At about 11:00am we went back to the shark realm. Jordan got in line to ride Mako as an extra, media could ride as often as they wanted in the 2nd-last row to fill up the car for other media outlet’s videos. I had his phone so he couldn’t tell me what was going on. After waiting quite a while without seeing the coaster run at all, I asked the worker at the ride entrance and she said they were just in a rain delay but should be running again soon. I went and found a seat in the shade. About 20 minutes later there was a different person at the ride entrance. They said the crew was on lunch break and things should be running again soon! About 10 minutes later the coaster came by overhead and I heard Jordan yell, “Hi! Mom!” as they headed to the station.

Jordan is a man of few words but he did say that Mako is the best roller coaster he has ever ridden. He says is is fast (73 mph), long (4,760 feet-almost a mile), high (200 ft) and smooth. He said the worst park is the lift hill because you just keep going up and up and up! He loved all the air time that you get on Mako, there are 9 air time hills!

After his first ride we caught some other attractions and spent time in the shark realm. At 2:30 we headed back to Mako to check-in for Jordan’s video ride. He was in the queue for his ride when he was asked to fill a seat for another ride. They told him he wouldn’t lose his spot in the video line for helping out, so he rode again.

Jordan got back in his place in the video line and the tech crew was putting on his mic when it started to rain! This wasn’t just a passing sprinkle. It was a long lasting soaking rain. He waited on the platform for a while but then the call was made to un-mic Jordan, cover the cameras and call it a day. I was so unhappy. The whole reason we made this trip on this day was to get this video. Jordan even had to take the day off of work. By 3:30pm we were heading out of the park in the rain for the long, rainy drive home.

Thankfully Jordan got to do that extra ride because at least we got this ride photo-he is the one in the black shirt with his fists in the air.

That evening Jordan search YouTube for videos of the 2 rides he was on. He found this video of MouseSteps.com’s ride. Jordan is in the 2nd from the back row on the far side (black t-shirt). It isn’t what we had hoped for but it is the only video we have. Enjoy this ride on Mako.

More info about Mako:

Mako Surfacing at SeaWorld Summer 2016

SeaWorld Unveils Mako Ride Vehicle

Summer of Mako at SeaWorld Orlando

To buy your tickets or book your Central Florida vacation Email Me to start planning!

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Summer of Mako

This summer, thrill seekers and families alike can enjoy spectacular summer events at both SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica with all-new and returning summer festivities. From June 10 – August 7, SeaWorld will feature Summer of Mako, an all-new event that encourages families to explore, be inspired and take action to protect our one ocean. Whether you want to meet animal experts, dive deeper into an ocean of interactive games or experience Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, Mako, Summer of Mako has something for everyone.

Mako

SeaWorld Orlando is upping the thrills this summer. Mako will be the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Orlando. 200 feet high, 73 mph and a track that’s nearly a mile long. Mako is a hypercoaster, which means it’s all about speed, tight turns and that weightless feeling you get at the top of each hill. Its design and engineering was inspired by the real mako shark – one of the ocean’s fastest shark species. Mako’s two-acre surrounding realm will be fully themed to sharks, inspiring guests to learn about and care for this mysterious species which needs our help to survive. If you’re bored and you want to read something shark-related, you can try articles like Jimmy John Shark.

Shark Touch Pool

Guests who have ever dreamed of touching a shark will have the opportunity to do so this summer at SeaWorld Orlando. The Relaxation Station located near Wild Artic will be home to a brand-new educational experience where guests will have the chance to learn about and interact with brownbanded bamboo sharks, whitespotted bamboo sharks and epaulette sharks.

Interactive Games

Join the frenzy as you race around SeaWorld Orlando to find some of the tallest, fastest and longest creatures that call our oceans home.
Guests up for the Mako Challenge can make a difference by participating in a park wide text message-based scavenger hunt. Those who complete the Mako Challenge will have $1 donated to the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund on their behalf, benefiting a variety of conservation projects all over the world.

Animal Experiences

Throughout the park, even more animal ambassadors, educators and animal experts are stationed to share information and stories about the animals in our care and provide up-close meet and greets, scheduled feedings and fun surprises. Park guests can pick-up a Summer of Mako guide and park map for specific times and locations.

Mako Treats and Exclusive Summer Offers

Summer of Mako will offer several limited time in-park specials and culinary offerings including a honey vanilla mako shark cookie; a SeaWorld exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle mix, Mako Blast; a specialty alcoholic beverage only available at Shark’s Underwater Grill; and Mako American Red Ale, a SeaWorld exclusive brew available in several locations around SeaWorld.

Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up The Night

Beginning June 18, experience this returning fan-favorite, a high-energy show featuring original music, amazing production elements and SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales. Shamu Stadium will transform with stylistic lighting and colorful backdrops to create a social and celebratory atmosphere ending with a fireworks finale spectacle.

Block Party

When the sun goes down, the fun starts up with a nightly Block Party along SeaWorld’s Waterfront. Celebrate summer and dance the night away with high energy music and street entertainment that is sure to provide non-stop fun for all ages.

Evening Coaster Thrills

SeaWorld’s coasters are a whole different experience when the sun goes down. Guests can experience Mako, Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, Kraken, a floorless coaster with seven inversions, and Manta, a facedown, headfirst coaster where riders fly like a manta ray.

SeaWorld Orlando’s 4th of July Weekend Celebration

Weekend Concerts

On July 2 and 3, guests can enjoy performances from Country music icon Lee Greenwood at Bayside Stadium. Greenwood has more than 30 albums to his credit and has received numerous industry awards including Grammy Top Male Vocal Performance and Male Vocalist with Country Music Association. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are included with park admission. Reserved seating available for $15, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for details.

Fireworks Display

This Fourth of July, families and friends can enjoy one of Orlando’s most magnificent fireworks displays at SeaWorld Orlando. The night sky will light up as bursts of bright colors fill the air during this spectacular, patriotic-inspired show featuring the 13th Army Band, Florida National Guard. Fireworks are included with park admission and can best be viewed from Bayside Stadium, show begins at 10 p.m.

Military Appreciation Morning

On July 1, SeaWorld Orlando will be opening the park gates one hour early for U.S. active duty military, veterans and up to three guests. Spin, glide, skim and fly on Manta or brave Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, Mako during exclusive ride time before park opening. Advance ticket and military ID required; visit WavesOfHonor.com for current active duty and veteran ticket offers.

Island Nights at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark

Beginning July 8, Aquatica heats things up with Island Nights presented by Coca-Cola® – an evening celebration of summer, taking place every night through August 6. Guests can enjoy a special Island Nights soundtrack, extended park hours, a daily happy hour from 5-7 p.m., an evening menu sizzlin’ with flavor at Waterstone Grill and evening kick-off parties with a DJ and dancers on Friday and Saturday nights. Event included with park admission to Aquatica.

Plan Your Vacation Now!

Guests can enjoy Summer of Mako and Island Nights for just $99 with the purchase of a single-day admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica. Florida residents can purchase an Annual Pass to SeaWorld and Aquatica with EZpay for only $16/month.

SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando offers a wide variety of hotel and vacation packages that are perfect for a weekend getaway with the entire family. Packages include free admission to Aquatica and waves of other benefits including in-park discounts, signature show seating, and a fifth hotel night free. Guests can choose from several options including “Eat Free” providing one day of All-Day-Dining at SeaWorld and Aquatica for the whole family, and “Kids Free” offering up to two free child’s admissions to SeaWorld and Aquatica. To book, Email Me an we will start planning!

New this year, families can consider a one-of-a kind vacation experience where they can swim with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters, and experience an underwater walking tour of a coral reef with a Discovery Cove hotel package. Guests can plan a perfect trip that will include unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for the length of their stay (up to 14 days). Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest Summer of Mako and Island Nights information. Join the conversation with #SeaWorld and #SummerOfMako.

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When we arrived backstage there was a large crate in front of us. The crate was lifted up by a crane to reveal one of the beautiful lead cars for the 3 Mako trains.

Mako’s design and engineering was inspired by the real Mako shark – one of the ocean’s fastest shark species. When it opens, Mako will top 200 feet high and reach speeds of 73 mph on a track that’s nearly a mile long. The new ride will be a hypercoaster, which means it’s all about speed, tight turns and that weightless feeling riders get at the top of each hill.

Mako Coaster Train Design Facts Include:

• Mako-Inspired Custom Car – In a collaboration between SeaWorld’s animal experts and ride engineers, the car is inspired by the physiology of an actual Mako shark, including five gills on each side, eye placement and sleek, hydro-dynamic look.
• Fast Wheels– Comprised of a special compound that reduces friction — providing a smooth, relentlessly fast ride from beginning to end.
• Magnetic Brakes-Activated by interaction between metal plates under the car’s frame and stationary megnets on the ride track.
• Upper Body Mobility – With only a lap guard on their lower body, riders’ upper bodies are free for added mobility and “airtime”
• The coaster will boast a total of 21 cars – including 3 trains of 7 cars per train. Each train weighs 21,418 pounds.

