participant power mechanism to drive the shaft, thereby rotating the propulsion device to rotate the rotatable portion.

A method for constructing a water carousel system, comprising:

• anchoring a support member to ground;
• coupling a support platform to the support member, the support platform configured for holding a participant, the support platform being further configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
• and
• coupling a propulsion device to the rotatable portion of the support platform such that the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform.

A musical water fountain system, comprising:

• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• and
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use.

A musical water fountain system, comprising:

• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use;
• and
• an activation point coupled to the control system, wherein the activation point is configured to detect the participant signal during use.

A musical water fountain system, comprising:

• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use;
• and
• a plurality of activation points for detecting participant signals during use,
• wherein the control system is further configured to generate the first signal in response to the detection of a participant signal at one of the activation points, and the second signal in response to the detection of a participant signal at a different activation point.

A musical water fountain system, comprising:

• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• a light system for producing light during use;
• a control system coupled to the sound system, the fountain system, and the light system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound, a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect, and a third signal to cause the light system to produce light, each of the signals being produced in response to at least one participant signal during use;
• a plurality of activation points for detecting participant signals during use, and
• an indicator configured to produce an indication at a predetermined time during use, wherein the indication indicates when to apply a participant signal.

A method for operating a musical water fountain system, comprising:

• sensing the participant signal applied to an activation point;
• generating a first signal and a second signal in response to sensing the participant signal;
• sending the first signal to a sound system, the sound system producing a sound in response to the first signal;
• and
• sending the second signal to a fountain system, the fountain system producing a fountain effect in response to the second signal.

A musical water orchestra system, comprising:

• at least two musical water fountain systems, each musical water fountain system comprising:
• a sound system for playing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• and
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain to produce the fountain effect in response to a participant signal during use;
• and
• an activation point coupled to the control system, wherein the activation point is configured detect the participant signal during use;
• and
• an indicator configured to produce an indication at a predetermined time during use, wherein the indication indicates when to apply a participant signal.

A method for operating a musical water orchestra system, comprising:

• providing indications to participants to create participant signals at predetermined times;
• sensing the participant signals applied to activation points of musical water fountain systems;
• generating first signals and second signals in response to sensing the participant signals;
• sending the first signals to sound systems of the musical fountain systems, the sound systems producing sounds in response to the first signal;
• sending the second signals to fountain systems of the musical fountain systems, the fountain system producing fountain effects in response to the second signal.

A water Ferris wheel system, comprising:

• a Ferris wheel;
• water interaction devices coupled to the Ferris wheel;
• and
• a water supply system for directing a water stream onto the water interaction devices during use;
• wherein the Ferris wheel is configured to rotate about a central axis in response to the force imparted by the water stream upon the water interaction devices.

A water Ferris wheel system, comprising:

• a Ferris wheel;
• water interaction devices coupled to an outer portion of the Ferris wheel;
• and
• a water supply system for producing a substantially vertical water stream such that the water stream is directed onto the water interaction devices during use;
• wherein the Ferris wheel is configured to rotate about a central axis in response to the force imparted by the water stream upon the water interaction devices.

A water Ferris wheel system, comprising:

• a Ferris wheel;
• water interaction devices coupled to an outer surface of the Ferris wheel;
• and
• a water supply system for supplying a water stream which flows below the Ferris wheel, and wherein the water supply system is further configured to direct water onto the water interaction devices during use;
• wherein the Ferris wheel is configured to rotate about a central axis in response to the force imparted by the water stream upon the water interaction devices.

A water Ferris wheel system, comprising:

• a Ferris wheel;
• water interaction devices coupled to the Ferris wheel, wherein the Ferris wheel defines a first plane, and wherein the water interaction devices are oriented in a second plane, and wherein the first and second planes are substantially parallel, and wherein the second plane is laterally displaced from the first plane;
• and
• a water supply system for directing a water stream onto the water interaction devices during use;
• wherein the Ferris wheel is configured to rotate about a central axis in response to the force imparted by the water stream upon the water interaction devices.

A water Ferris wheel system, comprising:

• a central axle member;
• a support member coupled to the central axle member, wherein the support member is rotatable about the central axle member in a substantially vertical plane during use;
• a base support structure, wherein the central axle member is coupled to the base support structure such that the support member is substantially suspended above the ground;
• a plurality of axle members positioned about the support member during use;
• a plurality of seating devices for holding participants during use, the seating devices coupled to the axle members during use;
• a plurality of water interaction devices for imparting a force to the support member during use;
• and
• a water source for supplying a water stream to the water interaction devices during use;
• wherein a support member is configured to rotate about a central axle member in response to the force imparted by the water interaction devices during use.

