ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld officials announced Tuesday that its new Mako roller coaster is nearly completed.
The company offered Channel 9 an up-close look at what will be Orlando's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. Riders will travel up 200 feet and reach speeds of 70 mph.
Channel 9 learned the coaster is part of a plan to reshape the park's image. It will be the first new thrill ride the park will open in nearly seven years.
Photos: SeaWorld's Mako roller coaster
Officials said the goal is to attract more teenagers and families, as well as adults looking for thrill rides, as the park undergoes changes.
"We spent a lot of time on family attractions and shows over the past four years so it was really time for us to up the ante and the thrills here at the park," SeaWorld vice president Brian Morrow said.
SeaWorld announced in March it would stop breeding its iconic killer whales following heavy criticism from animal rights activists. The company posted around $47 million loss in 2016's first quarter.
Park managers said they want SeaWorld to become more competitive with other Central Florida theme parks while still educating visitors about the ocean and marine life.
"It's really what guests expect from us. Rides that tell stories of the ocean in brand-new, inventive ways tied to real animal stories and how they can make a difference in the wild," Morrow said.
The park has begun testing the Mako and hopes to open it to the public on June 10.