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SeaWorld San Diego announces Manta roller coaster for 2012

by Joel Bullock (RSS feed) on Feb 18th 2011 at 3:00PM

SeaWorld San Diego recently announced plans for a new roller coaster set to open in 2012. The new highly-themed attraction will be called Manta and it will incorporate a marine-life exhibit. The ride will start with a tunnel boasting huge high-tech projection screens. The screens will project larger than life images of rays aimed at enhancing the ride's opening launch that will send the manta-themed trains rocketing down the track.

Unlike, the high-flying Manta at SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego's Manta will be a launch coaster that will stay close to and below the ground. It will have a modest height of 30 feet, a longest drop of 54 feet (as it drops below the ground), and a relatively gentle top speed of 46 mph via a magnetic launch system.

Some roller coaster fans are dissapointed in the new coaster's less than extreme stats. While this Manta coaster could be categorized as a family roller coaster, fans have to remember not every new attraction is going to thrill your pants off. Given that the park was limited by the area's extremely low height restrictions and SeaWorld Park's track record of highly themed and immersive roller coasters, Manta looks to be a solid addition. Below is an animated video of Manta without the ride's theming and marine-life exhibit.

Filed under: North America, Theme Parks

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Rooftop Voter Feb 19th 2011 6:47AM

Sounds fairly tame. I like the rides that rip your eyes out and leave your lunch at the starting gate. Now THAT'S a ride.

Rob Feb 19th 2011 7:10AM

I like the one in Orlando alot better. You're hanging parallel to the ground the whole time.

Al Schrader Feb 19th 2011 7:59PM

This is a much better path for Sea World to pursue than the Killer Whales which have killed three people already. The Killer Whales need to be set free. We had them for awhile. We learned a lot. They are very intelligent. They don't need us to survive. It's time to let them go free. Ask Phillipe Coustea, he will tell you the same thing....Alfred-

txboobie1973 Feb 19th 2011 8:14AM

I can think of far better ways to spend your money Sea World than this....

Bill Robinson Feb 19th 2011 8:46AM

OMG I have loved roller coasters all my life but because of massive headaches after the rides I had to stop but this coaster looks OK to ride because it's more like a kiddy coaster that doesn't have all the upside down and crazy turns with the best one of the world! So with SeaWorld San Diego recently announced plans for a new roller coaster set to open in 2012. "I'd ride it"!!! Plus it would be my all time great excuse to get back to California!!

cheyennehartman Feb 19th 2011 7:00PM

Wow WORST roller coaster EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jason Feb 20th 2011 9:24AM

In other news Sea World will also be serving vanilla ice cream.

Louis Feb 19th 2011 6:26PM

I miss the days when Sea World was more about learning about the wonders of the seas and its inhabitants. I remember visiting Sea World, FL and having a relaxing time seeing the shows and viewing and learning about the wildlife. Now it has turned into more of an amusement park just trying to grab a share away from Disney.