Kingda Ka, World’s Tallest Roller Coaster, Closes Permanently at Six Flags Great Adventure

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, has announced the permanent closure of Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster in North America. The coaster, which stood at 456 feet and reached speeds of 128 mph, closed with the conclusion of the park’s 2024 operating season on November 10, 2024[1][3].

The decision to close Kingda Ka was driven by the coaster’s high maintenance costs and frequent mechanical issues. Since its opening in 2005, Kingda Ka had become a iconic attraction but also required a dedicated maintenance team due to its complex hydraulic launch system[2].

Along with Kingda Ka, other attractions at Six Flags Great Adventure, including the Green Lantern, The Twister, Parachutes, and Sky Way, have also been permanently closed. These closures are part of a broader $50 million investment in the park to commemorate its 50th-anniversary celebration and to introduce new rides and experiences[1].

Six Flags has announced plans to replace Kingda Ka with a new, multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster set to open in 2026. Additionally, the park will introduce The Flash: Vertical Velocity, a boomerang coaster, in 2025.

The closure of Kingda Ka marks a significant change for the park, which is committed to delivering new and exciting experiences for its visitors. Despite the nostalgia and fond memories associated with Kingda Ka, the park’s leadership believes these changes are essential for its growth and continued success[1][3][4].