Manta (SeaWorld Orlando)

SeaWorld Orlando revealed the concept that was to become Manta to a gathering of travel industry representatives and community leaders on April 2, 2008, although it had been in the planning stages for years. The exact specifications were not immediately revealed, but the park said it would be their largest single investment in an attraction and that it would open sometime in 2009. At that point, construction on a large site within the park had already begun. Construction of the roller coaster track and attraction buildings began in September 2008. The ride's layout was completed in December 2008 and construction on other parts of the roller coaster continued into early 2009. SeaWorld began previewing the attraction in early May 2009, before it was officially opened on May 22. ==Design==

Theme and surrounding experience Manta is an attraction which encompasses a themed queue and a roller coaster. The queue is designed to resemble a seaside village decorated with mosaics and artwork inspired by rays. Within the attraction's site are ten aquaria containing of water. Approximately 3,000 animals representing over 60 species are visibleincluding over 300 rays, such as cownose rays and spotted eagle rays. Other creatures on display include sea horses, leafy seadragons and tropical fish. Portions of the aquarium exhibit can be viewed by guests who do not wish to ride the roller coaster. Non-riding guests can use a second entrance to the attraction area, which is separated from those waiting for the roller coaster. Guests in the ride's queue have access to special exhibit components, such as a Plexiglas "pop-up" window into the aquarium. Mantas rails, supports and track are filled with sand to reduce noise. Manta operates with three trains. The cars are highly stylized. The lead car is shaped like a manta ray with a wingspan of . The roller coaster's wings appear to skim the water's surface. Water jets in the attraction's main lagoon create a splash effect as the train passes. SeaWorld can adjust several features of the splash effect, including its duration and the train's speed when it enters the area. Track The steel track of Manta is long and lift hill is high. In 2015, a clone of Manta opened at Nagashima Spa Land under the name of Acrobat. ==Ride experience==

Manta features a dual station configuration, which allows two trains to be loaded at the same time, thus increasing the ride's capacity. ==Reception==

Manta has been lauded by the mainstream media and industry press since its debut in May 2009. Busch Entertainment Corporation, SeaWorld Orlando's parent company, credited Manta with improving park attendance. In July 2009, ThemeParkInsider.com named Manta "best new attraction". In September 2009, Manta placed third in Amusement Today magazine's poll for the Best New Ride of 2009. ==See also==