A method for powering a Ferris wheel with water, comprising:

• directing a water stream from a water source to a plurality of water interaction devices disposed on the Ferris wheel;
• interacting at least a portion of the water stream with the water interaction devices, wherein interaction of the water stream with the water interaction devices causes rotation of the Ferris wheel;
• and
• releasing at least a portion of the water from the water interaction devices.

A method of constructing a water Ferris wheel system, comprising:

• coupling water interaction devices to a Ferris wheel;
• and
• coupling a water supply system for directing a water stream onto the water interaction devices to the Ferris wheel;
• wherein the Ferris wheel is configured to rotate about a central axis in response to the force imparted by the water stream upon the water interaction devices.

A water bumper vehicle system, comprising:

• a plurality of vehicles configured to hold at least one participant during use;
• a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles configured to direct water towards the vehicles to impart momentum to the vehicles such that the vehicles move during use;
• a pressurized water source for delivering water to the nozzles during use;
• at least one conduit coupling the pressurized water source to the nozzles;
• and
• a support structure for supporting the vehicles, wherein the support structure is configured to allow the vehicles to move across the support structure in response to the directed water during use, and wherein the vehicles are substantially contained within the support structure.

A water bumper vehicle system, comprising:

• a plurality of vehicles configured to hold at least one participant during use, wherein the vehicles are further configured to float on water during use;
• a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles configured to direct water towards the vehicles to impart momentum to the vehicles such that the vehicles move during use;
• a pressurized water source for delivering water to the nozzles during use;
• at least one conduit coupling the pressurized water source to the nozzles;
• and
• a body of water substantially surrounded by a barrier, wherein the vehicles are substantially contained within the barrier.

A water bumper vehicle system, comprising:

• a plurality of vehicles configured to hold at least one participant during use;
• a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles configured to direct water towards the vehicles to impart momentum to the vehicles such that the vehicles move during use;
• a pressurized water source for delivering water to the nozzles during use;
• at least one conduit coupling the pressurized water source to the nozzles;
• and
• a floor substantially surrounded by a barrier, wherein the vehicles are configured to slide across the floor during use, and wherein the vehicles are substantially contained within the barrier.

A water bumper vehicle system, comprising:

• a plurality of vehicles configured to hold at least one participant during use;
• a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles being positionable to direct water towards the vehicles to impart momentum to the vehicles such that the vehicles move during use;
• a valve configured to restrict water flow through at least one of the nozzles while permitting water flow through at least one of the unrestricted nozzles during use;
• a control system coupled to the valve, wherein the control system is configured to control water flow through the nozzles during use;
• a pressurized water source, coupled to the nozzles, for delivering water to the nozzles during use;
• and
• a support structure for supporting the vehicles, wherein the support structure is configured to allow the vehicles to move across the support structure in response to the directed water during use, and wherein the vehicles are substantially contained within the support structure.

A method for operating a water bumper vehicle system, comprising:

• transferring water from a pressurized water source to a nozzle assembly via a conduit, the nozzle assembly comprising a plurality of nozzles positioned in different directions and a valve;
• directing the water through at least one of the nozzles towards a plurality of vehicles to impart momentum to the vehicles to cause at least two of the water bumper vehicles to contact one another during use;
• and
• adjusting the valve to direct the water through at least one different nozzle.

A method for constructing a water bumper vehicle system, comprising:

• positioning a plurality of vehicles configured to hold at least one participant within a support structure for supporting the vehicles, wherein the support structure is configured to allow the vehicles to move across the support structure, and wherein the vehicles are substantially contained within the support structure;
• positioning a plurality of nozzles about the support structure, wherein the nozzles are configured to direct water towards the vehicles to impart momentum to the vehicles such that the vehicles move;
• and
• coupling a pressurized water source to the nozzles with at least one conduit.

A boat ride system, comprising:

• a boat, the boat being configured to hold a participant during use, wherein the boat is configured to be steered by the participant during use;
• an elongated member coupled to the boat, the elongated member being rotatable about a central axis to pull the boat through water in a substantially circular path during use;
• and
• a motor coupled to the elongated member, the motor being configured to rotate the elongated member during use.

A boat ride system, comprising:

• a boat, the boat being configured to hold a participant during use, wherein the boat comprises a hull and a hydrofoil for steering the boat;
• an elongated member coupled to the boat, the elongated member being rotatable about a central axis to pull the boat through water in a substantially circular path during use;
• and
• a motor coupled to the elongated member, the motor being configured to rotate the elongated member during use.

