Delirium_Guy Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 Manta took its first official guests about 230PM today. I haven't been able to take any pictures yet, but here my thoughts on the entire experience. Now that the ride has opened, I have no problem posting my opinion as I was able to ride quite a few times the past week or so. The ride flat out rocks. I've been on all 3 Superman clones plus the 2 Vekoma models. I had an idea of what to expect from Manta, much to my surprise the ride absolutely exceeded my expectations. The backseat is most certainly more intense than the front seat. I gotta admit though, being in the front and watching the Manta Lead Car spiraling ahead of you is pretty awesome. The backseat is fantastic. It starts with a nice pull over the lift and a quick whip around to the right.....the drop honestly has some bite to it and much more than what one would expect. As any of us could have anticipated, the Pretzel Loop is fantastic....it is WAY more intense than Superman's.....but I have yet to ride Tatsu but can't compare. i will tell you that a few employees that I was talking to one night HAVE been on Tatsu and they actually preferred Manta. The rest of the ride is just fun. The first inline twist is relatively slow in the back seat, but very graceful as you watch the sky spin around. The downward spiral picks up the speed VERY quick and you pull some nice g's going through it. I do want to note that before entering this element, you do appear to glide over the tree tops below. The flat spin is a lot of fun as well! Its taken pretty fast and I love the dip upon exiting it as you are facedown over the crowd on the walkway below. The block brake trims VERY little speed off the ride and the drop whips the backseat over it. I will say that the second half of the ride doesn't have so much intensity, but stands out and is INCREDIBLY effective with all the visuals in play. While riding, as the train banks out of the block brake drop, you see the wall of water that sprays in front of you for the splashdown. The climb up and turn into the waterfall turn is quick and fun. Backseat, left side is the money seat.....the waterfall is VERY VERY close and you do get wet from it on the ride. The next inversion is smooth and taken pretty fast, but the last turn on the ride is where it seems like you are just inches from the water surface on the left side of the train. Overall, the ride is AWESOME and it most certainly exceeded my expectations for it.....which doesn't happen to often to me. I know some may think I'm biased because I work there, but I am a seasoned rider and have been on plenty of coasters to make fair judgement. Definitely a backseat ride. The non-rider side of the aquarium is not open as of yet. The queue for the ride is absolutely beautiful inside, even has hidden rays engraved into the rockwork. As of now, there are rays in the main tank however it isn't anywhere near what will ultimately be in there. Even with this not being complete, the experience is wonderful. For guests not knowing anything about the attraction, it really is immersive in how they have it set up. There are multiple smaller aquariums along the way as well, some of which have yet to have their occupants move in. Once you reach the end of the aquarium building there is a greeter where the line splits to go to each of the two stations. At this point, everything is heavily lit in deep blues, given the impression of being under the sea.....and I gotta say much more effectively than the queue for Nemo at Epcot. There is a wonderful soundtrack that not only accompanies the queue line and station, but also the entire area. The Park did a wonderful job at bringing everything together, its all very cohesive. One of the coolest "little touches" that I like is the sound effect that accompanies each train as they are dispatch. A very loud thunderous type roar sounds, followed by a mix of the music from the promo video that was released back in March. The ride opend around 230 today as others have stated. The queue was filled, but not quite to the entrance. After I got off work, I walked over and decided to wait just to get the rest of the experience with the queue. Wait time was only 30 minutes. KUDOS to the crew! Fantastic job running all three trains, very impressive dispatching given its the first day of operation with guests. As you are waiting on the bridge that leads from the waterfall to the showbuilding, you will get splashed. As the last car of the train passes the waterfall, water is flung all the way over to the bridge which was unexpected, but cool This attraction has elevated the standards for BEC Parks and I feel has set the bar even higher for the SeaWorld.. Comparing the final product (well, not quite final, yet) to the artist renderings.....you won't find all that much difference. The aquarium is almost completely hidden behind the foilage that the Park has planted. The entire area is absolutely gorgeous and the ride fits in seamlessly. Its very interactive with guests and people were absolutely loving every second of it today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DropZone99 Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 Hopefully it will be somewhat forceful. I find S:UF clones some of the most boring coasters out there. I like Vekoma Flying Dutchman over B&M Flyers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 Oh, if Delirium_Guy tells you it's intense, I'd bank on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted April 29, 2009 Author Share Posted April 29, 2009 Hopefully it will be somewhat forceful. I find S:UF clones some of the most boring coasters out there. I like Vekoma Flying Dutchman over B&M Flyers. Aside from the Pretzel