Manta (SeaWorld San Diego)
| Company type | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement park ride |
| Founded | May 26, 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
| Parent | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment |
Manta is a steel launched roller coaster located at SeaWorld in San Diego, California. Crafted by MACK Rides, it debuted on May 26, 2012, employing the same launch technology as Blue Fire at Europa Park.
History
Speculation about a new coaster at SeaWorld San Diego first surfaced in October 2007, with an anticipated launch in 2010; however, these plans were abandoned in 2008. By January 2011, construction permits disclosed a $10 million project themed around manta rays, set for a 2012 debut. SeaWorld made the official announcement of Manta, a Mack launched coaster, in February 2011.
Towards the end of 2018, SeaWorld unveiled Merry Manta, a holiday-themed seasonal overlay that includes festive music, dynamic lighting with three distinct show sequences, and decorative elements to enrich the guest experience.
Ride
Manta incorporates two launch segments, accelerating to speeds up to , and offers a ride duration of approximately two minutes. The coaster reaches a height of , featuring a drop that extends into an underground portion. Restrictions imposed by the California Coastal Commission limited the maximum height of the structure.
Trains
The attraction runs four trains designed to resemble manta rays. Each train consists of five cars with seating for 20 passengers arranged in two rows of two per car; the rear row is positioned slightly higher for improved visibility.
Media
At the initial launch, riders encounter a 270-degree immersive media projection synchronized with the coaster’s motion, showcasing coral reef imagery created by Falcon's Treehouse. During Electric Ocean events held after 7 PM, the ride transforms into Manta re-charged, featuring vibrant light displays and a soundtrack adapted from the Mako coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.
Animal exhibit
The attraction integrates the former Forbidden Reef aquarium exhibit, which contains 65 Bat rays, 10 Shovelnose guitarfish, 2 White sturgeons, and more than 400 additional fish species. An interactive touch pool is also part of this marine life display.
See also
External links
- Concept pictures and information at NewsPlusNotes
- Manta Official Site on SeaWorld Parks at SeaWorldparks.com