Disney has published a patent application for a projection system that could follow the shape and movement of smoke, fog, mist, or firework residue as the material shifts.
US 2026/0246909 A1 is titled Opportunistic Projection Onto Dynamic Light Reflective Material. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office publication identifies Disney Enterprises, Inc. as the applicant, lists a February 20, 2025 filing date, and carries an August 20, 2026 publication date.
How the Dynamic Projection System Would Work
The described setup uses a camera and controller to locate a changing light-reflective surface. A light source or projector would send an image toward that surface, while sensors help determine where the material is and how its shape is changing.
The application describes tracking properties such as the material's position, size, density, and movement. The controller could then reshape or reposition the projected image so it stays aligned with the drifting surface instead of remaining fixed in empty air.
Smoke, Fog, and Firework Residue Are Possible Surfaces
The examples include smoke, fog, mist, low-lying clouds, suspended debris, balloons, and residue left after fireworks. That gives the system several possible surfaces for an image, from a brief cloud of haze to material hanging over a nighttime show.
One drawing shows a horned figure spread across a changing surface. Patent drawings illustrate possible configurations. They do not identify a Disney park installation, attraction, show schedule, or planned character effect.
The Publication Does Not Announce a Park Installation
Disney has not announced a guest-facing project tied to this application in the publication itself. The filing covers possible operating arrangements, but it does not confirm that the system has been built, tested for guests, assigned to a specific show, or approved for a future attraction.
Source: US 2026/0246909 A1, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Image: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.