Loop, I agree with you about the S:UF clones.....I much prefer Firehawk to those. With that said, I much prefer Manta to Firehawk. It has several moments of great intensity, obviously the pretzel is one of those. But its elements and how they interact with the surroundings are very effective. The first half is intense and super fun, the second half is fun but will rely more on the visual aspects. The waterfall appears VERY close and you do get wet from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOPGUN1993 Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 Defiantly looks top notch, I'm glad they took the extra time to make the que experience just as grand as the ride looks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 2, 2009 Author Share Posted May 2, 2009 Manta took its first official guests about 230PM today. I haven't been able to take any pictures yet, but here my thoughts on the entire experience. Now that the ride has opened, I have no problem posting my opinion as I was able to ride quite a few times the past week or so. The ride flat out rocks. I've been on all 3 Superman clones plus the 2 Vekoma models. I had an idea of what to expect from Manta, much to my surprise the ride absolutely exceeded my expectations. The backseat is most certainly more intense than the front seat. I gotta admit though, being in the front and watching the Manta Lead Car spiraling ahead of you is pretty awesome. The backseat is fantastic. It starts with a nice pull over the lift and a quick whip around to the right.....the drop honestly has some bite to it and much more than what one would expect. As any of us could have anticipated, the Pretzel Loop is fantastic....it is WAY more intense than Superman's.....but I have yet to ride Tatsu but can't compare. i will tell you that a few employees that I was talking to one night HAVE been on Tatsu and they actually preferred Manta. The rest of the ride is just fun. The first inline twist is relatively slow in the back seat, but very graceful as you watch the sky spin around. The downward spiral picks up the speed VERY quick and you pull some nice g's going through it. I do want to note that before entering this element, you do appear to glide over the tree tops below. The flat spin is a lot of fun as well! Its taken pretty fast and I love the dip upon exiting it as you are facedown over the crowd on the walkway below. The block brake trims VERY little speed off the ride and the drop whips the backseat over it. I will say that the second half of the ride doesn't have so much intensity, but stands out and is INCREDIBLY effective with all the visuals in play. While riding, as the train banks out of the block brake drop, you see the wall of water that sprays in front of you for the splashdown. The climb up and turn into the waterfall turn is quick and fun. Backseat, left side is the money seat.....the waterfall is VERY VERY close and you do get wet from it on the ride. The next inversion is smooth and taken pretty fast, but the last turn on the ride is where it seems like you are just inches from the water surface on the left side of the train. Overall, the ride is AWESOME and it most certainly exceeded my expectations for it.....which doesn't happen to often to me. I know some may think I'm biased because I work there, but I am a seasoned rider and have been on plenty of coasters to make fair judgement. Definitely a backseat ride. The non-rider side of the aquarium is not open as of yet. The queue for the ride is absolutely beautiful inside, even has hidden rays engraved into the rockwork. As of now, there are rays in the main tank however it isn't anywhere near what will ultimately be in there. Even with this not being complete, the experience is wonderful. For guests not knowing anything about the attraction, it really is immersive in how they have it set up. There are multiple smaller aquariums along the way as well, some of which have yet to have their occupants move in. Once you reach the end of the aquarium building there is a greeter where the line splits to go to each of the two stations. At this point, everything is heavily lit in deep blues, given the impression of being under the sea.....and I gotta say much more effectively than the queue for Nemo at Epcot. There is a wonderful soundtrack that not only accompanies the queue line and station, but also the entire area. The Park did a wonderful job at bringing everything together, its all very cohesive. One of the coolest "little touches" that I like is the sound effect that accompanies each train as they are dispatch. A very loud thunderous type roar sounds, followed by a mix of the music from the promo video that was released back in March. The ride opend around 230 today as others have stated. The queue was filled, but not quite to the entrance. After I got off work, I walked over and decided to wait just to get the rest of the experience with the queue. Wait time was only 30 minutes. KUDOS to the crew! Fantastic job running all three trains, very impressive dispatching given its the first day of operation with guests. As you are waiting on the bridge that leads from the waterfall to the showbuilding, you will get splashed. As the last car of the train passes the waterfall, water is flung all the way over to the bridge which was unexpected, but cool This attraction has elevated the standards for BEC Parks and I feel has set the bar even higher for the SeaWorld.. Comparing the final product (well, not quite final, yet) to the artist renderings.....you won't find all that much difference. The aquarium is almost completely hidden behind the foilage that the Park has planted. The entire area is absolutely gorgeous and the ride fits in seamlessly. Its very interactive with guests and people were absolutely loving every second of it today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Very nice report about Manta. I want to ride it soooo bad. I went to Florida last year (and Seaworld while there), and then a couple months later I find out a new coaster is coming. Oh well. Quick question, why did you repost your report? