Sea World Orlando's Manta - A Backstage Tour

[robbalvey]

Hey everyone! I couldn't find an ongoing update thread for Manta, so I hope this is in the right place...

We have some exciting photos to share with all of you! Today we were allowed to get backstage and up close with Manta to check out the progress on the rides theming, station, and get some new angles that haven't been seen before.

I'm sure by now you all know that Manta is Sea World Orlando's new B&M flying coaster that is scheduled to open at the end of May, 2009. Got it? Good! Check out the photos...


For today's Manta construction tour we would be considered "Authorized personnel!"


Here we are looking up at the first drop. This is an important part of the ride therefore it comes first.


Today we bring you some never before seen angles of Manta.


Here's a good shot of the "pretzel loop" which is guaranteed to make you hungry for some German yum-yums.


Zero-Gees...through the trees!


The mid course brake has a giant "A" for "Alvey."


This is the "Wing Dip" part of the ride where the train will close to the water and a simulated splash will be created towards the crowd.


This little guys simulates the "reach envelope" the riders and the train has before smacking into something. As you can see there is plenty of room!


Another look at this because...well, just because!


There has been a ton of work on the theming and the station this past week.


This lone island of palm trees kind of looks like something out of Seuss Landing for the moment!


Behold the mighty "Pretzel Loop!"


No, these are not alien artifacts they will eventually grow into rocks that will be part of the rides theming!


Once again more reach envelope testing to make sure your pretty arms and legs will be nice and safe!


Aha! Something every ride needs...that's right...a LADDER!!!


No, silly! It needs an entrance sign!


Robb: "Why do I have a flag growing out of my helmet?"<br>
Bryan: "Do I look like an arm rest?"<br>
Reed: "I don't know these two people."


The front section of the ride still has a long ways to go but it's looking GREAT! I'm assuming most of what you're looking at will be filled in with water.


More work being done on the rides entrance area.


Manta is really going to change the front of the park and it should be spectacular to see when you walk in!


Someday guys, you will be underwater!


Now just imagine this...but the ride is open!


Wow! This is going to be quite the impressive station.


I'm assuming this will be the exit area with the onride photo and other Manta-like goodies to buy.


Close up station shot!!!


Lots of criss-cross is good!


Looks like some speakers being installed on the lift...maybe for the rides theming?


Lots of blue track everywhere!


Rocks and other like substances are being added.


Check out our sexy hard hat crew...wait, what is going on here?


Robb! DO NOT EAT BRYAN! YOU ARE NOT A ZOMBIE!!!


Once again, Mr. First Drop makes an appearance.


And the pretzel loop is looking very pretzely!


More track closeups!


Wow! Thems are some sexy curves!


Mega super happy Zero Gee's!


For you weld enthusiasts...here you go!


This area here I'm pretty sure will be filled in with water...and get ready for your onride photo!


Hmm...do you notice anything on those rocks?


HIDDEN MANTA RAY!!!


Another cool shot of the pretzel loop.


It's like looking at the Los Angeles freeway system!


Here again is a good look at the station. It's going to be massive!


When you're at the top you'll be looking 14 stories straight down!


Hey sexy rebar rock...wanna spend the night in a cheap motel?


Let's have another look at this wing dip area. The train is going to fly through this part and it will look like the Manta Ray is scooping up water towards the crowd.


EXTREME BANKING!!!


Here you can see some of the infrastructure. Soon this will all be hidden away!


Another look at the reach envelope testing for the wing dip.


These guys are laying the pipes for what I am assuming will pump water into this area and create the huge splash!


Just in case you needed another view of the pretzel loop...


This S-curve/zero g combo should be fantastic!


Seriously, can you ever have too many pretzel loop photos?


Here you can see the entrance into the mid-course brake.


"Original Pig Sock"....I just thought this thing was awesome!


There should be NO QUESTION as to what kind of food you'll get here! =)


From the Sky Tower, you can see the entire layout of Manta!


Birds eye view of the pretzel loop.


Overview of the wing dip.


"...yes we wore our hard hats on the Sky Tower to be extra safe!"

Thank you to Sea World for allowing us to get backstage and share these photos with the world! See you in May 2009 for Manta's opening!

--Robb

[sir clinksalot]

Awesome pics. From all of the flyers I've seen/ridden, this one looks to be what would fit my expectations the most. Nice layout, not just built in the sky (tatsu) lots of close to the ground/water elements. Should be awesome.

[aimster]

I like the fact that it's also pretty much the colors of the Tampa Bay Rays. They should make it their official roller coaster.

[Melonballer]

I look forward to riding it. Thanks for the pictures.

[brand42]

Hey, I just saw these pics on another site

Tatsu is my favorite ride from any park that I've been to, which admittedly isn't as many as some of you, but if I ever ride Manta, I'm sure this will be my favorite.

The only thing I don't like is that the pretzel loop seems to occur fairly early in the ride.

[flynnibus]

have they released 'numbers' on the ride? like speed and duration?

[kcnole]

Those of you who have read my posts on coasters know that I generally don't like them and find that unless hidden, they destroy the themes of a park. That said, I'm really excited about this one. Sea World seems to really be doing this one right and all the theming that is going into this area really looks like it'll be beautiful. There will be no hiding that there's a massive structure sticking up in the sky, but if that's what you want to do, this is the way to do it unlike that piece of garbage Universal is sticking up in their park.

Manta looks like it will be beautiful, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit on the other hand looks absolutely ugly.

[WheresMickey]

Awsome pictures! Can't wait to try it out!