News Project 2027/Purple: Delayed “World Record Breaking Coaster" (Phantom Spire?)

[xenithwav]

I’ve been working on a mock decision matrix for the potential 2026 coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s becoming clear that Intamin and Mack Rides emerge as the top contenders for the project, consistent with what we all believe will happen. For the matrix, I’m assuming Great Adventure has put in a bid for a ground-up, multi-inversion, multi-launch roller coaster, at least 200ft tall at its highest point (not a redo or revamp of Kingda Ka). Premier Rides, Gerstlauer, and Vekoma trail behind. Some early trends I’m seeing:

Intamin, while ranking towards the bottom in terms of cost, has a proven track record and is working with pre-merger Six Flags on two new rides for 2025. This ongoing collaboration makes them a likely candidate for 2026, but it will depend on whether the post-merger company is willing to continue their working relationship with Intamin. If that happens, it’s almost a no-brainer to go with them. Intamin has pushed the envelope time and time again, and Great Adventure would have a guaranteed hit with a new Intamin coaster.

Mack Rides has some innovative coaster designs, like the tower coaster concept, that could fit Great Adventure. Though they don’t have the same deep history with Six Flags/Cedar Fair as Intamin does, they’ve proven recently with rides like Hyperia and Ride to Happiness that they can go toe-to-toe with other world-class roller coasters and continue innovating. While Mack Rides doesn’t have the portfolio of large-scale roller coasters that Intamin has, the projects they do have under their belt have been world-class and their ceiling of potential innovation is pretty high. Taking a bit more risk with Mack Rides wouldn’t be a stretch, especially if Six Flags is looking to hit giga or even strata height levels with the new coaster.

Premier Rides, Gerstlauer, and Vekoma don’t quite have the same capabilities or alignment with what I believe Six Flags’ vision is for a big-ticket coaster for Great Adventure, especially considering the shoes it needs to fill.

Given Cedar Fair's solid project management reputation, it’s likely that a contract has already been signed for the coaster, with planning well underway. It’s only a matter of time before we can start putting together the pieces to see who will be spearheading this project.

Either way it goes, I'd see a new Intamin or Mack roller coaster as a huge win for the park.

 

[xenithwav]

Also, adding onto what else has been discussed, I think the case for a Mack Tower Coaster as the 2026 coaster is incredibly strong, especially now that demolition permits have been filed for Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro. I think the addition would make a lot of sense:

1. It would give the park the opportunity to replace Kingda Ka with something equally iconic but with a completely new and more reliable experience, while also preserving the park’s visual skyline.

2. A Mack tower coaster would easily break several world records: height, speed, inversions, and maybe even the first upside-down launch. It would be a destination ride that draws in attendance from all over the world. With the combination of height, speed, inversions, and innovative elements like the shuttle aspect, this coaster would have something for every type of coaster fan. Considering the massive plot of land the park is prospectively working with, I wouldn't see a ride of this magnitude being replicated very easily either, helping it maintain its draw for years on end.

3. An extended layout is possible. Imagine something like Hyperia’s layout on the back half of the ride: large inversions and out-of-the-box elements. This would not only make the ride longer but also give it more of a draw beyond the "gimmick".

4. For Mack Rides, this project would serve as the ultimate proving ground. Replacing Kingda Ka with a Mack tower coaster would push Mack to refine their designs, enhance their technology, and elevate their LSM launch coaster model to a whole new level. This is no small feat, and if they can pull it off, it would easily cement Mack Rides as a top manufacturer the last ten years.

 

[Tacky3663]

Also, adding onto what else has been discussed, I think the case for a Mack Tower Coaster as the 2026 coaster is incredibly strong, especially now that demolition permits have been filed for Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro. I think the addition would make a lot of sense:

1. It would give the park the opportunity to replace Kingda Ka with something equally iconic but with a completely new and more reliable experience, while also preserving the park’s visual skyline.

