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{{Short description|Drop tower amusement ride}}
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{{ Infobox attraction
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2018}}
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{{Infobox attraction
| name = Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom
| name = Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom
| logo = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[Image:]] link-->
| logo =
| logo_width = <!--Default is 250px-->
| logo_width = <!--Default is 250px-->
| image = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[Image:]] link-->
| image = Zoomanjaro - Drop of Doom - Under Construction - April 14th 2014 - Image captured by Mariano A 2014-04-15 01-53.jpg
| imagedimensions = <!--Default is 250px-->
| imagedimensions =
| caption =
| caption = Zumanjaro under construction in 2014
| location = Six Flags Great Adventure
| location = Six Flags Great Adventure
| section = <!--Should be linked.-->
| section = Golden Kingdom
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| coordinates = {{Coord|40.140623|-74.433543|display=it}}
| status = Complete
| status = Closed
| cost =
| cost =
| soft_opened =
| soft_opened =
| opened = {{Start date|2014}}
| opened = {{Start date|2014|07|04}}
| closed =
| closed = November 12, 2023
| previousattraction = [[Rolling Thunder (roller coaster)|Rolling Thunder]]
| previousattraction = [[Rolling Thunder (roller coaster)|Rolling Thunder]]
| replacement = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
| replacement = <!--If there is an appropriate article, this should be linked.-->
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| coordinates = {{Coord|40.140623|-74.433543|display=it}}
| type = [[Drop tower]]
| type = [[Drop tower]]
| manufacturer = Intamin
| manufacturer = Intamin
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<!--Use only one of vehicles, rows, participants, or audience-->
<!--Use only one of vehicles, rows, participants, or audience-->
| vehicle_type =
| vehicle_type =
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| vehicles = 3
| riders_per_vehicle = 8
| riders_per_vehicle = 8
| rows =
| rows =
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| duration =
| duration =
| restriction_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_ft = <!--Must be expressed in feet and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_in = <!--Must be expressed in inches and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_in =48-77 <!--Must be expressed in inches and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_cm = <!--Must be expressed in centimetres and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| restriction_cm = <!--Must be expressed in centimetres and may contain only numeric characters.-->
| virtual_queue_name =
| virtual_queue_name = [[Flash Pass]]
| virtual_queue_image = <!--Use ONLY the filename, not a full [[Image:]] link-->
| virtual_queue_image = Fastpass availability icon.svg
| virtual_queue_status= <!--should be available if above fields are used-->
| virtual_queue_status= was available
| single_rider = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| single_rider = was available
| pay_per_use = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
| pay_per_use = <!--Must be "available" if available.-->
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| custom_label_1 =
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| custom_value_1 =
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| custom_label_8 =
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| accessible =
| accessible =
| transfer_accessible =
| transfer_accessible =
| assistive_listening =
| assistive_listening =
| cc =
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| custom_label_1 =
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| vehicles = 3
}}
}}
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'''Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom''' ({{IPAc-en|z|uː|m|ɪ|n|ˈ|dʒ|ɑːr|oʊ}}, {{respell|zoo-man|JARR-OH}}) is a decommissioned{{efn|The ride appears to be slated for removal, but no modifications to it have been made yet.}} amusement ride located at [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] in [[Jackson Township, New Jersey]]. The {{Convert|415|ft|m|abbr=on}} attraction is attached to the [[Kingda Ka]] roller coaster, and opened as the tallest drop tower ride in the world in 2014.<ref name="SF2014">{{cite web |title=New for 2014 |url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/ |publisher=Six Flags |date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901054320/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/ |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It closed in November 2023.


⚫
== History ==
⚫
'''Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom''' is a [[drop tower]] ride currently under construction at the [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] [[amusement park]] in [[Jackson Township, New Jersey]]. Standing {{Convert|415|ft|m}} tall, the ride will be attached to the existing [[Kingda Ka]] [[roller coaster]]. It will be the tallest drop tower ride in the world when it opens in 2014.<ref name="SF2014">{{cite web|title=New for 2014|url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/|publisher=Six Flags |date=August 29, 2013|accessdate=August 29, 2013}}</ref>
⚫
On May 21, 2005, [[Kingda Ka]] opened to the public and became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world at that time, overtaking both world records from [[Top Thrill Dragster]] at [[Cedar Point]].<ref>{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Kingda Ka |location=Six Flags Great Adventure |rcdb_number=2832 |access-date=September 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite RCDB |coaster_name=Six Flags Great Adventure will launch the tallest, fastest roller coaster on earth and new jungle domain with tiger exhibit for 2005 |access-date=September 1, 2013 |url=http://rcdb.com/2832.htm?dt=126&d=132}}</ref>


