Manta (roller coaster)

Infobox roller coaster
name=Manta

---

caption=Concept art for "Manta"
location=SeaWorld Orlando
type=Steel
type2=Flying
status= Under construction
opened=2009
manufacturer=Bolliger & Mabillard
designer =
model=Flying Coaster (custom)
track=
lift=Chain lift hill
height=140
drop=113
length=3359
speed=56
inversions=4
duration=2:35
capacity=1500
cost=
gforce=
photo=
restriction=54
rcdb_number=4190

"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.

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. [cite web | url=http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/04/new-seaworld-or.html | title=New SeaWorld Orlando coaster/animal attraction revealed | author=Scott Powers | work=www.orlandosentinel.com | date=2008-04-02 | accessdate=2008-04-02 ] 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:

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. [cite web | url=http://www.wftv.com/slideshow/news/15959360/detail.html| title=Images of SeaWorld's Planned Orlando Roller Coaster| author=WFTV| work=www.wftv.com| date=2008-04-20 | accessdate=2008-04-25] 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.

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 are ten aquariums containing 184,000 gallons of water. 3,000 different animals, representing over 60 species, will be visible, including over 300 different rays, such as cownose rays and spotted eagle rays. Sea horses, sea dragons and various tropical fish will share the aquarium space. Floor-to-ceiling Plexiglas windows, including a convert|220|sqft|m2|sing=on overhead section, will allow guests to observe the animals as if they were underwater themselves. [citeweb|url=http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=352|title=Manta Fact Sheet|work=SeaWorld Orlando|accessdate=2008-06-09] Portions of the aquarium exhibit can also be viewed by guests who do not wish to ride the roller coaster. [citeweb|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bk-seaworld-roller-coaster-052908,0,2551436.story|title=SeaWorld emphasizes animals in planned new roller coaster|author=Scott Powers|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=2008-05-29|accessdate=2008-05-29]

"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.

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 provided during the May 2008 announcement. The roller coaster will have convert|3359|ft|m of track, and will reach a height of convert|140|ft|m. 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 convert|12|ft|m. 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."

References