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Manta (SeaWorld San Diego)

Manta is a steel launched roller coaster at SeaWorld in San Diego, California, United States. The ride was manufactured by MACK Rides and opened to the public on May 26, 2012.[1] It utilizes the same ride system that was used in Blue Fire which opened in 2009 at Europa-Park.[2]

History

Rumors about a new roller coaster for SeaWorld San Diego date back to mid October 2007 when details of a possible 2010 project were leaked.[3] This plan was canceled in mid-2008.[4] In early January 2011, construction documents were discovered which detailed the plans for a $10 million manta ray-themed ride and animal exhibit due to open in 2012.[5] On February 9, 2011, SeaWorld San Diego announced that they would be opening a Mack launched roller coaster called Manta in 2012.[6][7]

In late 2018, SeaWorld San Diego premiered a Christmas overlay of the attraction called Merry Manta. The first launch area would feature holiday music and dynamic lightning that created three different shows. Riders would also twist through a sea of glowing Christmas trees while the cool holiday air rushed by.[8]

Ride

Manta features two launches.[9] Riders reach speeds of up to 43 mph on the two-minute, 2800 ft long ride. The ride stands at a height of 30 ft and features a drop including an underground portion of 54 ft.[10] The limited height was required due to height restrictions in place by the California Coastal Commission.[11]

Trains

Manta's four trains each feature manta ray shaped fronts. The 5-car trains each seat riders 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train.[1] There is also elevated seating for the second row of each car.

Media

Manta begins with a 270 degree projected media experience at the first launch. The train rocks forward and backward in synchronization with the projected film of a coral reef and school of rays. The media tunnel and film was produced by Falcon's Treehouse. For Electric Ocean, Manta changes after 7PM to Manta re-charged. The film projection for Manta re-charged features an array of colored lights projected on the screen. Various versions of this launch re-purpose Rick McKee's soundtrack from the Mako coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.

Animal exhibit

The previously existing Forbidden Reef exhibit was incorporated into the attraction, featuring a touch pool above and an aquarium below The 100000 USgal exhibit features 65 Bat rays, 10 Shovelnose guitarfish, 2 White sturgeons and more than 400 other fish.[10][12]

See also

External links

References

  1. retrieved February 10, 2011^
  2. retrieved February 10, 2011^
  3. Lance Hart. SeaWorld California Screamscape, October 25, 2007, retrieved February 10, 2011^
  4. Lance Hart. SeaWorld California Screamscape, June 3, 2008, retrieved February 10, 2011^
  5. Brady MacDonald. SeaWorld San Diego to announce new ride for 2012 Los Angeles Times, January 11, 2011, retrieved February 10, 2011^
  6. Sea World San Diego To Open New Roller Coaster Next Year Beverly Hills Courier, February 9, 2011, retrieved February 10, 2011^
  7. Brady MacDonald. SeaWorld San Diego to add Manta coaster in 2012 Los Angeles Times, February 9, 2011, retrieved February 10, 2011^
  8. MERRY MANTA layover and other new offerings for 2018 SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION^
  9. Brady MacDonald. Review: Manta joins new class of themed coasters at SeaWorld Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2012, retrieved 4 June 2012^
  10. Manta Fact Sheet SeaWorld, retrieved February 10, 2011^
  11. Roller coaster update: SeaWorld ride moving along The San Diego Union-Tribune, retrieved 2016-06-04^
  12. SeaWorld San Diego Announces New 'Manta' Coaster SeaWorld, February 9, 2011, retrieved February 10, 2011^