Kingda Ka’s Last Ride: World’s Tallest Coaster Rumored to Permanently Close

Thrillseekers around the world know Kingda Ka as the legendary ride that towers above the rest. But could this record-breaking ride be set to close forever? Rumors say yes—and they’ve been swirling louder than ever.

At 456 feet, this beast of a roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey has held the title of the world’s tallest coaster since its debut in 2005. It shoots riders to a jaw-dropping 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds, cementing its place in the record books.

Credit: Six Flags

But not everything has run smoothly for the strata coaster. Just a month after opening, a bolt failure forced Six Flags to replace its launch cable, a crucial component. In the following years, lightning strikes, hurricane damage, and even incidents involving riders have plagued this famous ride.

Most recently, in June 2023, Kingda Ka’s launch cable snapped again, damaging the brake fins and requiring yet another temporary closure.

Given its checkered history and maintenance demands, speculation about Kingda Ka’s future has sparked a flurry of concern among coaster enthusiasts. In the past few weeks, these rumors have gained serious traction. Some sources even claim the ride will close permanently on November 10 – which, in case you hadn’t noticed, is tomorrow.

This Kingda Ka thing is seriously one of the most bizarre situations I can ever remember in the theme park industry. Has there ever been a major rumor like this where it seems like nobody 100% knows for sure what’s going to happen?

This Kingda Ka thing is seriously one of the most bizarre situations I can ever remember in the theme park industry. Has there ever been a major rumor like this where it seems like nobody 100% knows for sure what's going to happen?

— Cole (@ParkProsCole) November 8, 2024

While Six Flags has made no official statement, fans are voicing their concerns and memories online, saying goodbye just in case the rumors are true. One viral post even urged fans, “Go ride, go celebrate the engineering marvel that it is. Say your goodbyes, I already did.”

If Kingda Ka does close, it would also affect Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, the towering drop ride attached to the same structure. Shutting down one of these icons would be a shock, but closing both with literally zero notice feels almost unimaginable.

Credit: Six Flags

Yet, with Six Flags and Cedar Fair recently merging and the companies announcing a strategic “Project Accelerate” plan, anything seems possible. In its most recent earnings report, Six Flags hinted at evaluating non-core assets with an eye toward potential divestitures and “additional cost savings across the portfolio.” For some, this statement signals that the days of Kingda Ka—and other high-maintenance rides—may be numbered.

Interestingly, Kingda Ka’s record is also facing competition. In 2025, Six Flags Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia will unveil Falcon’s Fury, which, at over 550 feet, is set to dethrone Kingda Ka as the world’s tallest coaster. With a newer, taller attraction on the horizon, Six Flags may be more willing to let Kingda Ka go.

Credit: Six Flags

Still, it’s hard to imagine Six Flags quietly pulling the plug on a ride as iconic as Kingda Ka without at least a day’s notice. When parks close major attractions, it’s almost always a big event—complete with limited-edition merchandise, commemorative celebrations, and farewell fanfare. Goodbyes like these are major revenue generators, and it seems unlikely that Six Flags would pass up the chance to turn a final Kingda Ka send-off into a memorable (and profitable) occasion.

Ultimately, we won’t have to wait long to find out if tomorrow’s projected closure date is true or not. On the off chance that it is – so long, Kingda Ka. It’s been a wild ride.

Do you think Six Flags Great Adventure will close Kingda Ka?