Mako, Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster will surface at SeaWorld on June 10 and will be the centerpiece of Shark Wreck Reef – a newly designed realm that blends education and thrills, while immersing guests in an underwater world.
The two-acre realm will be fully shark themed and include Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops, shark and shipwreck theming and educational experiences featuring sharks.
Shark Wreck Reef is designed to make guests feel they’re underwater and part of the group of sharks that have taken over a shipwrecked reef.
Inside the realm, 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 in addition, tens of thousands are caught accidentally in nets. Several species of sharks are on the verge of extinction.
As guests venture further into the realm and into the queue line they’ll discover a unique sound system that will enhance their experience. An original Mako score can be heard and follows guests as they enter the loading bay and emerge from the station aboard Mako and up the lift hill.
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.
Mako will be a hypercoaster, designed for speed and relentless “air time” and lures guests to brave it’s tight turns, steep drops and predator power speeds. Riders will climb up to 200 feet high – offering tremendous views of the surrounding area – before plunging to reach speeds up to 73 mph.
