SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

Everytime I see the splash down section of track I can't help but wonder how it is going to feel. I can imagine pretty good, like the turn over the fountain on Tatsu.

SeaWorld has updated their Manta website.

There is an countdown to opening day as well as some activities (contest) you can do to win yourself a "Manta photo" or a "front of the line pass." Do two activities to win a Manta photo which is an electronic photo of your ride experience while if you do six of the activities, you could get an front of the line pass.

www.ridetheflyingray.com

I found this artical about manta having a soft-opening the first week of may

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/04/manta-seaworld-orlando-soft-opening.html

Everytime I see the splash down section of track I can't help but wonder how it is going to feel. I can imagine pretty good, like the turn over the fountain on Tatsu.

I don't think that turn can be topped, specially when riding at night, man, I rode 5 times in a row and every time I felt like I was going to simply fly off the train into the guests below.

If only Six Flags could learn to use theming. I'm sooo sick of Batman this, Superman that.

 

To each his/her own, but I'd take Scream at SFMM over a Disney coaster any day. Hell, they could name a coaster Pooperscooper: The Ride, and I wouldn't care less as long as it's a good ride.

Ugh, I was more referring to Busch/Universal parks, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park; well, basically Theme Parks as as apposed to Amusement Parks.

I'll take Kraken (yes, I don't have the credit, btw) over Scream/Dominator. Montu over Batman: The Ride. Big Bad Wolf over Top Gun. Expedition Everest over any other Vekoma. Theming just adds more depth. Sure, I'll take Parking Lot: The Ride over Space Mountain, etc. But why settle for that? If a park is going to spend millions on an amazing coaster, why shouldn't they give it theming to match? It can only make it better.

I'll ask you this, which would you rather. Scream: The Parking Lot Coaster, or the same B&M coaster, but with theming as good as "Nemesis"...

I don't think that turn can be topped, specially when riding at night, man, I rode 5 times in a row and every time I felt like I was going to simply fly off the train into the guests below.

Believe it or not, that turn as well as the egg turn are my favorite parts of the ride. Don't get me wrong the pretzel loop is fun and all. Its just that after a while I am kind of like eh.

The downward drop after the flat spin on Manta seems like it should also have that outward force as well. I love that feeling

Manta sign looks sexy:

A little bit of fun with Photoshop:

Personally, I like it better than what was in the concept art.

Manta has indeed taken in its first victims. Today was what seemed to be an employee day and they were running the ride continuously.

Through the trees

NERDS!

The entrance

That sign looks so really good. I can't wait to get on and ride

The ride looks like a lot of fun.

Manta looks great, but surprisingly empty. And the new sign looks beautiful on the rock formation.

I'm jealous of Orlando right now.

The sign looks pretty...

Lcuky Employees...

OMG, those are the most beautiful trains ever!

^ I agree. You got to admit, those trains actually turned out looking really good. Of course, just my opinion though.

Sign also looks great, this will be one of the most theme coaster I have seen. SeaWorld has done a great job with this ride.

That sign is awesome!!!

Sea World is doing such a great job with this ride. I can't wait to finally see it all in person and see now the ride rides.

Gods I still hate those trains, and while it looks a little better with all the little Rays painted as well, it's still ugly as sin.

^ I have to agree that the decals are a little over the top with color. But at the same time I wouldn't say that they are ugly. Maybe in person they look different.

Quick, somebody come up with an excuse for me to make to trip to Orlando.

Personally, I think the trains look really cool. The theming looks awesome too - it would be fun just waiting in line for this ride, let alone riding it!

I actually really like the trains on this ride. Looks like this is going to be a great ride!

You guys are nuts that think the trains are ugly.

They are beautiful! I think the decals/paint on the manta's are supposed to make it look like they are under water, which to me, looks exactly like they are under water with a glare from the top of the water.

I can't wait to get down there and ride this thing and check it all out in person.

Manta looks so Sexy!!!

I think the trains are great!

As for the sign though, I feel as if it's too plain, especially when you compare it to the train details and other manta concept art.

MY roommate just got back from SeaWorld and said that employees were ridding manta today.

I don't care what the trains look like as long as they don't hurt down below like S:UF at GADV

MY roommate just got back from SeaWorld and said that employees were ridding manta today.

they've been riding for the past week or so. hopefully we'll see lucky visitors on it for a soft opening...