SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[dkawayI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

Thanks to everyone for all the Manta pics and updates. Heading up this weekend to check it out.

Does anyone have a feel for when the ride has been open. Is it still only open in the afternoons, or have they expanded the hours. I know they can change at any time, but just wondering what it's been like. Park is currently open from 9:00 - 7:00.

[justint87Holy crap you have a HUGE donkey!]

Does anyone have a feel for when the ride has been open. Is it still only open in the afternoons, or have they expanded the hours. I know they can change at any time, but just wondering what it's been like. Park is currently open from 9:00 - 7:00.

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.

[MiltonmxWhat's with the donkeys anyway?]

WOW!!

Awesome!!!

I can´t avoid a comparison between Manta and Tatsu. Both have an intense pretzel loop, but the landscapes are totally different.

Have anybody ridden both coasters and share a brief comparison of the experience?

Thanks!

[Six Flags EnthuseastDoesn't know how to spell "Enthusiast."]

^I haven't ridden Manta (I hope to sometime soon), but I personally didn't like Tatsu... For me, the pretzel loop was too intense, a lot bigger than Superman: Ultimate Flight. The rest of the ride was good, but I'll have to try it again soon just to make sure that it is better. Now that my neck is a little tougher.

Manta is about the same "size" as S:UF. The pretzel loop is about the same height, the layout isn't as tall, and it has midcourse brakes. Those make it seem like a better ride to me. And the themeing is top notch; Sea World/Bush Gardens always does a pretty good job on new rides. I'll have to ride it to see what it's like, but I think Manta will win over the other 2 flyers I've been on.

[bobbinbop20I just made a donkey in No Limits!]

I dont see whats so bad about tatsu! It looks like tatsu kicks the crap out of this thing in the actual track, but I'll have to hand it to Manta for the theming, It's incredible! They did a really nice job on Manta! I think if the pretzal loop is anywhere near as intense as Tatsu's is then thats a good thing, Iv'e also rode SUF at my home park sfgam (which is pretty much the lamest B&M ever) so after having been on Tatsu, SUF is pretty much not worth the horrible wait because its so hyped up by the GP at sfgam, they like that thing more then raging bull! hopefully I'll be able to check out Manta soon

[Fallen HereticDonkeys are my way of life!]

Ive just been sent one of those email ride pic things from my lady. She looks like she is enjoying it. Her friend not so much (Manta is her first ever coaster ride). Havent spoken to her yet so I dont know what she thinks of it. Given the expression on her face though, I think she loves it.

Im so jealous.

[CoryPa77Full Fledged Donkey Enthusiast!]

I've been on both Tatsu and Manta. I wrote about it more a few pages back. I think both pretzels are close to the same intensity, but Manta just seems to be more flowing and smooth to me than Tatsu. I liked Tatsu, but I like Manta better. The public seems to *love* Manta. I've heard a number of people at the park mention how much they enjoyed it. The number of people just standing around taking pictures would make you think you're at some ACE convention, minus all the dorkiness obviously!

[KrakenKingFrutilicious!]

BUT! Will the aquariums be too distracting and hold up the line? ie...people will be watching the rays, not the line. I don't think it will be a big deal, but just something that popped into my head.

It does tend to get the queue held back, especially in the large ray tank area of the queue. But it only takes them about a minute to realize that the line has moved, so it's not too bad.

[crazydavehI know more about donkeys than women!]

BUT! Will the aquariums be too distracting and hold up the line? ie...people will be watching the rays, not the line. I don't think it will be a big deal, but just something that popped into my head.

It does tend to get the queue held back, especially in the large ray tank area of the queue. But it only takes them about a minute to realize that the line has moved, so it's not too bad.

And from where the aquarium windows are located to where you split to go up to each loading platform, you won't be held too much longer if someone does hang out and watch the sealife. I'd say if they stood there for five minutes and let the line go, they would still catch up before the loading platform, so it shouldn't be too big of an issue.

Even if this does happen, think of it as more time in the air conditioned building!

[rawrtothearghI wrote the book about donkeys!]

^Have they been using both sides of the station? I've only seen both sides working maybe twice or so. But I usually don't go on busy days.