ON THE ROAD AGAIN-Six Flags Great Adventure

A “great new adventure” awaits guests at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, this season as the park launches Kingda Ka, the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth and the cornerstone of The Golden Kingdom, a mythical new jungle-themed land within the theme park. The golden Kingdom includes Balin’s Jungleland, a new children’s adventure area; Temple of the Tiger, an entertaining and educational exhibit featuring the original Broadway-style show, Spirit of the tiger; exotic animal ambassadors, plus new shopping and food service conveniences.
Spirit of the Tiger headlines the park’s largest family entertainment program in its history, featuring seven new productions. The Golden Kingdom and enhanced live entertainment package are part of a comprehensive new guest service focus which has been implemented.
“Six Flags Great Adventure has unveiled the largest expansion in its 31-year history,” said Rick McCurley, vice president and general manager. “Our guests will experience unparalleled thrills and family entertainment with outstanding guest service. It’s our first step in transforming the world’s largest regional theme park into a true family destination.”
As guests venture into the 11-acre Golden Kingdom, they encounter giant temple ruins, colorful shopping bazaars and winding pathways enveloped by lush, tropical plants and trees.
The centerpiece of the new, mythical land is Kingda Ka, the “King of Coasters,” shattering all existing world records for roller coaster speed and height by legendary proportions. It rockets riders horizontally from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds before vertically catapulting them a mind-blowing 456 feet (45 stories) into the sky at a 90-degree angle. After a brief moment in the clouds, riders descend 418 feet (41 stories) back down to Earth in a 270-degree spiral, only to experience another breathtaking moment of weightlessness as they soar over a 129-foot tall hill (nearly 13 stories) and then glide back into the station.
Balin’s Jungleland features a world of excitement, fun and exploration for little ones. Kids climb high into one of the world’s largest play structures, Tigerland Treehouses, to explore three towers of fun offering cargo nets, slides, bridges and more. Toddlers can discover Cub’s Corner, an interactive playground designed especially for them. For a break from the summer heat, kids can frolic in Splashwater Oasis with two towers jam-packed with spray guns, tipping buckets and a “jumping” fountain.
Balin’s Jungleland offers new, pint-sized adventures on five themed rides. Kids fly through the air on Royal Elephants, hop aboard a train ride on Jungleland Express, swing in suspended seats on Monkey Around, drive colorful bug mobiles on Bugaboo and spin on the fast-paced Raja’s Rickshaws.
Inside the golden Kingdom’s Temple of the Tiger exhibit, guests encounter majestic Bengal tigers while exploring the 33,000 square-foot area. Trainers share their experiences one-on-one with visitors as they work and play with amazing tigers. A new 1,000-seat amphitheater is home to Spirit of the Tiger, an exhilarating, Broadway-quality show fusing multicultural music, dance and animal athleticism.
Throughout the park, Six Flags Great Adventure offers more family entertainment and live shows than ever before. Seven new, live entertainment options include: Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals in the new Looney Tunes — We Got the Beat ’80s musical revue; the high-energy Mission: Weekend Warriors extreme water stunt show; Dolphin Discovery: Island Party interactive dolphin and sea lion presentation; New Images “boy band” vocal revue; exotic animal ambassadors and their trainers; plus fun and energetic street performers.
Beyond the new thrills of the elaborate Golden Kingdom and new entertainment program, Six Flags Great Adventure’s management team is working to ensure that the park guests’ experiences far exceed expectations. Aiming to provide a “great new adventure,” park management has enhanced every aspect of guest service — from new food menus to helpful park ambassadors.
From the parking lot toll plaza to the front gate admission process, guests notice that the entrance experience is faster and friendlier. As they enter the park and tour the property, they see beautiful, new landscaping throughout as well as remodeled stores and storefronts.
Theme park guests looking for an easy, convenient way to tour the safari without using their own vehicles or leaving the park can hop aboard an air-conditioned, guided tour bus from inside the theme park. For a nominal fee, guests tour the largest drive-through safari outside of Africa at a leisurely pace with a knowledgeable guide to assist them, and return to the theme park following their adventure.
For more information call 732-928-2000.