Coaster Rumors Confirmed, $1B In Changes Coming To Six Flags

JACKSON, NJ — A $1 billion investment and two new roller coasters are coming to Six Flags Great Adventure, park officials announced Thursday, as they confirmed rumors that have been swirling for days that a favorite coaster is being removed.

Kingda Ka, which has sent riders soaring 456 feet in the air at 128 mph for nearly 20 years, is being removed, park officials said, along with Green Lanterns, the Twister and the Parachutes ride.

The park also is removing the Sky Way, the chair ride that carries people from the area near the log flume, known as Frontierland, to the area near the Joker and Harley Quinn rides, officials said.

Coming in 2025 is The Flash: Vertical Velocity, which originally was supposed to open in 2024 for Great Adventure's 50th anniversary.

It will be the first triple-launch super boomerang coaster to open in North America. It rushes forward and backward at nearly 60 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll, officials said. Construction delays forced the opening to be pushed back, park officials said in August.

The second ride is a "multi-record-breaking launch coaster, a must-ride attraction sure to capture fans' imaginations," said Brian Bacica, Six Flags Great Adventure president, calling it a "landmark addition". It is slated for 2026 and will be in the space occupied by Kingda Ka and the Green Lantern, he said.

"This exciting new ride underscores Six Flags’ commitment to continually elevating the park experience and making every visit an unforgettable adventure for all," Bacica said.

The rumors had gained traction after an NJ.com report that the park filed construction permits for the demolition of Green Lantern, Twister and the Parachutes.

Kingda Ka fans had come to Great Adventure last weekend to get their last rides on the coaster that debuted in 2005 as the highest, fastest coaster in the world. Coaster enthusiasts note that the ride was frequently shut down over its span at the park, though there were never any major closures reported.

"What was cutting-edge roller coaster technology 20 years ago has been surpassed by more modern advancements," said Staci Wheeler, a park spokesperson. "This has challenged operations and contributed to an inconsistent guest experience. Now it’s time to make way for an all-new, multi-record-breaking, signature launch coaster to debut in 2026."

Kingda Ka had delivered more than 12 million rides in its nearly 20 years in operation, Wheeler said.

"We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests' passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details next summer," Bacica said.

The investment announcement comes a year after Six Flags and Cedar Fair — the parent company of Dorney Park — said the companies were merging. That merger was completed in June.