SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

There is a new update over at RCPro.

Looks like the train may be too heavy, but it is a nice feature!

Well from the looks of it, it has urathane wheels, so the extra weight [if any] should balance out.

Or, you know, it could have been designed with the heavier trains in mind. Maybe that's just me though.

The trains look really nice and it'll be great to actually see this all in person hopefully later this year.

Yeah, I approve of the train. I like how they've managed to theme it while keeping the smooth B&M look to it!

I think I like this new Manta train. The front does look slightly awkward, but I am sure it works well. It looks like the SFGA Superman trains pretty much. The only thing I will wonder is - how on earth will they keep that white, well - white!?

^ Maybe it wont look so weird once the seats are raised up to the flying position? Just a thought...

Chris.

The only thing I will wonder is - how on earth will they keep that white, well - white!?

I'm sure BEC has enough experience with Alpengeist that it won't be a problem.

The thing I think is really unique about this coaster is how it seems very calming.

Usually, coasters (espeically with an animal icon such as Manta) try to make it seem as menacing and frightful as possible.

But Seaworld Orlando is making this coaster seem like a calming fly over the ocean with stingray friends.

Pretty cool if you ask me.

You know what the best part about rolling the clocks forward is this year? It is ONE WHOLE HOUR I do not have to wait to see Manta begin testing? Can you say "best daylight savings ever"?

Jordan "making the best of a bad situation" Darrington

^Wow! Also means one hour less time for Terminator! YAY!!!!

Patrick "Toatally agreed" Carnahan

Wasnt manta supposed to test run today?

I assume somebody was recording video for all of us?

An update has been posted at Johnny Upsidedown.

http://www.johnnyupsidedown.com/manta0.html

Today I visited the park in hopes that the rumors about a 3:00 pm test run would be true. While it seems that the Manta team was trying to get things running today (and that is based on observation alone), work was still being done on the pre-lift hydraulics as well, among other things.

I hope to see Manta doing test runs by the time I return...

An overview of the "splashdown" area.

Another entrance to the aquarium is being wrapped by rockwork.

Or another?

And what would my Manta report be without a "sun shot?"

But here is the real "money shot!"

This is another one of those photos that I am proud of.

The station was unfortunately empty, giving me enough reason to believe that the test run would not happen during my visit.

A look towards the park entrance from the Manta construction site.

Another building is receiving its red coat of paint.

The cherrypicker men checking the lift...

This side of the area has received its main walkway, and once the "ocean" is filled on the entrance side, we will see one there as well.

Can anyone tell what is inside of this doorway?

From the "Pizza" quick service location, I was able to see this side of the station. I, along with two workers watched for fifteen minutes as one of the construction managers surveyed the area. They were told that the tests were supposed to happen today as well.

These two guys were riding around on a cherrypicker checking several parts of the lift and of the surrounding area.

I really am getting used to seeing this at my home park.

Today, technicians were working on the hydraulics responsible for moving the station switchtrack back and forth. I saw the system work twice during my two-hour visit.

Another shot I can never get enough of!

*Imagines people screaming "whee!"*

It would have been the perfect day for a test run...

Another shot of the rising entrance.

The station's cracked look has started to appear as paint is applied.

Even more water.

Here is one of the two reach envelopes on the track, near the entrance fly-by.

The entrance continues to have its rockwork built up as the adjacent pond is built.

Is that water I see?

For some reason, I really liked this photo.

The construction site for the Manta area is still highly active.

Much like Balder on the UK Tour 2006, Manta is sponsored by hammers and nails!

Memorial Day, here we come!

I don't think I've posted a shot like this yet...

The anticipation is killing me!!!! Maybe it ran during the times you weren't there? There is reason to believe if management was talking about it!

A couple things though...

-The concrete pour towards the pretzel loop and the flat spin is going to be huge!! Thats quite the area they have ready to go.

-At this point, I am very indifferent to the colors they are painting the building. When all said and done I'm sure they will look nice, but at this point, the soft pinks, greens and blues seems a little awkward.

-The "ocean" area seems smaller than I imagined. I mean hopefully they lay more black tarp down but in comparison to the concept art, the current ocean seems rather small.

Anyways, thanks so much for the update!!! It was fantastic.

There weren't any test runs at all today. The reach envelopes are still on the track, that should be a dead giveaway that test runs haven't occurred yet... But I can't wait until they do!

Look good and i can't wait when i'll come to Sea World Orlando on this summer and look forward to get on ride the Manta.

That reach envelope by the entrance flyby looks REALLY close to the building! Should be a surprise while riding.

Chris.

Awesome pics Adam! I'm looking forward to seeing your testing pics. Are you going opening day?

^^^^^The prep for the construction pour (the giant area that will eventually be "The Ocean") is certainly a major part of the remaining work. Besides that, there is still a good portion of rockwork left to complete, along with detailing of the station and queue areas.

^^I agree that it will definitely be an exciting element of the ride. When imagining what the ride will be like (based on what we see now) it is still a bit difficult, considering that my only experience with a similar coaster is with the two Superman: Ultimate Flights at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags over Georgia. I can't help but anticipate the experience knowing that there will be more to see (and nearly skim) than a field of grass.

^I'm still not sure if I'll be there on opening day. It will all depend on what is going on at that time and where I am at that time of the month.

Great pictures! Testing shouldn't be too long now. I don't know if this means anything but on Saturday, I saw the train (just the zero car actually) at the bottom of the lift. Just like today they were checking the switch track and all, they must have been making sure the sensors and stuff worked on the train and track on Saturday.

Aww....... for the money shot, you should've waited for the Sky Tower to get to the top!

Nice report! I hope I can see the train in action soon!

Great pics. Can't wait until they start testing!

Man i can't wait to get on that when i go there in may. It will bee a lot of fun and i could post some pics up while im down there.

Man! I really wish all the rumors of testing were true. I wanna see it going!

I don't think this has been posted yet... so here's an update, Orlando Sentinel posted article from March 4th: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-bk-manta-roller-coaster-seaworld-on-track,0,4731496.story

And some photos showing off the coaster trains, 18-20 has some nice shots of the coaster train itself, with the very large "Manta" in the front car. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-manta-roller-coast-seaworld-orlando-photos,0,3267909.photogallery

-Justin