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

The 456-foot-tall ride was brought down in a controlled implosion to make way for new attractions, marking the end of its nearly 20-year legacy.

Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster at 456 feet, was demolished through controlled explosions early Friday morning at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
The ride, which opened in 2005, launched riders from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds and held the speed record until 2010, making it a favorite among thrill-seekers.
The demolition is part of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s $1 billion investment into park upgrades, with new attractions planned through 2026, including North America’s first super boomerang coaster.
Fans expressed sadness over the closure of Kingda Ka and other rides like the Green Lantern, which were removed without prior announcements following Six Flags’ merger with Cedar Fair.
Kingda Ka’s height record was set to be surpassed later this year by Falcon’s Flight, a new roller coaster in Saudi Arabia reaching nearly 640 feet.