Critter characters could be riding with you at Universal (opens in new tab)

By Robert Niles: Do you want a giant frog to crawl onto your car in a theme park dark ride?Who wouldn't? In a patent application published today, Universal has detailed plans for frogs, snakes and other practically animated creatures to crawl over its ride vehicles.In "System and Method for an On-Board Animated Figure in a Ride Environment," Universal described its concept for this effect. Imagine riding along and then a giant frog appears from under the vehicle, crawling onto your car, just ...