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Manta reviews

Theme Park Insider readers offer their ratings and reviews for Manta, a roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. (The minimum height to ride is 54 inches.)

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Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: January 14, 2010

Themed as a "flying ray," Manta is an 140-foot-tall Bolliger & Mabillard Flying Coaster that runs on 3,359 feet of track, reaching a top speed of 56 mph while going through four inversions, including an 98-foot-tall pretzel loop.

But the roller coaster isn't the only element to Manta, which won the 2009 Theme Park Insider Award as the Best New Attraction of the year. While you are waiting to board, you'll walk through an aquarium with floor-to-ceiling underwater viewing, filled with stingrays, tropical fishes, an octopus, live coral, and much more.

Here's a tip: You ride a flying coaster in a "chair" that's actually more of a harness. When your seat tilts forward into the flying position (think like you're Superman here), scoot forward a bit so that your shoulders come to the top of the harness. It'll make the ride much more comfortable and you'll feel more secure.

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Readers' rating:

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64 votes, so far

I guess I'm in the minority. If you like intense roller coasters, then this ride will disappoint you. The queue is great, as well as the theme. The first loop is also great. But the rest of the ride is just okay. 7/10 - Tim Taylor

An outstanding roller coaster. It's beyond visually stunning and it's an extremely unique roller coaster with the way it interacts with the landscaping and the area surrounding it. A perfect roller coaster for the park. And did I mention how awesome the queue is? - Bryce McGibeny

Absolutely brilliant ! Not only is it a beautiful coaster to watch (especially the lagoon portion), but it's amazing to ride. Even though the reknowned que line features a great aquarium, there is a separate entrance to the aquarium for non-riders which features additional displays. My 8 year old niece loved the Manta aquarium (she was too short for the ride). If you want to reduce the intensity of the 1st loop, ride in the front 4 rows. Also, kudos to Sea World for employing the double-sided loading platform 10/10. - Ed Newman

I LOVE this ride! The queue is second to none and the ride is even better! 10/10 - Brent Moody

First off this beats kraken and kumba rode on it if you do not your an otter lol still ride it it is awesome - Manny Rodriguez

I love this ride the best coaster ever. - Giovanny Cruz

One of the best coasters I have been on purely for the first loop. Absolutely brilliant invention and the queueline is excellent - James McGee

a great ride it is very extreme so think carefully before riding but is absolutely AMAZING and the sensation is like you are flying i came off with a smile on my face - Jack Ainslie

Great ride altogether always leaves a smile on my face! Very different exciting ride and is pretty dang scary! One of the best coasters I've ever been on. Solid 10/10 - D H

This ride is without a doubt one NOT to be missed!! The queuing area is one of the nicest in Orlando (and that is a big statement to make). The ride is incredible, smooth, fast and the forces felt on the ride are like none I've felt before. If there is one ride to ride at the front, THIS, IS, IT!!! 10/10!! - Michael Hayford

Just truly phenomenal. When my husband and I got off the ride the first time we just grinned at each other like idiots and were completely speechless. The first loop is INSANE. - Heather Olson

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