SeaWorld Orlando announced plans today for Mako, a 200-foot-tall Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster that will become Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster.
The B&M hyper coaster will include a 20-story first drop, reaching top speeds of 73 mph. The coaster’s layout will stretch 4,760 feet long. B&M are also behind two of the park’s current four coasters: Kraken (2000) and Manta (2009).
Mako will also utilize a unique sound system to enhance the experience on and off the ride. The full score of Mako will follow riders up the lift hill. Custom surround effects and musical scores will fill the area surrounding the coaster.
At night, “specialty lights will accent the coaster trains, realm and track, flickering and shimmering, simulating fish being scattered by a mako on the hunt.”
SeaWorld released plans for the coaster on Facebook this morning with a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4pFi1awh3o
Mako’s tight turns and speed are inspired by reality. Mako sharks — also called “blue pointers” — are known for their top speed, making extreme jumps and the ability to quickly change course as they pursue their prey.
“On Mako, you’ll experience what it’s like to be this apex predator, surging through the water at top speed and chasing prey throughout a massive reef,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s attraction creative director. “It will be a wild mix of fear, thrills and fun.”
The park’s website describes the Mako ride experience:
Sink your teeth into SeaWorld’s unrivaled new coaster, Mako. Arriving summer 2016, this 200-foot hypercoaster soars to the top of the food chain as Orlando’s tallest, longest and fastest coaster. Scream through the deep dives with unmatched speed and predator power. Fly through the air with the grace and agility of the ocean’s apex predator.
Watch a video of the Mako ride experience below, narrated by Brian Morrow, attraction creative director at SeaWorld:
Mako will be the centerpiece of the newly themed area, Sharks Realm. The two-acre plaza now will be fully shark themed “including Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops, shark and shipwreck theming and educational experiences featuring sharks.”
Images © SeaWorld Orlando
In the plaza, guests will learn about the impact humans are having on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment. Sharks are hunted for their fins — considered a delicacy in certain countries — and thousands are caught accidentally in nets. Several species of sharks are on the verge of extinction.
“It’s this blend of education and thrills, immersing guests in an underwater world, that sets a SeaWorld ride apart from others,” said Morrow.
While a significant portion of Mako’s ride action takes place outside of the park, the finale of the ride will interact heavily with the park and the new Sharks Realm area of the park.
Onlookers will have multiple opportunities to see Mako in action as it makes its return to the station.
Mako is expected to open in the summer of 2016.
For more information and updates on Mako, visit SeaWorld Orlando’s website.
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