World’s tallest rollercoaster closes for GOOD after 19 years
THE tallest rollercoaster in the world has confirmed it will be closing down.
Kingda Ka, at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, is the world’s tallest at 456 feet tall.
However, the theme park has confirmed that the ride would be closing as it “has been surpassed by modern advancements”.
Having opened in 2005, it was also the fastest rollercoaster with top speeds of 128mph although this has since been beaten.
Park spokesperson Mark Villari Jr. told Theme Park Tribune: “What was cutting-edge roller coaster technology 20 years ago has been surpassed by more modern advancements.
“This has challenged operations and contributed to an inconsistent guest experience.”
In its place, the park said a new ride will replace it which will be a “multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster”.
Also replacing the Green Lantern rollercoaster, it will open in 2026.
The park’s president Brian Bacica said in a statement: “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.”
Also opening at the park is The Flash: Vertical Velocity, which will be “North America’s first super boomerang coaster” when it opens next year.
Last year, Kingda Ka was forced to temporarily close because of a cable snap mid ride.
While no one was hurt, the ride was evacuated and shut down.
Despite its top speeds, it dropped to the second fastest rollercoaster in the world after Formula Rossa opened in Abu Dhabi in 2010.
However, Kingda Ka is only one of two stratacoasters in the world – a ride that has drops of at least 400 feet.
Passengers endure a steep 90 degree climb before plummeting down the other side.
A much-loved UK theme park has also been forced to close.
Flambards Theme Park in Cornwall confirmed earlier this month that it would be shutting permanently.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
The park cited “rising costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers”.
We’ve also rounded up videos of the other fastest rollercoasters in the world.