⚫
Rumors that Six Flags Great Adventure would be adding a drop tower attached to [[Kingda Ka]], similar to [[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], emerged in February 2012. In August, theme park enthusiast website Screamscape mentioned that [[Rolling Thunder (roller coaster)|Rolling Thunder]] may be removed at the end of the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/six_flags_great_adventure.htm |title=Six Flags Great Adventure |publisher=Screamscape |access-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901164049/http://www.screamscape.com/html/six_flags_great_adventure.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
⚫
==History==
⚫
On May 21, 2005, Kingda Ka opened to the public and became the "tallest" and "fastest" roller coaster in the world at that time overtaking both world records from [[Top Thrill Dragster]] at [[Cedar Point]].<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Kingda Ka|location=Six Flags Great Adventure|rcdb_number=2832|accessdate=September 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Six Flags Great Adventure will launch the tallest, fastest roller coaster on earth and new jungle domain with tiger exhibit for 2005|accessdate=September 1, 2013|url=http://rcdb.com/2832.htm?dt=126&d=132}}</ref>


⚫
On August 29, 2013, Six Flag's chairman, president, and CEO, [[Jim Reid-Anderson]], officially announced Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom for the 2014 season, which would be attached to Kingda Ka, along with the other new rides to be built at other Six Flags parks.<ref name="SF2014" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Oglesby |first=Amanda |title=New Six Flags ride 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' to feature 90-mph drop |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20130830/FEATURES07/308300032/Zumanjaro-Drop-of-Doom-Six-Flags-roller-coaster |access-date=September 1, 2013 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130901165850/http://www.freep.com/article/20130830/FEATURES07/308300032/Zumanjaro-Drop-of-Doom-Six-Flags-roller-coaster |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the press release, it was confirmed that [[Rolling Thunder (roller coaster)|Rolling Thunder]] would close on September 8, 2013, and be demolished. The new ride is inspired by the park's 2013 addition, [[Safari Off Road Adventure]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/info/news_NJ2014NewCap.aspx |title=Six Flags Great Adventure Announces World Record-Breaking Ride for 2014 |publisher=Six Flags Great Adventure |date=August 29, 2013 |access-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901060757/http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/info/news_NJ2014NewCap.aspx |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The area adjacent to the Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom would be a new habitat for [[Olive baboon|African baboons]], which will replace the 2011 addition, ''Safari Discoveries''.<ref name="Philly" />
⚫
Rumors that Six Flags Great Adventure would be adding a drop tower attached to Kingda Ka, similar to [[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], emerged in February 2012. In August, theme park enthusiast website, Screamscape, mentioned that [[Rolling Thunder (roller coaster)|Rolling Thunder]] may be removed at the end of the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screamscape.com/html/six_flags_great_adventure.htm |title=Six Flags Great Adventure |publisher=Screamscape |accessdate=September 1, 2013 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6JJNtDBHE |archivedate=September 1, 2013}}</ref>


On April 1, 2014, the final track piece for the drop tower ride was erected into place by park construction crews.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mirgoli |first=Nicholus |title=Final Track Piece of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom Completed on the World's Tallest Drop Tower at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ |url=http://www.themeparkoverload.net/2014/04/FinalTrackPieceCompletedConstructionZumanjaroDropOfDoomDropTowerSixFlagsGreatAdventure.html |work=ThemeParkOverload.net |date=April 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415075319/http://www.themeparkoverload.net/2014/04/FinalTrackPieceCompletedConstructionZumanjaroDropOfDoomDropTowerSixFlagsGreatAdventure.html |archive-date=April 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ride opened to the public on July 4, 2014.<ref>{{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 |work=The Star-Ledger |date=July 4, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 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 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
⚫
On August 29, 2013, Six Flag's chairman, president, and CEO, [[Jim Reid-Anderson]] officially announced ''Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom'' for the 2014 season (which will be attached to the Kingda Ka roller coaster) along with the other new rides to be built at other Six Flags parks.<ref name="SF2014"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Oglesby|first=Amanda|title=New Six Flags ride 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' to feature 90-mph drop|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20130830/FEATURES07/308300032/Zumanjaro-Drop-of-Doom-Six-Flags-roller-coaster|accessdate=September 1, 2013|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=August 29, 2013|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6JJOnEy3j|archivedate=September 1, 2013}}</ref> In the press release, it was confirmed that [[Rolling Thunder (roller coaster)|Rolling Thunder]] will close on September 8, 2013 and be demolished. The new ride is inspired by the park's 2013 addition, [[Safari Off Road Adventure]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/info/news_NJ2014NewCap.aspx |title=Six Flags Great Adventure Announces World Record-Breaking Ride for 2014 |publisher=Six Flags Great Adventure |date=August 29, 2013 |accessdate=September 1, 2013 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6JJOv7y7t |archivedate=September 1, 2013}}</ref> The area adjacent to the Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom will be a new habitat for [[Olive baboon|African baboons]], which will replace the 2011 addition, ''Safari Discoveries''.<ref name="Philly"/>


