Manta is a steel flying roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. The attraction allows guests to encounter numerous species of ray before boarding a manta ray-shaped train that takes them on a 3,359-foot-long (1,024 m) roller coaster ride above the park, reaching top speeds of 56 miles per hour (90 km/h). Designed by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard, Manta restrains riders in the prone position and features four inversions. The well-received attraction officially opened to the public on May 22, 2009. Their slogan is "Dive deep, fly high…".[3]
Manta
A fountain timed to go off just as one of Manta's trains approaches the water
SeaWorld Orlando revealed the concept that was to become Manta to a gathering of travel industry representatives and community leaders on April 2, 2008,[4] although it had been in the planning stages for years.[5] The exact specifications were not immediately revealed, but the park said it would be their largest single investment in an attraction and that it would open sometime in 2009.[4] The park also announced that the attraction would include a roller coaster, but that it would be more than just a roller coaster. Joseph Couceiro—vice president of sales and marketing—described the ride as "the next generation SeaWorld attraction" that would immerse guests in elements of marine life.[4]
Artists' concepts of the new attraction were leaked onto the Internet in April 2008; however, SeaWorld officials would not confirm whether the images were accurate representations of the final design, but said that the roller coaster would have a gliding sensation.[6] At that point, construction on a large site within the park had already begun.[4] On May 29, 2008, park officials confirmed that the attraction would be named Manta, and announced additional details about the attraction.[7]
Construction of the roller coaster track and attraction buildings began in September 2008.[8] Superior Rigging & Erection built the supports and track.[9] The ride's layout was completed in December 2008 and construction on other parts of the roller coaster continued into early 2009.[8] SeaWorld began previewing the attraction in early May 2009, before it was officially opened on May 22.[10]
Design
Theme and surrounding experience
Manta is an attraction which encompasses a themed queue and a roller coaster. The queue is designed to resemble a seaside village decorated with mosaics and artwork inspired by rays. Within the attraction's 4-acre (16,000 m2) site are ten aquaria containing 184,000 US gallons (700,000 l; 153,000 imp gal) of water. Approximately 3,000 animals representing over 60 species are visible—including over 300 rays, such as cownose rays and spotted eagle rays. Other creatures on display include sea horses, leafy seadragons and tropical fish.[11]
Portions of the aquarium exhibit can be viewed by guests who do not wish to ride the roller coaster.[12] Non-riding guests can use a second entrance to the attraction area, which is separated from those waiting for the roller coaster.[13] Guests in the ride's queue have access to special exhibit components, such as a Plexiglas "pop-up" window into the aquarium. Manta's rails, supports and track are filled with sand to reduce noise.[13]
Trains and loading procedure
One of Manta's trains in the loading position (left) and flying position (right)
Manta is a flying roller coaster, which simulates the sensation of flight. It is designed to resemble the way rays—mantas in particular—appear to fly through seawater. Guests are initially seated upright on the trains[13] in one of eight rows that hold four passengers each, accommodating up to 32 riders.[14]Manta operates with three trains.[15] Before departure, mechanisms in the station raise the cars up to the track, such that the riders' spines are parallel to the track.[13] Guests are secured in their seats using a locking lap bar, a vest-like harness and flaps at the riders' ankles to hold their feet in place.[14][16]
The cars are highly stylized. The lead car is shaped like a manta ray with a wingspan of 12 feet (3.7 m).[14] In the original plans, the wing of the car was intended to make contact with water at a certain point of the ride, but Bolliger & Mabillard said the idea would not work and a fountain was used instead.[17] The roller coaster's wings appear to skim the water's surface. Water jets in the attraction's main lagoon create a splash effect as the train passes. SeaWorld can adjust several features of the splash effect, including its duration and the train's speed when it enters the area.[13] The roller coaster's color scheme includes deep purple, ultramarine blue and cobalt.[18]
Track
The steel track of Manta is 3,359 feet (1,024 m) long and lift hill is 140 feet (43 m) high.[15] There are four inversions; a pretzel loop, two inline twists and one corkscrew.[15] The track is dark blue and the supports are light blue. Sand is placed inside some sections of track to reduce the noise produced by the trains.[13] Friction brakes are used to control the speed of the train.[15][19] The track was fabricated at the Ohio-based Clermont Steel Fabricators.[20] In 2015, a clone of Manta opened at Nagashima Spa Land under the name of Acrobat.[21]
