SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[themeparkman25]

Trying together a couple of discussions/ideas here, I wonder if the MCBB placement might be to help control the splash from the trains...? (If, indeed, it comes from the trains.)

 

Are you talking about keeping the water of the trains/riders? I dont know if that is the case, but I definitely thought the splash was coming from the trains and not a cannon. All the pre construction pictures have it look like its coming from the riders right wing, and the latest update on johnnyupsidedown almost looks like there is a trench to allow something to glide through the water. Either way, its going to make this ride unique and a lot of fun for riders and watchers

[Guest]

that is what the MCBR is for.It is to control the splach down

in the layout it say two dips is the water

[Eric_Smith]

that is what the MCBR is for.It is to control the splach down

 

That is one of the reasons it is there. The other reason is so the ride can have more than one train. It is also called a block break.

[Guest]

then why does tatsu not have one

[Eric_Smith]

^Because B&M designed it that way.

[Guest]

All i am saying is that the MCBR is to control the splash down.

 

but that is my opinion

[Eric_Smith]

All i am saying is that the MCBR is to control the splash down.

 

but that is my opinion

 

And I agreed with you. I just stated another use for the MCBR.

[Electerik]

Well, now that we all agree....

 

I will say that I'm more excited about this than any previous flyer. I don't think there's a second water dip, though--just a close flyby.

[Guest]

I want to see how the trains look. some said that there are trains on site

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

Tatsu has the same brake section...its the set of brakes towering over Six Flags plaza. Manta has the exact same block layout of every other 3 train flyer-four blocks with the station block housing two trains simultaneously. I'm sure Manta is set up this way due to space or water effect or whatever may tickle your fancy.

[jarmor]

that is what the MCBR is for.It is to control the splach down

 

Actually one says a wing dip and one says a final dip towards the lake which is 10 ft tall. I think it will be only one water dip...

[Guest]

when will the testing begin

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

Are the trains even on-site yet?

[justint87]

Are the trains even on-site yet?

 

Rumors say that the trains have already arrived; however SeaWorld has said that the trains would arrive sometime in February.

 

So nobody really knows unless somebody here can confirm that they seen the coaster trains themself..

[delirium_guy]

Are the trains even on-site yet?

 

Rumors say that the trains have already arrived; however SeaWorld has said that the trains would arrive sometime in February.

 

So nobody really knows unless somebody here can confirm that they seen the coaster trains themself..

 

They said they would be installed in February, not arriving in February The trains are on property under wraps. Starting to hear more and more about testing in early to mid-March.

[themeparkman25]

Cant wait for this ride either, even though its a little shorter and smaller looking than say tatsu, I think the elements and the splashdown will add so much to this ride. I literally cannot wait to visit orland for this and HRRR.

[whakojacko]

that is what the MCBR is for.It is to control the splach down

 

That is one of the reasons it is there. The other reason is so the ride can have more than one train. It is also called a block break.

 

the ride doesnt seem long enough to warrant a MCBR just for adding a block. Tatsu is decently longer and doesnt have one...

[TheHulk]

Was just wondering, anyone know what piece of track was the very last to be installed?

 

But other than that, I can't wait to see the cars get going for testing.

[Speeddeamon128]

^Screamscape said testing could start in March

[bgeguy]

that is what the MCBR is for.It is to control the splach down

 

That is one of the reasons it is there. The other reason is so the ride can have more than one train. It is also called a block break.

 

the ride doesnt seem long enough to warrant a MCBR just for adding a block. Tatsu is decently longer and doesnt have one...

The brake run coming out of the final helix on Tatsu acts as the block brake.

[themeparkman25]

Was just wondering, anyone know what piece of track was the very last to be installed?

 

Yes, it was the first piece past the mcbr, the first drop piece.

If you scroll down to the December 12 update you can see them hanging the final piece.

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/manta7.html

[PointeBreak]

Wow. So going off this it truly looks like it'll be open by start of May, no?

[Rct3man777]

After seeing the pics of this coaster, I'm starting to wonder if Coaster Enthusiasts are actually starting to have a sexual coaster fetish...

[jedimaster1227]

Today I had the chance to stop by Seaworld Orlando, not only to pay my last respects to the Hospitality Center (those photos can be seen here. It had been a while since I had revisited the attraction, having not seen it since the trackwork was still being done, so seeing the completed ride was definitely a treat. Now, much of the work is being focused on the landscaping of Manta's features and the theming of the station and queue areas. Work on several smaller stands or buildings has begun as well. Even the base/frame for Manta's wing dip splash effect has been formed. There is much to be seen!

Whether just entering or leaving the parking lot, Manta makes guests aware of its presence.

Manta is sure to be an excellent addition to the already stellar thrill lineup at Seaworld Orlando... Summer 2009, here we come!

Approaching the wing dip...

Some of the station's architectural styles are becoming more visible as construction continues.

This ride's location at the center of the park makes it a prime icon for the entryway and a visually highlighted attraction from any side of the park itself.

Rockwork has begun on the Key West side of the ride's station.

Something about this twisted mass of steel is just visually appealing.

B&M-quality inversions--I'm looking forward to experiencing this!

I'm sure that Seaworld's creative team is just dying to get testing started so they can see the beauty of their creation in real life.

I love "sun shots!"

This shot makes the flat spin look extremely long.

This ride truly is massive!

Interior work on the station continues as well...

The ride's station receives some additional framework (presumably for new theming), which will likely offer an extra "fly-by" moment for the riders.

Manta is also very close to Mama's Kitchen which features "Healthy Alternatives" for meals.

Manta gracefully weaves in, out and around itself during the course of its run...

The new quick service location aptly titled "Pizza" (the former Smokehouse BBQ) will offer diners an up close view of the ride's "action section."

The station continues to receive plenty of attention as construction of the area's theming and landscaping continues.

An overview of the entire coaster from the Sky Tower.

Another new building frame has gone up, as seen here.

The train storage facility and transfer track from overhead.

Not much else has been done to the "action" part of the ride--at least not that we can see. Please note that the on-ride photo is at the bottom interior of the pretzel loop.

A new building has been framed and is awaiting roof-tiling. I would assume that this will be a place for locker rentals.

The concrete frame for the wing dip effect has been installed, likely to be revisited once the rest of the area's "ocean" is ready.

The second half of the ride is complete and awaiting landscaping.

Manta is a great addition to the park's skyline which can be seen from all angles. It is quite different to see the ride from the second loop and airtime hill on Kraken as well.

The train storage facility is complete and ready for use as the trains for Manta begin assembly for testing over the next month and a half (according to several managers with whom I spoke today).

Much work has been done since my last visit...

[CreditCrazy]

Wow, I'm glad we can really see the whole layout now. These are great pictures.

 

Manta really has an awesome layout. I love how right when you come out of the pretzel loop you go right into a turn and a twist. That'll be pretty intense. The colors look a lot better than I thought they would too.