Disney Patent Describes Projected Fabric Flames That Could Create Magic Mirror Effect
The granted fan-and-fabric system offers a programmable, safer way to simulate flames and projected images and may signal wider use of projection effects in parks.
Overview
- Three outlets published the newly granted patent US-12784619-B1 on November 3, 2026, showing Disney’s “Fan Effect System” for moving fabric and projection.
- The filing describes a high-speed brushless fan that pushes a nearly transparent synthetic polyester fabric and pairs it with video projection to create dynamic simulated flames.
- Patent drawings include a face emerging from projected fire that reporters compared to the Magic Mirror, but the document names no specific park, ride, or character and Disney has not confirmed placement.
- The patent lists uses ranging from stationary props and animatronics to parade floats and wearable props, and names four Central Florida Imagineering inventors: Daniel Joseph, Jessica Klouda, Jason Monahan, and Miles Maline.
- If implemented, the system could let Disney mimic flame effects without real fire, allow precise timed choreography with other show elements, and may appear years from now as Villains Land construction continues.