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 OH MAN! you have gotten me really excited and looking forward to Sea World this upcoming Fall. I absolutely love theme, even over high thrills and it sounds like Manta has my name written all over it from your description. Thanks for posting your updates and details, I can not wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Very nice report about Manta. I want to ride it soooo bad. I went to Florida last year (and Seaworld while there), and then a couple months later I find out a new coaster is coming. Oh well. Quick question, why did you repost your report? [/quote I tried to edit the title of my previous report and had my review copied over by accident. Sorry bout the double post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 OH MAN! you have gotten really excited and looking forward to Sea World this upcoming Fall. I absolutely love theme, even over high thrills and it sounds like Manta has my name written all over it from your description. Thanks for posting your updates and details, I can not wait. Avatar, Here are some pics that I took with my phone this afternoon. I'm going back with my camera since I'm off tomorrow, so I should have some higher quality pictures to share then. This is under the station, or under the sea :-) The line splits to head to the two different stations here This is entering the aquarium building, just after crossing the bridge from the waterfall Riders get within 2 feet of the waterfall and yes you do get wet One of the viewing windows from the rider queue line Quite a few rays already, when all is said and done there will be 300 plus 2500 other fish, including sea dragons and an octopus Not the best picture, but shows part of one of the smaller aquariums integrated into the queue Walking directly under the lift The new pathway that connects the Manta plaza and existing areas....notice all the LARGE trees that were just planted upon completion of construction.....Kings Island take note that this is called landscaping....not placing gravel down Splashdown Entrance sign. The queue enters the rock formation and actually goes behind the water fall that the train flies by Better pictures, more detailed tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Delirium_Guy you have made my night! Really! Your pictures are breath taking to me, the theme is awesome and from your pictures even more than my hi hopes were. I feel like catching a cheap get away flight to come down and see see/ride this one. I can not thank you enough for posting and sharing your insight, this is so AWESOME!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Delirium_Guy you have made my night! Really! Your pictures are breath taking to me, the theme is awesome and from your pictures even more than my hi hopes were. I feel like catching a cheap get away flight to come down and see see/ride this one. I can not thank you enough for posting and sharing your insight, this is so AWESOME!!! You will love it and I know you are a sucker for theming from our chats. To be perfectly honest, this attraction could be plopped down at Disney as is and fit right in....the quality is really that great. Of course, there are a few minor small things you can nitpick over, but overall the area and entire attraction are simply beautiful. It certainly makes for an exciting view as guests walk in the Park....because the splash down area is th FIRST thing they see now. I'll get ya some more pictures with some more detail :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I look forward to your future pictures when you have time though, I enjoy seeing them. I have a brother who lives in DeLand so who knows I may end up down there soon for a quick weekend trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goofywdw Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I saw a video that had the "splashdown" in it and I LOVED the way it looks. They did a great job syncing it too when the train passes and looks very graceful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 I have a quick question. Do the trains on Manta touch the water to create to splash because I remember originally hearing that's what it would do? Or is it an artificial splash? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goofywdw Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 They don't actually touch the water although they did do a great job as to making it look like the train actually touches the surface. This video has some footage of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 They don't actually touch the water although they did do a great job as to making it look like the train actually touches the surface. Indeed they do and its even MORE effective on the ride. I hadn't been able to ride the right side of the train as when we were riding during employee rides the water wasn't there, so I kept riding left side for the rockwork :-) Rode the right side of the train today, HOLY cow it looks like you are literally just inches from the water during the splashdown....and you DO get wet during the splashdown on that side of the train. The entire splash area is also very engaging for guests. Thats the thing I dont' understand about Diamondbacks splash down....its perhaps the most pointless one created as it does nothing to intereact with guests and I'm sure you barely notice it on the ride itself.....cause you don't notice it on Sheikra or Griffon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 Many have noted you DO get wet in some seats on Diamondback... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Share Posted May 4, 2009 Many have noted you DO get wet in some seats on Diamondback... I'm hearing that about the back seats. Still, for the most part, you wouldn't know you were even splashing through the water. I'll get back to you on Friday :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DropZone99 Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 Thats the thing I dont' understand about Diamondbacks splash down....its perhaps the most pointless one created as it does nothing to intereact with guests and I'm sure you barely notice it on the ride itself.....cause you don't notice it on Sheikra or Griffon. On Diamondback you notice the splashdown. In the back you get soaked if you turn around or lift you hands up, if you just sit there you'll get misted. In the front it looks like you are actually in the water and from the middle you see it from the sides and because of the great seating you see it ahead of you. Although non-riders can't get wet from the splashdown, they love watching it and is a great sight! And also, on SheiKra I certainly noticed the splashdown, but I have yet to visit BGE. And lastly Mantas is more un-useful as Diamondback's cause Riders don't get soaked, and either do on-lookers, and the trains don't even really touch the water, it's about the same as Backlot Stunt Coaster's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Share Posted May 4, 2009 Thats the thing I dont' understand about Diamondbacks splash down....its perhaps the most pointless one created as it does nothing to intereact with guests and I'm sure you barely notice it on the ride itself.....cause you don't notice it on Sheikra or Griffon. On Diamondback you notice the splashdown. In the back you get soaked if you turn around or lift you hands up, if you just sit there you'll get misted. In the front it looks like you are actually in the water and from the middle you see it from the sides and because of the great seating you see it ahead of you. Although non-riders can't get wet from the splashdown, they love watching it and is a great sight! And also, on SheiKra I certainly noticed the splashdown, but I have yet to visit BGE. And lastly Mantas is more un-useful as Diamondback's cause Riders don't get soaked, and either do on-lookers, and the trains don't even really touch the water, it's about the same as Backlot Stunt Coaster's. Having ridden Sheikra numerous times, the splash itself is very much unnoticeable from being on the ride itself. Spectators, yes, very much interactive. Skimming the water is cool, but in no way do you really notice the big wave behind you. You DO get wet on Manta's splashdown, apparently you haven't been reading. Its MORE effective on Manta as while you are banked on your side.....the water is literally splashing just a foot or so in front of your face. I'm pretty sure that my left side was wet from Manta's waterfall today and pretty sure my right side was wet from the splashdown.....having ridden the ride well over 40 times in the past 2 weeks I think I can accurately speak about what it does. To be fair, I'll be riding Diamondback on Friday, but since its essentially the same setup as the Dive Coasters.....I see no reason for it to be any different than Sheikra. Next thing you know someone is going to be arguing that Diamondback has better landscaping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsteele Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 They don't actually touch the water although they did do a great job as to making it look like the train actually touches the surface. Indeed they do and its even MORE effective on the ride. I hadn't been able to ride the right side of the train as when we were riding during employee rides the water wasn't there, so I kept riding left side for the rockwork :-) Rode the right side of the train today, HOLY cow it looks like you are literally just inches from the water during the splashdown....and you DO get wet during the splashdown on that side of the train. The entire splash area is also very engaging for guests. Thats the thing I dont' understand about Diamondbacks splash down....its perhaps the most pointless one created as it does nothing to intereact with guests and I'm sure you barely notice it on the ride itself.....cause you don't notice it on Sheikra or Griffon. Actually the trains do not touch the water, and your pictures and the video posted prove it is an articial splash. Look back at the one picture that shows just the calm water and you can see the curved line just under the surface, then look at the picture right after that and you can see the jets spraying up out of the water as the coaster passes, and clearly nothing but air between the water and coaster. I think it is amazing that they did that with just synching some water jets to the exact timing of the coaster going by, goes into the amount of detail they put into that ride. And I agree on Diamondbacks splashdown being pointless besides for the visual end of it, cool to watch yes, but would have been better for the people who want to get wet and watch if they would of had a splashzone set up like Sheikra does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Share Posted May 4, 2009 Actually the trains do not touch the water, and your pictures and the video posted prove it is an articial splash. Look back at the one picture that shows just the calm water and you can see the curved line just under the surface, then look at the picture right after that and you can see the jets