SeaWorld's Manta debut's this week

In one of the most devastating economies in the last quarter century, Seaworld executives are expecting a great return on their new flagship attraction Manta. When ride designers sat down to draft their concept of Manta, it was during a booming economy, but all that has changed.

For this new ride to pay itself off, it's critical for it to be a "home run" says general manager of Seaworld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. As one of the most expensive rides ever built by Busch Entertainment Corp., the Manta combines a 56-mph inverted experience with an immersion into the world of over 300 species of sting rays.

Price tag for the centerpiece attraction estimates $20.8 million not including other items such as R&D according to permits that were filed with the Orange County government. But many think that Seaworld executives are thrilled about opening this attraction in the middle of a global recession.

Sales at Seaworld have fallen approximatley 18% according to it's parent company InBev Anheuser-Busch, but critics believe that the new one-of-a-kind coaster will soften the devastating impact of a declining economical blows to Seaworld.