Manta, located at SeaWorld Orlando, is one of the most thrilling and visually captivating roller coasters in the world. Opened in 2009, this steel flying coaster is designed to simulate the graceful movements of a manta ray gliding through the ocean currents. It provides a unique and exhilarating experience, offering riders the sensation of flight with twists, turns, and inversions. SeaWorld’s first flying coaster, Manta is a must-ride attraction for coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Ride Design and Layout
Manta is a Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) flying coaster, a type of coaster that suspends riders underneath the track, in a prone position, with their backs parallel to the track. This positioning allows riders to experience the sensation of soaring through the air, as though they are swimming like a manta ray. Manta's layout features smooth inversions and dynamic drops, simulating the swooping, diving, and gliding movements of a real manta ray.
Key Ride Features:
- Height: 140 feet (42.7 meters)
- Length: 3,359 feet (1,024 meters)
- Top Speed: 56 mph (90 km/h)
- Inversions: 4 (Pretzel Loop, Inline Twist, Corkscrew, and Zero-G Roll)
- Duration: Approximately 2 minutes and 35 seconds
- Ride Capacity: 1,500 riders per hour
Themed Queue and Scenic Design
The adventure begins long before boarding the ride. The Manta experience starts as guests approach the stunningly designed queue area, which is an attraction in itself. The queue meanders through a lushly themed environment featuring rock formations, waterfalls, and aquariums filled with over 3,000 aquatic animals, including rays, sea dragons, and tropical fish. As you progress through the queue, the sight of gracefully swimming rays prepares you for the thrilling experience ahead.
Guests pass by the Manta Aquarium, a mesmerizing multi-level exhibit that allows close-up views of the marine life. There’s even an opportunity to pet real rays, making this a family-friendly and educational experience, as well as a high-adrenaline ride.
Ride Experience
Once aboard, riders are secured in a harness system that holds them in a prone position facing the ground. The coaster then tilts riders horizontally, simulating a flying posture. The ride kicks off with a slow climb to the top of the 140-foot lift hill. From there, Manta dives dramatically into a 98-foot drop, immediately transitioning into a tight pretzel loop that presses riders into their seats with intense G-forces.
The ride layout is packed with elements that mimic the movements of a manta ray, including smooth dives, rapid twists, and graceful spirals. Highlights of the experience include the sensation of skimming over the water at high speeds and a zero-g roll that gives riders a fleeting feeling of weightlessness. One of Manta’s signature moments is when the track swoops close to the water surface, creating a stunning visual effect as it seemingly "splashes" water with its wings.
Unique Features
Manta sets itself apart from other coasters with its emphasis on theming and aquatic life. The ride’s immersive setting, combined with SeaWorld’s dedication to marine conservation, makes Manta more than just a thrill ride. Its "splashdown" element, where the coaster’s wings appear to skim the water, adds to the sensation of gliding like a manta ray. This effect is created by carefully placed water jets that simulate a ray’s splash, delighting both riders and onlookers.
A True Flying Experience
The ride’s four inversions are masterfully designed to accentuate the flying sensation. The highlight, the pretzel loop, inverts riders and sends them diving headfirst into a ground-hugging loop, creating an intense pressure on the body akin to flying at high speeds underwater. Riders are then flung through tight corkscrews and rolls that mimic the acrobatic movements of a manta ray.
Accessibility and Restrictions
Due to the intense nature of Manta, there are height restrictions to ensure rider safety. Guests must be at least 54 inches tall to ride. The coaster also has some weight and mobility restrictions, and guests with certain medical conditions are advised against riding. The ride offers a "test seat" near the entrance to ensure all guests fit comfortably and safely.
Best Times to Ride
Manta can experience long wait times, especially during peak park hours and busy seasons. The best times to ride are early in the morning when the park opens or during the evening before the park closes. Utilizing SeaWorld’s Quick Queue pass can significantly reduce wait times. For a unique experience, riding Manta at sunset or nighttime can be even more thrilling, as the track takes on a different feel in low light.
Manta is a masterfully designed flying coaster that combines the thrill of a high-speed roller coaster with the elegance of a marine-themed attraction. The ride's careful attention to theming and the incorporation of real aquatic life into the experience set it apart from other coasters. Whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or a first-time visitor, Manta promises a soaring adventure you won’t forget.
With its intense ride elements, stunning aesthetics, and one-of-a-kind flying experience, Manta remains a standout attraction in the SeaWorld Orlando lineup, offering a perfect blend of excitement and beauty. So spread your wings and prepare to fly—Manta is waiting to take you on a breathtaking journey through the skies!