Approximately 3,000 animals representing over 60 species are visible-including over 300 rays, such as cownose rays and spotted eagle rays. Within the attraction's 4-acre (16,000 m 2) site are ten aquaria containing 184,000 US gallons (700,000 l 153,000 imp gal) of water. The queue is designed to resemble a seaside village decorated with mosaics and artwork inspired by rays. Manta is an attraction which encompasses a themed queue and a roller coaster. SeaWorld began previewing the attraction in early May 2009, before it was officially opened on May 22. The ride's layout was completed in December 2008 and construction on other parts of the roller coaster continued into early 2009. Superior Rigging & Erection built the supports and track. Ĭonstruction of the roller coaster track and attraction buildings began in September 2008. On May 29, 2008, park officials confirmed that the attraction would be named Manta, and announced additional details about the attraction. Searches of trademark applications uncovered an entry for the use of the term ' Manta' as an amusement ride and construction on a large site within the park had already begun. Īrtists' concepts of the new attraction were leaked onto the Internet in April 2008 however, SeaWorld officials would not confirm whether the images were accurate representations of the final design, but said that the roller coaster would have a gliding sensation. Joseph Couceiro-vice president of sales and marketing-described the ride as 'the next generation SeaWorld attraction' that would immerse guests in elements of marine life. The park also announced that the attraction would include a roller coaster, but that it would be more than just a roller coaster. The exact specifications were not immediately revealed, but the park said it would be their largest single investment in an attraction and that it would open sometime in 2009. SeaWorld Orlando revealed the concept that was to become Manta to a gathering of travel industry representatives and community leaders on April 2, 2008, although it had been in the planning stages for years.

Manta roller coaster