About Theme Parks: A Ray of Flight at SeaWorld Orlando

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Theme Parks Theme Parks Find Theme Parks Water Parks Roller Coasters From Arthur Levine, your Guide to Theme Parks I got a chance to hop aboard Manta, the flying coaster at SeaWorld Orlando--and I loved it. Also, Walt Disney World announced that it is tweaking its Fantasyland expansion plans for the Magic Kingdom. Which got me wondering: Is the proposed expansion too girly-girlish? Take the poll. A Ray of Flight at SeaWorld Orlando Flying coasters, which place riders in nearly prone "flying" positions, offer unique thrill ride experiences. Opened in 2009, Manta at SeaWorld Orlando may be the best of the flying coaster bunch. (I've yet to take flight on the highly regarded Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain.) Instead of soaring through the air like a superhero, Manta replicates the underwater flying of winged manta rays. True to SeaWorld's theme, water plays an important role in the coaster's presentation. Read more about the ride in my Manta coaster review. Is Fantasyland Expansion Too Girly-Girlish? Take the Poll. You see them swarming in the Magic Kingdom and throughout Walt Disney World: little girls dressed in the finery of their favorite Disney characters. Tiaras, scepters, and chiffon dresses must account for a healthy share of the Florida resort's merchandise sales. The Disney Princess phenomenon weighed heavily in the Fantasyland expansion plans that Disney announced about two years ago. Now, the Mouse says it is tweaking those plans. According to an interview with new Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in the Orlando Sentinel, Disney is revising its initial expansion plans to include attractions that would have a broader appeal. Translation: Some of the princess-focused, girly-girl rides and shows may give way to some attractions that boys wouldn't be embarrassed to try. Which brings me to the latest About.com poll. Do you think the Fantasyland expansion, in its current form, is geared too heavily towards girls? Read more and take the poll. Manta and SeaWorld Orlando Photo Gallery See Orlando's Marine life park, including some shots of the Manta flying coaster. This Week's Theme Park News New Mr. Six Meet the new CEO of Six Flags. Carny Game Takes Aim at Obama The dish on the Jersey Shore brouhaha. Theme Parks Ads Flight Tickets Flight Tracker Flight Tracking Theme Parks Ilmaisia Ray Pelejä Featured Articles Follow Me on Twitter Walt Disney Theme Parks Six Flags Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks Roller Coasters Theme Park Rides and Attractions   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Arthur Levine Theme Parks Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Theme Parks newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What's New at Theme Parks? Indoor Water Parks Florida Theme Parks and Water Parks California Theme Parks and Water Parks Theme Parks Photo and Video Galleries Advertisement