Manta (SeaWorld Orlando)

The simulated contact with the water

Manta in U.S. SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, Florida) is a steel roller coaster on the model of the Flying Coaster Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, opened after eight months of construction on 22 May 2009. On the 1024 meter long and 43 meter high speed route the trains to a maximum speed of 90 km / h The passengers pass through the specially designed as a skate trains in a lying position four inversions.

History

SeaWorld presented the concept for Manta after several years of planning, on 2 April 2008 in front of representatives of the tourism industry. Details of the train did not make the park. It was only said that it was the largest investment in a single ride, the park history and the railway would open in 2009. It was also revealed that it is indeed a roller coaster handle that attraction but more than merely going to be a roller coaster. The Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the park, Joseph Couceiro, described the track as "the next generation of attraction at SeaWorld ", which would allow visitors to immerse themselves in the underwater life.

Artworks of the new attraction arrived in April 2008 to the public. Since SeaWorld has the pictures are not published, the leaders did not want to confirm that the system will ultimately comply with the artwork. On 12 March 2008 an application for trademark protection for the name " Manta " was submitted as a ride. On 29 May 2008 the park called more details about the attraction and officially confirmed that the track " Manta " will be called.

In September 2008, work began on the construction of the station building and the track. The company Superior Rigging & Erection built the supports and splints of Manta. The rail end in December 2008. Visitors could from the beginning of May 2009 as part of a Soft Openings gain an impression of Manta, before the attraction opened on May 22 for the public.

Layout

After the train has left the double charging station, he climbs the 43 -meter-high lift hill. Once at the top, he goes down into a right curve the 34 -meter-high first drop and reaches the 30 meter high Pretzel Loop. Then, the train completed a left turn and moves into the first of two inline twists, and he winds up for a left-right combination of curves by the corkscrew. After a right turn it enters the block brake. Then the train on a ground-level 270 -degree right-hander seems to touch the water and then moves past a 13 meter high landscaped as Near- Miss- element waterfall. The train passes through the second inline twist and eventually delayed by the brake circuit to walking speed and moves back to the station building.

Theming

In Manta, special emphasis was placed on the waiting area. This was designed with mosaics and works of art of rays so that it is reminiscent of a seaside village. On the 16,000 m² area, the attraction there are ten aquariums that summarize 700,000 liters of water. In aquaria, about 3000 animals live 60 different species. In addition to over 300 rays seahorses, pipefish and other large tropical fish species can be observed.

Some of the aquariums can also be viewed by visitors who do not want to take the roller coaster. These visitors can use a second input, which is separated from the waiting area for the roller coaster. However, the waiting passengers have access to special exhibition parts.

Technology

Rail

The steel rail of Manta is 1024 meters long and high at its highest point, the apex of the lift Hills, 43 meters. Bolliger & Mabillard made ​​them from Clermont Steel Fabricators manufacture in Batavia in southwest Ohio. The bar is dark blue and the light blue columns. In order to achieve noise reduction, the rail is filled partially with sand. On the route friction brakes are attached to various bodies with which the system controller can optionally adjust the speed of the train.

To increase the capacity, comes with a Manta double charging station for use in the two trains can be handled on parallel tracks simultaneously. To this end, in front of and behind the station building housing a switch that divides the railway line and merges again.

Manta has three Flying Coaster trains by Bolliger & Mabillard, with eight rows of seats for four persons. The theoretical capacity amounts to 1500 people per hour. Passengers are of lap straps and it "West" attached, extending over the upper body, held in the seats. In addition, the feet of special bracket are secured.

The first car of the train is designed as a manta ray with a width of 3.7 meters. It was originally planned that the wings of the first car at a certain point on the track in contact with the water, but B & M had concerns with this concept. Instead fountains were installed, the " fake " water contact. By adjusting the length and height of this "splash effect" SeaWorld can influence the degree of wetness.

Reception

Manta was reacted favorably by critics. The Busch Entertainment Corporation, the parent company of SeaWorld Orlando, the increasing number of visitors leads back to the opening of Manta. In July 2009, Manta is selected from the website Theme Park Insider "best new attraction" 2009. Also, the industry magazine has named Amusent Today Manta Best New Ride of 2009. Roller coaster in the ranking " Best Roller Coaster Poll" is Manta placed in the opening year of 2009 to rank 23

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