Rolling Thunder, the classic wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, was permanently removed to make room for a new attraction, Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom.
The ride officially closed its operations on September 8, 2013, after providing thrills for over three decades. Its removal was a strategic decision by the park to introduce a new, taller, and more modern thrill ride that opened the following year in 2014.
Key Reasons for Removal
The primary reason for Rolling Thunder's removal was to facilitate the construction and integration of Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom. This new attraction was built onto the park's existing Kingda Ka roller coaster, requiring the space occupied by Rolling Thunder for its footprint and queue area.
- Space Optimization: The area that Rolling Thunder occupied was crucial for the development of Zumanjaro, allowing the park to maximize its land use and introduce a significant new feature.
- Attraction Refresh: Theme parks often remove older rides to introduce new, cutting-edge attractions that attract more visitors and offer fresh experiences. Rolling Thunder had been operating since 1979.
- Enhanced Thrill Offering: Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom is a record-breaking drop tower, offering a different type of thrill experience (a controlled freefall) compared to a traditional wooden roller coaster, thereby diversifying the park's ride portfolio.
Timeline of Rolling Thunder's Operations and Removal
To provide a clear picture of Rolling Thunder's operational history and eventual removal, here's a brief timeline:
| Event | Date/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Opening | 1979 | Rolling Thunder opened as a dueling wooden roller coaster, a popular attraction for many years. |
| Temporary Closure | Fall 2005 – Spring 2006 | The ride did not operate during this period due to the construction of the "Plaza del Carnival" section of the park and the new El Toro roller coaster. |
| Permanent Closure | September 8, 2013 | This was the final day of operation for Rolling Thunder, marked for its permanent removal. |
| Replacement Attraction Opens | 2014 | Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom officially opened to the public, taking the space previously occupied by Rolling Thunder. |
This permanent closure was distinct from an earlier temporary shutdown in late 2005 through early 2006, which was related to other park construction projects, specifically the "Plaza del Carnival" area and the El Toro roller coaster. The 2013 closure, however, marked the end of Rolling Thunder's run to pave the way for a new era of thrills at Six Flags Great Adventure.
