Manta (SeaWorld San Diego)

Manta is a steel family launched roller coaster at SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California, United States. The ride was manufactured by MACK Rides and opened to the public on May 26, 2012. It utilizes the same ride system that was used in Blue Fire which opened in 2009 at Europa Park.
==History==
Rumors about a new roller coaster for SeaWorld San Diego date back to October 2007 when details of a possible 2010 project were leaked. This plan was cancelled in mid-2008. In early January 2011, construction documents were discovered which detailed the plans for a $10 million manta ray-themed ride and animal exhibit due to open in 2012. On February 9, 2011, SeaWorld San Diego announced that they would be opening a Mack launched roller coaster called Manta in 2012.
==Ride==
The Manta features two launches. Riders reach speeds of up to on the two-minute, long ride. The ride stands at a height of and features a drop including an underground portion of . The limited height was required due to height restrictions in place by the California Coastal Commission.
===Trains===
Manta's four trains each feature manta ray shaped fronts. The 5-car trains each seat riders 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train. There is also elevated seating for the second row of each car.
===Media===
Manta begins with 270 degree projected media experience at the first launch. The train rocks forward and backward in synchronization with the projected film of a coral reef and school of rays. The media tunnel and film was produced by Falcon's Treehouse.
==Animal exhibit==
The previously existing Forbidden Reef exhibit was incorporated into the attraction, featuring a touch pool above and an aquarium below The exhibit features 65 Bat rays, 10 Shovelnose guitarfish, 2 White sturgeons and more than 400 other fish.
==See also==
*2012 in amusement parks
*Manta (SeaWorld Orlando)
==References==
==External links==
*Concept pictures and information at NewsPlusNotes
*Manta Official Site on SeaWorld Parks at SeaWorldparks.com
Category:SeaWorld San Diego
Category:Roller coasters operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Category:Roller coasters in CaliforniaCategory:Pages stolen off Wikipedia