Kingda Ka

On September 29, 2004, it was announced that Kingda Ka would be added to the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in 2005.{{Cite news |last=Berland |first=Evan |date=2004-09-29 |title=World's tallest, fastest coaster in the works at Great Adventure |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106012880/ 7] |work=The Courier-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106012899/2004-09-29-tallest-fastest-comingjpg/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111211828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106012899/2004-09-29-tallest-fastest-comingjpg/ |url-status=live}} This announcement occurred at an event held for roller coaster enthusiasts and the media.{{cite web |url=http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_view.php/662 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314054816/http://www.thrillnetwork.com/stories_view.php/662|archive-date=March 14, 2008 |title=Kingda Ka: The Media Event |date=October 12, 2004 |access-date=September 1, 2007}} The event revealed the park's goal to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching {{convert|456|ft}} and accelerating up to {{Convert|128|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.5 seconds.{{cite web |url=http://www.rcdb.com/document132.htm |title=Six Flags Great Adventure will launch the tallest, fastest roller coaster on earth |date=September 29, 2004 |access-date=September 20, 2007 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004230443/http://rcdb.com/document132.htm |url-status=live}} The ride would be part of the Golden Kingdom, an {{convert|11|acre|adj=on}} themed area being developed at Six Flags Great Adventure. Six Flags CEO Kieran Burke said: "This is the first step in a process of really transforming Six Flags Great Adventure from the largest regional theme park in the world to a true regional destination."

Intamin subcontracted Stakotra to assist with construction.{{cite web|url=http://www.stakotra.sk/kingda_ka.html|title=Kingda Ka|date=2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928103405/http://www.stakotra.sk/kingda_ka.html|archive-date=28 September 2017}} On January 13, 2005, workers completed Kingda Ka's tower with a topping out ceremony.{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/sixflags/20958/ |title=Six Flags Makes History as it Completes the Tallest, Fastest Roller Coaster on Earth's 45-story Tower |date=January 14, 2005 |access-date=March 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310190327/http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/sixflags/20958/ |archive-date=March 10, 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news |last=Sapia |first=Joseph |date=2005-01-15 |title=All you will hear is wind and screaming |pages=14 |work=Daily Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059414/all-you-will-hear-is-wind-and/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111211826/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059414/all-you-will-hear-is-wind-and/ |url-status=live}} For the ceremony, one 50-story crane was used to hoist two workers to the top of the ride; another crane lifted a {{convert|9000|lb|adj=on}} steel beam, with an American flag, to the ride's pinnacle. The ride was still under construction when the park opened for the season in March 2005.{{Cite news |last=Sapia |first=Joseph |date=2005-03-22 |title=Wild ride ahead: Great Adventure opens on Friday |pages=23 |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109061186/wild-ride-ahead-great-adventure-opens/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111211831/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109061186/wild-ride-ahead-great-adventure-opens/ |url-status=live}} The attraction was originally scheduled to open on April 23, 2005, but its opening was delayed to May 21, as the park stated that more time was needed to complete testing.{{cite news |date=April 19, 2005 |title=Kingda Ka coaster opening delayed |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69342826/kingda-ka-coaster-opening-delayed/ |access-date=February 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710231237/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69342826/kingda-ka-coaster-opening-delayed/ |url-status=live}} A media event was held two days prior on May 19, 2005.{{cite news|last=Santana|first=Rebecca|date=May 20, 2005|title=Dream Scream: Kingda Ka gives riders a thrill|work=The Courier-News|publisher=The Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69917331/dream-scream-kingda-ka-gives-riders-a/|access-date=February 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710231237/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69917331/dream-scream-kingda-ka-gives-riders-a/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Porio |first=Matt |date=2005-05-20 |title=Kingda Ka roars into life |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109060295/ 6] |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109060258/kingda-ka-roars-into-lifematt-porio/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907134338/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109060258/kingda-ka-roars-into-lifematt-porio/ |url-status=live}}

