On February 28, 2025, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey demolished their record-setting ride—Kingda Ka. The park estimates that about twelve million people have ridden the roller coaster throughout its twenty-year history.
Kingda Ka was beloved by most thrill seekers as it was the tallest roller coaster at 456 feet and the fastest (128 miles per hour) in the world after its release in 2005. The loss of this beloved roller coaster has left Edison High students and teens all over New Jersey with one less thrill-seeking ride and one less iconic summer activity to look forward to. For many, the Kingda Ka ride was the most thrilling coaster they could ride at Six Flags, with a wait time of about two hours on busy days.
“I love thriller rides and Kingda Ka, so I’m disappointed that it was demolished, but I understand why it was put down. Still sad though,” said Adithi Suresh ‘28.
With summer break just around the corner, there is now one less activity for teens and adults alike to bond over. The new generation of children won’t be able to grow up spending their breaks on the thrilling ride of Kingda Ka like many EHS students did.
Not only was the ride imploded, but so were the memories of those who had great experiences with the ride. For others, the implosion of Kingda Ka means disappointment that they never got the chance to ride it at least once.
“I absolutely love roller coasters and I was waiting to go on this thrilling ride, so I was extremely disappointed with this news,” said Chaithanyasri Krishnakumar ’26.
Among Edison students, the implosion of Kingda Ka might bring along nostalgia for good times and memories with family. Yet, the ride being closed leaves room to try other attractions at Six Flags and find a new favorite.
Six Flags plans to debut its new Flash roller coaster, named “The Flash: Vertical Velocity.” They also announced a new record-breaking coaster in 2026 that has yet to be named.
Although the implosion of Kingda Ka is unfortunate, let thrill-seekers hope to build new memories with the new rides that Six Flags will offer, just like we did with Kingda Ka.