ORLANDO -- Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start to the summer travel season, and even with the current economic downtown, managers at SeaWorld Orlando said they hope their newest attraction will make a splash.
The multimillion-dollar Manta “flying” coaster officially opened Thursday at SeaWorld after several weeks of testing during a “soft opening” period that began May 5.
News 13’s Scott Fais took a ride to share a bird’s-eye view of the attraction with you.
SeaWorld said Manta combines the best of the sea and sky, immersing you in the beautiful and mysterious world of rays, then takes you for the ride of your life aboard a manta-inspired flying roller coaster.
The start of 2009 saw revenue drop across the board at the 10 parks owned by the Busch Entertainment Corporation.
Anheuser-Busch InBev reported an 18 percent drop in theme park revenue for the first three months of the year compared to 2008.
When parks open a new ride like Manta, they historically see a rise in attendance, though in these economic times, a major new attraction could prevent a further decline.
“We want to let everyone know. We’re not going to hold back,” said Dan Brown, vice president and general manager of SeaWorld Orlando. “We’re certanly focused on locals and the state of Florida, but we want the whole world to know that if they are planning a trip to Orlando, that we have to be on the top of their minds, and SeaWorld is the place to go.”
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