June 6 , 2008
Posted By Sledge
Manta Construction Video and Fact Sheet

MANTA, RIDE THE FLYING RAY FACT SHEET

SeaWorld Orlando has announced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta -- a new mega-attraction which will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of watching rays in underwater flight…into the sensation of actually being one. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta will inspire riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soar them face-down aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster.  Manta opens summer 2009.

FROM SEEING…THE ANIMALS

Total Animals:                                      3,000

Gallons of Water:                                 184,000 gallons total

Aquariums:                                          10

Species:                                               60+

Rays:                                                    304

Sea Dragons:                                       23         

Sea Horses:                                          20

Fish:                                                    2,500+ (tropical fish, cardinal fish, invertebrates).

Underwater Views:                             Floor-to-ceiling, 9 foot tall views through 4 inches of Plexiglas; including a 220 square foot overhead viewing panel for observing schools of rays circling above.

Exterior Lagoon:                                  16,300 square feet

TO BEING…THE RAY

Type of Ride:                                        Flying coaster

Seating:                                               Horizontal, face-down, four people across

Thrills:                                                 Flies through sky and over a lagoon

Height:                                                 140 feet

Maximum Drop:                                   113 feet

Top Speed:                                          56 miles per hour

Inversions:                                           4

Track Length:                                       3,359 feet

Vehicle wing span:                               12 feet

Cycle Time:                                          2 minutes, 35 seconds

Manufacturer:                                       Bolliger & Mabillard; Monthey, Switzerland

Height requirement:                             54 inches

Trains:                                                 3 per track; with 32 people on each train

Capacity:                                              Approximately 1,500 people per hour

Opening date:                                      Summer 2009