Ride experience
An overview of Manta's track layout
Manta features a dual station configuration, which allows two trains to be loaded at the same time, thus increasing the ride's capacity.[15] After departing from the station, the train will make either a slight left or right turn—depending on which station it leaves—into the 140-foot (43 m) chain lift hill. From the top of the lift hill, the train makes a 113-foot (34 m) downward right turn into a 98-foot (30 m)-tall pretzel loop, after which it turns left, leading into the first of two inline twists. The train then makes a right turn followed by a slight upward left turn into a corkscrew, before turning right into the mid-course brake run. The train then drops to a point just above a body of water, at the same time making a 270-degree right turn, where water jets spray up near the train to produce the effect of the train actually hitting the water. After exiting the turn, the train goes by a waterfall, goes through the second inline twist, makes a left turn into the final brake run, then makes a left turn into one of the two stations where the next riders board.[14][19]
Reception
One of Manta's trains
Manta has been lauded by the mainstream media and industry press since its debut in May 2009. Busch Entertainment Corporation, SeaWorld Orlando's parent company, credited Manta with improving park attendance.[22] In July 2009, ThemeParkInsider.com named Manta "best new attraction".[23] In September 2009, Manta placed third in Amusement Today magazine's poll for the Best New Ride of 2009.[24]
^ abBevil, Dewayne (January 21, 2009). . Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Company. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
^. Superior Rigging & Erection Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
^Bevil, Dewayne (April 30, 2009). . Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Company. Archived from the original on May 4, 2009. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
^. SeaWorld Orlando. Archived from the original on March 17, 2009. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
^Powers, Scott (May 29, 2008). . Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Company. Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
^ abcdefBevil, Dewayne (November 17, 2008). . Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Company. Archived from the original on April 14, 2009. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
^ abcdBevil, Dewayne (March 4, 2009). . Orlando Sentinel. Tribune Company. Archived from the original on June 15, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
^"2015 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 19 (6.2): 49–50. September 2015.
External links
Official Manta website
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Manta (SeaWorld Orlando).
January 20, 2023
manta, seaworld, orlando, manta, steel, flying, roller, coaster, seaworld, orlando, attraction, allows, guests, encounter, numerous, species, before, boarding, manta, shaped, train, that, takes, them, foot, long, roller, coaster, ride, above, park, reaching, s. Manta is a steel flying roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando The attraction allows guests to encounter numerous species of ray before boarding a manta ray shaped train that takes them on a 3 359 foot long 1 024 m roller coaster ride above the park reaching top speeds of 56 miles per hour 90 km h Designed by Swiss firm Bolliger amp Mabillard Manta restrains riders in the prone position and features four inversions The well received attraction officially opened to the public on May 22 2009 Their slogan is Dive deep fly high 3 MantaA fountain timed to go off just as one of Manta s trains approaches the waterSeaWorld OrlandoLocationSeaWorld OrlandoPark sectionSea of ShallowsCoordinates28 24 43 N 81 27 42 W 28 41194 N 81 46167 W 28 41194 81 46167 Coordinates 28 24 43 N 81 27 42 W 28 41194 N 81 46167 W 28 41194 81 46167StatusOperatingSoft opening dateMay 5 2009 2009 05 05 Opening dateMay 22 2009 2009 05 22 Cost 50 000 000 1 General statisticsTypeSteel FlyingManufacturerBolliger amp MabillardModelFlying Coaster MantaLift launch systemChain lift hillHeight140 ft 43 m Drop113 ft 34 m Length3 359 ft 1 024 m Speed56 mph 90 km h Inversions4Duration2 36Capacity1 500 riders per hourG force3 7 2 Height restriction54 in 137 cm Trains3 trains with 8 cars Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train Quick Queue availableManta at RCDBContents 1 History 2 Design 2 1 Theme and surrounding experience 2 2 Trains and loading procedure 2 3 Track 3 Ride experience 4 Reception 5 See also 6 References 7 External linksHistory EditSeaWorld Orlando revealed the concept that was to become Manta to a gathering of travel industry representatives and community leaders on April 2 2008 4 although it had been in the planning stages for years 5 The exact specifications were not immediately revealed but the park said it would be their largest single investment