Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster, will be among the rides removed from Six Flags Great Adventure to make way for a “multi-record launch coaster” set to open in 2026.
The roller coaster, which opened at the Jackson, New Jersey, theme park in 2005, was the tallest in the world at 456 meters.
At the time it opened, it was also the fastest roller coaster. However, that record has since been eclipsed.
“We understand that saying goodbye to beloved trips can be difficult, and we appreciate the passion of our guests. These changes are an important part of our growth and commitment to deliver extraordinary new experiences,” said Brian Bacica, president of Six Flags Great Adventure, in a Nov. 14 press release sent to Fox News Digital.
Additional details about Kingda Ka’s replacement will be released “next summer,” Bacica said.
The new ride will be “a must-see attraction to capture the imagination of fans,” he added.
The announcement comes after about a month of speculation that the coaster’s days may be numbered.
Many roller coaster enthusiasts reported on YouTube and other social media platforms that there were credible rumors that the ride was closing.
In Thursday’s press release, Six Flags Great Adventure also announced that the Green Lantern roller coaster will close for the new 2026 ride, as will Parachutes and Twister.
Zumanjaro, a drop tower ride on Kingda Ka’s main structure, will also close, Six Flags Great Adventure later confirmed.
Meanwhile, a new coaster, “The Flash,” which is “North America’s first super boomerang coaster,” will open in 2025, Bacica said.
On social media, many fans were upset with how Six Flags Great Adventure handled the closing of Kingda Ka.
“Very excited about the new ride, but it’s really strange how they handled this. Why couldn’t they announce this during the season?? I would have booked a flight to travel it again,” said one user on X, who added: “And I know I’m not alone, they lost 2024 visitors.”
“Closing a ride of Kingda Ka’s stature without official notice, or the possibility of final rides, is simply unprecedented in the theme park world,” said another user on X. “As enthusiasts, you have a right to feel angry and you have a right to feel disrespected.”
“Kingda Ka deserved better,” said another user on X, who added that it was “heartbreaking and insulting” that the roller coaster was shut down without prior notice.
In addition to announcing that Kingda Ka will close, Six Flags also revealed Thursday a slew of additions coming to the chain’s theme parks.
Six Flags will invest more than $2 billion in the coming years, according to a press release from the company.
The investments, which will total between $500 million and $525 million in both 2025 and 2026, will include new rides, attractions, themed areas, dining enhancements and technology upgrades that are sure to provide an unparalleled level of entertainment. and excitement for guests of all ages”, says the announcement.
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