2. A Mack tower coaster would easily break several world records: height, speed, inversions, and maybe even the first upside-down launch. It would be a destination ride that draws in attendance from all over the world. With the combination of height, speed, inversions, and innovative elements like the shuttle aspect, this coaster would have something for every type of coaster fan. Considering the massive plot of land the park is prospectively working with, I wouldn't see a ride of this magnitude being replicated very easily either, helping it maintain its draw for years on end.

3. An extended layout is possible. Imagine something like Hyperia’s layout on the back half of the ride: large inversions and out-of-the-box elements. This would not only make the ride longer but also give it more of a draw beyond the "gimmick".

4. For Mack Rides, this project would serve as the ultimate proving ground. Replacing Kingda Ka with a Mack tower coaster would push Mack to refine their designs, enhance their technology, and elevate their LSM launch coaster model to a whole new level. This is no small feat, and if they can pull it off, it would easily cement Mack Rides as a top manufacturer the last ten years.

I’m begging that this isn’t that stupid Mack Xtreme Spinner Shuttle. A 200/300 foot, maybe even 400 foot full circuit Multi Launch Coaster would be absolutely PEAK

 

[xenithwav]

I’m begging that this isn’t that stupid Mack Xtreme Spinner Shuttle. A 200/300 foot, maybe even 400 foot full circuit Multi Launch Coaster would be absolutely PEAK

I think there’s a way for the Mack Tower Coaster concept to still "feel" like a full circuit coaster with the extended layout, giving it the pacing and flow of a full circuit ride without it feeling like just the gimmick of the shuttle element.

Scaling up a traditional Extreme Spinner to 200+ feet could absolutely still achieve record-breaking stats for spinning coasters while avoiding the complexity of hitting 400 feet. However, if the goal is to replace Kingda Ka's status as both a visual icon and a marquee ride, I think the Tower Coaster concept provides the better opportunity.

If Mack Rides has demonstrated the capability to build at 400 feet, there’s a real possibility they could translate this concept into a complete circuit layout. The design showcased in the survey could be Mack’s way of signaling, "We’re not just capable of reaching 400 feet, but we can also do it with our extreme spinner trains and elevate the concept beyond what’s been done before." That level of ambition is exactly what a replacement for Kingda Ka needs, which is what makes Mack a very strong candidate for the 2026 bid.

 

[Tacky3663]

I think there’s a way for the Mack Tower Coaster concept to still "feel" like a full circuit coaster with the extended layout, giving it the pacing and flow of a full circuit ride without it feeling like just the gimmick of the shuttle element.

Scaling up a traditional Extreme Spinner to 200+ feet could absolutely still achieve record-breaking stats for spinning coasters while avoiding the complexity of hitting 400 feet. However, if the goal is to replace Kingda Ka's status as both a visual icon and a marquee ride, I think the Tower Coaster concept provides the better opportunity.

If Mack Rides has demonstrated the capability to build at 400 feet, there’s a real possibility they could translate this concept into a complete circuit layout. The design showcased in the survey could be Mack’s way of signaling, "We’re not just capable of reaching 400 feet, but we can also do it with our extreme spinner trains and elevate the concept beyond what’s been done before." That level of ambition is exactly what a replacement for Kingda Ka needs, which is what makes Mack a very strong candidate for the 2026 bid.

Yeah I’m cool with it being a shuttle if they give it like somewhat of an extended layout and a couple inversions

 

[italianstallion]

Also, adding onto what else has been discussed, I think the case for a Mack Tower Coaster as the 2026 coaster is incredibly strong, especially now that demolition permits have been filed for Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro. I think the addition would make a lot of sense:

1. It would give the park the opportunity to replace Kingda Ka with something equally iconic but with a completely new and more reliable experience, while also preserving the park’s visual skyline.

2. A Mack tower coaster would easily break several world records: height, speed, inversions, and maybe even the first upside-down launch. It would be a destination ride that draws in attendance from all over the world. With the combination of height, speed, inversions, and innovative elements like the shuttle aspect, this coaster would have something for every type of coaster fan. Considering the massive plot of land the park is prospectively working with, I wouldn't see a ride of this magnitude being replicated very easily either, helping it maintain its draw for years on end.

