5/12: Take Flight

[Al Lutz]

Kevin takes a look at the ups of SeaWorld Orlando's new Manta coaster, and the downs of DisneyWorld's new observational balloon. Discuss it all here!

DIRECT ARTICLE LINK: MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...

[sir clinksalot]

Great stuff Kevin. I'm glad you enjoyed Manta.

I've ridden two of the "Superman's" and also Tatsu and I thought they were fun. Tatsu however really is dissapointing for me becuase it doesn't have any of those "close calls" you were talking about happening on Manta. They just built it on top of the hill, and while it gives you gret views (of what, who knows), I wish they would have done it more like this where you grip the terrain like other Magic Mountain coasters like Revolution, Gold Rusher or Ninja.

But back to Manta, it looks amazing, and we'll certainly be making a trip to SWO on our next trip to Orlando.

[whitealexander]

i really love riding on manta..

[soundtracker]

Thanks for the article, Kevin. Sorry to hear you've not had any luck with Characters In Flight yet, but stick with it - the Panoramagique balloon at Disneyland Resort Paris sometimes suffers from the same problem, but it's a worthwhile experience once you're up there!

[Barbaraann]

I have been thinking about checking out the Characters In Flight Balloon, if I visit Downtown Disney, on my up and coming trip in August. If the Balloon is operational, perhaps I will get in line. If not, I will be disappointed, but certainly not hearbroken. Perhaps a Sky Tower, would have been a better choice for that location. That would not be at the mercy of the wind, the way this balloon is.

[NeverNeverland]

Yay Elitch Gardens!

Sorry oyu had so much trouble w/the balloon... seems like such a waste of time, esp. because the wind can be so fickle!!

[KENfromOC]

Kevin - Thanks for the great report on Manta - Looks like a lot a fun! However, sometimes I have to question why Sea World feels the need to bring in thrill rides and coasters? I guess they think families can't get enough enjoyment from the shows and sea life...Just my opinion.

As for Characters in Flight, you may know that here in Orange County at the former El Toro Marine Base (and where the so-called "Great Park" fiasco may one day happen) the have the same kind of balloon run by the same company. Riding it is FREE!! It's done as a way to promote the Great Park. The balloon operates Thursday through Sunday, weather and wind premitting. It's been operating for about a year but I have yet to ride on it although I have been to the complex (the balloon was grounded due to wind), and from where I work I can see it perfectly everyday. The San Diego Wild Animal Park also has a balloon which is an extra cost to ride.

[DaveG]

Kevin, did you really mean to write "Balloon Nazi" in your article? Bad form there dude.

[ryno1986]

Manta is a really good coaster. I was impressed with the landscaping, as I've been on Superman Ultimate Flight and there's barely landscaping to be found. It definitely adds to the experience. One thing though, I'm pretty sure Montu is larger than Dueling Dragons, so your comparison doesn't really make sense.

[ChrisFL]

Knowing how unpredictable Florida weather can be, especially in the summer, I don't know how well Characters in Flight (CIF?) can work. I mean rollercoasters and rides like that are one thing, but they're not as susceptible to lower winds, and lets not forget that even if it's a slight breeze on the ground it could be much higher winds 400 ft. in the air.

[KevinYee]

Originally Posted by DaveG

Kevin, did you really mean to write "Balloon Nazi" in your article? Bad form there dude.

It's a Seinfeld reference. The section was subtitled "No Balloon For You!"

[Seahorse]

Thank you for the article Kevin. I've never been on a flying coaster and this on looks great. I noticed in the photo taken at the loading area that one of the riders was bare foot. I assume he had flip flops and removed them so not to loose them during the ride. But I don't see him holding them. Are riders allowed to store them in the lockers you mentioned and then walk bare foot through the queue? Thanks again.

[KevinYee]

There are lockers outside the ride, and a set of cubbyholes right there on the loading platform (actually, between the two platforms, and in the exit corridor). The outside lockers are for bags, purses, etc, while the platform cubbyholes would be for flipflops (and presumably, not much else).

[Ride Warrior]

Very nicely written review, Kevin. Interesting how the water jets are timed to shoot upward as each Manta train dips near them. Enjoyed the original photography of the ride you produced, as well as your discription of the various aspects of the ride ..and your comparisan of it to other coasters.

You captured the stunning theming as well. The aquariums offer more ocean life than what I was expecting. Did you get wet from the waer jets?

[KevinYee]

No water from the jets hit me in the middle or in the front rows... I assume that was a universal experience, but am willing to be corrected if someone else got wet!