Conquering Great Heights on Kingda Ka: Nearly Two Decades of Being the World's Tallest Coaster
Welcome, thrill-seekers! Join us as we journey inside the colossal world of Kingda Ka. This titan among roller coasters towers above the skyline of Six Flags Great Adventure in the Golden Kingdom.
Kingda Ka is rarely rivaled in terms of height and speed, making it a bucket-list attraction for the most daring roller-coaster enthusiasts.
This record-breaking wonder isn’t just a ride; it’s a heart-pounding adventure, pushing the boundaries of speed and elevation.
The Rise of Kindga Ka
Construction of this massive coaster was no easy feat. A 50-story crane was needed to hoist two workers to the top of the ride as another crane lifted a 9,000-pound steel beam to set the apex of the steel track in place.
The project’s impressive scale drew lots of attention from the media and even earned it a spot in a National Geographic documentary centered around megastructures.
When it first opened to riders in 2005, it was crowned the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, taking both records from Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point. Kingda Ka held the record for more than two decades.
An Engineering Marvel
So, what does it take to get a fully loaded train up and over Kingda Ka’s impossibly high top hat? If you’re lucky enough to ride, a hydraulic launch motor will rocket your train from the station and accelerate to 128 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds! The motor produces 20,800 horsepower to launch the train; to put this in context, a Lamborghini tops out at 1,000 horsepower.
While the launch system is incredibly impressive, it’s the safety features in this gravity-defying ride that truly make Kingda Ka a modern marvel.
Each launch is slightly different due to atmospheric conditions and the unique combination of passengers inside the train.
On rare occasions, the ride will experience a rollback, which occurs when it fails to make it over the top of the tower and descends backward down the side it was launched from. But there’s no need to worry—this is an experience that many riders hope for!
If you’re lucky enough to experience a rollback, you will safely return to the launch pad. Then, hang on tight, because Kingda Ka will shoot you up again for round two!
Fun Facts & World Records
How high does Kingda Ka, one of the world’s tallest roller coaster take you? Forty-five stories—or 456 feet, to be exact. You’ll soar nearly as high as the Washington Monument and The Great Pyramid of Giza!
Check out these stats:
Top speed: 128 miles per hour
Drop: 418 feet
Ride length: 50 seconds
Track length: 3,118 feet
As you ascend toward the peak, you’ll roll 90 degrees to the right before reaching the very top. But there won’t be much time to take in the view because you’re headed straight down through a 270-degree, clockwise spiral.
The second hill climbs 129 feet, giving you a few glimmering seconds of weightlessness before you’re brought to a stop by the magnetic brakes.
First-time Riders
If you’re gearing up for your maiden voyage on Kingda Ka, we recommend getting there early! This ride draws crowds from around the world, so plan to start your day in the Golden Kingdom section of the park.
Consider adding a Flash Pass to your season pass for more thrills and less time in line!
Plan Your Next Adventure
Get ready to embrace the skies, push your limits, and become part of the elite ranks who have dared to conquer Kingda Ka!
This steel titan is just one of the incredible thrill rides waiting for you at Six Flags Great Adventure. Get your tickets and season passes to defy gravity and make memories that will last a lifetime!