I’m okay with roller coasters, but I have my limits. I like Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and Expedition: Everest, but they’re at the edge of my comfort zone. And after riding, I need to let my tummy rest for at least an hour before going on anything raucous again. So when I was invited by SeaWorld to preview their new coaster Manta, I wasn’t sure I wanted to take the assignment. But of course, being the good Allears reporter that I am, I accepted the challenge.
I arrived at SeaWorld around 8am and was met by Jayce, a Marketing representative who would be my guide for the morning. After introductions she told me that SeaWorld has actually built two new attractions, an aquarium and a coaster. We decided to start with the tamer of the two.
Replacing the original aquarium that opened in 1973 and closed in 2000, this new exhibit houses over 100 species of fish including eight types of rays. The marine life is housed in ten different tanks beautifully designed along an indoor pathway. Interestingly, no Mantas can be found here as they are usually considered to be too large for most aquariums.
One of the more unique creatures you’ll find here is the leafy sea dragon. This fish is closely related to seahorses and pipefish and use their unusual appearance to hide among undersea foliage.
A truly unusual chamber in the aquarium is the Overhead Room. Here, you walk underneath a plate of glass and watch the rays swim above you.
Another aquarium allows kids, and crazy adults, to crawl inside a tank.
The aquarium is self-paced so you can spend as little or as much time as you like here.
After strolling through the undersea world it was now time for me to pull my nerves together and ride Manta. Our first stop was at the lockers located next to the entrance. Before you can ride you must empty your pockets of keys, cell phones, and anything else that you cherish. In addition, there are NO storage compartments on the coaster so you cannot bring your camera, purse, or anything other than yourself. The lockers cost 75¢ for a small unit and $1 for a larger model.
Also located outside of the attraction are warning signs and a duplicate of one of the actual chairs you’ll be sitting in. This allows you to check it for size before waiting in line.
Much of the queue for Manta travels along the backside of the aquariums we saw earlier. This will help pass the time while waiting in line. But since I was attending a press event, Jayce and I walked straight to the loading platform.
The idea behind the Manta Coaster is that you’re secured to the belly of one of these magnificent rays. After you’re seated, your chair retracts and you’re now in a facedown position – and it’s too late to chicken out now.
Manta speeds riders through four showcase inversions, including two in-line spins, one flat spin, and one pretzel loop. Specially crafted rails make Manta one of the world’s smoothest coasters as it reaches speeds of 56 miles per hour.
I was hooked up for sound, video, and stills so my first ride could be captured for posterity.
Here are some pictures of Manta in motion.
I have to admit, when I got off, my stomach was a little upset. But there was a coaster fan club also present and some of these enthusiasts had already ridden ten times and were queuing up for more. They loved it!
I think Manta is an excellent attraction for coaster lovers. And it’s definitely more intense than Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster. If you’re okay with RNRC, then I think you should give Manta a try. However, if RNRC is too intense for you, then stick to the aquarium.
Of course, just like at Disney, there is a Manta shop nearby selling T-shirts and other logo merchandise.
SeaWorld Orlando is a beautiful park. If you haven’t already experienced it, you should. Take a day off from Disney and treat yourself to a new adventure.
I’m 6’00 tall and 300 lbs my measurements are 53 chest 55 waist and 48 butt does this ride and an any ride have a larger seat in the 3rd row or will i fit in the reg seats. this is for Manta and any other at sea world.
Rode the Manta three times on my 60th birthday recently. A truely terrific ride and highly recommended.
John Stephenson
I am from Illinois, and as one person stated before, it looks very similar to Superman: Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Great America (IDK if it’s anywhere else but that’s where I’ve seen it). I do love that ride, and make a point of riding it everytime I go to six flags, but when my family goes back to Orlando this coming spring I don’t believe it’s worth the line (it’s been open for years in Illinois, still 1-2 hour line) if it’s a ride I’ve been on with a different paint job. Watching the video every twist and turn I am almost positive is on S:UF, so if anyone could look into that, because I’m not going to waste my time riding something I can see at home, when there are plently of other attractions I have not ridden.
PS: I have a large chest and I have never felt uncomfortable on the ride, it’s very well padded and you’re at a slight angle, so your weight is positioned lower than your chest area =D
Jack – how was the video taken? It looks like it was taken from at least 2 angles as well as by someone in the loading que.
