Is Manta San Diego the same as in Orlando?

[niklynn1]

I thought I read the one in San Diego was a "first of its kind", but now I see Orlando has a Manta too?

 

[sonnyjane]

They definitely have different types of vehicle... In Orlando, it's more like you're on your stomach gliding forward a la Superman. The one here you are sitting upright.

 

[VanRy5]

I read somewhere that they had to make it a bit different than the one in Orlando because of the restrictions that San Diego has about blocking the coast view or something like that, so they couldn't make it too tall, etc. It is supposed to be similar, but they had to make it different to accomodate the regulations..... Hope that makes sense.

 

[lk2500]

Nope, the only thing similar is the name and probably the theming. One is a flyer and the other is a sit down coaster. The "first of a kind" thing is probably just referring to the 270 degree projection tube at the beginning. I would assume the queues with the aquariums and such are similar.

POV fly throughs:

Manta SD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85cRGWvV4Rc

Manta Orlando: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ReRRnaxIo

 

[disneydreamer74]

I read a post on the SW San Diego FB page that a few plus- sized people were told they could not ride because they could not fit into the seats. These people were not overly large either? Has anyone heard of weight restrictions for this ride?

 

[BriannaRuth]

I have kids and noticed the height requirements were different. In Florida its 54" but in CA it's only 48. Must be the lying down vs. sitting thing.

 

[GoofyDuck2]

I read a post on the SW San Diego FB page that a few plus- sized people were told they could not ride because they could not fit into the seats. These people were not overly large either? Has anyone heard of weight restrictions for this ride?

Apparently there is no actual weight restriction, it is more a mechanical requirement. The safety bar needs to be able to fully close.

A woman ahead of us was sent away after only a few seconds of the staff member trying to force the bar down. Conversely, one member of our party (5' 11", 299 lbs) needed to readjust herself in the seat several times and pull some maps and a camera out of her pocket before the bar would pinch shut. She was quite uncomfortable for the duration of the ride and those extra minutes of staff attention were more than a little embarrassing.

There is a mockup of the safety bar and seat near the beginning of the line. Bight the bullet and try it on - better to decide here you don't fit. Waiting for the front of the line and being rejected in front of fifty people may just wreck your day.