=== Opening ===
On April 1, 2014 the final track piece for the drop tower ride were erected into place by park construction crews.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mirgoli|first=Nicholus|title=Final Track Piece of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom Completed on the World's Tallest Drop Tower at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ|url=http://www.themeparkoverload.net/2014/04/FinalTrackPieceCompletedConstructionZumanjaroDropOfDoomDropTowerSixFlagsGreatAdventure.html|work=www.ThemeParkOverload.net|accessdate=13 April 2014}}</ref>
Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom was first slated to open originally during the [[Memorial Day Weekend]] of 2014. Two weeks before opening the new attraction along with the reopening of Kingda Ka, Six Flags Great Adventure delayed its opening due to the [[2013–14 North American cold wave|weather]] during the construction of the ride with its extreme heights.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dowling |first=Matt |url=http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/05/zumanjaro_drop_of_doom_ride_opening_at_six_flags_great_adventure_delayed_by_weather.html |title=New 41-story 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' ride opening at Six Flags Great Adventure is delayed |work=The Star-Ledger |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518014712/http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/05/zumanjaro_drop_of_doom_ride_opening_at_six_flags_great_adventure_delayed_by_weather.html |archive-date=May 18, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the delayed opening in late May, Kingda Ka reopened only during the weekends of the summer until the opening of the drop tower. On June 26, 2014, Six Flags Great Adventure announced the opening of the new attraction for the [[Fourth of July]] holiday weekend.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kuperinsky |first=Amy |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/06/zumanjaro_six_flags_to_open_july_4.html |title=Back on track: Six Flags' stalled Zumanjaro plunge to open |work=The Star-Ledger |date=June 27, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701040807/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/06/zumanjaro_six_flags_to_open_july_4.html |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hours before the soft-opening of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom on July 2, 2014, the theme park delayed the opening of the drop tower again for the second time. Six Flags Great Adventure stated that the state of New Jersey had not granted the park the operating permit to open the new drop tower.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/07/02/six-flags-great-adventure-set-to-open-worlds-tallest-drop-ride-drop-of-doom/ |title=State Officials Reviewing Six Flags Great Adventure's 'Drop Of Doom' |publisher=New York CBS Local |date=July 2, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706212253/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/07/02/six-flags-great-adventure-set-to-open-worlds-tallest-drop-ride-drop-of-doom/ |archive-date=July 6, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philebrity.com/2014/07/02/important-zumanjaro-update-there-will-be-no-zumanjaro-today/ |title=Important Zumanjaro Update: There Will Be No Zumanjaro Today |publisher=philebrity.com |date=July 2, 2014 |access-date=July 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729043308/http://www.philebrity.com/2014/07/02/important-zumanjaro-update-there-will-be-no-zumanjaro-today/ |archive-date=July 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, two days after the second delayed opening, the park opened the ride to the public on July 4, 2014.<ref name="NJ">{{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 |work=The Star-Ledger |date=July 4, 2014 |access-date=July 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708235858/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/07/great_adventures_zumanjaro_drop_of_doom_ride_opens_after_numerous_delays.html |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Ride experience==
=== Closure ===
In late 2024, rumors began circulating regarding the potential closure of Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro.<ref>{{cite web |last=Coleman |first=Chris |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Is Six Flags really closing Kingda Ka at Great Adventure? |url=https://catcountry1073.com/is-six-flags-really-closing-kingda-ka-at-great-adventure-in-new-jersey/ |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=Cat Country 107.3}}</ref> On November 14, 2024, Six Flags confirmed that Kingda Ka would be "retired" in order to make way for "a record breaking multi launch coaster".<ref name="Williams 2024">{{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}}</ref><ref name="Kausch 2024">{{Cite web |last=Kausch |first=Katie |date=2024-11-14 |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=2024-11-14 |website=nj |language=en}}</ref> The park also confirmed that the drop tower had closed.<ref name="Kausch 2024" />

