REVIEW: Manta – B&M Flying Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando – December 2019

Manta is a B&M flying coaster with four inversions, which are two inline twists, one corkscrew, and one pretzel loop. This coaster opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 2009 and is still holding up. The manta ray-themed queue is quite enjoyable, with drawings, paintings, and a fairly large aquarium with a wide variety of fish. There is also a little bit of theming on the ride. It is 3,359 feet long and has a height of 140 feet. This was my first flying coaster, so I had pretty high expectations going in. I’ve had multiple rides in the front and back of this ride, so here are my thoughts:

An Intense and Fun Ride

Manta starts by climbing up the 140-foot tall lift hill while some music plays from speakers on the sides. The lift hill is pretty loud though, and you can still hear it over the music. After reaching the top of the lift hill, the coaster banks right into the drop, diving 113 feet. It then flies into the first inversion, a pretzel loop. You quickly dive into a laying position on your back, and then come back into a flying position. This inversion is super intense and is the best on the ride, in my opinion. It’s one of my favorite inversions on any coaster! After that the coaster immediately banks left into a large turn then glides through an inline twist. The train is still going pretty fast at this point, so it is a really nice element. The coaster then banks right into almost a helix-like turn and then a slight turn to the left which leads into a relatively “whippy” corkscrew. Following the corkscrew, the train banks right and rises to the midcourse. Following the midcourse, the train dives down over a body of water and banks right. Water shoots up below and a little behind the train, which represents a manta ray soaring through the water. This is a very photogenic element and it is my favorite on the ride. It really does feel like you’re flying. Then, you continue to bank right by a waterfall and then straight into the second inline twist. This inversion is fun, but I wouldn’t consider it anything special. Following the final inversion, the train banks left over a body of water the slides into the brake run.

The Verdict

Manta is a really fun and enjoyable coaster. Riding in the back row of the train really packs a punch with forces. The one con about riding in the back is that if you are riding on the outside seats, it can get a bit rough. However, if you are looking for a more smooth and relaxed ride, I suggest going to the front. While it is still pretty forceful through the pretzel loop, the rest of the ride is nice and calm and gives a better flying sensation. Whenever I am at SeaWorld Orlando, I always make sure to get on Manta. It is an all-around great coaster that is intense and fun and a must-do at SeaWorld Orlando!

Final Score: 9/10

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