In its prime, Nice Journey’s Kingda Ka went from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds. At present, on the finish of this saga leading to Six Flags’ closure of the file breaking coaster, it solely took roughly 9 seconds to convey all of it down. With the huge 456-foot high hat tower now imploded, some fond, but bittersweet theme park recollections are resurfacing.
Starting with unconfirmed rumors of Kingda Ka’s closure in November 2024, followers have been being warned that the gem of the Golden Kingdom part was being eliminated for good. With the affirmation coming mere days after that story began to flow into, the tip was close to for Intamin’s hydraulic launch coaster. Finally we’d be taught that the monitor was being disassembled as of January 2025, with the coup de grace coming by the footage you’ll see beneath:
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Playing cards on the desk, Kingda Ka’s literal fall isn’t essentially the most devastating curler coaster loss I’ve felt. If I’m being completely trustworthy, Six Flags Nice Journey’s elimination of Rolling Thunder in 2013 was a larger native tragedy. To not point out, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s closure of The Large Dangerous Wolf in 2009 hit me even more durable, as that was the primary coaster I used to be in a position to journey as a child.
Nevertheless, I not solely bear in mind this attraction as a fond driving expertise, it was additionally a welcomed landmark. As a Jersey resident, you knew you’d hit Six Flags’ exit on I-195 while you noticed that high hat on the native skyline. It was actually an enormous deal to have the as soon as tallest and quickest metal coaster in our metaphorical yard. So to observe that video compilation and listen to somebody say, “And it is gone” meant greater than only a cool view of a tumbling coaster landmark.
I get that a part of the rationale Kingda Ka has left us is, presumably, the aftershocks felt from 2024’s Six Flags/Cedar Honest merger. As this new entity noticed two of the biggest theme park chains turning into one, adjustments have been certain to return. When the information of this New Jersey legend’s demise lastly got here, a brand new record-breaking hypercoaster was additionally introduced to take its place.
We received’t hear something about Six Flags Nice Journey’s thriller journey till this summer season, however that doesn’t reduce the blow. That leads me to essentially the most spectacular take a look at Kingda Ka’s remaining moments, which got here because of this video shot from a helicopter circling the scene:
🔴La implosión de Kingda Ka vista desde arriba pic.twitter.com/cVfLH7S22pFebruary 28, 2025
Proper about now within the Northeast, the climate is getting hotter. With the primary hints of spring beginning to creep in, “opening day” are two phrases on the minds of baseball followers and theme park fanatics. Sadly, the latter half of that equation is now in mourning, as Kingda Ka has left the station, climbing that carry hill to curler coaster historical past.
I’m excited for no matter comes subsequent, particularly since there’s a possible for the Golden Kingdom and Boardwalk sections to merge right into a newly themed combo. However a lot as I’ll be mourning Muppet Imaginative and prescient 3D’s impending closure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I’ll proceed to look to the sky each time I drive previous Exit 16A on I-195, and take into consideration what we’ve misplaced.
However hey, if Busch Gardens Williamsburg can get it collectively and construct one thing like The Large Dangerous Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, then who is aware of what will likely be in retailer? Not less than we will all band collectively over how Quick & Livid: Supercharged’s closure at Common Studios Hollywood is one thing hopeful. So truthful thee nicely, Kingda Ka! Might your successor climb increased in our hearts on the again of what you achieved.