SeaWorld Releases Opening Date For MAKO; Their New Roller Coaster!
SeaWorld Orlando has officially announced the opening date for their new record breaking roller coaster, MAKO!
Opening June 10 2016, MAKO will be the first 2016 Orlando attraction to have an opening date announced. The final piece was installed on March 11. Testing is scheduled to start on April 14. However, with all new coasters, that date could change at any moment.
With speeds exceeding 70 mph, MAKO will propel riders across a track that’s 4,760 feet long and encounter a 200 foot drop. It’s a “hyper coaster”, which is the term given to rides that reach at least 200 feet high. The ride will reach speeds of 70 mph and travel through multiple tall hills and valleys giving guests plenty of “air time.” A 48,000-watt surround-sound system envelops the entire realm also, which will have sound follow the coaster trains as they dive through and around the area.
“There will be no upside-down elements on the new ride, which has been engineered to create stretches of weightlessness“, said Brian Morrow, senior director of attraction development.
Can’t wait? take a virtual test ride of MAKO below!
Not only will MAKO will be the tallest and fastest coaster in Orlando, it will be Florida’s first hyper coaster, which is something the central Florida area definitely needs. It will be tied with SheiKra in Tampa standing 200 feet tall. At 4,760 feet, MAKO will take the record of Florida’s longest coaster from Cheetah Hunt, which is at 4,429 feet. MAKO will be 73 miles per hour, and will take the record of Florida’s fastest coaster, which is currently held by SheiKra at 70 miles per hour.
Yesterday, we made a visit to the park to see the completed coaster track for ourselves. It is quite impressive and looks like it will have so much airtime! MAKO truly is the coaster we are most excited to ride in 2016! Below are a couple photos we shot from the 400ft Sky Tower.
MAKO will have 3 coaster trains with 7 cars per train and each train will carry 28 riders. Each coaster train weighs 21,418 lbs.
MAKO car features:
- Custom Fiberglass Lead Car – Inspired by the physiology of an actual mako shark.
- Central Beam – Provides a smooth surface for the pneumatic brakes and houses the mechanisms that attach the coaster car to the lift chain on the ride’s initial climb.
- Wheels – Comprised of a special polyurethane compound that reduces friction, providing a smooth, relentlessly fast ride from beginning to end.
- Magnetic Brakes – Activated by interaction between metal plates under the car’s frame and stationary magnets on the ride track.
- Rider Lap Guard – Keeps riders secure while providing complete upper-body mobility for a thrilling ride.
- Rider Seat – Designed with padded bucket seats for rider’s comfort and safety.
SeaWorld is currently hiring internally for the ride’s opening team. Almost all of the ride’s opening team will be transferred from other ride areas. The opening team will start training in May and employees will be allowed to ride towards the end of May at an employee preview night. If you’re visiting the park before June, you aren’t out of luck. Check on the status of the ride when visiting as there should be some exciting soft openings before the June 10 opening day!
There is also a temporary show in the Nautilus Theater (immediately next to MAKO) called MAKO Rising, which takes place every day at 11:45 AM and 2:45 PM. The fifteen minute show plays a video of what it’s like to ride MAKO. The show has hosts from the entertainment department that explain facts about the ride, and also invite two random guests from the audience to participate in a fun game about the MAKO shark. Both contestants are given free merchandise afterward, and everyone who goes to the show will receive a refreshment and special gift!
Speaking of sharks, construction continues on the new Shark Wreck Reef. This re-imagined area will feature Shark Encounters, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops, and educational experiences dedicated to the many amazing species of sharks in the wild. Although SeaWorld has not revealed if the Sharks Underwater Grill restaurant will receive any changes or not, we are super excited to make a visit!
The shark encounters will be amazing! Guests will come face-to-face with real sharks on a fascinating journey through one of the world’s largest acrylic underwater viewing tunnels. Not only will sharks be swimming above you, they will be swimming around you!
The best way to experience MAKO and the new Shark Reef is with the purchase of a 2016 Fun Card or a 2016 annual pass. The Fun Card is $99 and includes admission every day now until December 31. The annual pass costs $168 ($192 for BOTH SeaWorld and Aquatica) will be good one year from purchase and include parking and discounts.
For tickets and more information, visit the official SeaWorld Orlando website by clicking here.
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