3,000 different animals, representing over 60 species, will be visible, including over 300 different rays, such as cownose rays and spotted eagle rays. Within the attraction's four-acre site are ten aquariums containing 184,000 gallons of water. The village will be decorated with mosaics and other artwork inspired by rays. The experience begins upon entering the attraction's queue, designed to resemble a seaside village. "Manta" is intended to be much more than a roller coaster. On park officials confirmed that the attraction would indeed be named "Manta", and further revealed additional details about the attraction. At the same time, 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 commenced.
Regarding the design of the attraction, Joseph Couceiro, vice president of sales and marketing, said:Īrtists' concepts of the new attraction were leaked onto the Internet in April 2008 however, SeaWorld officials would not acknowledge if the images were accurate representations of the attraction's final design, although they suggested that the roller coaster would have a "gliding" sensation. It was further noted that the attraction would include a roller coaster, but that it would be much more than just a roller coaster. The exact specifications and details were not immediately revealed, although it was noted that this would be the largest single investment in the history of any SeaWorld park, and that it would open sometime in 2009. The concept that was to become "Manta" was first revealed by SeaWorld Orlando to a gathering of travel and community leaders on April 2, 2008. The attraction is scheduled to open to the public in the summer of 2009. Designed by Bolliger and Mabillard, "Manta" will allow guests to encounter numerous species of rays before boarding a manta-shaped train that will take them on a soaring, gliding journey above the park. "Manta" is the name of an upcoming roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.