Walt Disney World's new Innoventions Pavilion at its Epcot theme park in Florida, US has seen the unveiling of its first ride.

The Sum of all Thrills, sponsored by defence contractor Raytheon, is a roller-coaster simulator ride where guests can programme their own ride experience. Three choices of vehicle appear on a touch screen at each 'design station' - a roller coaster, a bobsled and a jet. Having chosen their mode of transport, riders can then select a range of inversions, corkscrews and steep hills, the speed of the ride being based on the actions selected.

The information is stored on a magnetic strip which is then swiped at a 'launch station'. Once inside the simulator, a 3-D video hood is placed over a rider's head and upper torso and they can experience the ride they have just created. Raytheon's Kristin Hilf said that the aim of the new ride "is to show kids how maths and engineering can make the things they really care about come to life and happen."