Manta’s coup de grâce is a short dive to a pond that puts riders only a few feet from the water below. The short brake run sets up the ride’s signature moment. Next, there’s another turn that sends the train through the pretzel loop and into a better inversion a nice corkscrew which leads up to the brake run. It seemed kind of out place or something. I didn’t really enjoy this element, but I can’t really put my finger on why. The g-forces are pretty strong and they seemed even stronger towards the back of the train.Īfter the pretzel loop, the train takes a left turn and is then thrown into an in-line twist (360 degree roll). At the bottom of the loop, riders are pressed against their seat as they’re now flat on their backs on the ground looking up at the sky. It’s brief, but noticeable and it’s the reason why I prefer Manta in the front more than in the back. This causes what may possibly be the world’s first moment of airtime on a flying roller coaster. (Coaster Geek Analysis – In comparison, S:UF’s loop is 78′ tall and Tatsu’s is 124′ tall) Where other B&M flyers flatten out or gradually climb before entering this inside-downward loop, Manta makes a pretty sharp climb up into it. After the drop, the train climbs back up and into the 98 foot tall pretzel loop. Both the riders aboard the train and those waiting to ride cheer in excitement and the train begins its ascent.ġ40 feet later, with the tropical trees far below, the train begins its swooping 113 foot drop. SeaWorld did a nice job in spicing up this transition with a loud sound effect. Then, after everyone is secured in the comfortable harnesses, the seats fold upward until the riders are facing the floor below in a superman-like position. They are positioned below the track with eight rows of cars that have four across seating. The trains look like standard Bolliger & Mabillard inverted trains at first. On to the ride.Īs you reach the station, you can’t help but notice the tricked out trains complete with blue sting ray theming. I will try to upload my short video of the exhibit. They look like they’re flying as they swim hence the tag line for the coaster, “Ride the Flying Ray.” I recommend the exhibit whether you ride Manta or not. If you’ve never seen a manta in person, they’re quite unforgettable. The exhibit was accessible guests without having to enter the ride’s queue. Manta’s station was integrated with a really cool manta exhibit. Manta is the much-hyped flying roller coaster that I first blogged about some 13 months ago. The park was clean and beautifully-themed. It was my first time to SeaWorld, but right away I recognized that I was at a Busch-owned theme park. Manta – SeaWorld Orlando’s New Signature AttractionĪfter the eight hour drive down to Orlando for the Manta Grand Opening and Media Day, I was hoping to not be disappointed and thankfully I wasn’t.

Manta seaworld orlando