justint87

Today they opened Manta around 9:30AM so there could be a possibility that Manta may be moving to an earlier opening schedule (hours wise) and longer hours of operation. As for the station, today around 5, they ran two trains on both stations and line was about a 25 minutes wait at that time. The line extended to the main stingray tank window. Earlier in the day it was probably a walk-on as they ran three trains and there was only an 5 minutes wait. Today I got an ride in the back roll and it was fun, the intensity didn't feel as bad as on Wednesday when I went on row 3 and 7. Felt really smooth today from the back row.

During the official soft preview stage, Manta has been opening at noon and staying open until the park close. This will continue until the 10th I believe, no words of the hours after the 10th. However, even though they been opening at noon, ride is still subject to closure at anytime. When I went on Wednesday, my friend ask the employee in front of Manta around 11 when the ride would open and she said "sometime between 12 and 3." However, I felt it would open at 12 anyways so we lined up at 11:30 and they started letting guests into the queue at 11:45. Waited no more than 15 minutes and we were off. As far as I know, it was opened the rest of the day with no delay.

"Wow" is the best I can describe Manta. I finally got to ride this today and let me tell you, it has by far exceeded by expectations. First of all, this is my first ever flying coaster so I have nothing to compare it to but after hearing everything from flyers being too slow, not exciting, to not intense except only for the pretzel loop, I didn't know how Manta would hold up. Manta has exceeded all of my expectations and then some. The pacing of this ride is amazing and this ride has some pretty intense moments. Personally, I have never felt such intensity on any coaster I rode before. The strongest was of course during the pretzel loop, I was like telling myself during the pretzel loop, "when will it end!" I got the chance to ride in row 3 the first time, after getting off I couldn't imagine how much more intense it could get as it was pretty strong. Later I rode row 7 and yeah, it was pretty intense. Getting wet wise, the first time I rode on the right hand side and my leg got wet from the splash. Second time I rode on the left and got a little splash from the waterfall. Overall, one of the most enjoyable coaster experience I had. This ride is fun and we were all smiling and laughing at the end. Be prepare though, it can be intense in some parts and I saw some people who didn't look too good when the coaster return to the station. Conclusion: A must ride. To me, enjoyable and thrilling and the views from the coaster and themeing are amazing.

That is exactly what they mean. SeaWorld says that this is the only coaster like this in the world referring to combining a roller coaster attraction with animal interaction and a story seamlessly. There is basically a whole story that begins right when you walk into the line. Going from being with the rays (seeing) and then becoming a ray (being). Want to understand the storyline and see the queue? Brian Morrow gives us an inside look with a tour of the queue while explaining the "story." Great footage! A must see in my opinion. www.wesh.com/video/19377568/index.html

^ I agree. Yesterday when I was there the splash effect was timed perfectly with the trains. Looking at these pictures, it seem as if the water came up a little early.

Don't know if anyone notice but doesn't the pictures and videos of the water splash effect look bigger than the first day? I think it does which could explain getting wet in the middle of the train. I remember reading somewhere a while back that SeaWorld can control the size and overall look of the splash and that could be what they are doing; trying to see what looks best considering it is still in the "testing" stage. Could you imagine if they turn that thing up to create a HUGE splash.

^ Even though it doesn't actually skim the water, it really does look like it does, especially if you stand right in front of the splash. This video didn't have that angle but it is a sight to see. I remember when I was there that day, I spent a good portion of it watching it do the water splash maneuver because it was just so cool looking. I also agree with Jhcbiinoc, there may be a trend moving in about going with proven designs and just adding themes or something to bring it up a notch. Manta is a great example and the themeing on it is simply off the charts. I really felt at times that I was at some tropical oasis. Once the aquarium opens, this dual attraction (ride and exhibit) will be a must-see for both riders and non-riders. SeaWorld built a winner for themselves, an attraction that everyone can enjoy.

Found a video on YouTube of Manta making it runs during soft opening on Saturday. Video is very well edited and for those who are curious, you could see how the splash looks like in action.

