ORLANDO, Fla. – The first coaster train for SeaWorld Orlando's new Mako rollercoaster came hiding inside a gigantic crate sent from Switzerland.
The front car of the coaster train features a sleek shark design, with purple seats and turquoise lap guards. The completed coaster will take seven of these cars, with 28 passengers racing at more than 70 mph.
"It's going to leave them both breathless and weightless," said Mike Denninger, vice president of theme park development at SeaWorld Orlando.
The rides at SeaWorld are designed to inspire learning and entertainment, but Mako is being called the next generation of rides.
"You know it's really the next evolution of design, I think the big point of difference here is just the chance for guests to be an animal, and to feel the power of a shark," said Brian Morrow, Vice President of Theme Park Design at SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando made a second reveal Tuesday, saying the new roller coaster would be the beginning of a new shark realm at the park.
"We really wanted to complete the realm and the overall shark story. So the ride, new retail experiences, and a lot of new educational experiences will really complete the portfolio of what the "Shark Realm" will be here at the park," said Morrow.
SeaWorld Orlando said the Mako rollercoaster will open in summer of 2016.