SeaWorld San Diego’s new Manta roller coaster has been open for a while now. Reviews are starting to roll in and it sounds like the park now has a solid roller coaster that they can boast. Even with the height restriction issue, it looks like they succeeded in making a fun family coaster thanks to the launches and the ride’s twisted course. Here are some reviews that I’ve come across:
But the ride itself was very fun. Great? No, not quite… close but not in that great status. The first part when you are in the screen area is cool and the train rocking back and forth makes it seem that much more like you are really underwater. The ride was long – which is great in these days of short 30 second rides. I would make this a must do on any trip to SWSD. – BabaSD on ThemeParkReview
It’s a zippy little ride with some airtime! I felt Manta was like Maverick’s little brother, low to the ground and quick! It’s nice, long, fun, and just overall a good addition to SWSD. The trains were very comfortable, and it rode super smooth. The queue was awesome, the theming was awesome, the whole ride area was awesome! – Chickenbowl on ThemeParkReview
Manta helps round out the San Diego park’s ride line-up, and gives it a delightful coaster that’s both accessible (no inversions!) and thrilling.
- Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider
POV Video
Low Altitude Fun
I have to say, after watching this video, Manta looks a lot better than I expected. The 270-degree enveloping screen in the tunnel at the beginning of the ride looks cool even though they don’t show it completely. This Manta’s dive to the water adds what looks to be a solid head-chopper moment as the train dives below a bridge (image here).
Here’s a video of SeaWorld San Diego’s Manta. It features Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider and SeaWorld San Diego’s park president John Reilly who explains gives on-ride commentary:
Have you ridden Manta at SeaWorld San Diego? Let us know what you thought about it by leaving a comment below.
June 8, 2012 at 05:23
I thought they would make it a flying coaster, just like in FL. Flying coaster fits very well to the manta, aquatic theme.
After this little disapointment, i have to admit that , the dual lauch system looks greats,fast and fun and reminds me a bit of Maverick!
June 8, 2012 at 06:14
that's what you call a terrain coaster right?
June 8, 2012 at 06:21
Some parts of the coaster don't seem quite done yet… Are they gonna fill those empty parts of the coaster with some theming?
June 9, 2012 at 01:26
That is one knock that I heard. The second half doesn't have as much or really any theming if that's what you're referring to. They have finished the landscaping since it opened though.
June 13, 2012 at 06:46
I agree. I think with some good theming, espeshally in the open areas at the end, they could have a nice ride on there hands. Deffently a good little brother to Mavrick!
June 8, 2012 at 07:43
I thought this was a great coaster. I too, posted a review on Theme Park Review (kylexy2298). This is a great coaster with a decent amount of airtime. I really thought the whole area around the coaster was well designed. Although it looks as if they are not done with the landscaping around the ride, it is still a perfect addition to SWSD.
June 8, 2012 at 12:06
This also reminds me of Cheetah Hunt at BGT, except much more tame. I think any launch coaster either needs at least one steep drop or an inversion. And unfortunately, this ride seems lacking in both of those areas. I do think, however, that it would be a fairly fun, just not outstanding ride.
June 8, 2012 at 14:52
Looks rather repetitive.
June 9, 2012 at 01:24
Maybe, but there's some airtime mixed in there too.
June 9, 2012 at 06:38
Ths ride seems like it sucks. I've ridden the Manta in Orlando and this is nowhere close to it.
June 9, 2012 at 20:49
What if the coaster wasn't called Manta. Would you still be comparing it to Manta at SeaWorld Orlando. I really don't think it's fair to compare a coaster made by B&M to a coaster made by Mack. And both are also very different, SeaWorld San Diego's Manta ia a launching one and SeaWorld Orlando's Manta is a flying coaster. Not trying to be mean or anything, just trying to say that these two coasters are VERY different.
June 9, 2012 at 08:44
I don't know why people insist on comparing this to Orlando's Manta just because of it's name, it's intended to be totally different. It may not be intended to be a white knuckle thrill ride but it does look really fun and I hope to check it out after summer. Congrats Seaworld!
June 15, 2012 at 07:15
How fast dose this ride go ?
June 16, 2012 at 17:56
43 mph according to RCDB: http://rcdb.com/9819.htm
June 20, 2012 at 13:27
Mmmm… It looks amusing, but not quite thrilling. It doesn't seem to have anything that I haven't ridden before. It looks like it has some nice airtime, and some cool turns, but to me it seems to be the kind of ride that would be one of your first coasters. I haven't ridden it though, so I could definitely be wrong.
July 27, 2012 at 23:41
Looks like it sucks! Journey to Atlantis is great though….
August 18, 2012 at 17:53
I've ridden it a couple times and I was pretty impressed. My wife and I are big coaster fans and hit up Magic Mountain once a year, and while this doesn't have the height or inversions, it was a very nice surprise, with some compressing turns and nice airtime. The beginning was cool too with the Manta projections. Glad they opened this up and will give us San DIegans a quick fix when we want some roller coaster action and don't want to drive at least an hour and a half to get it.