{{Stack|File:Kingda Ka tower.jpg}}

Upon its opening, Kingda Ka became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, taking both world records from Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point.{{Cite news |last=Sapia |first=Joseph |date=2005-03-26 |title=Coaster enthusiasts zoom to park |pages=13, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059819/ 14] |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059760/coaster-enthusiasts-zoom-to-parkjoseph/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111211830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059760/coaster-enthusiasts-zoom-to-parkjoseph/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Santana |first=Rebecca |date=2006-06-17 |title=Kingda Ka coaster hard to tame |pages=3 |work=The Courier-News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059999/kingda-ka-coaster-hard-to-tamerebecca/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111211827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109059999/kingda-ka-coaster-hard-to-tamerebecca/ |url-status=live}} Intamin designed both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster, and the two share a similar design and layout that differs primarily by the theme and the additional hill featured on Kingda Ka.{{cite web |url=http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2007/07/top-thrill-dragster-vs-kingda-ka-roller.html |title=Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster |date=July 18, 2007 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122213141/http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2007/07/top-thrill-dragster-vs-kingda-ka-roller.html |url-status=live}} Both rides were built by Stakotra{{Cite web |url=http://www.stakotra.sk/amusement.html |title=Stakotra |access-date=April 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107023010/http://www.stakotra.sk/amusement.html |archive-date=November 7, 2015 |url-status=dead}} and installed by Martin & Vleminckx.{{cite web|title=Intamin |url=http://www.martin-vleminckx.com/mva_web_3_019.htm |publisher=Martin & Vleminckx |access-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125045107/http://www.martin-vleminckx.com/mva_web_3_019.htm |archive-date=November 25, 2013}} Though Kingda Ka was popular among both the general public and roller coaster enthusiasts, its use of relatively new technology meant that Six Flags Great Adventure had to hire a dedicated maintenance team for the ride. Because of maintenance issues, the ride was closed for almost two months during its first season, and it was closed for an additional three weeks at the beginning of the 2006 season. Kingda Ka continued to be the world's fastest coaster until Formula Rossa at Ferrari World opened in November 2010.{{cite news |year=2009 |title=Record breaking roller coasters |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31046379 |access-date=May 30, 2012 |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223084740/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31046379 |url-status=dead}}

On August 29, 2013, Six Flags Great Adventure officially announced Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom for the 2014 season. The new attraction was attached to the Kingda Ka coaster.{{cite web|title=New for 2014 |url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/ |date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/ |archive-date=September 1, 2013}} The drop tower features three gondolas integrated into the existing structure which was also built by Intamin. Kingda Ka closed at the start of the 2014 season in order to construct Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom on to Kingda Ka. Kingda Ka reopened on weekends on Memorial Day Weekend and fully reopened when Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom was completed on July 4, 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/07/great_adventures_zumanjaro_drop_of_doom_ride_opens_after_numerous_delays.html |title=Great Adventure's 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' ride opens after numerous delays |publisher=NJ.com |date=July 4, 2014 |access-date=July 4, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184826/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/07/great_adventures_zumanjaro_drop_of_doom_ride_opens_after_numerous_delays.html |url-status=live}}

