Eight years have passed since SeaWorld San Diego opened its last (and first) coaster, Journey to Atlantis, but this past weekend saw the official opening of Manta, a family launched Mack coaster. Nearly a year and a half of construction has taken place in order to make Manta a reality since the coaster was announced in February of 2011. Talk about an early announcement!
SeaWorld is known for making entire experiences out of the attractions, especially as of late. The park states: “SeaWorld’s new mega attraction features a double-launch, multi-media roller coaster and a 100,000-gallon aquarium with bat rays that guests can see through underwater viewing windows and can touch and feed in a shallow pool. Manta is now officially open to the public.”
Manta’s opening ceremony featured drummers and other entertainment. In the above photo, “City Council Member Lori Zapf, SeaWorld Park President John Reilly and City Council President Tony Young cut the “kelp ribbon” to officially open Manta to the public on May 26, 2012.”
A press release from the park states:
“With Manta, SeaWorld has combined the thrill of an amazing double-launch roller coaster with an incredible, hands-on animal experience. The coaster features multiple twists and turns, an exciting 54-foot drop and a launch station with a 270-degree enveloping screen. Plus, riders and non-riders alike may enjoy dozens of rays, which can be seen in a 100,000-gallon aquarium through eight acrylic viewing windows, and, they can even reach in and touch and feed rays in a shallow pool.
Manta is located just north of Dolphin Point. SeaWorld worked with German ride design company MACK, which also engineered the marine-life park’s popular ride, Journey To Atlantis.”
See below for a video from the park featuring on-ride footage of Manta:
Have you ridden Manta yet? What are your thoughts? Share them below!
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