3. An extended layout is possible. Imagine something like Hyperia’s layout on the back half of the ride: large inversions and out-of-the-box elements. This would not only make the ride longer but also give it more of a draw beyond the "gimmick".

4. For Mack Rides, this project would serve as the ultimate proving ground. Replacing Kingda Ka with a Mack tower coaster would push Mack to refine their designs, enhance their technology, and elevate their LSM launch coaster model to a whole new level. This is no small feat, and if they can pull it off, it would easily cement Mack Rides as a top manufacturer the last ten years.

A 400 foot tall multi launch shuttle spinning coaster cannot be as iconic as Kingda Ka. Kingda Ka was the roller coaster manifestation of pure power, speed, and height and looked great to boot. Spinning trains traversing a shuttle course with some little half helix at the top? Anytime someone mentions this Mack tower concept my mind immediately imagines a wimpy looking version of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, and that’s not a good thing. Hopefully Cedar Flags looks at TT2, reads your no. 4 twice, and then realizes that trying to use an icon’s replacement as a company’s “proving ground” is enough to add this idea to the circular file.

If this thing isn’t a multi-launch with at least a 300 foot tall drop somewhere on the ride then there is no way in h-e-double hockey sticks I’m making a trip from Florida to ride it, which is contrary to your second point. If they do build this tower coaster then I’ll be brought to an even lower level of distain for Cedar Flags’ management. They had no problem trying to save their chain’s icon, but couldn’t be bothered to do the same with Great Adventure’s icon, instead deciding to replace it with something nobody asked for.

 

[guy305]

A 400ft shuttle is still a show of speed and height, with two extra gimmicks to boot (upside-down launch and spinning). The GP will eat it up. And it will be very cool. I’ll be making the trip to ride it.

 

[cackylack]

Mack's latest (to my knowledge) are Voltron and the upcoming Stardust Racers. If it's Mack that ends up being the designer/manufacturer of this ride, they can do spectacular. My money is on them.

 

[Dupa Jas]

If this thing isn’t a multi-launch with at least a 300 foot tall drop somewhere on the ride then there is no way in h-e-double hockey sticks I’m making a trip from Florida to ride it,

You will. If that 400 ft tall spinner shuttle gets built, it will be wild and the toast of r/rollercoasters. Every asshat will be posting mossasaurus roll-esque slow shots of this thing. People from canada and maybe even wyoming (?!?) will plan trips around it.

They had no problem trying to save their chain’s icon, but couldn’t be bothered to do the same with Great Adventure’s icon, instead deciding to replace it with something nobody asked for.

Unless they’ve straightened their shit, sorry, p double o p out with TT2 by now, or are close to it, I’m not counting on it to be long for this world, either.

 

[xenithwav]

If this thing isn’t a multi-launch with at least a 300 foot tall drop somewhere on the ride then there is no way in h-e-double hockey sticks I’m making a trip from Florida to ride it, which is contrary to your second point. If they do build this tower coaster then I’ll be brought to an even lower level of distain for Cedar Flags’ management. They had no problem trying to save their chain’s icon, but couldn’t be bothered to do the same with Great Adventure’s icon, instead deciding to replace it with something nobody asked for.

The Mack tower coaster is definitely going to be a spectacle for coaster enthusiasts. I also think another reason Kingda Ka won’t be getting the Top Thrill 2 treatment is because the chain seems focused on giving each park unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.

Now that Cedar Point and Six Flags Great Adventure are under the same management, it wouldn’t make sense for Six Flags Great Adventure to build a bigger and better version of TT2 and take that draw away from Cedar Point, even considering the challenges TT2 is already facing.

It’s not a matter of Cedar Fair executives and management in the new post-merger company protecting their legacy chain’s icon and spitting in the face of Great Adventure or legacy Six Flags. It’s about giving each park its own unique draw and considering all of their properties holistically in the interest of the new merged company. It’s clear the new company is cleaning house, and with the potential they see in Great Adventure, the park is going to receive investments like it’s never seen before.