Rumors began circulating in the summer of 2024 that Kingda Ka would be closed permanently, and that it could occur as early as the end of the 2024 season. Six Flags did not confirm or deny the rumors, and many enthusiasts from around the region visited the park to ride in anticipation they could be true.{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Mike |title=A Record-Breaking Six Flags Roller Coaster Is Rumored To Be Closing, Here's Why I'm Not Entirely Convinced |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/record-breaking-six-flags-roller-000327689.html |website=CinemaBlend |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=March 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250302144906/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/record-breaking-six-flags-roller-000327689.html |archive-date=March 2, 2025 |date=November 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Damon C. |date=November 12, 2024 |title=Did Six Flags Great Adventure shut down Kingda Ka? |url=https://www.app.com/story/news/2024/11/12/did-six-flags-great-adventure-shut-down-kingda-ka-rollerscoaster/76216416007/ |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=Asbury Park Press NJ}}{{cite web |title=Watch: Final ride on Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure draws crowds and nostalgia |url=https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/11/11/watch-final-ride-on-kingda-ka-at-six-flags-great-adventure-draws-crowds-and-nostalgia/ |website=shorenewsnetwork.com |access-date=March 2, 2025 |quote=... bringing fans and thrill-seekers from around the region to bid farewell |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113014202/https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/11/11/watch-final-ride-on-kingda-ka-at-six-flags-great-adventure-draws-crowds-and-nostalgia/ |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |date=November 11, 2024 |url-status=dead}} On November 14, 2024, few days after the park closed for the season, Six Flags Great Adventure confirmed that Kingda Ka had closed permanently and would be removed.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Damon C. |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Why did Six Flags Great Adventure shut down Kingda Ka and what's next |url=https://www.app.com/story/news/2024/11/14/why-did-six-flags-great-adventure-shut-down-kingda-ka-and-whats-next/76290638007/ |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=Asbury Park Press NJ}}{{Cite news |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Six Flags Great Adventure announces end of Kingda Ka to make way for new 'record-breaking' coaster |work=NBC New York |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-jersey/six-flags-great-adventure-kingda-ka-twister-green-lantern/5984538/ |access-date=November 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250302183234/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-jersey/six-flags-great-adventure-kingda-ka-twister-green-lantern/5984538/ |archive-date=March 2, 2025 |url-status=live}} In addition, the park also announced the removal of Zumanjaro, Green Lantern, the parachute drop ride, and Twister. Officials stated the rides were being removed to make way for future development, including a new "multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster" expected to open in 2026.{{Cite web |last=Kausch |first=Katie |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Kingda Ka closed to make way for 'record-breaking' mystery ride at Six Flags Great Adventure |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2024/11/kingda-ka-closed-to-make-way-for-record-breaking-mystery-ride-at-six-flags-great-adventure.html |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=nj |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241114170026/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2024/11/kingda-ka-closed-to-make-way-for-record-breaking-mystery-ride-at-six-flags-great-adventure.html |archive-date=November 14, 2024 |url-status=live}}

The following month on December 18, 2024, the park applied for a work permit to demolish Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro.{{Cite web |last=Niles |first=Robert |date=December 21, 2024 |title=Six Flags files permit to 'alter' its record-setting coaster |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202412/10627/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Theme Park Insider |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250302184919/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202412/10627/ |archive-date=March 2, 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=SDL Portal |url=https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/ocean/jacksontwp/building/permits/C-24-04732 |publisher= Special Data Logic |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-12-23}} A project bid notice for "demolition and controlled implosion" of the ride was sent out soon after.{{cite news |title=Kingda Ka to be Imploded in February as Park Clears Path for Future at Great Adventure |url=https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2024/12/26/kingda-ka-set-to-be-imploded-in-2025-as-park-clears-path-for-future-at-great-adventure/ |access-date=2 January 2025 |work=shorenewsnetwork.com |date=26 December 2024}} Kingda Ka's demolition was initiated on January 20, 2025, beginning with the removal of its track.{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Mike |title=I Can't Stop Watching The Final Moment Iconic Coaster Kingda Ka Stood Before Collapsing At Great Adventure, And It Is Heartbreaking |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cant-stop-watching-final-moment-223235536.html |website=CinemaBlend |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=March 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250302140950/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cant-stop-watching-final-moment-223235536.html |archive-date=March 2, 2025 |date=February 28, 2025 |url-status=live}} The top hat tower remained standing until its implosion on February 28, 2025.{{Cite news |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure imploded to make way for new ride |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/kingda-ka-roller-coaster-flags-great-adventure-new-jersey-brought-down-implosion-friday/15962480/ |access-date=February 28, 2025 |work=ABC 7 Chicago}}{{cite web | title=Drone video: Kingda Ka demolished at Six Flags in Jackson NJ | website=Asbury Park Press NJ | date=February 28, 2025 | url=https://www.app.com/videos/news/local/2025/02/28/six-flags-nj-kindga-ka-demolished-drone-video/80827444007/ | access-date=March 2, 2025}}{{Cite news|title=R.I.P. Kingda Ka, 2005 to 2025. Long live the king!|url=https://www.app.com/story/news/local/jackson-lakewood/jackson/2025/02/28/kingda-ka-six-flags-great-adventure-nj-demolition-implosion/79350731007/|publisher=Asbury Park Press|date=February 28, 2025}}

