World’s tallest rollercoaster to be demolished after closing for good last year and fans are devastated
THE tallest rollercoaster in the world is to be demolished after closing just a few months ago.
Kingda Ka opened at Six Flags in New Jersey back in 2005.
Once the fastest rollercoaster in the world – only to be beaten by Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi in 2010 – it retained its title of being the tallest in the world at 456ft.
However, the ride closed at short notice in November 2024, claiming it had been surpassed by “modern advancements”.
At the time, the theme park’s spokesperson Mark Villari Jr said this had “challenged operations and contributed to an inconsistent guest experience”.
It has now been confirmed that a permit for the ride’s demolition has been confirmed.
Instead taking it’s place will be a “multi-record-breaking launch coaster” opening next year.
Despite this, fans of the ride have been left devastated by the news.
One person wrote: “I went on it once and it change my roller coaster experience forever… so sad to see it gone.”
Another said: “I went on this and it was literally like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. RIP this legend.”
A third simply said: “Noooooooo this is actually really sad.”
Other people who hadn’t even been on the ride were just as sad.
Someone commented: “Devastated. Going on the Kingda Ka was one my my dreams.”
A second chimed in “No way!! That was like the holy grail of coasters when I was a kid.”
The new tallest rollercoaster is still in the US, with Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Superman: Escape from Krypton being 415ft tall.
This is set to be beaten, however, by the new Falcons Flight opening in Saudi Arabia this year.
Measuring 442ft in height when it opens, it will be taller than the London Eye in the UK.
It will also be the fastest rollercoaster, beating the current Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi’ which has speeds of 149mph.
Falcon Flight’s top speeds will hit 156mph.
If you don’t fancy leaving the country, here’s what it is like to ride the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster which opened last year.
Or head to Spain, with the Red Force rollercoaster at Ferrari Land one of the tallest and fastest in the world with speeds of 112mph and heights of 367ft.
The fastest rollercoasters in the world
- Formula Rossa, UAE – 149mph
- Top Thrill 2, US – 120mph
- Red Force, Spain – 112mph
- Superman: Escape from Krypton, US – 100mph
- Steel Dragon 2000, Japan – 95mph
We’ve rounded up the new theme parks and attractions opening this year in both the UK and Europe.
And here are the new rides and rollercoasters also opening.