By: Edmund Benca, Grade 9 and Simon Benca, Grade 12
This year has been a major year for the amusement park industry. New parks and attractions have opened. Unfortunately, some have closed or been replaced. Here are some of the highlights of 2025.
Kingda Ka, formerly the world’s tallest roller coaster, was destroyed in February this year, following its closing last year. There has been a replacement confirmed for Six Flags Great Adventure: a spinning tower coaster that will launch riders up a 400-foot tower.
At Cedar Point in Ohio, Siren’s Curse is finally open. This is the tallest, longest, and fastest tilt coaster in North America. Part of the ride’s track tilts 90 degrees, holding the riders until it connects with the rest of the track.
In Saudi Arabia, Six Flags Qiddaya is set to open on the final day of 2025, with the flagship attraction, Falcon’s Flight, starting testing. Falcon’s Flight will be the world’s tallest and fastest coaster, towering at 640 feet and racing at 155 miles per hour. Along with Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest tilt coaster, Iron Rattler, will also open at Six Flags Qiddaya. Standing at a height of 208 feet with top speeds of 73 miles per hour and five forceful inversions, Iron Rattler is a welcome addition to the world of rollercoasters and a highly anticipated ride by enthusiasts around the world.
In Orlando, a new theme park has opened. Universal’s Epic Universe is an immersive park, with worlds and attractions based on films like: How to Train Your Dragon, The Super Mario and Donkey Kong series, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This year has also had a few losses. Six Flags America in Maryland closed down. While some rides may be relocated, many attractions in this park may not be available to ride ever again. At Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Superman: Escape From Krypton closed down permanently. In Universal Studios Orlando, Rip Ride Rock It closed permanently as well. Hopefully, new rides will come in the near future.