Will you be riding Mako when it opens this summer? I won’t be but my son Jordan cannot wait for the grand opening!

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2016 SeaWorld Orlando Events:

Wild Days–Saturdays and Sundays, January 16-31
Wild Days connects guests to the wild and wonderful world we all share, with educational and interactive shows that give guests the opportunity to meet leaders in the world of animal rescue, rehabilitation and preservation.

Bands, Brew & BBQ-Saturdays and Sundays, February 13 – March 6
Bands, Brew and BBQ is back for 2016 and sizzling with live concerts and delicious favorites from SeaWorld’s restaurants. In partnership with the USO of Central Florida, the celebration also salutes America’s military.

Praise Wave-Saturdays, March 12-26
With the return of Praise Wave, guests can celebrate Christian fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando. Uplifting, live concerts from the hottest names in faith-based music will light up the stage at Nautilus Theater.

Viva la Música-Saturdays, April 16 & 23 and May 7 & 14
Viva la Música is a fiery Latin music and food festival for the entire family. Guests enjoy hot concerts by popular Hispanic artists and bands, and authentic Latin flavors specially prepared by SeaWorld’s very own executive chef, Hector Colon.

Mako-Summer 2016
Mako, the hyper-coaster, will be the tallest, longest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando.

Summer Nights-Every night, June 11 – August 14
As the summer sun goes down, the fun heats up at SeaWorld Orlando. Summer Nights gives families and friends the chance to stay in the park for more thrills and laughs. Nightly festivities feature a high-energy Shamu show, awe-inspiring celebrations and late-night thrills on everyone’s favorite coasters.

Halloween Spooktacular-Saturdays and Sundays, October 1-30
SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular immerses families in an underwater “fantasea” filled with trick-or-treating, whimsical characters, sea-themed activities and up-close animal encounters that could only come from SeaWorld.

Christmas Celebration-Select Dates in November and December
Waves of holiday spirit splash over SeaWorld Orlando during its Christmas Celebration, where guests can make holiday memories by enjoying live shows, festive shopping and delicious food.

The best way to enjoy all of SeaWorld’s events and festivals throughout 2016 is with an annual pass, starting at only $13 per month with EZpay. Annual passes offer unlimited admission with no black-out dates. They also include free parking and discounts on select food and merchandise.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news. Join the conversation with #SeaWorld.

**Event dates and times are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Additional charges apply to all food items. Seating capacity for each concert or event is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Other restrictions may apply. For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

If you need help planning your vacation to Central Florida, I am always available to help just fill out my travel quote form or email cindys@d2travel.com.

The post 2016 SeaWorld Orlando Events Calendar appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Pretty cool, huh? Mako is a hypercoaster, this class of roller coaster is known for multiple tall hills and high speeds providing near weightless “air time”. many coaster enthusiasts say that hypercoasters are the essence of the extreme coaster experience. While riding Mako guests will surge through a shipwreck reef as the shark and experience the ocean as an apex predator. Even the queue brings guests into the undersea realm as riders feel as though they are floating under a pier, winding through shipwrecks and shadows.

The first drop, a 75-degree 200 foot drop, has riders careening at 73mph! That is just the beginning of this almost mile long roller coaster ride. The track includes 9 “air time” hills to give them the negative g-forces as they crest the hills and the positive g-forces at the bottom of the hills and in the tight turns. A 48,000 watt, intelligent surround sound system envelopes the realm. Sounds will follow the coaster trains as they dive through and around Shark Realm!

As I said, Mako is 200 feet tall. To get a feeling for how high that is, SeaWorld took us up 200 feet in the bucket of a crane! The view of the area was magnificient!

Mako will join the 4 other distinctly different roller coasters at SeaWorld Orlando:
Shamu Express-the perfect first coaster ride for kids
Journey to Atlantis-a family water coaster that transports guests to the mythical city of Atlantis
Manta-a flying coaster with loops and inversions
Kraken– a twisting, floorless coaster with loops and inversions

I can’t wait to see the upgrades to Shark Realm and Mako as she rises into the sky over SeaWorld Orlando. Would you like to ride Mako or are you a chicken line me?

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