spraying up out of the water as the coaster passes, and clearly nothing but air between the water and coaster. I think it is amazing that they did that with just synching some water jets to the exact timing of the coaster going by, goes into the amount of detail they put into that ride. And I agree on Diamondbacks splashdown being pointless besides for the visual end of it, cool to watch yes, but would have been better for the people who want to get wet and watch if they would of had a splashzone set up like Sheikra does. No where did I ever state that the trains DO touch the water, as its been stated by the Park numerous times that the splash is simulated....likewise the Park is fully able to control it. There is a difference between today and yesterday's splash....todays is noticeable larger and you get more wet today. You are right though, its amazing to see how the splash is timed perfectly to the train. Thats just one little detail of the ride, overall the amount of detail is fantastic.....its a Disney caliber attraction. I stand firmly by that statement, and people who know me know how much I adore Disney. A closer viewing area for Diamondback would have been wonderful. Guests are actually quite close to Manta's and that splash IS capable of soaking those just viewing it. As it is now, the train whips water from the splash and sprays onlookers a bit. It also sprays those queued up on the bridge behind the waterfall. But my bad, I forgot, its just like Backlot Stunt Coaster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 wow manta theming but thats the difference between a theme and a amusement park... Kings Island is a amusement park......and we hav e agreat new coaster of our own... really how many coasters nation wide was built new?? not transplanted 3 or 4 a max.... we are lucky but wow manta looks great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Share Posted May 4, 2009 wow manta theming but thats the difference between a theme and a amusement park... Kings Island is a amusement park......and we hav e agreat new coaster of our own... really how many coasters nation wide was built new?? not transplanted 3 or 4 a max.... we are lucky but wow manta looks great Ahhhh, but remember that Kings Island *originated* as a theme park and all the way through the CF purchase theming was a factor. With that said, I don't think anyone expected theming with Diamondback....I know I didnt. A tree would have been nice at least D-back is definitely a much needed ride at KI and I'm very glad to see it there....even more excited to ride on Friday. Definitely a good year for B&M! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sethdawg17 Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 manta does look a lot more forceful than other fliers in general Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 Actually, there are trees near the DB spashdown. Just not a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsteele Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 They don't actually touch the water although they did do a great job as to making it look like the train actually touches the surface. Indeed they do and its even MORE effective on the ride. I hadn't been able to ride the right side of the train as when we were riding during employee rides the water wasn't there, so I kept riding left side for the rockwork :-) Rode the right side of the train today, HOLY cow it looks like you are literally just inches from the water during the splashdown....and you DO get wet during the splashdown on that side of the train. The entire splash area is also very engaging for guests. Thats the thing I dont' understand about Diamondbacks splash down....its perhaps the most pointless one created as it does nothing to intereact with guests and I'm sure you barely notice it on the ride itself.....cause you don't notice it on Sheikra or Griffon. Hmmmmm, correct me if I am wrong, but right there you said they indeed do touch the water. I was just replying to the answer you told someone else in this topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted May 4, 2009 Author Share Posted May 4, 2009 They don't actually touch the water although they did do a great job as to making it look like the train actually touches the surface. Indeed they do and its even MORE effective on the ride. I hadn't been able to ride the right side of the train as when we were riding during employee rides the water wasn't there, so I kept riding left side for the rockwork :-) Rode the right side of the train today, HOLY cow it looks like you are literally just inches from the water during the splashdown....and you DO get wet during the splashdown on that side of the train. The entire splash area is also very engaging for guests. Thats the thing I dont' understand about Diamondbacks splash down....its perhaps the most pointless one created as it does nothing to intereact with guests and I'm sure you barely notice it on the ride itself.....cause you don't notice it on Sheikra or Griffon. Hmmmmm, correct me if I am wrong, but right there you said they indeed do touch the water. I was just replying to the answer you told someone else in this topic. I see what you are referencing, but that is not what I was saying. The person was talking about what a great job the Park does on syncing the splash to the trains pasing by, to which I responded indeed they do. Doesn't matter. Trains don't touch the water. Splash is simulated. I think everything is clear now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted May 4, 2009 Share Posted May 4, 2009 The splash might be simulated but its still pretty cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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