Kingda Ka originally featured a detailed and elaborate queue line that ran between the launch and brakes of the coaster. Guests would enter the ride, then walk down a narrow pathway where they would eventually cross under the launch track. A themed tunnel was built where guests crossed under the launch to ensure safety. Guests would then enter a series of three switchbacks, with the third being underneath a permanent structure. This structure featured poles with detailed carvings of animals to help immerse guests into the Golden Kingdom. Following this final series of switchbacks, guests would approach the station, where the line would divide in two to equally fill both sides of Kingda Ka's station. This queue was designed to handle the large crowds the park was anticipating Kingda Ka would draw. After an incident in the ride's opening year that occurred right where guests crossed under the launch, the decision was made to not use this queue to ensure guest safety.{{Cite web |title=Kingda Ka Original Queue At Six Flags Great Adventure |url=https://greatadventurehistory.com/KingdaKaOrigQueue.htm |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=greatadventurehistory.com}} From that point forward, the overflow queue would be used as the permanent queue, and parts of the original queue were still visible from Kingda Ka's station.

Guests passed under the jungle-themed entrance sign and entered the queue line, which was surrounded by bamboo, which augments the jungle-themed music that played in the background.{{cite news|title=10 Highest roller coasters on Earth|year=2010|url=http://entertainmentdesigner.com/news/theme-park-design-news/10-highest-roller-coasters-on-earth/|access-date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915094300/http://entertainmentdesigner.com/news/theme-park-design-news/10-highest-roller-coasters-on-earth/|archive-date=September 15, 2012|url-status=dead}} Throughout the queue, there were safety and warning signs about the ride. Following a long straight section, guests turned left and headed into a switchback section, which was followed by several curved paths before entering the station.

File:Kingda Ka restraints down.jpg

File:Kingda Ka switch track.jpg

After the train had been locked and checked, it moved slowly out of the station to the launch area, then passed through a switch track which allowed four trains on two tracks to load simultaneously. When the signal was given to launch, the train rolled back slightly so that the catch car could latch on to the middle car, and the brakes retracted on the launch track.{{cite news |title=Coaster Grotto Review |publisher=Coastergrotto |url=http://www.coastergrotto.com/review.jsp?argId=1136 |access-date=June 4, 2012 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205215/http://www.coastergrotto.com/review.jsp?argId=1136 |url-status=live}} As the brake fins were retracting, a recording announced: "Arms down, head back, hold on!"{{cite web|url=https://sliverofstonemagazine.com/not-yelling-but-screaming-by-rachel-richardson/|title=Not Yelling, But Screaming|last=Richardson|first=Rachel|date=April 2018|publisher=Sliver of Stone|access-date=May 31, 2018|archive-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531200002/https://sliverofstonemagazine.com/not-yelling-but-screaming-by-rachel-richardson/|url-status=live}} The train was launched approximately five seconds later.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysHXnVoS7JI| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/ysHXnVoS7JI| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|title=Kingda Ka Front View Six Flags Great Adventure|date=July 23, 2010|work=youtube.com|publisher=TheCoasterViews|access-date=May 31, 2018}}{{cbignore}}

