We’re just a couple weeks away from the June 10th official grand opening of Mako, SeaWorld Orlando‘s new hypercoaster. Mako will be the fastest, tallest, longest coaster in Orlando, and I cannot wait to ride it! During this visit I got video of their continuous ride testing and some great images of the new Shark Wreck Reef area theming surrounding the ride and nearby attractions. The new paint scheme and underwater scenery is gorgeous, most notably the shipwreck set-piece directly underneath some of the Mako track along the pathway! See the video for footage of the ride testing, the new area shipwreck theming, footage from the Mako Rising special presentation, as well as a few other surprises (namely a strange “Flamingo Walk” event). You can also see lots of images of the new area theming below! And stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon.
Construction Update
View of the new coaster from across the water
Entering the themed area “Shark Wreck Reef”
New underwater set-pieces sprinkled throughout the area, creating a more immersive experience
Theming around Shark Encounter entrance
Theming in front of shark feeding tank and restaurant entrance
Overhead pieces replicate water surface ripples
Theming frames area nicely
Underwater sand and coral on footers
Restaurant’s new themed sign and menu board
Detail of sign
Lighting effects added to themed footers to illuminate water ripples above
Lighting effects are going to make the area come alive at nighttime
Gift shop across the street down for refurb inside
Closed gift shop received new area paint scheme
Mako coaster track traversing the area above
Looking down the pathway towards Mako entrance
Walls now up around future new home of caricatures and new face paint stands
Underwater shipwreck cabin themed element
New paint scheme near bathrooms
Painting another wall near Mako entrance
Underwater shipwreck with Mako coaster running through
Painting coral and underwater rockwork
Incredible set-piece
Mako train approaching the shipwreck
Mako entrance will be up here on the left, right after the shipwreck
Future entrance to Mako, with track twisting above
Wait time sign beautifully weathered to look underwater rotted
Leaving the Shark’s Realm area
Ride Testing Images
That’s all for this update! Be sure to check out the video and share with all your friends!
Alicia Stella has been covering new attractions since 2015, with her work cited by The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. She specializes in reporting on new attraction development, and always looks forward to upcoming changes coming to the Orlando theme parks. She is also a contributor to the The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.
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