On December 20, 2024 the park announced that both Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro will be completely scrapped.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

=== VR ===
In 2017, [[virtual reality]] headsets were added as an optional feature on the ride, which were [[Samsung Gear VR]] headsets powered by [[Oculus VR|Oculus]]. Riders wearing the headsets would experience a 360-degree, 3D simulation of being in a futuristic helicopter that was fending off an attack by mutant spiders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/new-jersey-news-six-flags-great-adventure-virtual-reality-roller-coaster-zumanjaro/1899686/|title=Six Flags Great Adventure unveils virtual reality drop ride 'Drop of Doom'}}</ref>

== Ride experience ==
[[File:Zoomanjaro- Drop of Doom (April 14, 2014).jpg|thumbnail|Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom under construction]]
[[File:Zoomanjaro- Drop of Doom (April 14, 2014).jpg|thumbnail|Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom under construction]]
''Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom'' consists of three free fall drop attractions, with each mounted to a lateral flank of the Kingda Ka structure. All three towers feature a single floorless gondola seating eight-abreast. Before riding riders will queue along a new African baboon habitat. Riders are harnessed in by over-the-shoulder restraints. Catch cars hoist the gondolas up the tower before reaching a dynamic height of {{Convert|415|ft|m}}. The gondolas are then released into a fast free fall descent, attaining a terminal velocity of {{Convert|90|mph|km/h}} for six seconds.<ref name="SF2014"/><ref name="Philly"/> Once on top of the 415-foot tall tower, riders on a clear day would be able to see [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] which is {{Convert|52|mi|km}} away from the park.<ref name="Philly">{{cite web|url=http://special.app.com/article/20130829/NJNEWS/308290038/Six-Flags-to-open-Zumanjaro-Drop-of-Doom-close-Rolling-Thunder-at-Great-Adventure|title=Rolling Thunder to close for world's tallest drop ride at Six Flags|publisher=The Asbury Park Press|accessdate=September 3, 2013 |date=August 29, 2013}}</ref>
Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom consisted of three free-fall drop attractions, each mounted to a lateral flank of the Kingda Ka structure. Each of the three towers featured a single floorless gondola seating eight abreast. Before riding, riders waited in a line queue along a new African baboon habitat. Upon boarding, riders were secured by over-the-shoulder restraints. Catch cars hoisted the gondolas up the tower to a height of {{Convert|415|ft}}. The gondolas were then released into a free-fall descent, attaining a maximum velocity of {{Convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} over the course of six seconds.<ref name="SF2014" /><ref name="Philly" /> On clear days, riders were able to see [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], which is {{Convert|52|mi}} away from the park, according to a Six Flags spokeswoman.<ref name="Philly">{{cite news |last1=Oglseby |first1=Amanda |title=New Six Flags ride to feature 90-mph drop |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/08/29/new-six-flags-ride-to-feature-90-mph-drop/2735979/ |access-date=May 4, 2023 |work=Asbury Park Press |date=August 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125000038/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/08/29/new-six-flags-ride-to-feature-90-mph-drop/2735979/ |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Statistics ==
{{prose|section|date=February 2020}}
* {{cvt|415|ft}} tall
* {{cvt|90|mph}}
* Ascends in 30 seconds
* Drops in 10 seconds
* Decelerates at 3.5g
* Three towers built on Kingda Ka
* Eight-person gondolas with 24 riders per cycle
* Three gondolas ascend simultaneously but drop independently
* {{cvt|5,551|ft}} of wire ropes and cables were used to build Zumanjaro, which is equal to 617 jumping ropes.
* {{cvt|2,490|ft}} of guide rail (track)
* {{cvt|810|ft}} of linear magnetic brakes
* {{cvt|62,544|lbs}} of drum/motor to lift riders to the top
* 161 different kinds of bolts and a grand total of 26,502 bolts
* The drum/winch mechanism that operates the lift cable is {{cvt|17|ft}} wide by {{cvt|9|ft}} in diameter
* Construction crews added {{cvt|226,226|lbs}} of steel structural reinforcing columns to Kingda Ka to support Zumanjaro.

