Manta RollerCoaster at SeaWorld Orlando

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Manta at SeaWorld Orlando Soft Opening

SeaWorld Orlando hopes that the first of its kind in Florida roller coaster will lure more visitors than ever to the park.

Beginning Tuesday, park visitors can get a sneak peek and ride Manta before its official opening scheduled for May 22.

The new ride will open even as speculation continues the park could be sold soon. Move over Shamu, SeaWorld Orlando is offering a new attraction much larger than an orca whale. It is called Manta, a roller coaster park officials say will seamlessly take guests from the awe of encountering manta rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one.

First, guests get to see some of the 3,000 rays the park has in aquariums. Next, they get to ride the coaster. Reaching up to 60mph, Manta flies through the sky and over a lagoon. Riders will travel face-down, horizontally, underneath the belly of a coaster train shaped as a giant manta with a wing span of 12-feet.

SeaWorld Orlando hopes this new ride will boost attendance at the park. It is still not clear what the future holds for SeaWorld. It is currently owned by Belgian-based beverage company Inbev which could be trying to sell SeaWorld and the rest of the parks formerly owned by Busch Entertainment Corporation.

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