If you really want to see a lot of pictures of Manta including some queue line shots and rays in the aquarium, check out this site... 210 pictures over six pages from today (May 2) soft opening. pointpics.com/categories.php?cat_id=524&page=1

Great pictures, however, let me tell you, pictures don't do justice. The place looks MUCH better in person. I was there today and there was already a huge line before it even opened. Later in the day, the line got much shorter. The atmosphere around the entire attraction is so great. It just looks so beautiful there, it can be enjoyed even if you don't get on it. SeaWorld did a great job. All day I watch guests stared and was in awe over this new attraction. The water splash was not big but it really looks cool in person watching the train go by and the splash come up. Trains were dispatched fast, with a train leaving the station going up the lift immediately after a train hit the MCBR, sometimes even faster. I probably won't get my first ride until later this week and I'm really already so excited about this ride and I only just walked around it.

^ That is great news! A quick look at www.ridetheflyingray.com will confirm the news report because the countdown to opening day has been changed to counting down to May 5, 2009.

There will be eight species of rays. Along with them there would be sea dragons, seahorses, and a lot of fishes such as angelfish and clownfish. What I notice that wasn't mention before is that there will be an Giant Pacific Octopus in the exhibit. Pretty cool if you ask me. A lot of info on the aquarium, animals and the ride itself can be found here: www.ridetheflyingray.com/manta/_assets/pdf/up-close-with-manta.pdf

^ Thanks for the link! Its great to see behind the scenes pictures of the details being put into the aquarium and attraction. My favorite picture is the fever of rays, its looks so cool.

Wow, I never knew wait line could get so long. It could get that long if everyone goes on the 22nd and not to mention that weekend is the start of the busy period too. Good thing that during the soft opening period, its during a slow time so lines shouldn't be too bad.

Just a little quick update from the Orlando Sentinel to see how Manta is going along. Good to hear it is ahead of schedule. The article is actually about how Universal parent company, GE, may be interested in Busch Entertainment. Link: www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-biztourism27042709apr27,0,6560597.story

Thanks for all the great pictures. Its too bad the date had to be push back some. Hopefully construction on the lift will begin soon and we can start to see some testing. We could look at the bright side, maybe it was delayed to make sure everything is perfect before opening and we have Manta to hold us over until this ride opens.

Oh good, I wasn't the only one. When I went on Alpengeist, I too thought it had some spots that were a little rough. I only been on it twice and what seem to always stand out when I think back about the ride is the rough part on the cobra roll. There was another part too but can't remember, maybe the transition into the MCBR as said before. Don't have much to compare to though as the only other B&M inverts I been on are Montu and the Dueling Dragons. However, this is still a top five coaster on my list.

^ I agree. You got to admit, those trains actually turned out looking really good. Of course, just my opinion though. Sign also looks great, this will be one of the most theme coaster I have seen. SeaWorld has done a great job with this ride.

SeaWorld has updated their Manta website. There is an countdown to opening day as well as some activities (contest) you can do to win yourself a "Manta photo" or a "front of the line pass." Do two activities to win a Manta photo which is an electronic photo of your ride experience while if you do six of the activities, you could get an front of the line pass. www.ridetheflyingray.com

^ Yeah that was part of the theme. This section where the train pass in front of the waterfall is the first section of the queue (right when you first enter). I remember from one of the interview that they said the idea was to project an mysterious creature from behind the waterfall as you enter the ride queue. Its all part of the theme of going from "seeing to being."

Johnnyupsidedown posted another great update. Pictures include shots of the lockers and signs that shows the row number when your boarding I assume. Personally, its amazing how you could barely see the rock/waterfall entrance from Sky Tower anymore because of the trees. Going to be a great canopy from down there. www.johnnyupsidedown.com/manta0.html Previews:

What I'm thinking is that when the ocean is filled with water, the area painted dark blue is to give the illusion that this part will be deep water while the other area without the dark blue paint would be shallow water. As for the sand, I believe their will be a mixture. Some area will have real sand while others would have moldings that look like sand. I don't think they would just leave it as painted concrete ground. Just like you said, its looking amazing yet their is still more to come. Can't wait to see the queue and aquarium as well.

Once again, great pictures. Yeah, the half purple ray is for the sign at the entrance of the ride. With the trees coming in, its already starting to have that jungle/rain forest look. I really can't wait to experience this new environment they are making.

Great pictures! From looking at them, looks like a lot of progress has been done and overall, it seems to be moving along. Hopefully more lift construction soon.

Yeah, that picture was from an March 16th update. There was an update today (April 20th) as well but if you read the update, he said: If you look at those pictures, the date on it says April 20th or "2009_0420_Rockit2" Here is that picture if you all are interested: *From screamscape.com