Manta — Attraction in Dr. Phillips

I do have complaints about Manta mostly regarding everything before and after the ride. Even though the station has two sides, only one is normally used, so the loading takes longer than it should. While this is bad for wait times, it's even worse when you're on the train not getting loaded waiting ages to get off. This wouldn't normally be a problem if you had any freedom to move, look around, or even be in a comfortable natural position while you're waiting to get off. The vest presses your chest, your legs aren't free to move, and your head can either hang or look ahead. This is frustrating because this issue, along with a slow moving queue, could easily be alleviated if they would simply use both stations. It seems illogical to not do so, as Manta is the most popular ride in the park, moreso than even newer rides like Mako and Antarctica.

Aside from this, Manta is perfect, and one of the best flying coaster experiences in the world. The theming is the best among the seaworld coasters, with an air conditioned queue that has its own aquarium. It's hard to get bored in this dimly lit and ambient queue with pretty music playing and rockwork and fish on all sides. The soundtrack becomes even more triumphant in the station, where an intimidating mechanical sound effect plays when the cars lift from sitting to flying.

The coaster itself is great. With swooping turns and slow inline twists, flying over the flowers and even near Antarctica is a fun treat. The second half is even better, as the wing dip gets riders on the far right a little wet, and swooping past a waterfall gets far left riders sprayed on their legs. The landscaping is beautiful and picturesque in this section, and it would be the best part of the ride were it not for the first element on the coaster: the pretzel loop. Contrasting the rest of the coaster's gentle flips and curves, the pretzel loop is one of the most intense elements on any coaster. You get airtime as you crest a hill, then nosedive straight down so far that you go upside down, and then experience huge G forces as you flip to the bottom now on your back... and as you level out again, you get airtime once more as you crest another hill. The ride is gentle after this, but the pretzel loop is not for the...

Today, this was the only ride open, but it was enough. It is right near the entrance to the park, so of course, I decided to get right on it as soon as I entered the park.

I couldn't, of course, convince any of my friends to jump on it with me, but they would not. After riding it, I can't really blame them. It was one of the most thrilling rides I've ever been on. It lasts about a minute, I think. It's hard to tell with the rush of wind and sound flying by. In fact, I'm amazed that they called it the Manta. It doesn't gently glide through the air like a manta in the water. Maybe the Orca or Sturgeon, instead.

Don't expect to be able to enjoy the sights of the park on this ride. You won't see anything, except the water from your eyes, perhaps. At the point that this hits a loop, I couldn't imagine what kind of G-forces I was feeling, but if it wasn't the equivalent of a Space Shuttle launch, I'd be surprised. Finally, you're ratcheted into a device that has you hanging face down, looking at the ground far below you. If you are at all prone to motion sickness, afraid of heights, don't like high speeds, being upside down or spine and neck injuries, this probably isn't your ride. That doesn't leave a lot of us, I guess, but for those of us who aren't subject to these things, best of luck. It's a one of a...

Yesterday, my boyfriend and I had the chance to visit SeaWorld Orlando and ride Manta, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we entered the queue, we were impressed by the incredible attention to detail. The aquariums filled with vibrant sea life, including rays, created a calming and immersive atmosphere, setting the tone for the ride.

As we boarded the coaster and were tilted into the flying position, the anticipation built quickly. The sensation of lying face-down was unique and exhilarating, and once the ride started, we felt like we were soaring through the sky. The first drop was absolutely thrilling, and the pretzel loop took our breath away with its intense g-forces. My boyfriend and I, seated in the back, couldn’t stop talking about how powerful and exciting the loop felt.

The smooth twists, graceful rolls, and the iconic water splash effect made the ride feel like an adventure through the ocean. We both loved how the ride balanced adrenaline-pumping excitement with a sense of...