The latest poll was a battle between the top two Bolliger & Mabillard flying coasters in the United States, Manta and Tatsu. In 2006, Six Flags Magic Mountain introduced Tatsu, claiming the title as the tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster on the planet. After climbing a staggering 170 feet, Tatsu then drops guests over 100 feet into two back to back corkscrews, an egg roll, a 124′ pretzel loop (the largest of it’s kind), and an inline twist. SeaWorld Orlando took a strike in 2009 with Manta. With a 140′ tall hill and 98′ pretzel loop, Manta is slightly smaller than it’s West coast cousin. However, Manta delivers on theming with a lavish queue enclosed in an aquarium, trains shaped to look like it’s namesake, and a simulated wing dip where the coaster train ‘skims’ the water.
After a total of 40 votes, Manta is the winner with 65% choosing it as the superior flying creature. Tatsu loss by a fairly large margin receiving only 35% of the votes. Perhaps our readers felt that Manta was not as gimmicky as Tatsu. While Manta is smaller, many riders report an overall better experience on the Florida coaster due to the carefully designed layout that maximized the limited space that SeaWorld Orlando had to offer with moments of airtime and forces that despite it’s size, Tatsu, does not seem to offer.
Battle of the Flying Coasters: Manta vs Tatsu
- Manta at Sea World Orlando (65%, 26 Votes)
- Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain (35%, 14 Votes)
Total Voters: 40
Congratulations SeaWorld! Our readers have named you as the proud owners of the best flying coaster in America!
For the next two weeks we want to know your thoughts of stand-up coasters. What first seemed like a popular coaster model in the 90’s has since died out. Trains are modified so there is a smaller ‘seat’ that forces riders to stand up straight with their feet flat on the ground. The last major stand-up coaster to open up was Georgia Scorcher at Six Flags Over Georgia that debuted in 1999. However, since the closure of Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, their stand up creation, Chang has been shipped to Six Flags Great Adventure where it will re-open as The Green Lantern this season. What do you think of stand-up coasters? Are they an ‘amazing and unique ride experience‘ or just ‘fun, and that’s about it‘? Do you find stand-up coasters to be ‘uncomfortable‘ or do you down right ‘avoid them at all costs‘?
We want to hear your Park Thoughts! Vote in the poll below and on the side bar for the option that best describes your thoughts about stand-up coasters. Poll closes in two weeks. Remember to cast your vote!
Stand-Up Coasters?
- Amazing, unique ride experience (25%, 10 Votes)
- Fun, and thats about it. (55%, 22 Votes)
- Uncomfortable, I dread getting my credit. (20%, 8 Votes)
- I avoid them at all costs (3%, 1 Votes)
Total Voters: 40