Tell Me Honestly, Will I Love Manta

[jtlover]

DH is trying to make me go on Manta this year and I am scared of rides that you cant put your feet down on, especially if you dont like them you can push your feet down to help

He says it is like gliding, but since he told me RNRC was ok I am not taking his world for it!

 

[Twilight Terror]

Manta is definitely a different experience from any other rollercoaster you will have ridden in the past (unless you've ridden Air at Alton Towers)! For the most part, you spend the journey laying on your front. That in itself is a bit weird. The initial up hill climb feels a bit like going up an escalator, only you're lying down. Once at the top, it feels a bit like doing the start of a forward-roll as you come off the climb and into the swooping of the actual coaster.

The ride is very smooth, and just with Air, I find the type of ride to be quite tame and boring, especially compared to some of the other coasters around. It does feel a bit more like you have lost control over what you are doing. When sat in a seated coaster, you have a bit more freedom to more arms and legs, whereas on this your legs are pinned into place, with a supposed bar across the ankles, which tended to come to my shin bones instead. Because of the positioning of the arm/body restraints, there is less movement in your arms as well. Also, it much more difficult to turn and look to your left and right.

There is a brief few seconds halfway around where the G-Force will slam you back into your seat (instead on lying on the restraints as you have previously), but as you drop back into position, the whole experience is not alarming, and doesn't feel 'unsafe'. We weren't expecting it the first time, so took us a bit by surprise, but second time around it was okay!

I sat in the wrong place (outer edge) and got totally wet as we went over the pool! hehe. I wouldn't say you get disorientated, but the wind speed and pressure on our face are different from a rollercoaster because of the position you are in.

 

[Cochise]

Yeah agreement alround, at the top of the 1st climb there is a moment that is slightly unerving as you start to turn and drop. Apart from this, one loop is done on your back which you need to relax as if your tense it can hurt you neck muscles a little. So best advice is relax and enjoy, it isnt fast and you will want to go straight back on.

 

[BethEJo]

You should definitely go on Manta!

I found it to be a fab experience - completely different to anything I have ridden before. When you get lifted up after being strapped in......Well my heart was in my mouth. But it's awesome!!!

It's too fast to be able to take in what's going on around you - at least it is for when you ride the first time.

I'd say it's an absolute must. I hope your DH manages to persuade you

 

[rpbert1]

The best seats to ride Manta is the back row, i have been on nearly every row, and the back is by far the best, rode it about 10 times yesterday, and got the back 4 times, ,

 

[Pegasus928]

I would say to give it a go.
DW has had spinal surgery and, as a result, cant really do any of the other coasters. But she went on Manta as it looked too good to miss and thoroughly enjoyed it. We ended up going back to Seaworld just so she could ride it a few more times.
As a contrast I found HRRR, which is also a new ride, to be jerky, bumpy and thoroughly uncomfortable.

 

[buzz242]

You definitely have to ride Manta, its amazing. Our eldest son isn't keen on coasters but would stay on that all day, its very smooth unlike many of the others.

 

[steve_rob]

If you're not sure, I'd say still ride it once, but get as close the the front as you can - there'll be a big queue for the front row, so I'd go for row 2 as that way you can get on it quicker and not have time for second thoughts. Riding up front is the least intense version of the ride but will still give you the stunning views and feeling of flying.

If after that you feel that you really did enjoy the ride (and I think you will - I did!), then it's time to start moving further back and getting the TRUE experience of Manta. Riding in rows 7 or 8 feels makes it feel like a totally different ride, with way more G-force and the speed feels absolutely mind-blowing, even though you're going at the same speed everyone else is!

 

[Shazzie B]

I agree, give it a go, it really is a smoother ride than other coasters. I know what you're saying about the legs thing - but I always fell really safe on Air & Manta; there's a restraint that close around you ankles to keep your legs in place

 

[joemo]

Have to admit, I think I'm brave on coasters, but I really didn't like Manta - just didn't feel safe.

You have to try it once though.

 

[stacy87]

I went on this for the first time when we were there last a couple of weeks ago, and I did not like it! I never get motion sickness, but spent 45 minutes in the first aid room after the ride! lol I felt so silly! But, I felt very dizzy when we got off the ride, and almost fell down the stairs on the way out!

But, everyone else on the ride was absolutely fine! So I would definitely say give it a go, and if it's not for you then at least you did it

 

[izzie-wizzie]

I think it would be fine depending on how you think you would be going in the horizontal position.

If you relax you can enjoy it and feel like your flying, but i think if your paniced it might feel worse than it is.

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

Honestly...I didn't see what the big deal was about Manta... to be honest, I got a little bored. Especially as I could smell food cooking whilst on the ride.
Perhaps it was because I was already disorientated due to my lack of sight? My friend I was with loved it though.
But I still prefer Kraken.

 

[BethEJo]

Honestly...I didn't see what the big deal was about Manta... to be honest, I got a little bored. Especially as I could smell food cooking whilst on the ride.

Haha - that sounds like something I would say lol!

 

[paul_toria96]

I went on this for the first time when we were there last a couple of weeks ago, and I did not like it! I never get motion sickness, but spent 45 minutes in the first aid room after the ride! lol I felt so silly! But, I felt very dizzy when we got off the ride, and almost fell down the stairs on the way out!

But, everyone else on the ride was absolutely fine! So I would definitely say give it a go, and if it's not for you then at least you did it

This could be me I can get quite sick I was so looking forward to it, might just take a sickness tablet before I go on it