When the train was in position, the hydraulic launch mechanism accelerated it from {{convert|0|to|128|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in 3.5 seconds.{{cite web |url=https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/kingda-ka |title=Kingda Ka - Six Flags Great Adventure |publisher=Six Flags |access-date=November 14, 2024 |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008170947/https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/kingda-ka |url-status=dead}} The hydraulic launch motor was capable of producing 20,800 peak horsepower (15.5 MW). At the end of the launch track, the train climbed the main tower (top hat) and rolled 90 degrees to the right before reaching a height of {{convert|456|ft}}.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Kingda Ka|location=Six Flags Great Adventure|rcdb_number=2832|access-date=May 25, 2012}} It then descended {{convert|418|ft}} straight down through a 270-degree, clockwise spiral. It climbed the second hill of {{convert|129|ft}}, producing a moment of weightlessness before being smoothly brought to a stop by the magnetic brakes; it then made a left-hand U-turn and entered the station. The ride lasted 28 seconds from the start of the launch.{{cite web |title=Kingda Ka POV|website=YouTube |year=2010|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTNcnJS-a2M| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/xTNcnJS-a2M| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|access-date=June 1, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|title=Kingda Ka Ride Review|year=2008|url=http://www.domainofdeath3.com/ride-reviews/kingda-ka|access-date=March 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520133737/http://www.domainofdeath3.com/ride-reviews/kingda-ka|archive-date=May 20, 2012|url-status=dead}} The track measured about {{Convert|3118|ft}} long.

Kingda Ka's four trains were color-coded for easy identification (green, dark blue, teal, and orange) and were numbered; the four colors were also used for the seats and restraints. Each train seated 18 people (two per row). The rear car had one row, while the rest had two.{{cite news|title = Extra row on train|publisher = amusementpics.com|year = 2005|url = http://www.amusementpics.com/KK/051705-322.jpg|access-date = June 4, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120219171458/http://www.amusementpics.com/KK/051705-322.jpg|archive-date = February 19, 2012|url-status = dead}} The rear row of each car was positioned higher than its front row for better visibility. Kingda Ka's over-the-shoulder restraint system consisted of a thick, rigid lap bar and two flexible over-the-shoulder restraints.{{cite news|title =Kingda Ka roller coster |publisher =love to know.theme parks |url =http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/Kingda_Ka_Roller_Coaster |access-date =June 4, 2012 |archive-date =July 23, 2012 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120723001026/http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/Kingda_Ka_Roller_Coaster |url-status =dead}}

Kingda Ka's station had two parallel tracks with switch tracks at the entrance and exit. Each of the station's tracks is designed to accommodate two trains, so each of the four trains could be operated from its own station. Because all of Kingda Ka's trains were mechanically identical and able to load and unload at each of the four individual station bays, the original plan was for all trains to operate at the same time, and for each train to load and unload at its own station. Trains on one side would be loaded, while trains on the other side would be launched. An employee also directed riders in line to a particular side, where they could then choose to sit anywhere within the train.{{cite news|title = Station music|publisher = Scipiomask|year = 2010|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2WIgx68vyk|access-date = June 4, 2012|archive-date = August 4, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160804231341/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2WIgx68vyk|url-status = live}}

File:Kingda Ka sign.jpg

Kingda Ka was located in the jungle-themed area of the park known as The Golden Kingdom.{{cite web |title=Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari Jackson New Jersey Theme Park |url=http://www.wegoplaces.com/Attraction_59874.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814141903/http://www.wegoplaces.com/Attraction_59874.aspx|archive-date=August 14, 2012}} The ride portrayed a mythical Bengal tiger named after one that was housed in the nearby Temple of the Tiger attraction, an interactive exhibit that was closed in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.theday.com/article/20110904/ENT15/309049986|title=Trainer sees the softer side of tigers|last=Koster|first=Rick|date=September 4, 2011|publisher=The Day|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530135234/https://www.theday.com/article/20110904/ENT15/309049986|url-status=live}}