in an attraction and that it would open sometime in 2009 4 The park also announced that the attraction would include a roller coaster but that it would be more than just a roller coaster Joseph Couceiro vice president of sales and marketing described the ride as the next generation SeaWorld attraction that would immerse guests in elements of marine life 4 Artists concepts of the new attraction were leaked onto the Internet in April 2008 however SeaWorld officials would not confirm whether the images were accurate representations of the final design but said that the roller coaster would have a gliding sensation 6 At that point construction on a large site within the park had already begun 4 On May 29 2008 park officials confirmed that the attraction would be named Manta and announced additional details about the attraction 7 Construction of the roller coaster track and attraction buildings began in September 2008 8 Superior Rigging amp Erection built the supports and track 9 The ride s layout was completed in December 2008 and construction on other parts of the roller coaster continued into early 2009 8 SeaWorld began previewing the attraction in early May 2009 before it was officially opened on May 22 10 Design EditTheme and surrounding experience Edit Manta is an attraction which encompasses a themed queue and a roller coaster The queue is designed to resemble a seaside village decorated with mosaics and artwork inspired by rays Within the attraction s 4 acre 16 000 m2 site are ten aquaria containing 184 000 US gallons 700 000 l 153 000 imp gal of water Approximately 3 000 animals representing over 60 species are visible including over 300 rays such as cownose rays and spotted eagle rays Other creatures on display include sea horses leafy seadragons and tropical fish 11 Portions of the aquarium exhibit can be viewed by guests who do not wish to ride the roller coaster 12 Non riding guests can use a second entrance to the attraction area which is separated from those waiting for the roller coaster 13 Guests in the ride s queue have access to special exhibit components such as a Plexiglas pop up window into the aquarium Manta s rails supports and track are filled with sand to reduce noise 13 Trains and loading procedure Edit One of Manta s trains in the loading position left and flying position right Manta is a flying roller coaster which simulates the sensation of flight It is designed to resemble the way rays mantas in particular appear to fly through seawater Guests are initially seated upright on the trains 13 in one of eight rows that hold four passengers each accommodating up to 32 riders 14 Manta operates with three trains 15 Before departure mechanisms in the station raise the cars up to the track such that the riders spines are parallel to the track 13 Guests are secured in their seats using a locking lap bar a vest like harness and flaps at the riders ankles to hold their feet in place 14 16 The cars are highly stylized The lead car is shaped like a manta ray with a wingspan of 12 feet 3 7 m 14 In the original plans the wing of the car was intended to make contact with water at a certain point of the ride but Bolliger amp Mabillard said the idea would not work and a fountain was used instead 17 The roller coaster s wings appear to skim the water s surface Water jets in the attraction s main lagoon create a splash effect as the train passes SeaWorld can adjust several features of the splash effect including its duration and the train s speed when it enters the area 13 The roller coaster s color scheme includes deep purple ultramarine blue and cobalt 18 Track Edit The steel track of Manta is 3 359 feet 1 024 m long and lift hill is 140 feet 43 m high 15 There are four inversions a pretzel loop two inline twists and one corkscrew 15 The track is dark blue and the supports are light blue Sand is placed inside some sections of track to reduce the noise produced by the trains 13 Friction brakes are used to control the speed of the train 15 19 The track was fabricated at the Ohio based Clermont Steel Fabricators 20 In 2015 a clone of Manta opened at Nagashima Spa Land under the name of Acrobat 21 Ride experience Edit An overview of Manta s track layout Manta features a dual station configuration which allows two trains to be loaded at the same time thus increasing the ride s capacity 15 After departing from the station the train will make either a slight left or right turn depending on which station it leaves into the 140 foot 43 m chain lift hill From the top of the lift hill the train makes a 113 foot 34 m downward right turn into a 98 foot 30 m tall pretzel loop after which it turns left leading into the first of two inline twists The train then makes a right turn followed by a slight upward left turn into a corkscrew before turning right into the mid course brake run The train then drops to a point just above a body of water at the same time making a 270 degree right turn where water jets spray up near the train to produce the effect of the train actually hitting the water After exiting the turn the train goes by a waterfall goes through