PW July 09 P38-40.qxd 6/24/09 10:38 am Page 38
Ride Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
MANTA RAY OF FLIGHT
It may not be the tallest or fastest flying "Busch Entertainment is committed to creating
coaster, but the new Manta at SeaWorld unique entertainment experiences," notes Brown.
Orlando is very thrilling and fully themed. One "Last year we opened Aquatica, a waterpark that
minute guests witness rays in underwater flight; only SeaWorld could build, and Busch Gardens
soon after they feel what it’s like to become Tampa Bay opened Jungala. We worked on the
one. It is, says Paul Ruben, Mantastic! Manta concept for several years; it offers thrills for
every age group and fully complements and
T
he ride provides two signature experiences. broadens the SeaWorld brand."
The first is an aquarium featuring encounters
with hundreds of rays, sea dragons and other Blue Wonder
exotic marine life – around 3,000 creatures in all. The 140ft-tall attraction is located inside the
This undersea adventure, however, is the prelude to park’s main entrance and towers over its 200-
the coaster experience. Swooping over “sea” and acres. Cloaked in hues of dark purple,
sky, Manta treats riders to a head-first, face-down ultramarine and cobalt blue, like all coasters
experience courtesy of Bolliger & Mabillard. from B&M, it's very smooth, and with supporting
“This ride is uniquely SeaWorld,” says Dan columns filled with sand, very quiet, too.
Brown, executive vice-president and general "It's always a challenge trying to build a major
manager of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and attraction in the middle of the park when you're
Discovery Cove. “SeaWorld is famous for open 365 days a year," admits Brown, "but we
connecting guests with the sea and its amazing didn't have any problems. We have an
creatures, and Manta creates a true sense of outstanding team with significant expertise and
oneness between human and animal." experience. In fact, we were ahead of schedule
Manta incorporates numerous thrill elements and and were able to open a few weeks early,
completely different sensations from the front of the allowing guests to sneak-preview Manta back in
train to the back of the train. A track-twisting pretzel April.
loop, in-line spins, a waterfall close call and a wing Brown is full of praise for B&M: “Bolliger &
dip just inches from the water ensure a high Mabillard is among the best in the world, and we
repeatability factor. have a long and successful history with the
There are only 17 flying rollercoasters in the company. B&M helped us create other coasters
world. Boarding Manta, riders climb into what look such as Kraken at SeaWorld; SheiKra, Montu,
like traditional seats and harnesses. The entire and Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and
seating assembly is then hoisted forward, Griffon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The guys
Dan Brown, executive vice- positioning riders horizontally in a prone position. were and are consummate professionals."
president and general manager It’s like flying. Or even better, it’s like riding below As for Manta, the voyage of discovery begins
of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica a massive 12ft-wide manta ray as it glides, twists the moment visitors enter the mythical village that
and Discovery Cove and soars above the ocean. forms the attraction’s entrance. What follows is
38 JULY 2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48