Was this something you arranged for, or did Sea World have this already as part of its press opening?
Regardless of how you got it, I have to say, the video is awesome!!! What a way to let us experience this coaster along with you!
Jack’s Answer:
I was invited to a special press event for the opening of Manta. Only members of the press were videotaped and wired for sound. The front seat was left empty so they camera could be mounted there. I sat in the second seat.
There was someone standing on the loading platform taking videos of me departing and arriving. And of course, stock footage was edited in.
It’s a wonderful souvenir — something most people will never have the opportunity to have.
Tough life you got there. 😉
Yeah…….looks cool, but I will stick to the aquarium……lol!
I simply MUST go back to the USA to ride this one!!
Fantastic review Jack – Thanks!!
Now looking forward to our trip, last week of June – first week of July even more. See you all there!!
I completely agree with the review. We rode the Manta on media day and were lucky to get the back row and this is the most amazing coaster I have ever been on. I was completely comfortable. I am a bit short and it was difficult to get into the seat. There are baskets at the ride to put loose articles in and of course slip on shoes. We only had to wait about 15 minutes to get on the ride. After we were done, we were going to ride again but the wait time said 75 minutes.
Great job SeaWorld!
Had no idea they had a new coaster til I read your blog. It looks awesome. As a person who still uses glasses to see, are you allowed to wear them on the ride or is it not possible in the face down position?
Jack’s Answer:
I wear glasses, but decided to take them off when I rode. However, I was not required to and I saw others wearing them. But if you could somehow convince me to ride again, I would still opt to remove them.
Thanks for being brave Jack! That ride looks awesome, so smooooooth. As a huge fan of rock n roller coaster, I would love to try this. Thank you for the great coverage.
Maria
Wonderful review! That ride looks like tons of fun. As always, your reviews are very informative and well written. Keep it up! 🙂
As a woman that has ridden Manta several times, I can vouch for it being completely comfortable. The restraints look tight, but they are very padded. I always feel like they’re loose at first but once you start going uphill everything’s fine. One tip: you may want to pull your hair back if you want to see anything while riding…unless you’re like me and keep your eyes closed the whole time 🙂
The wait times are hard to say. I haven’t seen it over an hour yet, but we’ve also been experiencing a lot of heavy rain lately, causing the ride to close often.
Hey Jack,
If you don’t mind me asking, how big are you? You said that you were comfortable and could breathe and I wanted to use you as a point of reference for me. I am 6’00” and 300 lbs. former football player and was wondering if the restraints would be too tight on me.
Jack’s Answer:
I’m a big guy. I’m 5’10” and weigh 260 and I was completely comfortable.
I think your average 300# linebacker would be okay on this attraction. You might be a little tight, but not uncomfortable. The main restraint pulls down over your head, just like on RNRC, so thinner folks pull it down further than heavier people.
Not that I’m able to stomach roller coasters or upside down spinny things at all (riding SPACE took me out of commission for half a day), but I’m curious about the water effect in this ride. Is it spraying up from pumps or is the ride actually touching into the water? Do riders, especially the end riders, get wet from the ride?
thanks Jack!
Jack’s Answer:
The “splash” at the end of the ride is created by water canons. The only people who get wet are the ones on the shore watching the coaster.
hello,
Im going to Disney and Seaworld in a week. MY brother is scared of the ride, was it that bad and how long was the wait?
Jack’s Answer:
You didn’t say how old your brother is, but if he’s afraid of it, I wouldn’t push him. This coaster is intense.
After Mission: Space opened at Epcot I pressured a friend of mine (an adult) to ride it. She really didn’t want to, but I insisted. Afterwards, she felt nauseous for several hours. This taught me a lesson. If someone thinks they’re going to get sick from a ride, they probably will. I will never try to talk someone into going on a thrill ride again. It’s not worth it.
As for the length of the line, I don’t know. I was there with the press so I didn’t have to wait. But since this is a new attraction, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the wait time reaches and exceeds an hour.
Amazing blog, Jack! One question, when the coaster skims the water, do people on the one side get absolutely soaked or does it just look like they would? 😉
Jack’s Answer:
Here’s the good news, no one on the coaster gets wet. The splash you see is created by water canons — just like on Big Thunder Railway.