SFEC already tried putting makeup on the TT2 situation with Siren’s Curse, and giving another park now under their watchful eye the same concept as TT2 but bigger and better would only belittle TT2 even more than it’s already been counted out. It’s in the best interest of Cedar Point and Great Adventure that they don’t attempt duplicate and improve upon the TT2 ride experience/concept, especially with Zamperla.

SFEC is going to be going big, especially if they plan on elevating Great Adventure to flagship park status. I trust that they wouldn't underperform on a new investment, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the unannounced removal of Kingda Ka and five other rides that's turned everyone's back to the park and the new company. The bar is high, and the redemption will be worth it.

 

[Crunchewy]

I would make the trip to ride it, but I would make it anyway for El Toro and Medusa and I'm not so far away as Florida. A couple hours. It's an easy drive, unlike the pain of driving to KD from here (near Baltimore), although it has outrageous tolls.

 

[GASM]

Tolls are something I had completely forgotten about before I moved to SC, hit one somewhere between Indianapolis and here and was incredibly thankful that I never took my EZPass down.

I’ll make the trip at some point. No other park means as much to me as Great Adventure even if it’s been a bit of a disaster for a while now, and one of my best friends just moved to Philly, so I’ve got extra justification for the trip now lol.

 

[markp700]

I would make the trip to ride it, but I would make it anyway for El Toro and Medusa and I'm not so far away as Florida. A couple hours. It's an easy drive, unlike the pain of driving to KD from here (near Baltimore), although it has outrageous tolls.

I would recommend taking the train. There's a station in Ashland where you could easily uber to the park from.

 

[Crunchewy]

I would recommend taking the train. There's a station in Ashland where you could easily uber to the park from.

What do you mean by "the train"? Which train?

 

[mikes]

I would make the trip to ride it, but I would make it anyway for El Toro and Medusa and I'm not so far away as Florida. A couple hours. It's an easy drive, unlike the pain of driving to KD from here (near Baltimore), although it has outrageous tolls.

It would have to be something truly unique and amazing for me to make the trip. As of right now, this park was a once and done for me. I didn't ride KK while there, not sure if it was even open. I rode Top thrill before so I felt like i didn't miss anything. I've only been to 2 Six flags parks (technically 3 if you count the years Geuaga Lake was operated by them) I have yet to be impressed by anything they have done.

 

[Crunchewy]

It would have to be something truly unique and amazing for me to make the trip. As of right now, this park was a once and done for me. I didn't ride KK while there, not sure if it was even open. I rode Top thrill before so I felt like i didn't miss anything. I've only been to 2 Six flags parks (technically 3 if you count the years Geuaga Lake was operated by them) I have yet to be impressed by anything they have done.

I guess it depends on what you like. El Toro is fantastic. Medusa for me is a much better Dominator. KK was a great ride. And they have other good stuff. They *had* a Sky Ride, but god damnit. Argh.

 

[RDL]

It's hard to really say that "the GP will eat it up" in regards to the shuttle coaster when nobody is even going to Great Adventure anymore anyways. The park has been basically empty even on Saturdays in the summer.

I have hope for the future since CF tends to keep their parks running nicely, but my expectations for this replacement are so low that I've stopped caring about what it'll be at this point.

 

[Fenrihr]

I went to GAdv last year for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice I found the park. That may have had more to do with my expectations being so low I'd need a shovel to trip over them after visiting SFA for the first time earlier that year.

I sincerely hope GAdv gets nice things in the future.

As for manufacturer, I think MACK can absolutely do amazing work, and I can only hope that SF lets them cook something wild up for GAdv.

 

[The Master]

CF telling Mack what they want in the design for the spinning tower shuttle coaster.

 

[markp700]

What do you mean by "the train"? Which train?

Im pretty sure Amtrak is all there is. but yes, locally it's referred to as "the train" since it's the only passenger rail service in this part of Virginia.