World's TALLEST Roller Coaster Closes FOREVER!
The world’s TALLEST roller coaster has officially closed FOREVER and the news has left people shocked!
Kingda Ka – officially the world’s TALLEST roller coaster when it first opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey in 2005 has sadly closed it’s air gates for the very last time this week.
The iconic coaster became one of the most sought after coaster creds for enthusiasts and the general public alike during it’s 19 years life span, however a recent announcement by the park themselves yesterday (Thursday 14 November 2024) finally confirmed the ride will be retired permanently.
In an official statement Six Flags Great Adventure confirmed that Kingda Ka had reached the end of it’s life and that the ride is set to be replaced by a “Multi Record Breaking Launch Coaster” for 2026.
The ride itself – an Intamin Accelerator Coaster reaching heights of up to 456 ft and speeds of up to 128 mph will close as part of a much larger investment plan for the park which will not only see the ride replaced but also other areas of the park transformed too.
Speaking about their upcoming plans Brian Bacica – Park President for Six Flags Great Adventure said;
“With our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, the park’s multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments, including record breaking thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining, expanded events, and continuous enhancements across the property”
Speaking further about the upcoming new additions, Brian also goes on to speak about the addition of North America’s FIRST EVER Vekoma Rides Super Boomerang THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity opening in 2025 and states that their new 2026 record breaking launch coaster will also follow the year after.
Not much is revealed about their 2026 plans however it is stated that their new record breaking launch coaster will be “a must-ride attraction sure to capture fans’ imaginations”
Alongside the closure of Kingda Ka, the park also confirm the permanent retirement and closure of GREEN LANTERN too stating that construction on the new 2026 coaster will begin shortly.
To make way for the upcoming changes Twister and The Parachutes will also be removed and the Skyway will also be removed to make way for future developments.
The news of the “king of coasters” permanent closure has come as a shock to many due to it’s standing on the world stage as one of the most iconic roller coasters out there.
Fans have also been left outraged by yesterdays sudden announcement too given the park’s ongoing denial of the ride’s retirement up until the news broke.
As ever though change needs to happen and the hydraulic launch has ultimate become a thing of the past with many other rides featuring this style of launch closing permanently or being upgraded to feature LIM launches instead.
Top Thrill 2 at Cedar Point (although not entirely successful) is a prime example of this, however the ride’s changes and upgrades have ultimately proved unsuccessful given the ride’s short lived opening earlier this year.
We do however look forward to finding out more about what the park have instore in the years ahead and indeed, what their 2026 record breaking new launch coaster will bring.
