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Ride Profile
parkworld-online.com
Through several interactive learning stations, park guests
discover how different shark species are classified and what they like to eat. The stations also explain how human behaviours are threatening some sharks to the point of extinction. From the moment guests walk into Shark Wreck Reef,
which also includes SeaWorld’s existing Shark Encounter attraction, guests can hear the roar and feel the rumble of the massive coaster that passes within feet of their path and juts out over open water. Rich design elements, colours and textures, and hand-crafted materials make guests feel as if they’re part of a living ecosystem at the bottom of the sea, so SeaWorld claims. As would-be passengers make their way to the queue
line, they pass beneath a hulking, two-storey fishing pier, then wind their way up rusted stairways through the ramparts of another shipwreck. Heightening the sensory experience, a 48,000-watt, intelligent surround-sound system plays an original soundtrack throughout the realm, evoking the fascination of the sea. The musical score can be heard by riders as they come out of the station and climb all the way up the lift hill. “For almost three exhilarating minutes, you experience life
as an apex predator,” says Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s vice- president of theme park experience and design. “You surge through the water at top speeds, charge to the ocean depths and chase prey throughout a massive reef.”
Relentless airtime Challenged to name the ride's best part, Denninger responds: “There are so many fantastic parts of Mako to consider. Whether it be the 200ft incline lift rising high above any other coaster in Orlando, the initial steep drop that feels like the track doesn't stop curling underneath the train, the varied and well-paced airtime elements, or all the great twists, turnarounds and banked elements. However, I would have to say the relentless airtime is the single quality of Mako that really sets it apart from all the rest." With the addition of Mako, SeaWorld Orlando now has
five rollercoaster experiences spanning a range of ages and appetites, perhaps more than any other marine park in the world. Kraken, a floorless coaster from B&M, is themed after a mythological sea monster. On Manta, a B&M Flying
Shark Wreck
Coaster, passengers ride head-first, face-down through inversions and loops. Journey to Atlantis is a water coaster from Mack, while Shamu Express is a junior-sized coaster from Zierer. “Our fans will love how Mako complements our other
rides,” believes Morrow. “Kraken is big, monstrous and twisty. Manta is massive and glides smoothly, taking you on a flight like a huge ray. Mako is entirely different. It’s streamlined and fast, just like a mako shark. There’s no wasted motion, it’s all speed and dives.”
Reef “As we designed and built this new realm, the educational component was a top priority,” expains SeaWorld Orlando president, Donnie Mills. “We want guests to leave exhilarated by what they experienced here, and we also want them to leave inspired by what they learned. Sharks are in peril throughout the world and we can all do something about that; that’s our message.” Interactive learning stations
dispel myths about sharks, including how few people are killed each year in shark attacks (10) compared to how many humans die of bee stings (725,000) and parasite-carrying snails (10,000). Also opened is the new Shark Touch Pool and Relaxation Station, To celebrate the new realm,
SeaWorld has launched Summer of Mako, a park-wide event that takes advantage of the longer summer nights and amps up the park’s fun factor. Hungry/thirsty guests can also avail themselves of Mako- inspired products including a honey vanilla mako shark cookie, a SeaWorld exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle mix, and the alcoholic beverages Mako Blast and Mako American Red Ale.
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