GAP BLOCKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS

There is provided a gap blocking system (72), comprising a loading platform (17) having a gap (30) separating a first portion of the loading platform (17) from a second portion of the loading platform (17), and a panel assembly (200) coupled to the loading platform (17). The panel assembly (200) comprises a plurality of panels (202) each panel of the plurality of panels (202) being coupled to a respective actuator (230) configured to selectively transition the plurality of panels (202) between first positions (206) and second positions (208). Each panel of the plurality of panels (202) is configured to block access to a portion of the gap (30) in the first position (206), and wherein each panel of the plurality of panels (202) is configured to expose the portion of the gap (30) in the second position (208) to permit a ride vehicle (14) that is coupled to a transport (70) extending through the gap (30), the transport (70) being configured to propel the ride vehicle (14) along a loading path (36) of the loading platform (17), to occupy a guest-accessible position on or adjacent to the loading platform (17), and wherein, in the guest-accessible position, the ride vehicle extends (14) across a radial dimension of the gap (30) to block access to the portion of the gap (30).