File:Kingda Ka rollback sign.jpg

A train may have occasionally experienced a rollback following a launch. A rollback occurs when the train fails to make it over the top of the tower and descends back down the side it was launched. Kingda Ka included retractable magnetic brakes on its launch track to prevent a train from rolling back all the way into the loading station (and potentially colliding with the next about-to-be-launched train).{{cite news |title=Kingda Ka rollack|year=2005|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CHMCfOYFLk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/9CHMCfOYFLk| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|access-date=March 13, 2012}}{{cbignore}}

On June 8, 2005, a bolt failed inside a trough through which the launch cable travels. This caused the liner to come loose, creating friction on the cable and preventing the train from accelerating to the correct speed. The cable rubbing against the trough caused sparks and shards of metal to fly out from the bottom of the train. The ride was closed for almost two months following the incident.{{cite news|title = 2005 incident|publisher = Rideaccidents.com|year = 2005|url = http://www.rideaccidents.com/2005.html#jun8|access-date = June 4, 2012|archive-date = July 18, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120718060107/http://www.rideaccidents.com/2005.html#jun8|url-status = live}} Damage occurred to the launch cable, which was frayed and required replacement, including minor damage to seals and brake fins. The incident caused stress on a number of fins, and Six Flags did not have enough replacement fins. Extra brake fins were ordered, and the ride had to undergo thorough testing following the repair. Kingda Ka reopened on August 4.{{cite news|title = Kingda Ka reopens (2005)|publisher = abclocal.go.com|year = 2005|url = http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=3321052|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130124095216/http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=3321052|url-status = dead|archive-date = January 24, 2013|access-date = June 6, 2012}}

Kingda Ka was struck by lightning in May 2009 and suffered serious damage.{{cite news|title=England: Roller coaster the ultimate terror ride|work=The New Zealand Herald|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10637408|access-date=March 14, 2012|date=April 10, 2010|archive-date=March 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322023648/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10637408|url-status=live}} The ride was closed for three months for repairs and reopened on August 21, 2009.{{cite web| title=Kingda Ka has reopened| work=Coaster101.com| date=August 21, 2009| url=http://www.coaster101.com/2009/08/21/kingda-ka-has-reopened| access-date=June 4, 2012| archive-date=April 20, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420002519/http://www.coaster101.com/2009/08/21/kingda-ka-has-reopened/| url-status=live}}

On August 27, 2011, Kingda Ka suffered unspecified damage shortly before Hurricane Irene, and Six Flags Great Adventure did not open. It is unknown whether additional damage occurred due to the storm, but the coaster was damaged to the extent that it could not run before Irene.{{cite news|title=Road trip to SFGAd|year=2011|url=http://www.pausethemoment.com/2011/09/14/road-trip-six-flags-great-adventure/|access-date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610000256/http://www.pausethemoment.com/2011/09/14/road-trip-six-flags-great-adventure/|archive-date=June 10, 2012|url-status=dead}} Kingda Ka remained closed until the start of the 2012 operating season on April 5.{{cite news|title=Opening weekend at SFGAd|year=2012|url=http://blog.sixflags.com/2012/04/great-adventure-and-six-flags-st-louis/|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608043027/http://blog.sixflags.com/2012/04/great-adventure-and-six-flags-st-louis/|archive-date=June 8, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Shortly before 5:00{{nbsp}}p.m. on July 26, 2012, a young boy was sent to the hospital after suffering minor injuries from being struck by a bird during normal operation. The ride resumed normal operation shortly after the incident.{{cite news|title=Bird slams into boy's face on Six Flags roller coaster|year=2012|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20120726_Bird_slams_into_boy_s_face_on_Six_Flags_roller_coaster.html|access-date=July 26, 2012|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022163841/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20120726_Bird_slams_into_boy_s_face_on_Six_Flags_roller_coaster.html|url-status=live}}