For the question’s about comfort for women, Manta seems to me to be a smoother longer version of what i know to be similar the the “air” roller coaster at Alton Towers here in the UK. And that was of no discomfort to me, in fact it is my favourite rollercoaster ever, so I can’t wait to ride Manta when i get over to the US next year.
Thank you for including a video. It felt like I was there with you. The ride looks amazing.
Jack, I enjoy reading your comments and looking at your posted pictures. We just got back from WDW and had a super time, thanks in part to you and all ears net. My question is this, if I have done the rockin roller coaster (loved it) would I be able to ride this coaster ? Sometimes I forget there is life outside of WDW, but I have never experienced it.
Jack’s Answer:
If you can ride RNRC with little or no ill effects, then I think you should give Manta a try. It is more extreme, but you should be able to handle it.
Jack…your blogs have amazing quality…well done!!!
Can you just look at the aquariums then duck out form the ride ? My daughter isnt allowed to ride after chiari surgery but would like to see the fish.
Jack’s Answer:
Good news! The aquarium is a completely separate attraction from the roller coaster. It was specifically designed this way so those of you who can’t ride Manta would have something interesting to do.
However, the queue for Manta also looks into portions of the same aquarium from the back side. But if you have no intention of riding, it would make no sense to get into this line.
There is a “chicken” exit for those of you who change your mind at the last minute.
Great blog! The video was very good and looked like the ride was spectacular. It also looked rather smooth. I liked the water effect. Reminded me of Big Thunder Railroad.
I do love all of the coaster attractions at WDW. Mission Space is a bit intense, and my limit seems to be once per visit on the “spin” side. Glad they introduced the non-spin side. This broadens the audience.
Hello from Brazil! =)
So far the best report on Manta, Jack! Congratulations!!
The week we were in Orlando there was a soft opening, but I must admit I chickened out! After reading your report I might give it a try next time, as I am OK with RNRC!
You said you had an upset stomach after the ride… how bad was that?
Jack’s Answer: When I got off of the coaster, I needed to take a breather. It took me about ten minutes to return to normal. With RNRC, it usually only takes me five minutes to return to normal.
From the video this ride looks like a clone of Superman: Ultimate Flight. Until the part where you skim along the water. It’ll be a couple years before we make it back to Sea World to see this, but I’m looking forward to it.
From my experiences with S:UF I would highly recommend sitting in the very back row the next time you ride. Trust me, it’s a whole different experience!
Jack’s Comment:
There was a coaster fan club riding Manta the same day I was there. They ALL were requesting the back of the coaster. The said the experience was much better.
Do you think that larger-sized guests might have a problem with the restraints?
Jack’s Answer:
Yes. I think SOME larger people will have trouble fitting into the seats. If you or someone you know is a plus size, definitely try out the “test” seat at the entrance to the attraction before getting in line.
Is the position your in uncomfortable? It looks like it is because your in a bent position and your chest is pressed against the harness! If you wanted to scream it looks like you would be restricted from taking air in! What’s the word?
Jack’s Answer:
I was not uncomfortable. I know it looks like I was tightly restrained, and I was. But it’s not like a vice-grip around your body. I could breathe easily.
Terrific report, Jack! Although the folks around you seemed to be bored by it. I can’t wait to ride!
Jack’s Comment:
My fellow passengers were part of a coaster fan group. This was probably their 10th time to ride.
Jack, Great review!!!! Does this mean you’ll be doing a video with every review now? 🙂
My family was disappointed that we missed the Manta ride @ Sea World as it was not open yet in February when we visited. But now it does give us a good reason to go back again!! (adrenalin junkies… all of us)
Wow, that was quit a ride!!! Glad it was you and not me. Sure looked like fun though.
Loved the video – surprised that there was no screaming!!!
How comfortable was the ride overall with the retraction and face-down position?
Jack’s Answer:
I was comfortable enough. Looking straight down was a little scary, but physically I was fine.
I love your blogs Jack. Very informative and fun.
Looks like a smooth ride with a great view. I didn’t see a closeup of any women riding – I wonder what the comfort factor is for them riding pressed up against the security bars?
Jack’s Answer:
The only people riding Manta were members of the press and a roller coaster fan club. Both of these groups were made up primarily of men. But I talked with several female cast members and the said they loved the ride and mentioned nothing about discomfort.
Thanks Jack.
Best review I’ve read!