Domenik Jost
Writer
Domenik Jost

More details emerge on SeaWorld's Manta

April 21, 2008, 4:33 PM · While trying hard to hold back details on its next big coaster, SeaWorld Orlando faces some interesting new leaks today.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, SeaWorld Inc. has filed an application for "Manta" to be trademarked to be used as "entertainment in the nature of an amusement park ride"
The application was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 12.

Today, there was an artist rendering that was leaked out to the public on two theme park fan websites, one of these being IOACentral. The artwork showed a B&M Flying train design in the shape of a manta ray. The vehicles included four riders across laying face down. On the renderings you can see what appears to be a unique splash wave created by the wing touching the water during one of the turns.
If these rumored artist renderings present to be the actual ride, then SeaWorld really has something special.

SeaWorld's vice president of sales and marketing, Joseph Couceiro, said "It's going to have animal components, marine-life components. It will have a very unique, state-of-the-art ride, a roller coaster if you will, that will provide a sensation of gliding" He also said, "The combination of the animals and the ride is what makes it special."

Replies (10)

blind006
Brian L
April 21, 2008 at 4:43 PM · Wow that looks really nice. Along with Kraken and Journey to Atlantis, Seaworld may become a force to be reckoned with. This reminds me of a Mr. Show sketch about a roller coaster that includes "Two whole minutes UNDERWATER!"
Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
April 21, 2008 at 5:28 PM · My planned 2010 Orlando vacation is looking better all the time.....

Manta
Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit!
Harry Potter Land
Toy Story Mania
Space Mountain Refurb (rumored)

.....what else do these geniuses have up their sleeves????

bluesrider
Writer
Derek Potter
April 21, 2008 at 5:47 PM · I've heard that some of the track pieces being shipped from the factory in Ohio look a little different than your standard B&M track. They wouldn't do that without a reason.
Upsindwns
David Sutter
April 22, 2008 at 6:21 AM · Looks like the coaster wars are heating up in central fl. Could be interesting..All sound great..but the Space Mtn rehab...Im not looking forward to it being anything more then a rework of whats already there.With the rock and roller track being the same as Space Mtn in California and Paris..Why redue the same ride..Ive got a idea..lets go back to the orignal track and cars..no kids under 48 and low slung log flume type cars and speed bumps. When it openned in the 70's the thing was wild and a lot darker and faster the todays version.
Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
April 22, 2008 at 6:32 AM · I agree with your Space Mt refurb idea. Just replace the existing track, beef up the special effects, make it much darker, but in general, keep everything the same.

Then, get rid of the Tomrrowland Speedway and put in a new, beefier, futuristic coaster to compete in the current round of coaster wars.

And make sure everything is done by the time I revisit the area in 2010!

bluesrider
Writer
Derek Potter
April 22, 2008 at 9:22 AM · Disney either doesn't know how, or won't bring itself to build...a real scream machine. They have the money to build the most unbelievable roller coaster ever seen or ridden, yet they don't. If they were to take the engineering and sheer size of a B&M or Intamin coaster and combine it with the Disney brand of immersion, the coaster war in Central Florida would be over for quite a while. I guess keeping the castle as the tallest thing in the park means too much to them.
Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
April 22, 2008 at 11:25 AM · Derek, you hit the nail on the head. And I am sure there are Disney Imagineers just beet red in the face who have presented plans for the ultimate themed coaster over and over to higher mgmt. But to no avail.

Keep in mind, though, a lot of "purists" think the "Disney Magic" ended when Space Mountain was added with a 44" inch height restriction years ago (the first attraction at Disney with a height restriction). Good old Walt wanted a park the whole family could enjoy together, and attractions they could share. I guess with Disney it is truly about the family experience...and there is nothing wrong with that, as it has made them the #1 vacation destination in the world.

But for coaster enthusiasts like us, it is a little disappointing because we know what all that TALENT and MONEY could build!

dgomerp
David Potter
April 23, 2008 at 8:47 AM · Manta looks a lot like the B&M Superman: Ultimate Flight at SFGA. The loop looks cool. I wish they would speed the coaster up a little though. It could be much cooler with a splash too! Can't wait til '09!!
bluesrider
Writer
Derek Potter
April 23, 2008 at 3:00 PM · James, I think that good old Walt would sit up in his grave if he knew some of the things they've done to the place.

What's with the branding of family? Is it against all law for a resort that brands itself as family entertainment to have a ride that a 6 year old can't go on?

pinehillsindy
David Graham
April 24, 2008 at 2:32 PM · With Sea World, and Universal heating up the coaster war in Central Fl, who knows what can happen.. Maybe Disney will finally just give in. You can't tell me by now they don't know how to theme one just right? I was just looking at Tokyo Disney Seas and the Raging Spirit ride there, with a loop, or RR Coaster, even if indoors... I agree with Derek on Walt would sit up if he knew half the things done, but at the same time.. When Walt had Snow White and others, it wasn't really a kiddie ride back in the day in the eyes of some, or space mountain... If you build it, they will come!!

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