Mako is currently in soft opening at SeaWorld Orlando and I got to ride it yesterday! It was incredible. The first drop and first turn are exhilarating and I won't lie, I was somewhat terrified for a few seconds. It's funny to me that a ride where you come up out of your seat so many times doesn't have shoulder restraints. I guess they want to really allow you to feel the air time. I rode a second time in the front row and it was even more incredible. After the first drop and turn it's a somewhat relaxing of a ride, even though I know we were traveling super fast because my ponytail was sticking straight out behind me the entire time! There's no loops or upside-down moments, so it's all about speed and air time. It's a fun ride and one I'll be riding every time I visit for sure. See the video for footage of the soft opening, my thoughts on the new coaster right after I rode it, check out some cool stuff in the gift shop and see all of the Shark's Reef area theming that is now complete. You can also see lots of images of the beautiful area theming below! And stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon.
Soft Opening Pictures
The Mako ride entrance, surrounded by staff handing out Soft Open ticketsAfter a long wait, it's finally here!Soft Opening in Progress...I got my ticket! The day before they were limiting to 1000, but today they seemed to have no limitBetter put my bag in the locker before riding. It's a dollar for single time useTime to ride!First part of the queue is simple path with fencingSecond part of queue transitions to look like you're under a dock in the oceanFinally, you enter a shipwreck underwater. There are facts about Mako sharks to read while you waitYay, people riding Mako!Woohoo!Ride ends passing through the rusted hull of a sunken ship
Gift Shop Pictures
Reef's Treasures is the name of the exit gift shopSunken ship theme continues through the gift shopInside the shop is beautifully decoratedNew Mako merch! ShirtLove this Mako frame!Shot glasses and tiny snowglobesNew shirts featuring all 4 thrill rides, including Mako!And in a girly version tooTime to pick up a ride photoWill go perfect in your new Mako frame!
Shark's Reef Pictures
Mako shipwreck and coral now full paintedLights sparkle as the coaster passes by, like sunlight twinkling through the waterShimmering lights on the shipwreckEntering the now fully themed area from the other sideWelcome to Shark Wreck ReefLearn all about Sharks: Fear & FascinationLots of hands-on learning stations have been added to the areaThey teach you about sharks, and why humans shouldn't be afraid of them as much as they should be afraid of usOne sign teaches us about sharks...And one reminds us about humansThat's a lot of soupTeaches us in Florida how rare shark attacks is gonna be a hard sellSeeing a hidden message: SHARKS. RARELY. HURT. PEOPLE.Photo cutoutBe afraid FOR sharks!Shark Encounter got a big new sign (sorry for poor camera angle)Size chart - for the coolest fish in the ocean!Fun interactive steering wheelLearn with maps and charts!Walls down around all of the new beautiful signageAll bases have been painted to look like coral and sandArea gift shop back open with some new merchandise insideCaricatures, face paint, and Henna tattoos area openThis is a much nicer setup rather than the small caricature setup they used to have under an umbrella down the roadNew Guy Harvey original mural on the wall near MakoMural fits in the area nicelyPanini shop gets new nameNew carnival game added near Mako entranceGame is racing game and requires multiple players to startSeemed pretty popular throughout the dayNew tables with umbrellas and refreshment stand added near Nautilus TheaterPerfect way to beat the heatThis is a good location for a small snack standExcellent cup choice for the areaMako Rising presentation in the theater has endedLook what made it onto the park map! That's all for this update. Check back soon for more!
Mako is currently in soft opening at SeaWorld Orlando and I got to ride it yesterday! It was incredible. The first drop and first turn are exhilarating and I won't lie, I was somewhat terrified for a few seconds. It's funny to me that a ride where you come up out of your seat so many times doesn't have shoulder restraints. I guess they want to really allow you to feel the air time. I rode a second time in the front row and it was even more incredible. After the first drop and turn it's a somewhat relaxing of a ride, even though I know we were traveling super fast because my ponytail was sticking straight out behind me the entire time! There's no loops or upside-down moments, so it's all about speed and air time. It's a fun ride and one I'll be riding every time I visit for sure. See the video for footage of the soft opening, my thoughts on the new coaster right after I rode it, check out some cool stuff in the gift shop and see all of the Shark's Reef area theming that is now complete. You can also see lots of images of the beautiful area theming below! And stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon.
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