Zumanjaro Nearly Complete at Six Flags Great Adventure

© Six Flags Great Adventure

This one is certainly not for those who are afraid of heights!  Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ, is nearly finished with installing the three drop tower tracks that will make up Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom.  When complete and opened, the new attraction will take the record for the world's tallest drop ride, standing a dizzying 415 feet tall.  This photo shows off the three orange drop tower tracks that have been added to the front side of the Kingda Ka roller coaster's tower.

© Six Flags Great Adventure

With only four pieces of orange track yet to be added, the park is almost done with the heavy lifting portion of construction.  There's still plenty of electrical and mechanical work to be completed before Zumanjaro is complete.  High winds held off the completion of the track so far, but plans are to place the final pieces on Monday - weather permitting.

“Wind is certainly a factor at 415 feet,” said Mike Fatovic, construction supervisor at Six Flags Great Adventure. “It can seem very calm on the ground, and sometimes it is a very different story at the top of the tower.”

© Six Flags Great Adventure

According to the park, "following the topping off, the construction, maintenance and engineering teams will focus on adding three gondolas that will whisk riders to the top of the tower, installing the lift mechanism—a winch and cable system--and ride controls, followed by extensive ride testing, inspections and certification before the first passengers board the ride later this spring."  Just when exactly will you be able to get in line for a drop on Zumanjaro?  The park is officially planning a Memorial Day Weekend debut.  Count me in!

© Six Flags Great Adventure

They actually arrived a while ago, but here is one of the three gondolas that will be installed on each of the orange tracks.  Eight passengers at a time will go up to 415 feet, pause briefly to take in the amazing view, then plummet down at an astonishing 90 miles per hour.

The park also released some footage of the tower that really helps to show the immense size of the attraction.  This is going to be one stellar ride and I cannot wait!