Manta to Deliver Prominent Thrills Words: Ryan S. | Photos: Mike T.
(Orlando) - For three months it's been no secret that SeaWorld has begun an adventure of new sorts. Within a few paces of the park entrance, guests set their eyes on a rather inquisitive barricade wall. Ominous sounds of heavy machinery protrude the high walls that keep prying eyes from view, and visitors left amidst to guesses.
Guess no more, as SeaWorld Orlando impacted the world with the official announcement of Manta - a new flying roller coaster. As the epicenter of rumors in the tourist industry for the past couple months, more questions were raised than answered. Now confirmation comes that Manta will interact with wildlife on a level not yet seen by any major attraction. Manta will enable guests to interact with over 3,000 marine organisms - from rays to tropical fish - in 180,000 gallons of water. From recently gained observations, patrons will get to interact in a way never before: a chance to experience what it's like being a ray. Inverting guests four times, the attraction sends riders flying over a 16,000 square foot lagoon, reaching a maximum height of 140 feet while aboard the attraction.
In a sluggish economy and Anheuser-Busch InBev buyout lingering overhead, Manta could deliver a harsh blow to winning the attention of the Orlando area's tourists - a city that is still projected to surpass 50 million annual visitors within the next couple years. The two and half minute attraction aims to be the forefront of the park's existing attraction lineup - already including a variety shows, exhibits, shopping, rides, dining, child's areas, and other venues.
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Manta opens Summer 2009. For more information visit SeaWorld.com or call (800) 327-2424.
