Kingda Ka closed permanently at Six Flags Great Adventure, new coaster in 2026
Kingda Ka closed forever without notice at Six Flags Great Adventure as the roller coaster makes way for a new ride to open in 2026.
Six Flags closes coaster without notice
The signature roller coaster of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, N.J. is now permanently shuttered, the park announced on Nov. 14, 2024. Kingda Ka closed with the conclusion of the park’s 2024 operating season earlier this week. The closure was not formally announced to the public prior to its final rides, though rumors swirled.
Kingda Ka was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, according to Six Flags. It opened in 2005 and was manufactured by Intamin.
Along with Kingda Ka, other Six Flags Great Adventure attractions now permanently closed include Green Lantern, The Twister, Parachutes, and Sky Way.
What’s replacing Kingda Ka?
Now that Kingda Ka is closed permanently, Six Flags looks ahead to its replacement: “a multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster,” the park announced, which will open in 2026. Six Flags has not revealed further details.
“With our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences,” said Brian Bacica, park president of Six Flags Great Adventure, “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.”
As previously announced, Six Flags Great Adventure will also open The Flash: Vertical Velocity in 2025, a boomerang coaster which was originally announced for a 2024 opening.
Looking back on Kingda Ka
Six Flags Great Adventure described the now-closed Kingda Ka this way on the coaster’s former landing page on the park’s website:
There’s a reason this coaster is known as the king. Kingda Ka is quite simply the tallest coaster in the world and fastest roller coaster in North America. Is that impressive enough to warrant royalty? You bet it is. This upside down U-shaped track bolts up 45 stories in the sky — that’s 456 feet high! This leaves all other coasters in the dust. And of course it’s going to take some mighty acceleration to get you to the top of it.
You’ll leave the station going from 0 to 128 miles per hour in a jaw-dropping 3.5 seconds. Actually, there won’t even be time for your jaw to drop. You’ll be shooting up that impossible height so fast, you won’t even have time to think, so just hang on. It’s 90° straight up. And once you get to the top, you’ll be plummeting right back down in a 270-degree spiral that is not recommended for wimps. There is very little that can prepare you for a drop of this intensity. You’ll top it off with a 129-foot camel hump. Well, how else did you think the king got around?
Six Flags Great Adventure
“We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our
guests’ passion,” said Bacica on Kingda Ka’s closed status. “These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details next summer.”
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