Six Flags announces retirement of Kingda Ka, Green Lantern to make room for $1B investments
With no formal fanfare, the 456-foot-tall behemoth shut down last Sunday, leaving behind a generation of memories dating back to its opening on May 21, 2005.
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Amid swirling rumors, the record-breaking Kingda Ka coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township has indeed seen its final launch.
A final farewell to a giant among roller coaster enthusiasts.
“We met up with a couple people who even flew in just to ride Kingda Ka,” said Matthew Kaiser, the regional representative for American Coaster Enthusiasts.
“When we finally got there and saw the whole vibe, we definitely knew it was going to close,” said Christian Jepsen, of Wall Township.
With no formal fanfare, the 456-foot-tall behemoth shut down last Sunday, leaving behind a generation of memories dating back to its opening on May 21, 2005.
Kingda Ka, ranked as the world’s tallest and fastest coaster, has delivered more than 12 million rides since it opened.
“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. We look forward to sharing more details next summer,” said Brian Bacica, park president.
Kaiser won part of a decommissioned launch cable at a park raffle back in 2021 and he says it’s not and will never be for sale.
“It was a special moment being there and I do wish that more people knew in advance,” said Kaiser.
Six Flags confirmed the Kingda Ka closure, adding that the Green Lantern, Twister, Parachute Drop and Sky Way will also be removed to make room for new rides, as part of a $1 billion investment in its parks.
“There was actually a car they were taking apart in the station so we knew it would be the last time we would ride it,” said Jepsen.
“It was the most intense launch I’ve ever felt and it still is,” added Kaiser.
Six Flags says next year a boomerang-type ride called The Flash Vertical Velocity will open followed by what they call a multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster in 2026.
