After years of hour-long lines and sudden breakdowns, Six Flags Great Adventure has officially closed the fan-favorite Kingda Ka, which held the title of the tallest roller coaster in the world at 456 feet tall since its opening in May 2005. Despite the fast-moving super-speed roller coaster going as fast as 128 mph when in use, its constant breakdowns and malfunctions made it a disappointment for both the theme park as well as park guests waiting in line for hours to enjoy the ride. The removal is part of the theme park’s plans to welcome a new roller coaster. The details of the new ride remain unclear, but it’s promised to be a record-breaker.
The iconic Six Flags Great Adventure roller coaster in Jackson, New Jersey, made its debut on May 21, 2005, earning immediate recognition as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world and garnering an audience of thousands of teenagers. As the adventure is 456 feet tall and can reach 128 mph in 3.5 seconds, there is no doubt that the thrill-seeking ride was a perfect addition to the park.
However, its operation was marked by challenges along the way, with the coaster facing several breakdowns and destruction over the nearly two decades of operation, sometimes damages leading to extensive repairs and causing the ride to temporarily shut down. Despite these problems, Kingda Ka remained a key attraction in the park, drawing park attendees eager to experience the record-breaking opportunities that the roller coaster provided.
After nearly 20 years of operation, Six Flags Great Adventure officially closed the famous ride Kingda Ka in November 2024. According to park officials, the decision to shut down the fan-favorite was driven by the aging technology and everlasting mechanical issues surrounding the ride, and the amount of time that was spent so frequently shutting down the ride and making an effort to repair the damages. While there was no single event that led to the closure of the ride, the decision was pursued to adhere to Six Flags’ overall goal of investing in newer technology to create safer and more reliable attractions for young audiences.
“We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences,” said Brian Bacica, Six Flags Great Adventure president, in a November 14 press release sent to Fox News Digital.
Along with Kingda Ka, Green Lantern, The Twister, Parachutes, and the Sky Way will also be demolished, and their collective space will be used to build the next innovation in the park.
The closure also allows the park to repurpose the space for future projects and initiatives, including a hint at a “multi-record-breaking launch coaster” scheduled to open in 2026 with more information coming out next summer and promising that the new space will be filled with an unparalleled adrenaline rush that captures fan’s imaginations.
Upon the closing of the world’s tallest roller coaster, Wiement, Red Force at Ferrari Land in Spain, standing at 367 feet, officially became the tallest operating roller coaster in the world. Though shorter and slightly slower than Kingda Ka, Red Force remains a standout for its design and 112 mph launch.
This shift highlights the park’s focus on staying competitive and innovative in the amusement park industry. Even though one fan-favorite park attraction is closing, Six Flags Great Adventure hopes their next introduction to the park will bring even more excitement to park guests.
