justint87

LOL at the article. So basically Disney considers everyone as a kid. Anyways, to stay on topic, hopefully that 22nd date comes true. Really looking forward to this ride. I hope sometime later this summer I will get a chance to try it out myself.

I agree with everyone here about the cameraman. I remember the first time I watched it, I was surprised at how after he was told no cameras were allowed, he kept filming. Then when he was told to leave because he continued to film, he just left very nonchalantly.

In no way am I saying there is no risk involved. You knowingly assume all risk when trying to help someone. However, same goes for a car accident. Knowing that a car hit another car and people witness it, people are going to check to make sure the occupants are alright. It was a similar situation here. You have to survey your surrounding and from the look of the video, the guests could tell (only from the exterior) that it was a train that hit another and there could be someone injured in there. They just wanted to help. Now I'm not saying that what they did was right or wrong. This is just from my observations of the situation.

^ My thoughts exactly. Its great to finally see an actual person testing the ride. This could mean it is getting closer to an soft opening and we can all finally get a ride on this thing.

Concerning the liability thing with the guests helping. I don't see a problem with that because for all they know, the driver could have been seriously injured and needed help immediately. Its easy to say things now knowing that the driver was killed but at that moment in time, you act on instincts. If the driver wasn't killed on impact (assuming he did) and a video showed up showing cast members telling guests to get away who were trying to help the driver get out and the driver later died because he wasn't rescued on time, think about how bad that would look.

LOL.. I didn't get it at first and was trying to figure out what was so funny. Then I finally notice it... hahaha. That is some funny stuff... locker

Don't know if anyone notice it or not but in the video, the trains are in the station while the one picture from the other link has the trains outside the station. Did the crash occur inside the station or outside along the track. I'm just wondering why the trains may have been moved. Do you think its a possibly that after the crash, the trains were somehow moved into the station to allow the guests to get out? Of course we'll find out the full details after the full investigation.

A good read was posted by the Orlando Sentinel about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter today. Nothing really too new, a little info about some of the theme, shops, robocoaster, and the re-themed coasters. I posted a good section of the article here: www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-universal-harry-potter-070509,0,3515110.story

Those LED lights on the train looks great! They are very bright and would probably be attractive to look at. I thought it was funny how it even looks like it has headlights! Now you can see where your going at night in front row.

I couldn't find another topic about it using the search so I apologize if its posted somewhere else. Information have been coming up all over the web about it. Of course this could just be a children coaster but you never know. Go to the Tampa government permit website and type in project number 336758 and a permit comes up with this description: "SITE:CONST 4 BLDGS,ROLLER COASTER,SITE DEMO" https://www.tampagov.net/webapps/default.aspx?page_id=10

Thank you for the video King_K! Its great to finally see actual footage of the train running on the track, even though it wasn't a complete circuit. Of course, still in the early testing stage. Imagine if that was the actual lift speed!

Wasn't the reason that SWSD isn't getting large attractions was because of restrictions put in place by the local city officials. Such as height restrictions and the such. I remember hearing they had a pretty hard time just trying to get a permit to build Journey to Atlantis. Something about the location of the park as the reason for all these restrictions which would explain the lack of large coasters. If someone could confirm this, it would be great.

That was Brian Morrow, he is the Director of Design and Engineering at SeaWorld Orlando. Hmm, that is weird because I can't really think of any coaster in Orlando that is so interactive with both riders and nonriders in addition to the amount of distractions SWO has given during the line on top of things such as the "splashdown". I would have to disagree with you on that one. The only coaster in Orlando that I think could be compared to Manta may be Expedition Everest. Both have a strong theme throughout the ride and queue which are unique in their own ways. Manta with it underwater theme for queue to diving, swooping, and flying like a manta ray for the ride while Everest with its Himalayas theme for the queue and a runaway train down Mount Everest to escape a Yeti for the ride. As for non-riders, Manta is great to look at and has an aquarium while the same goes for Expedition Everest minus an exhibit. But the area is really well theme. I guess Dueling Dragons could be thrown in for their queue but that would be just about it. No non-riders experience and not much to see (except the two big dragons) even before construction for Harry Potter. In the end, I think there both too unique to say which one is better. My opinion though.

Just to be correct, there are no manta rays at Discovery Cove nor at Manta's aquarium. There are only different species of stingrays. Very common mistake I might add, seen a few times on this board. Manta rays are too big for the aquarium at Manta.

How do we know that? For all we know, a manta doing a pretzel loop could feel all the G-forces we feel.

Great pictures. Too bad this whole week hasn't been the most beautiful of days. Quick question though, where exactly is that new construction wall?

I guess I wasn't the only one. I heard about people talking about feeling airtime on a flyer but because I never been on one before I didn't really knew what it would be like or if it would be similar to any other type of coaster. First time on Manta, got a big pop of airtime entering the top of the pretzel loop after the initial drop, was I surprise.

Yeah you do get a little wet sitting towards the back, I sat on the right side on row 3 and from my knee down, it was wet (not soak). The waterfall could sprinkle a few splashes at you as well. As for the G-force on the pretzel loop, I don't know that but from what I felt, it was fairly intense. Whole experience wise, I think it was awesome. Today I was able to walk through the aquarium and it was amazing. Just like the ride the first time, it exceeded my expectations. The aquarium was much larger than I thought and had so much to see. Themeing was amazing as well, just like the queue.

I have read every post on this thread and everyone makes valid points in my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I think its great that we can see view points from both side. As for my opinion on this unfortunate situation, I will hold it until a full investigation has been done.

I was at DCA on Wednesday, here are just a few pictures of the construction area for the World of Color. Mickey's Fun Wheel is looking good. Paradise Pier with the construction for World of Color.

I personally have always worn my glasses on all the coasters I have ridden and never had any problem with them coming off. Only on Manta did I not wear my glasses because of the position I would be in. You could take a look at the coasters I have ridden by clicking on my counter below. To me, those are fine with glasses. Then again, I have no problem on SheiKra but the guy in the video did.

Great pictures! With landscaping starting, this ride should be reaching its conclusion soon and hopefully we see testing some time in the not too distance future.

^ Good find. Now we know for sure why they couldn't have the coaster actually touch the water to create the splash.

I agree with you 100%. It has excellent pacing and it might not be a record breaker but it is one great and fun attraction. B&M and SeaWorld did a great job.

^Great find.. now we have a time frame. I wonder why they would be at SeaWorld to celebrate the grand opening of Manta two days before the actual grand opening date. That is why I feel a little bit skeptical of July 3rd as the actual grand opening. However, I'm sure it would already been open for soft previews.