== Records ==
Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom held the record for the tallest and fastest [[drop tower]] ride in the world till its closure, taking the record from [[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] on July 4, 2014.<ref name="SF2014" /><ref name="NJ" />
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box| title=World's Tallest Vertical Drop Tower| before=''[[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]]'' | years=July 4, 2014 &ndash; 11 November 2024 | after= ''[[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]]''}}
{{S-end}}

== See also ==
* [[Giant Drop (Six Flags Great America)|Giant Drop]], [[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]], and [[Superman: Tower of Power]], other Intamin drop towers that had been installed at Six Flags parks.


==See also==
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
* [[Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom]] and [[The Giant Drop]], two other Intamin drop towers which are attached to existing roller coasters


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


{{commons category}}
{{Six Flags Great Adventure}}
{{Six Flags Great Adventure}}


[[Category:Proposed amusement rides]]
[[Category:Amusement rides introduced in 2014]]
[[Category:Six Flags attractions]]
[[Category:Six Flags attractions]]
[[Category:Six Flags Great Adventure]]
[[Category:Six Flags Great Adventure]]
[[Category:Amusement rides manufactured by Intamin]]
[[Category:Amusement rides manufactured by Intamin]]
[[Category:Drop tower rides]]
[[Category:Drop tower rides]]
[[Category:2014 establishments in New Jersey]]

Latest revision as of 21:51, 20 December 2024

Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom
Zumanjaro under construction in 2014
Six Flags Great Adventure
AreaGolden Kingdom
Coordinates40°08′26″N 74°26′01″W / 40.140623°N 74.433543°W / 40.140623; -74.433543
StatusClosed
Opening dateJuly 4, 2014 (2014-07-04)
Closing dateNovember 12, 2023
ReplacedRolling Thunder
Ride statistics
Attraction typeDrop tower
ManufacturerIntamin
Height415 ft (126 m)
Speed90 mph (140 km/h)
Vehicles3
Riders per vehicle8
Height restriction48–77 in (122–196 cm)
Flash Pass was available
Single rider line was available

Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom (/zuːmɪnˈdʒɑːroʊ/, zoo-man-JARR-OH) is a decommissioned[a] amusement ride located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. The 415 ft (126 m) attraction is attached to the Kingda Ka roller coaster, and opened as the tallest drop tower ride in the world in 2014.[1] It closed in November 2023.

History

[edit]

On May 21, 2005, Kingda Ka opened to the public and became the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world at that time, overtaking both world records from Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point.[2][3]

Rumors that Six Flags Great Adventure would be adding a drop tower attached to Kingda Ka, similar to Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain, emerged in February 2012. In August, theme park enthusiast website Screamscape mentioned that Rolling Thunder may be removed at the end of the 2013 season.[4]

On August 29, 2013, Six Flag's chairman, president, and CEO, Jim Reid-Anderson, officially announced Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom for the 2014 season, which would be attached to Kingda Ka, along with the other new rides to be built at other Six Flags parks.[1][5] In the press release, it was confirmed that Rolling Thunder would close on September 8, 2013, and be demolished. The new ride is inspired by the park's 2013 addition, Safari Off Road Adventure.[6] The area adjacent to the Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom would be a new habitat for African baboons, which will replace the 2011 addition, Safari Discoveries.[7]

On April 1, 2014, the final track piece for the drop tower ride was erected into place by park construction crews.[8] The ride opened to the public on July 4, 2014.[9]

Opening

[edit]

Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom was first slated to open originally during the Memorial Day Weekend of 2014. Two weeks before opening the new attraction along with the reopening of Kingda Ka, Six Flags Great Adventure delayed its opening due to the weather during the construction of the ride with its extreme heights.[10] Despite the delayed opening in late May, Kingda Ka reopened only during the weekends of the summer until the opening of the drop tower. On June 26, 2014, Six Flags Great Adventure announced the opening of the new attraction for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.[11] Hours before the soft-opening of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom on July 2, 2014, the theme park delayed the opening of the drop tower again for the second time. Six Flags Great Adventure stated that the state of New Jersey had not granted the park the operating permit to open the new drop tower.[12][13] However, two days after the second delayed opening, the park opened the ride to the public on July 4, 2014.[14]

Closure

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In late 2024, rumors began circulating regarding the potential closure of Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro.[15] On November 14, 2024, Six Flags confirmed that Kingda Ka would be "retired" in order to make way for "a record breaking multi launch coaster".[16][17] The park also confirmed that the drop tower had closed.[17]

On December 20, 2024 the park announced that both Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro will be completely scrapped.[citation needed]

VR

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In 2017, virtual reality headsets were added as an optional feature on the ride, which were Samsung Gear VR headsets powered by Oculus. Riders wearing the headsets would experience a 360-degree, 3D simulation of being in a futuristic helicopter that was fending off an attack by mutant spiders.[18]

