Review of SeaWorld Orlando’s Flying Coaster

With its impressive layout, inspired theming, and relatively smooth ride, the sleek and elegant Manta is one of the best roller coasters to feature the flying concept. The only downside? The mesmerizing ride could be longer.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 7
  • “Flying” position as well as inversions can be intimidating for some riders.
• Coaster type: Flying
• Top speed: 56 mph
• Height restriction to ride: 54 inches
• Height of lift hill: 140 feet
• First drop: 113 feet
• Ride time: 2 minutes, 35 seconds
• Part of SeaWorld’s Quick Queue program, guests can pay an additional fee to skip to the front of the line. Learn how to manage the lines and reduce wait times for Manta and other popular attractions at SeaWorld Orlando.
• Be sure to remove everything from your pockets before riding. Since passengers face the ground for most of the ride, it’s easy to lose items.

Manta Offers a Giddy, Wonderful Sensation of Flying

Located near the front entrance of SeaWorld Orlando, Manta is a spectacular sight. Reflecting its ocean theme, the track is painted in bold shades of blue. The trains feature a giant fiberglass manta ray perched on the lead car. Every few minutes, a trainload of nearly prone riders swoops down, appearing to skim the surface of a turquoise-colored pool and triggering a pleasing wake of water.

Unique Boarding Process

The boarding process for Manta is distinct from traditional roller coasters. First-generation flying coasters, such as Batwing at Maryland’s Six Flags America, have a convoluted loading system. In those rides, passengers proceed up the lift hill backward, while Manta utilizes a simpler restraint system. Riders load the train facing forward, and once the ride ops check the restraints, a mechanism tilts the seats 45 degrees forward, allowing riders to leave the station in a flying mode.

Unlike earlier flying coasters, which recline to an almost-prone position, passengers’ knees are more bent on Manta. Nevertheless, loading and unloading times are significantly shorter than more traditional coasters. Fortunately, Manta’s loading station accommodates two side-by-side trains, helping keep the lines moving effectively.

Ride Experience

The experience of hanging facing the ground while the train remains halted is unique. After Manta climbs its lift hill and navigates the track, riders enjoy a giddy and wonderful sensation. Although it may not replicate flying or gliding like an aerodynamic manta ray, the thrill of diving down the first drop and careening through inversions is exhilarating. Some features, such as a pretzel loop and corkscrew, are disorienting as they send riders racing backward and flipping over.

The second half of the ride is where Manta truly excels. Keeping relatively low to the ground, the train skates just above the water, often spraying riders with a gentle plume. As one of the top roller coasters in Florida, riders may wish for more time flying past palm trees, waterfalls, and lush landscaping, only to feel a sense of disappointment when the train returns to the station.

As is common with roller coasters, Manta has aged, resulting in a somewhat rougher ride. Moments of jostling can occur, primarily due to snug over-the-shoulder restraints that may cause riders’ heads to ricochet side to side.

Manta continues SeaWorld’s transition from a marine life park to a more traditional theme park with an emphasis on thrill rides. In the past, the park’s most thrilling attraction was the Sky Tower. However, since the late 1990s, SeaWorld has incorporated coasters and other thrills alongside its animal exhibits and shows.

Unlike other coasters located at the edges of SeaWorld’s property, Manta is situated in the heart of the park. Consequently, the riders’ screams resonate throughout the area, creating a stark contrast to the park’s previously serene atmosphere. One might ponder how SeaWorld’s dolphins and other animals perceive the commotion.

Marine Life Exhibit

For all of its thrills, Manta also embraces SeaWorld’s marine life theme. Even those who are not inclined to ride may want to visit the exhibit beneath the coaster. Viewing tanks, enhanced by waterfalls and other elements, provide underwater glimpses of various rays, sea dragons, sea horses, and other fish species. This area offers a tranquil respite, perfect for recharging before getting back in line for another soaring ride on Manta.