SeaWorld introduced its new Mako hypercoaster at a media event on Thursday.
Mako is the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster among Orlando's theme parks, SeaWorld officials said.
ORLANDO, Fla. — WATCH: Riders test out Mako
“So visually you are the shark. So we put the guest in the point of view of the animal, much like we do with our other coasters. Here, you're the mako shark,” SeaWorld vice president of theme park experience design Brian Morrow said.
Park officials are expecting a big turnout for Mako's debut on Friday.
As a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, Mark Cole has been riding roller coasters around the world for 50 years.
“This has got to be in my top five, if not my top one or two at this point in time,” Cole said.
Mako sharks are known for their speed and their ability to quickly change course.
SeaWorld's Mako hypercoaster was designed with that in mind. Hypercoasters are more than 200 feet tall and are known for high speeds and steep drops that create a feeling of weightlessness.
WATCH: Behind the scenes of Mako
“So we're going to chase fish. You'll see them in the station, out of the station and through the ride path, all the way around the realm and back to the station again,” said Morrow.
Mako accelerates to 73 mph as it whips passengers along a nearly mile-long track.
As a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, Mark Cole has been riding roller coasters around the world for 50 years.
“This has got to be in my top five, if not my top one or two at this point in time,” Cole said.
After his third run on Mako, Cole told Chanel 9 what he thinks sets the coaster apart.
“This one is definitely engineered. It's got nine hills where there's weightlessness in all of them. That is the draw. I'm personally a person who does not like inversions or the loops. So, this is just great,” said Cole.
It's one of the world's few hypercoasters, and the only one in Florida.
“The ride will give you lots of lots of speed and an incredible amount of air time. What air time means is, that's the out of-seat feeling you get as you crest over these nine distinct air time moments,” said Morrow.
The park will be open at 9 a.m. Friday.
Cox Media Group