Ride experience

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Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom under construction

Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom consisted of three free-fall drop attractions, each mounted to a lateral flank of the Kingda Ka structure. Each of the three towers featured a single floorless gondola seating eight abreast. Before riding, riders waited in a line queue along a new African baboon habitat. Upon boarding, riders were secured by over-the-shoulder restraints. Catch cars hoisted the gondolas up the tower to a height of 415 feet (126 m). The gondolas were then released into a free-fall descent, attaining a maximum velocity of 90 mph (140 km/h) over the course of six seconds.[1][7] On clear days, riders were able to see Philadelphia, which is 52 miles (84 km) away from the park, according to a Six Flags spokeswoman.[7]

Statistics

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  • 415 ft (126 m) tall
  • 90 mph (140 km/h)
  • Ascends in 30 seconds
  • Drops in 10 seconds
  • Decelerates at 3.5g
  • Three towers built on Kingda Ka
  • Eight-person gondolas with 24 riders per cycle
  • Three gondolas ascend simultaneously but drop independently
  • 5,551 ft (1,692 m) of wire ropes and cables were used to build Zumanjaro, which is equal to 617 jumping ropes.
  • 2,490 ft (760 m) of guide rail (track)
  • 810 ft (250 m) of linear magnetic brakes
  • 62,544 lb (28,369 kg) of drum/motor to lift riders to the top
  • 161 different kinds of bolts and a grand total of 26,502 bolts
  • The drum/winch mechanism that operates the lift cable is 17 ft (5.2 m) wide by 9 ft (2.7 m) in diameter
  • Construction crews added 226,226 lb (102,614 kg) of steel structural reinforcing columns to Kingda Ka to support Zumanjaro.

Records

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Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom held the record for the tallest and fastest drop tower ride in the world till its closure, taking the record from Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain on July 4, 2014.[1][14]

Preceded by World's Tallest Vertical Drop Tower
July 4, 2014 – 11 November 2024 		Succeeded by

See also

[edit]

Notes

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  1. ^ The ride appears to be slated for removal, but no modifications to it have been made yet.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "New for 2014". Six Flags. August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  2. ^ Marden, Duane. "Kingda Ka  (Six Flags Great Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  3. ^ Marden, Duane. "Six Flags Great Adventure will launch the tallest, fastest roller coaster on earth and new jungle domain with tiger exhibit for 2005". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  4. ^ "Six Flags Great Adventure". Screamscape. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
  5. ^ Oglesby, Amanda (August 29, 2013). "New Six Flags ride 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' to feature 90-mph drop". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
  6. ^ "Six Flags Great Adventure Announces World Record-Breaking Ride for 2014". Six Flags Great Adventure. August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
  7. ^ a b c Oglseby, Amanda (August 29, 2013). "New Six Flags ride to feature 90-mph drop". Asbury Park Press. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Mirgoli, Nicholus (April 2014). "Final Track Piece of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom Completed on the World's Tallest Drop Tower at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ". ThemeParkOverload.net. Archived from the original on April 15, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  9. ^ "Great Adventure's 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' ride opens after numerous delays". The Star-Ledger. July 4, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  10. ^ Dowling, Matt (May 15, 2014). "New 41-story 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' ride opening at Six Flags Great Adventure is delayed". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  11. ^ Kuperinsky, Amy (June 27, 2014). "Back on track: Six Flags' stalled Zumanjaro plunge to open". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  12. ^ "State Officials Reviewing Six Flags Great Adventure's 'Drop Of Doom'". New York CBS Local. July 2, 2014. Archived from the original on July 6, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  13. ^ "Important Zumanjaro Update: There Will Be No Zumanjaro Today". philebrity.com. July 2, 2014. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  14. ^ a b "Great Adventure's 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' ride opens after numerous delays". The Star-Ledger. July 4, 2014. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.
  15. ^ Coleman, Chris (September 24, 2024). "Is Six Flags really closing Kingda Ka at Great Adventure?". Cat Country 107.3. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  16. ^ Williams, Damon C. (November 14, 2024). "Why did Six Flags Great Adventure shut down Kingda Ka and what's next". Asbury Park Press NJ. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Kausch, Katie (November 14, 2024). "Kingda Ka closed to make way for 'record-breaking' mystery ride at Six Flags Great Adventure". nj. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  18. ^ "Six Flags Great Adventure unveils virtual reality drop ride 'Drop of Doom'".
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