Manta (roller coaster)

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Manta
Location	SeaWorld Orlando
Type	Steel - Flying
Status	Under construction
Opened	2009
Manufacturer	Bolliger & Mabillard
Model	Flying Coaster (custom)
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	140 ft (43 m)
Length	3,359 ft (1,024 m)
Max speed	56 mph (90 km/h)
Inversions	4
Height restriction	4 ft 6 in (140 cm)
Manta at RCDB Pictures of Manta at RCDB
Amusement Parks Portal

Manta is the name of an upcoming roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Designed by Bolliger and Mabillard, Manta will allow guests to encounter numerous species of rays before boarding a manta-shaped train that will take them on a soaring, gliding journey above the park.

The attraction is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2009.

1 History
2 Design
3 Track layout
4 References

[edit] History

The concept that was to become Manta was first revealed by SeaWorld Orlando to a gathering of travel and community leaders on April 2, 2008. The exact specifications and details were not immediately revealed, although it was noted that this would be the largest single investment in the history of any SeaWorld park, and that it would open sometime in 2009.^[1] It was further noted that the attraction would include a roller coaster, but that it would be much more than just a roller coaster. Regarding the design of the attraction, Joseph Couceiro, vice president of sales and marketing, said:

“

What it’s going to be is the next generation SeaWorld attraction. What we do well is connect the world with the sea, presenting marine life in totally different perspectives. Also what we do well is put the guest in the midst of that. This is the next generation of that.

”

Artists' concepts of the new attraction were leaked onto the Internet in April 2008; however, SeaWorld officials would not acknowledge if the images were accurate representations of the attraction's final design, although they suggested that the roller coaster would have a "gliding" sensation.^[2] At the same time, searches of trademark applications uncovered an entry for the use of the term "Manta" as an amusement ride, and construction on a large site within the park had already commenced.

On May 29, 2008 park officials confirmed that the attraction would indeed be named Manta, and further revealed additional details about the attraction.

[edit] Design

Manta is intended to be much more than a roller coaster. The experience begins upon entering the attraction's queue, designed to resemble a seaside village. The village will be decorated with mosaics and other artwork inspired by rays. Within the attraction's four-acre site is a 184,000-gallon aquarium with numerous species of rays, including cownose rays and spotted eagle rays; floor-to-ceiling windows will allow guests to observe the rays as if they were underwater themselves. The aquarium exhibit can also be viewed by guests who do not wish to ride the roller coaster.^[3]

Manta is a flying roller coaster, which simulates the sensation of flight. In this case, it is meant to resemble how rays—and mantas, in particular—appear to "fly" through the oceans and seas they inhabit. Guests are initially seated upright on the trains, in rows of four passengers each. Prior to departure, mechanisms in the station raise the cars up to the track, such that the riders' spines are parallel to the track. Guests are secured in their seats using a locking lap bar and a vest-like harness, as well as flaps at the riders' ankles to hold their feet in place.

[edit] Track layout

The exact layout of Manta has not been revealed at this time, but some of the roller coaster's statistics and features were during the May 2008 announcement. The roller coaster will have 3,359 feet of track, and will reach a height of 140 feet. It will include four inversions and will reach speeds in excess of 56 mph. Statistically, this would make Manta the second longest, tallest and fastest flying roller coaster in the world, behind Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The cars will be highly stylized to resemble manta rays, with a wingspan of 12 feet. The roller coaster will pass extremely close to water, such that the wings will skim the surface, creating a splash effect. The roller coaster's color scheme includes "deep purple, ultramarine blue and cobalt."