Manta Opens at SeaWorld San Diego

[SMAX]

26th May 2012 saw the grand opening of Manta at SeaWorld San Diego; an all-new combined coaster and marine life attraction where guests not only experience the mysterious manta up-close but also feel the sensation of being one.

Swooping over sea and sky, Manta not only inspires visitors with an amazing 100,000-gallon aquarium, but also takes them on an exhilarating ride on a coaster shaped like a giant manta ray, with dozens of twists and turns and a thrilling 54-foot drop.

[SMAX]

Known as a linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch coaster, Manta features ˝ mile of track, with four trains (20 seats each) that take riders around banks and turns with a 54-foot drop where the cars skim a lake (without getting riders wet!). Lasting one minute and 40 seconds, Manta features two separate launches and reaches maximum speed in just two seconds. The first launch takes place in a tunnel with larger-than-life images of rays projected on a 270-degree enveloping screen. This state-of-the-art projection system is the first of its kind in the United States.



Non riders can also experience Manta at the 100,000-gallon aquarium, filled with three species of rays (California bat rays, diamond stingrays and shovelnose guitarfish) and hundreds of fishes native to the California coast. The reef-themed aquarium includes eight acrylic viewing windows where guests can see marine life above and in front of them, and a shallow above-ground pool where guests touch and feed California bat rays. This hands-on experience allows guests to make a connection with rays that may inspire them to protect this endangered species by cherishing their ocean home, and the environment in general.

In keeping with the beautiful landscaped surroundings at SeaWorld San Diego, the attraction includes a lush exotic Asian Island feel with bamboo, Japanese black pines and bonsai trees.

Manta is located just north of Dolphin Point. SeaWorld worked with German ride design company MACK, which also engineered the marine-life park’s popular ride, Journey To Atlantis.

[caj]

Am I allowed to say 'that looks scaaaarrrrryyyyy!' probably not! Caj

[florida mad]

I think i'd prefer to ride this version of Manta as you don't have to dangle upside down... that's scary

[marshall-stephens]

So it's very much a smaller version of Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens?

[JammyDoja]

Originally Posted by ryan.stephens

So it's very much a smaller version of Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens?

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exactly what i was thinking!

[Guest]

I like the dangling upside down! Boo! Xxx

[disney07]

i quite like the dangling upside down too, didnt think i would, i thought it was like a version of cheetah.

[DIBBadmin]

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