the second inline twist makes a left turn into the final brake run then makes a left turn into one of the two stations where the next riders board 14 19 Reception Edit One of Manta s trains Manta has been lauded by the mainstream media and industry press since its debut in May 2009 Busch Entertainment Corporation SeaWorld Orlando s parent company credited Manta with improving park attendance 22 In July 2009 ThemeParkInsider com named Manta best new attraction 23 In September 2009 Manta placed third in Amusement Today magazine s poll for the Best New Ride of 2009 24 Golden Ticket Awards Top steel Roller Coasters Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2015Ranking 39 25 33 26 45 tie 27 34 28 43 29 See also EditManta SeaWorld San Diego Texas Stingray SeaWorld San Antonio References Edit Riders take the plunge on SeaWorld s Manta coaster Newsday Manta vs Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando Which Is Your Favorite Visit Orlando Retrieved September 27 2018 Manta Teaser SeaWorld Orlando Archived from the original on February 8 2009 Retrieved February 6 2009 a b c d Powers Scott April 2 2008 New SeaWorld Orlando coaster animal attraction revealed Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on April 7 2008 Retrieved April 2 2008 Bevil Dewayne March 4 2009 SeaWorld s new roller coaster Manta on track for May opening Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on March 27 2010 Retrieved March 5 2009 Images of SeaWorld s Planned Orlando Roller Coaster WFTV April 20 2008 Archived from the original on June 14 2009 Retrieved April 25 2008 Jackovics Ted May 30 2008 Journey like a manta ray without getting wet Sarasota Herald Tribune Halifax Media Group p 33 Retrieved February 10 2013 a b Bevil Dewayne January 21 2009 SeaWorld s Manta set to be born sometime in May Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on April 17 2009 Retrieved February 10 2013 Portfolio Superior Rigging amp Erection Company Archived from the original on February 2 2014 Retrieved March 24 2013 Bevil Dewayne April 30 2009 SeaWorld Public can preview Manta at noon on May 5 Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on May 4 2009 Retrieved May 5 2009 Manta ride the flying ray fact sheet SeaWorld Orlando Archived from the original on March 17 2009 Retrieved November 5 2012 Powers Scott May 29 2008 SeaWorld emphasizes animals in planned new roller coaster Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on June 2 2008 Retrieved November 5 2012 a b c d e f Bevil Dewayne November 17 2008 Manta on demand more details about SeaWorld coaster under construction Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on April 14 2009 Retrieved November 18 2008 a b c d Bevil Dewayne March 4 2009 On the scene with Manta at SeaWorld Orlando Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on June 15 2009 Retrieved March 5 2009 a b c d e Marden Duane Manta SeaWorld Orlando Roller Coaster DataBase Manta Sea World Orlando Loading Station YouTube May 5 2009 Retrieved November 4 2012 Albright Mark May 9 2009 Sea World s Roller coaster s designer fulfills lifelong ambition Tampa Bay Times Archived from the original on February 2 2014 Retrieved February 25 2013 Powers Scott May 29 2008 Details on Manta coaster announced Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on April 29 2009 Retrieved February 10 2013 a b Manta Front Row on ride POV Seaworld Orlando Coaster Force YouTube November 5 2009 Retrieved November 4 2012 Powers Scotts September 4 2008 SeaWorld releases photos of Manta construction Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on October 26 2010 Retrieved August 13 2013 Acrobat Nagashima Spa Land Nagashima Kuwana Mie Japan rcdb com Retrieved March 2 2016 Garcia Jason June 27 2009 New Universal coaster spinning its wheels Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on July 3 2009 Retrieved July 3 2009 Bevil Dewayne July 3 2009 Manta Epcot restaurant Portofino Bay nab Theme Park Insider awards Orlando Sentinel Tribune Company Archived from the original on July 10 2009 Retrieved July 3 2009 Golden Ticket Bonus Issue PDF Amusement Today 13 6 2 September 2009 Archived from the original PDF on November 10 2010 Retrieved February 9 2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters PDF Amusement Today 13 6 2 32 33 September 2009 Archived from the original PDF on October 19 2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters PDF Amusement Today 14 6 2 34 35 September 2010 Archived from the original PDF on October 19 2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters PDF Amusement Today 15 6 2 38 39 September 2011 Archived from the original PDF on October 19 2013 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters PDF Amusement Today 16 6 2 36 37 September 2012 2015 Top 50 steel Roller Coasters PDF Amusement Today 19 6 2 49 50 September 2015 External links EditOfficial Manta website Wikimedia Commons has media related to Manta SeaWorld Orlando Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Manta SeaWorld Orlando amp oldid 1134304449, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
