This project was part of the UCF Universal Creative Lab Class where teams worked on a show scene in a single attraction themed to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." My team was tasked to design the opening scene of the attraction "The Dance and Rejection."
My primary responsibilities include modeling and animating the entire scene and ride vehicle in 3DS Max, designing the entire layout of the scene in Revit, designing graphics in Photoshop, designing the ride system, analyzing operations and feasibility considerations, and collaborating on story development.
Log Line
Board a trackless carriage to celebrate the harvest under stormy skies at the Von Tassel estate, where dancing fills the night—until Katrina rejects Ichabod, and the Headless Horseman emerges from the shadows.
Ride System
The ride system for our scene is a Trackless system. Because we wanted our riders to feel as if they were at the dance, we decided to implement this system so vehicles can move and spin around each other freely without a track constraint. The system also allows for minimal accelerations to allow for a wider age range to be able to enjoy the attraction.
Ride Vehicle
Our scene's ride vehicle is designed after a phaeton carriage of the time period that the story took place. The vehicle features an open air body with wood detailing and tufted seats. There are 2 rows with 4 riders per row and can rotate on the base. With the ride's minimal accelerations, the restraint is a class 2 seatbelt. Because of this, the height requirement of the attraction is 40".
Story Beats
The Foyer
Riders enter the Von Tassel home and are immediately enveloped by the warmth and splendor of the grand foyer. Polished oak floors gleam under the soft glow of candlelight, and a chandelier illuminates overhead. The scent of mulled cider and fresh autumn leaves lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of candle wax and wood. Excitement crackles as muffled laughter and lively conversation drift in from the adjoining room. The lilting strains of a violin float through the air, weaving a graceful melody that hints at dancing and celebration just beyond the doorway. The anticipation of the celebration pulls guests forward into the heart of the gathering.
The Dance
Riders transition into the ballroom where you find Ichabod and Katrina take center stage. Ichabod beams with pride, clearly reveling in the attention, his every movement exaggerated with flair. Yet Katrina’s expression betrays another story—her smile strained, her gaze distant. As you join the dance you notice her eyes drifting—not to Ichabod, but to the shadowed edge of the room, where Brom Bones stands with arms crossed, watching the couple intently. A subtle tension ripples beneath the merriment, hinting at the tangled emotions and rivalries just beneath the surface of the night’s revelry.
This scene features a blend of physical sets with LED screens. Katrina and Ichabod are animatronics while the LED screens expand the scene to have other party goers dance with you. These party goers are rendered in the style of digital realistic characters from video games like "The Last of Us."
Below is a sample animation of what the dance scene would look like in the point of view of a rider.
The Rejection
Riders exit the lively ballroom, the music and laughter fading behind them as they make their way toward the quiet, moonlit stables. The air is cooler now, tinged with the scent of hay and damp earth as crickets chirp in the distance. Just ahead in the stables, a private moment unfolds—one the riders were never meant to witness. As Ichabod leaves for the night he tries to lean in for a kiss with Katrina when she turns her head, stepping back with a subtle but unmistakable motion. Her expression remains polite, yet distant—tinged with discomfort. Ichabod freezes, his smile faltering. For a moment, awkward silence hangs between them. Then, from the corner of his eye, he notices the group of onlookers. Flustered and visibly embarrassed, Ichabod stiffens, waving his arms in a dismissive gesture. “Go on, now!” he snaps, trying to reclaim his dignity as he shoos the riders away.
This scene consists of physical set with an animated projection of Ichabod and Katrina in the stable door.
The Foreshadow
Before leaving the Von Tassel property, lightning strikes in the distance, illuminating the silhouette of the Headless Horseman—foreshadowing the ominous events that are to come.
This scene consists of physical set and the effect is a practical lighting effect that backlights a silhouette.
Feasibility
The scene is divided into two primary story beats: the dance and the rejection. Each beat takes place in a separate, distinct room. Throughout the scene, three vehicles are present at any given time. The full scene runs for 50 seconds, with each subscene lasting 20 seconds, connected by a 10-second transition. The scene is divided into two primary story beats: the dance and the rejection. Each beat takes place in a separate, distinct room. Throughout the scene, three vehicles are present at any given time. The full scene runs for 50 seconds, with each subscene lasting 20 seconds, connected by a 10-second transition. From this information, the theoretical hourly capacity is 2160 riders per hour.