In 2019, a guest sued Six Flags and Intamin in U.S. federal court, claiming that tall riders could be subjected to "extreme speed and torqueing forces" and that the harnesses could also cause injuries.{{cite web |last=Walsh |first=Jim |date=May 29, 2019 |title=Doctor sues Six Flags Great Adventure over Kingda Ka roller coaster ride |url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2019/05/29/six-flags-great-adventure-kingda-ka-roller-coast-lawsuit-christopher-fabricant/1270336001/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=The Courier-Post |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022163842/https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2019/05/29/six-flags-great-adventure-kingda-ka-roller-coast-lawsuit-christopher-fabricant/1270336001/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Matt |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Doctor's lawsuit says 'excruciating' ride on Six Flags' Kingda Ka rollercoaster left him with lifelong injuries |url=https://www.nj.com/ocean/2019/05/doctors-lawsuit-says-excruciating-ride-on-six-flags-kingda-ka-rollercoaster-left-him-with-lifelong-injuries.html |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=nj |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609133433/https://www.nj.com/ocean/2019/05/doctors-lawsuit-says-excruciating-ride-on-six-flags-kingda-ka-rollercoaster-left-him-with-lifelong-injuries.html |url-status=live}} According to the guest, he had suffered multiple back injuries after riding Kingda Ka in 2017. This guest was {{convert|6|ft|2|in}} tall, three inches below the ride's posted height limit of {{convert|6|ft|5|in}}. Both Six Flags and Intamin filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was partially granted and partially denied in 2020.{{cite web |date=January 21, 2020 |title=Fabricant v. Intamin Amusement Rides Int. Corp. Est., Civ. No. 19-12900 |url=https://casetext.com/case/fabricant-v-intamin-amusement-rides-int-corp-est-1 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Casetext Search + Citator |archive-date=June 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618041753/https://casetext.com/case/fabricant-v-intamin-amusement-rides-int-corp-est-1 |url-status=live}}

{{GTA table

| type = steel

| access-date = September 4, 2013

| 2005 = 42

| 2006 = 28

| 2007 = 31

| 2008 = 25

| 2009 = 31

| 2010 = 27 (tie)

| 2011 = 33

| 2012 = 38

| 2013 = 35 (tie)

| 2014 = 45

| 2015 = 49

}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-bef

| rows = 4

| before = Top Thrill Dragster

}}

{{s-ttl

| title = World's Tallest Full-Circuit Roller Coaster

| years = May 21, 2005 – November 10, 2024

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Red Force{{efn |name=tt2_not_open_yet |At the time of Kingda Ka's closure, Top Thrill 2 was standing but not operating, while significant repairs were made to it. If it were operating at the time, it would have taken this record.}}

}}

{{s-ttl

| title = World's Tallest Roller Coaster

| years = May 21, 2005 – November 10, 2024

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Red Force{{efn |name=tt2_not_open_yet}}

}}

{{s-ttl

| title = World's Fastest Roller Coaster

| years = May 21, 2005 – November 4, 2010

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Formula Rossa

}}

{{s-ttl

| title = World's Tallest Roller Coaster Drop

| years = May 21, 2005 – November 10, 2024

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Red Force{{efn |name=tt2_not_open_yet}}

}}

{{end}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/rides/KingdaKa.aspx Official Kingda Ka page]
• [http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/themeparks/new05/kingdaka/ Kingda Ka Preview Article]

{{SFGA Coasters}}

{{Intamin}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Roller coasters operated by Six Flags

Category:Roller coasters in New Jersey

Category:Roller coasters introduced in 2005

Category:Six Flags Great Adventure

Category:2005 establishments in New Jersey

Category:Roller coasters that closed in 2024

Category:Buildings and structures demolished by controlled implosion

Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 2025