What's New to Do: Manta at Sea World San Diego

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Are you ready to ride the ray and feel the rush? That's what the tag line for Manta, Sea World San Diego's newest attraction, promises.

     If you're familiar with the Sea World Orlando version of this attraction, this attraction's only similarity is its name. This version isn't a flying coaster and doesn't have any massive drops or a chain to pull the coaster up to the top of the highest drop. It's actually more like California Screamin' at Disney California Adventure without the massive drops than anything else.
     The ride starts of inside a 270 degree digital screen, where you drift in a coral reef while manta rays swim overhead. It's a very relaxing part of the ride, even if the drifting feeling feels more like you're vehicle is moving back and forth (which it is). Then, a screen at the end of the tunnel rolls away, and you accelerate out at 48 mph.

     The rest of the attraction is the roller coaster part, where you twist and turn around the line and the adjacent bat ray touch pool. After making some sharp turns, you come to the back half of the ride, which features a second acceleration. You then swing around in a helix, make a turn next to the flamingo exhibit, and hit the braking point. From there, it's just a slow roll into the loading area, ending the ride.

     While I don't consider myself a roller coaster person, I must say that I was really impressed with this attraction in that it seamlessly blends thrills with its themeing. The roller coaster part succeeds at being highly thrilling without overdoing it, and the beginning really brings the world of the attraction to life. My only real complaint about the attraction would be that there isn't any real landscaping in the back half of the ride, not even a few palm trees. However, this is only a minor problem that can be fixed with a little gardening. If you are planning to visit Sea World San Diego soon, I recommend that you make Manta part of your visit. Just remember that loose articles are not allowed on the attraction, but you can get a locker and put your loose articles in there before you ride.

     Of course, this is Sea World, so there are animals here, too! In this particular photo, you can see us posing at the flamingo exhibit next to the back half of the ride. They don't seem to mind the noise created by Manta, which actually isn't loud at all. The screams of the guests on board is almost always louder than the coaster itself.

     Near the entrance to Manta is a touch pool with a few bat rays and guitarfish. There aren't may animals in here, but the attraction just opened, so I'm sure more will come in later. There are also no manta rays in the touch pool, since an adult manta ray can be almost as big as this touch pool. There are also deep areas in the touch pool, which are only viewable in the underground viewing space. Part of the line for Manta also goes through this space.
     That's it for today. Next time, I'll share some photos from the rest of Sea World. Then, I'll get to experience Cars Land... early! Until then, happy travels!