From Anthony Murphy on August 9, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Good stuff!

From Justin Trinh on August 9, 2009 at 6:01 PM
I'm glad to hear you had a great time and that Manta was a great experience. Your reaction to it was the same as mine the first time as I just came off it with an "wow."

Great trip report and just wanted to say I enjoyed every one of them.

From James Rao on August 9, 2009 at 10:18 PM
I am in complete agreement with the above comment: thanks for the great reports (especially all the photos and videos), and for allowing me to vicariously travel with you and your family. I've had a great time.

Incidentally, the food picticured at Sharks Underwater Grill looks absolutely delicious. Although, I agree the entrees seem a bit heavy for lunch.

Read a few reports that Kraken had lost some of its smoothness over the year, but from your report it sounds like that is not the case. I am glad to hear it. Kraken holds a special place in my heart and I still regard it as the best coaster I have ever ridden. Can't wait to re-visit it again (as well as ride Manta) next year.

From Robert Niles on August 10, 2009 at 3:50 AM
James, I would agree that Kraken has lost a bit of smoothness, but not enough to change the basic characteristics of the ride. (Unlike the floorless Scream at Magic Mountain, which almost immediately became too rough to enjoy.)

From Rob P on August 10, 2009 at 4:45 AM
As much as I love Seaworld ( and I do ) it has always annoyed me that they charge an extra fee for the Sky Tower.
Is anyone else irked by bolt-ons like this ?
Great photos b.t.y.
A special mention has to go to the pre-show mime artists at Seaworld. They always have everyone in fits of laughter......even if , like me, you've been the butt of the jokes.
Their contribution is often overlooked ,I think, but always appreciated.

From Gareth H on August 10, 2009 at 6:39 AM
Great report Robert.
I popped over there yesterday after a few early morning hours at Aquatica (Which was closed to capacity by Midday)

SeaWorld seemed pretty packed yesterday. Also wondering what time you rode Manta, as it seems the queue time never seems to match the actual queue length.

Look forward to more reports!

From Joshua Counsil on August 10, 2009 at 8:11 AM
Looks like SeaWorld is a must for my upcoming trip. I've only ever been once.

I am also curious about your queue times. Any info?

From Robert Niles on August 10, 2009 at 8:33 AM
25 min for Manta
5 for Kraken
5 for Atlantis.

Lines seemed to blow up after 10:30.

From 70.121.166.252 on August 10, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Call me crazy but I dont think Manta is nearly as awesome of a coaster as everyone else. Now dont get me wrong its a lot of fun!, the are around it the que line itself and everything about it looks a feels fantastic. However the ride itself to me isnt that unique from all the other flyers, an amazing and intense pretzel loop then nothing interesting, just like the other flyers. I really wish B&M would get more creative with their flyer layouts and inversions. I feel like there are plenty more unique inversions that could be accomplished with the flying train. Just my opinon, aweseom attraction, slightly above average ride.

From Joshua Counsil on August 10, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Robert -

You should update the SW 4-Hour Tour to include Manta.

From Robert Niles on August 10, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Working on it this week.

From Nate Mitchell on August 10, 2009 at 8:12 PM
I will be visiting Seaworld Thursday night for a TEA mixer, which will be my first trip there, and of course my first time riding Manta, so I cant wait.

From hannah caller on August 11, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Great trip report Robert! I'm gonna be heading out to sunny (it will be nice to escape the gloom of the UK!) Orlando in 16days, I can't wait to ride Manta, can anyone tell me if you are on your back on the hill climb and 1st drop? I'm also hoping Rip, Ride, Rocket is going to be open!!

From Deidre Dennis on August 11, 2009 at 2:41 PM
I have to concur with Robert. We went to SeaWorld one day during our trip in June and Manta was AWESOME. Oh my goodness. That loop is something else.

The first time I rode Kraken in '06 it was awesome and very smooth. This time, not so much. Not sure when it was built but we all found it surprisingly rough. Atlantis was cool as always but Manta was something else.

From Crystal A on August 12, 2009 at 8:11 AM
We rode Manta yesterday as well it is really is a fantastic ride. The only complaint I would have is the antiquated locker system. I completely understand why a locker is needed, however the fact that these are still key entry lockers instead of touch screen entry is a confusing thought to me. It seems that with a brand new ride like Manta the locker system would be updated. Many people, myself included, do not carry cash. So it was very annoying to have to find an ATM, pay the fee, then go make change just to get $0.50 to rent the one time use locker.
The price is fair but the system is flawed.

On another note we also hopped over to Aquatica and had a great time. I am a huge Mouse supporter but I dare to say that Aquatica is the best water park in Orlando. The fast style lazy river is a blast.