MANTA ROCKS!
Sea World Orlando: They opened today at about 2:30. Rode it twice. Unreal. And the aquarium is KILLER as well (even though everything isn't in yet).
Hey Robert. I've been twittering you all day, but none of it seems to have gone through... was on the third row of the FIRST public car for Manta. They opened the ride today at about 2:30. We rode it twice, the second time in the back row. It was AMAZING. The buzz around the whole thing was also incredible. They had all the brass there, walking around inspecting. It's a shame Brito is now in charge, as I suspect Mr. Busch would have been there... word to the wise... avoid the back row unless you are into the most INTENSE coaster experience of your life. We have photos (the wall came down last night) but as we are in the midst of moving it might take a day or two to post them. BEC has taken the lead in Florida... better than Shiekra. Little dissappointing they don't have video like on Shiekra, and we had a great pic on the first ride, but the photo system went down and we weren't able to purchase it...
But, like I said... overall... AWESOME!
From Jeff M
Posted May 2, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I will say that out of ALL the B&M flying coasters this one is by far my Favorite!!!
Been out all day. Thanks for the notes, guys. If anyone wants to send in photos: themeparkinsider - at - gmail.com. I'm also looking for a solid, descriptive write-up of the experience for the Flume, like James did for Prowler and Derek did for Diamondback.
BTW... /jealous
Get them pix out there gang... I am dying to see more... and dying to read more. How was that first loop, diving down and edning up on your back? Man, that looks so fun. Cannot wait to ride Manta next year!
From Gareth H
Posted May 3, 2009 at 8:15 AM
OK, I"m heading there at around 5 today, hope its running.
From David
Posted May 3, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Was it running Gareth? I almost went, but things came up...
This "soft opening" how long does it go on for ?
Im going to Orlando on May 15th for 2 weeks and really want to ride this
Manta was running yesterday May 3 and was open to the general public at 2:45pm. I rode it 4 times including front and back rows. You can request any row you'd like and there is no additional wait for front row. My advice: Hit the first and last rows. Riding the back row, the second loop has a wicked whip and much force. Ride gets an A from me.
I'm curious for the folks who have went, what are the lines like? It sounds like people are riding it multiple times without any wait. Is it because it's not "busy" season yet? Although I have to say, the longest I've spent waiting for the rides at SeaWorld has been maybe 20 minutes, which is really no time at all.
It sounds awesome and I can't wait to experience it next month!
Wait times for Manta yesterday was averaging 20 minutes. Longest was 30 on my final ride at 4:15pm but the park wasn't busy. A note to you ladies, there are no purses allowed not even fanny packs. Everything has to go into a locker which takes 3 quarters only. If you wear glasses or sunglasses put those in the locker too. You ride face down at high speeds and glasses will fall off unless secured.
From David
Posted May 4, 2009 at 6:43 PM
I went today and like everyone else, the ride is untouchable. I got there about 4pm and the wait was 15 minutes for the first ride and that was with front row. 2nd round was only 10 minute wait and they started loading both sides for some reason, but the back really does have a wicked whip effect. And as for soft opening, it is through at least the 10th, but as for the 15th I'm sure it should be open....
Manta was running yesterday May 10 at full capacity starting at 9am and was still running when we left at 7. Both sides open and 3 trains running. I rode it a record, for my wife and me anyway, 8 times. Longest wait time was 15 minutes and we walked right on twice with no wait. Absolutely amazing ride. Check out the Guitarfish in the Cownose ray aquarium. Pretty neat.
The underwater viewing area is not yet complete and was not open yesterday.
From David
Posted May 14, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Anyone know how the lines look still? I might go again tomorrow to ride in the afternoon (weather allowing) and hoping still the short lines for now....
Sitting in the Hilton Garden Inn right across from the entrance typing this message. Did WDW last 7 days; Seaworld tomorrow morning. Spoke to a few folks at WDW who said Manta was running from daily 12-5 earlier this week (May 10-16). Hopefully it will be running on Saturday too.
Sat, May 16 - Rode Manta today.. and it is awesome! Seems like the ride ops are really slow at loading the cars, but the wait was about 30 min or so today for most of the day. I did notice a few times when the posted time was 45 min.
Also, there was a large sign posted at the each ticket counter that stated Manta will be closed for the entire day on May 18. If you have plans for Monday, you may want to rework your schedules.
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