Mako (roller coaster)
| Company type | Steel roller coaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement ride |
| Founded | June 10, 2016 |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida , United States |
| Products | Roller coaster attraction |
| Parent | SeaWorld Orlando |
Mako is a steel roller coaster located at SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida, crafted by the manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard. This hypercoaster debuted on June 10, 2016, within the Sea of Mystery area. Its name derives from the mako shark, and it boasts a height of 200 feet, speeds up to 73 mph, and a track length measuring 4,760 feet.
Promoted as the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in Orlando, Mako has maintained a position within the top 50 of the yearly Golden Ticket Awards by Amusement Today, reaching its highest rank at 15 in 2019. It is among eight roller coasters at SeaWorld Orlando and represents the park’s first significant new attraction since the introduction of Manta in 2009.
History
In April 2015, SeaWorld revealed intentions to introduce a new thrill ride at their Orlando location, touting it as the city’s tallest, longest, and fastest coaster with a height of 200 feet. By May 13, 2015, SeaWorld had filed trademarks for the names "Mako" and "Reef Hunter." The official announcement of the coaster’s name, "Mako," inspired by the swiftest shark species, came on May 27, 2015.
Track components started arriving on-site in August 2015. The lift hill construction was completed by January 6, 2016. In February 2016, the first train car featuring a mako shark design was presented. The final segment of track was installed by mid-March 2016.
SeaWorld introduced the "Mako Rising" showcase and commenced ride testing in April 2016, also releasing an on-ride POV video. The coaster had its soft opening on June 2, 2016; media day occurred on June 9, followed by its official public debut on June 10. During this period, SeaWorld hosted the "Summer of Mako" event from June through August throughout the main park and its companion water park Aquatica Orlando.
Entrance and queue area
The attraction’s theme centers around the mako shark, with its surrounding two-acre zone named "Shark Wreck Reef," which also embraces a shark motif. This area showcases recycled artwork, a mural created by Guy Harvey, and educational displays focusing on interactions between humans and sharks.
Within the queue are additional exhibits by Guy Harvey; guests wait on a wooden pier beneath which they gain insight into the viewpoint of a mako shark hunting in its natural environment. The station itself is styled to resemble a shipwreck.
An original musical composition lasting 32 minutes by Rick McKee plays continuously throughout the queue line, loading area, and plaza beneath the coaster’s primary loop. Just before dispatch, riders see a panel above them displaying shadowy silhouettes of migrating sharks accompanied by synchronized visual effects and sound.
Layout
Upon departing the station, the train takes a slight right turn toward a 200-foot (61 m) lift hill, positioned adjacent to Kraken's dive loop for its ascent. After reaching the summit, it plunges down 200 feet (61 m), accelerating to a maximum velocity of 73 mph (117 km/h). The course then includes a tall overbanked curve skirting the lake followed by an airtime hill and a Hammerhead turn. Continuing over camelback hills that deliver multiple airtime sensations, it arrives at the mid-course brake run. After executing a brief left turn beneath the lift hill, it tackles another airtime hill and proceeds through banked turns above the park’s lagoon before concluding with the final brake run.
Track
The Mako coaster utilizes steel box track sections, providing a lift hill that reaches roughly . Clermont Steel Fabricators, located in Batavia, Ohio, produced the track components, which were then transported to Orlando for installation. The track is painted purple with blue support structures and features nine airtime elements. Approximately one-third of the ride’s course extends over water.
Trains
Mako runs with lead trains made of fiberglass, each containing seven cars. Every row seats four passengers, secured by individual lap bar restraints, allowing 28 riders per train. The train design mimics a mako shark, complete with gill details on both sides. Polyurethane wheels are employed to minimize friction against the track. These trains are crafted by Bolliger & Mabillard in Switzerland, blending visual appeal with operational efficiency.
Reception
The coaster has garnered positive feedback from both visitors and reviewers. Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel described it as "breathtaking," acknowledging SeaWorld’s achievement in delivering Orlando’s fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster. Marjie Lambert from the Miami Herald referred to it as a "retro coaster," noting its design evokes classic wooden coasters without incorporating modern inversions. Sharon Wynne from the Tampa Bay Times recommended multiple rides for fully appreciating its nuances, while enthusiast Jim Terry hailed it as the finest roller coaster in Florida.
Arthur Levine of USA Today highlighted how the ride offers thrilling sensations without inducing discomfort such as tunnel vision or grayouts. Elle Gordon from the Irish Independent singled out the "weightless airtime" as a remarkable feature and suggested experiencing it during nighttime. Russell Meyer of Theme Park Insider commended the theming and environmental effects surrounding the coaster, describing them as "excellently done" and enhanced by appropriate musical accompaniment.
Awards
| Golden Ticket Awards: Best New Ride 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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