Manta Roller Coaster at SeaWorld Ready to Roll

The much-anticipated Manta Roller Coaster was scheduled to open May 22, but the resort says it is ahead of schedule – so much so that guests may get to start riding the new coaster as early as next week.

SeaWorld spokesman Nick Gollattscheck said water has already been pumped into the aquariums around the attraction, and the testing and safety checks of the inverted-flying coaster are complete. The park is now populating the aquariums with rays. It has been allowing employees to ride Manta for the past couple of weeks.

The Orlando attraction plans on having a three week “soft opening” of the ride before the formal grand opening is held on May 22.