A boat ride system, comprising:

• a boat, the boat being configured to hold a participant during use, wherein the boat comprises a hull and a hydrofoil for steering the boat;
• an elongated member coupled to the boat during use, the elongated member being rotatable about a central axis during use to pull the boat through the water in a substantially circular path during use;
• a motor coupled to the elongated member, the motor being configured to rotate the elongated member during use;
• and
• a participant interaction device positioned on the boat, the participant interaction device being configured to emit a projectile during use.

A boat ride system, comprising:

• a plurality of boats, the boats being configured to hold at least one participant during use, wherein each of the boats comprises a hull and a hydrofoil for steering the boat;
• an plurality of elongated members coupled to the boats, the elongated members being rotatable about a central axis to pull the boats through water in a substantially circular path during use;
• a motor coupled to the elongated members, the motor being configured to rotate the elongated members during use;
• a plurality of participant interaction devices positioned on the boats, the participant interaction devices being configured to emit projectiles during use;
• a plurality of targets, each of the targets comprising a receiver for sensing the projectile and generating a signal in response to each instance of sensing the projectile during use;
• and
• an electronic scoring system coupled to the receivers of the targets, wherein the electronic scoring system is configured to receive signals from the targets and display separate scores in response to receiving the signals during use.

A method for operating a boat ride, comprising:

• operating a motor to rotate an elongated member about an axis;
• pulling a boat through water in a substantially circular path, the boat being connected to the elongated member and comprising a steering system;
• and
• adjusting the steering system to maneuver the boat.

A method of constructing a boat ride system, comprising:

• coupling a boat to an elongated member;
• coupling the elongated member to a motor, the motor being configured to rotate the elongated member during use;
• and
• coupling a steering system to the boat, the steering system being configured to alter a lateral position of the boat.

A water train ride system, comprising:

• a train configured to float on water during use, the train comprising a plurality of train cars configured to hold participants during use and a jet propulsion system configured to move the train through water during use;
• and
• a trough configured to contain water during use, the trough comprising a guide configured to engage the train cars and to maintain the train within the trough while the train is moving through the trough during use;
• wherein the guide comprises an elongated member coupled to the bottom of the trough, and wherein the train cars comprise a groove underneath the train cars, and wherein the elongated member is configured to extend upwardly substantially into a portion of the groove during use.

A method for operating a train ride system, comprising:

• placing a train configured to float on water into a trough containing water, the train comprising a plurality of train cars configured to hold participants and a propulsion system;
• operating the propulsion system to propel the train through the water;
• and
• guiding the moving train through the trough by using a guide configured to engage the train.

An amusement park system comprising:

• a water fountain system, comprising:
• a roof comprising a friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the roof to support the roof such that the roof is capable of rotating during use;
• at least one conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate during use;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the conduit during use.

An amusement park system comprising:

• a water carousel system, comprising:
• a support member anchored to ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use;
• wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.

An amusement park system, comprising:

• a musical water fountain system, comprising:
• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• and
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use.

An amusement park system, comprising:

• a water fountain system, comprising:
• a roof comprising a friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the roof to support the roof such that the roof is capable of rotating during use;
• at least one conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate during use;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the conduit during use;
• and
• a water carousel system, comprising:
• a support member anchored to ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use;
• wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force.

An amusement park system comprising:

• a water fountain system, comprising:
• a roof comprising a friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the roof to support the roof such that the roof is capable of rotating during use;
• at least one conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate during use;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the conduit during use;
• and
• a musical water fountain system, comprising:
• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• and
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use.

An amusement park system comprising:

• a water carousel system, comprising:
• a support member anchored to ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use;
• wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force;
• and
• a musical water fountain system, comprising:
• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• and
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use.

An amusement park system comprising:

• a water fountain system, comprising:
• a roof comprising a friction surface;
• a support member configured to be coupled to the roof to support the roof such that the roof is capable of rotating during use;
• at least one conduit configured to be positioned to direct water toward the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate during use;
• and
• a water supply system configured to supply water to the conduit during use;
• a water carousel system, comprising:
• a support member anchored to ground;
• a support platform for holding a participant, the support platform being configured to float on water during use, wherein a rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate about the support member during use;
• a propulsion device coupled to the rotatable portion of the support platform, wherein the propulsion device is configured to impart a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use;
• wherein powering of the propulsion device applies a propulsive force to the rotatable portion of the support platform during use, and wherein the rotatable portion of the support platform is configured to rotate in response to the propulsive force;
• and
• a musical water fountain system, comprising:
• a sound system for producing a sound during use;
• a fountain system for producing a fountain effect during use;
• and
• a control system coupled to the sound system and the fountain system, wherein the control system is configured to generate a first signal to cause the sound system to produce the sound and a second signal to cause the fountain system to produce a fountain effect in response to at least one participant signal during use.