ADRENALINE junkies, meet your maker: The tallest coaster in the world (and fastest in the country) may be your match. Though it took an entire day's attempt and a two-hour delay, I was determined to conquer Kingda Ka, a hydraulically launched roller coaster at New Jersey 's Six Flag Great Adventure. The ride has won the awe and fear of thrill-seekers everywhere, as it's remained the fastest and tallest coaster in North America since its 2005 launch.
With a rapid take-off that launches passengers from 0 to 128 miles per hour in just three and a half seconds, it's no wonder that Kingda Ka's reputation precedes it. And as a self-proclaimed amusement park desperado, I needed to try it. SYSTEM SHUTDOWN On my trip, however, it only earned my ire, as — despite attempt after attempt to get a spin — fate seemed against me.
Read More on Travel Upon arrival at Six Flags , my friend and I made a beeline to the ride, which shut down immediately for undisclosed reasons. Kingda Ka is infamous for its frequent breakdowns, so we were disappointed but undeterred. In an attempt to wait out the closure, we got in line for the El Toro coaster.
But thirty minutes into our wait, it unexpectedly began to pour, and — you guessed it — El Toro shut down. Most read in Travel Two hours after entering the park, we were drenched and disappointed, without getting on a single ride. The skies, however, soon cleared, allowing us to wander the park as we waited for Kingka Ka to reopen.
With plenty of time to spare before park closure, we headed over to the main event, purchasing Kingda Ka-specific Fast Passes to bypass what the attendant said would be a one-hour wait. In line right behind the barrier doors, I was horrified to hear an announcement that the ride was shutting down, once again, due to technical difficulties. The confused passengers, whose cars retreated back from the platform, were equally as furious.
"Ayo, who's the boss? I've been waiting all day for this. Is it the orange vest or the green vest?" shouted an irritated but well-humored passenger who was being forced off the ride. "Just let me know who I need to talk to!" YOU WON'T SWAY ME! While the massive crowd cleared out within 15 minutes as it wasn't sure when the ride would be fixed, I was hellbent on getting my turn.
To me, a trip to Six Flags wasn't complete without a go on the tallest coaster in the world. Patiently, we waited alongside ten stubborn others (and our helpful ride attendant, Shane M!). Two hours later, we were finally back.
Strapped securely into my seat, I muttered something about it better being worth it before our car flew off the tracks. HERE WE GO..
. On our first go, forget screaming bloody murder, I barely even had time to blink — the ride went by that fast. In just 50 seconds, passengers are taken to a record-smashing 128 miles per hour, then shot upwards at a terrifying height of 456 feet, at a rigid 90 degrees.
At the top, we immediately fell headfirst into a 270-degree spiral — all without a single moment of buffer. A minute after I got on the ride, back at the platform, I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me. Needless to say, we immediately ran at the opportunity for a second ride, and this time, I made sure to keep my eyes wide open for the incredible panoramic view of New Jersey and New York at the apex.
Read More on The US Sun While Kingda Ka ended up not being our favorite coaster of the day (that honor goes to the fun and loopy Nitro), it did make the top three list alongside El Toro and is a certified must-ride for any thrill-seeker. Take it from us — it's worth the wait..
