The attraction allows guests to encounter numerous species of ray before boarding a manta ray-shaped train that takes them on a 3,359-foot-long (1,024 m) roller coaster ride above the park, reaching top speeds of 56 miles per hour (90 km/h).

Designed by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard, Manta restrains riders in the prone position and features four inversions.

[3] SeaWorld Orlando revealed the concept that was to become Manta to a gathering of travel industry representatives and community leaders on April 2, 2008,[4] although it had been in the planning stages for years.

Joseph Couceiro—vice president of sales and marketing—described the ride as "the next generation SeaWorld attraction" that would immerse guests in elements of marine life.

[4] Artists' concepts of the new attraction were leaked onto the Internet in April 2008; however, SeaWorld officials would not confirm whether the images were accurate representations of the final design, but said that the roller coaster would have a gliding sensation.

[13] Guests in the ride's queue have access to special exhibit components, such as a Plexiglas "pop-up" window into the aquarium.

[13] Guests are secured in their seats using a locking lap bar, a vest-like harness and flaps at the riders' ankles to hold their feet in place.

[14] In the original plans, the wing of the car was intended to make contact with water at a certain point of the ride, but Bolliger & Mabillard said the idea would not work and a fountain was used instead.

SeaWorld can adjust several features of the splash effect, including its duration and the train's speed when it enters the area.

[21] Manta features a dual station configuration, which allows two trains to be loaded at the same time, thus increasing the ride's capacity.

Busch Entertainment Corporation, SeaWorld Orlando's parent company, credited Manta with improving park attendance.