SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[robbalvey]

^ I actually think that once HHN is over, that ride will start going up much faster. You gotta remember that a lot of the area clearing and prep takes much longer than the steel erection (heh). And right now they have a major event going on right in the area that they need to build on.

 

I mean, Tatsu for example they spent about 4 months preping the area and the ride went up in about 6 weeks.

 

--Robb

[FullMetal]

They put a Christmas tree on top of the Voyage when it was built in '06.

 

But what I don't understand is that they say the tree goes on the tallest part of the coaster. But the picture clearly shows that they missed that point by about 5-10 feet. Why'd they put it so far back?

[Not For Sale]

Construction update!

And here's a shot of them installing it. They're going really quick, these pictures within 5 minutes of each other.

They were putting in something. I think it's to help evacuate.

I'm Coaster paparazzi.

The drop isn't very steep.

[Kennyweird]

BOO! The first drop looks like it's weak sauce!

 

Oh well, at least it will have something in common with Kraken.

 

Hopefully the rest of the layout will make up for the first drop.

[robbalvey]

^ See, and I think Kraken has one of the best B&M first drops!

[WFChris]

I dont think a steep drop is really necessary on flyers... You are already basically head over heels so it FEELS steep wen your on it

 

Chris.

[thrillgeek]

^I've never been on a flyer myself but I agree. I can't wait to see what this ride will look like!

[TheRapidsNerd]

Hey, that's great the the lift and 1st drop are almost done! And I learned something new today too about the evergreen tradition. Very cool.

[rct2wizard360]

It looks like a 180 degree turn for the drop.

So it's already better than SUF!

[spacemtfan]

An evergreen to top off a roller coaster? That's something never seen before.

 

Manta looks really nice! It's too bad San Diego won't be getting one! This looks like a cool ride. And since it has double stations, you know it's going to be a high-capacity machine.

 

Great pictures Robb! Keep them coming!

[CHILLERLC1]

You guys haven't seen the evergreen tradition before? I guess it's more prominent in the Northeast. I've seen it quite a bit. I think Target though has a problem with that on their new store construction sites. I think it's a Norwegian tradition.

[justint87]

I too believe that a drop does not have to be steep to be thrilling. It was expected that it wasn't going to be steep as comparing it to others flyers, none are that steep. In addition, you have to add in the fact the position your already in.

 

About the evergreen tree tradition, I never knew about it until today so I learned something new. Cool!

[BrownStreak]

Granted a lot of things change between conception and reality...but I thought I remembered reading that the track was going to "fly" directly over a "ray" tank before mounting the lift- but you can clearly see the station leading right onto the lift:(

[Not For Sale]

Here's the construction update from yesterday that were lost in the crash.

And here's an overview. Thanks for reading!

The first drop is done. It's close to the ground as of now, but we'll see how that turns out once construction is over.

Roof-a-plenty at 5:00.

Roofless at 3:30.

And here you can see construction if the construction was looking in a mirror.

Here you can clearly see construction.

I forgot the caption I used for this one last time.

It's starting to look like a real coaster!

I see you, maintenance shed!

The cranes of Manta. Look for the sexy swimsuit calendar of them soon.

[TheRapidsNerd]

Too cool and thanks for all the updates you guys, especially so we can "clearly see the construction". (great caption Bryan)

[xXxChiiElricxXx]

Sha-weet! What kind of coaster is it gunna be? Inverted or Inverted Swing?

[TheRapidsNerd]

^Gonna be a custom B&M Flyer with water sprays like Griffon. Yep, good stuff on the way.

[justint87]

I thought I just share with you all how the area where Manta is being built and the pathways that are currently closed are presented on the park's guide map.

 

This seems to be the first week where they actually advertised Manta on the park map; it was never there before this week.

Park map with Manta construction area and closed pathways.

[Jumboshrmp]

I thought I just share with you all how the area where Manta is being built and the pathways that are currently closed are presented on the park's guide map.

 

This seems to be the first week where they actually advertised Manta on the park map; it was never there before this week.

 

My school definitely picked the wrong week to have the Sea World trip.

 

I was there just last saturday. I can't believe how much has changed in ONE week!

[Al505]

Looking good the new manta coaster.

[xXxChiiElricxXx]

I thought I just share with you all how the area where Manta is being built and the pathways that are currently closed are presented on the park's guide map.

 

This seems to be the first week where they actually advertised Manta on the park map; it was never there before this week.

Wow! Now i have to go ride the Manta! Thanks!

[Jcoaster]

I can't wait to see the rest of the layout.

[tunnel lover#1]

I can't wait to ride it.

[Guy T. Koepp]

I thought somewhere they mentioned a dark ride portion to this coaster. I would have expected it to be before the lift. Perhaps somewhere at the end. Only time will tell.

[CloneCaptain38]

This looks like a really cool coaster, and hopefully sometime I'll visit Sea World, Florida, since I have never been there. It looks like it's shaping up to be a really fun place to spend a weekend.

 

I was looking over at the Sea World, Orlando park map, and I am trying to figure out where exactly they're building this coaster, Manta. I did see the small portion map posted on the previous page, but here is the actual map. Is it near that stadium in the map I am looking at, in the center where all those paths are?

 

Click Here for the map I am looking at. First, I thought they were building it on that lake, and drained all that water, because in one construction photo, I saw that waterride in the background. I am not familiar with Sea World, Florida.

 

I do hope that the park I live by, which is Six Flags Magic Mountain, can someday build a coaster like Manta, with actual themed coaster trains. They can always use the name 'Mantis', which is a name I gave one of my coasters using Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, or something else.

 

Just by looking at all the concept art, this is truly a first of a kind coaster, well-themed, and an amazing layout. It's gonna look awesome when it's complete in the summer of next year. I am gonna keep my eye in this thread until next summer to see and read all the updates and posts.

 

Later

 

Tim