SeaWorld San Diego (SWSD) Discussion Thread

[X2coasterfreak]

For me this ride is a total dark horse. I will forget about it for some time, then when I see how construction is coming along, I get excited. This ride is small and compact, but boy I bet it really packs a punch

[BaMiTsPaT]

I love the look of those twisties! This ride is going to be amazing, as most of Seaworld's coasters are. I wonder if this will be even better-received than Manta in Florida. I suppose only time will tell.

[DarkStitch626]

If Cheetah Hunts first little and final launches are anything said for "slower speed" launches. This ride will follow in great footsteps, er Paw pr..dang it I mean Manta ripples!

[SoCalCoasters]

Everyone who thought that this coaster is "tame" is going to be in for a surprise! I can't wait to see how the theming interaction will be when the ride is completed!

 

If Cheetah Hunts first little and final launches are anything said for "slower speed" launches. This ride will follow in great footsteps, er Paw pr..dang it I mean Manta ripples!

 

Exactly, the final launch on Cheetah Hunt is (correct me if I'm wrong) around 40 MPH and has an unholy airtime hill, which is how fast Manta's launch is. Considering these hills are smaller than CH's, it'll be interesting to see exactly how much airtime this ride ends up having.

 

I wonder if Manta will end up having the best airtime in CA? You never know...

[Bryce232]

^The chances are pretty high since apparently California has yet to learn the concept of airtime..

 

Cheetah Hunt's first launch is amazing. It catches everyone off guard and sparks some fear into the people about to ride it. I'm sure Manta won't disappoint.

[SuperShawn]

^The chances are pretty low since apparently California only kills airtime...

 

Thats better

 

This rides looking pretty fun, but most likely the trains will be the best part of it.

[robbalvey]

I wouldn't expect much airtime on this coaster, but I would expect it to be a very fun family ride, perfect for the demographic of the park.

[jedimaster1227]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150433478431855.380865.70105691854&type=1

[Kooky]

3 new pics from the loading station on their FB-Site https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150478317891855.387191.70105691854&type=1:

this track part looks like it is build to get the trains of the track for maintenance or sth. like this

[vacoaster09]

I thought they would've been finished with track/support construction by any day now. Looks like they have slowed up.

[SoCalCoasters]

It's also the holidays currently, so I suspect after the new year begins work will speed up again. Plus, those pics may be a bit out dated, they may post them on one day, but they may have taken them a week before.

[vacoaster09]

I was thinking the same thing... but these pictures look almost the exact same as those from the month prior... so they most likely are older but just getting around to being posted.

[Justice]

Guys, also remember that just because track construction has slowed, construction is still progressing. They've expanded the indoor section with more steel erected. They've also been working on the area's entrance with the bridge, and track underpass foundation. This isn't like most other projects where they are just erecting a coaster, they're reconstructing an entire area.

[FrightFest1408]

Any Manta Construction?!?!Today They posted this on their Facebook.http://www.facebook.com/#!/seaworldsandiego

Manta Monday!!

Big Big News!! We will be unveiling a major component of Manta tomorrow afternoon in the park’s entrance plaza! Here’s a visual tease!! More info coming!! Stay tuned!!

[Bryce232]

Looks like they're gonna showcase the front manta-car. It'll be a nice surprise for the people who didn't get to see it during IAAPA week, it looks incredible!

[Blue Manta]

Looks like they're gonna showcase the front manta-car. It'll be a nice surprise for the people who didn't get to see it during IAAPA week, it looks incredible!

 

Yup, they did.

[SoCalCoasters]

Few more months...

 

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/photo.php?fbid=10150524469411855&set=a.70704786854.69952.70105691854&type=1&theater

[cal1br3tto]

^Is this the first mention they've made of a late May opening? I sure like the sound of that. The more I think about this coaster, the more I think I might like it.

[empires]

I went there a week ago and saw the progress, I really don't see how this is going to be done by late May, especially with all of the rock work left to be done. Is any site covering this construction????

[PAL]

The San Diego Union Tribune published a nice update on Manta today. I'm surprised no one has posted it yet. This is the construction update:

 

Here's the latest on the construction, according to SeaWorld spokesman Dave Koontz:

 

Track: A little more than half the half-mile-long track has been installed, with the remainder to be completed by the third week of February. The highest point from ground level is 30 feet, but because the park excavated to a depth of about 24 feet in one area, the maximum drop is 54 feet. In addition, 54 of the 96 columns supporting the track have been erected.

 

Loading station: This structure, where people first get on the ride, is 65 percent complete.

 

Entry bridge: The concrete was just poured for what will be the pathway leading to the line to get on the coaster or to reach the attraction's underwater viewing area.

 

Rock structure: Starting next week, workers will begin creating the 30-foot tall structure, meant to be the iconic entry for the new attraction. It's expected to take two months.

 

Bat ray aquarium The perimeter wall for the 100,000-gallon aquarium was poured in December, and the interior walls were completed last week. The plan is to begin installing the large acrylic windows next month. It won’t be filled with water for at least another month and an half.

 

There's more, including a photo of the Manta front car previously seen at IAAPA. Find it here: www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/18/seaworld-unveils-manta-themed-coaster-car/

[jedimaster1227]

SeaWorld San Diego has posted two new videos regarding their upcoming coaster Manta, which include details on pass holder ERT on the ride, the official opening date, and of course, a status update on the construction of the ride itself.

 

[cal1br3tto]

I like the flexibility of the Manta ERT. It seems so convenient that you don't have to visit the park on a particular day, but instead, (apparently) any morning during the summer. I'm not inclined to buy a pass myself, but I'm all for the option. Personally, I'm willing to just make a credit stop if lines are crazy (attempting to re-ride if I like it enough and have ample time), maybe even skipping my old friend Journey to Atlantis if lines are long there too.

[XYZ]

The track in the 2nd video reminds me of a Euro-Fighter.

[empires]

Unfortunately it looks as though they're putting a trim brake just after the turn from the second launch, that would really suck!!!! can anyone confirm this?????

[Schotcher]

Probably just there in case, doesn't mean they're actually going to use them.