What's new at Six Flags Great Adventure this year? A 'super boomerang coaster' and more

Six Flags Great Adventure may open for the year on Saturday, March 16, but come July 1 there will be another cause for celebration: The date marks the anniversary of the theme park's 50th season.

Businessman Warner LeRoy brought Great Adventure to life in summer 1974, and some things have remained from its early days — like the iconic ice cream sundae-shaped Yum Yum Palace and a skyride that brings guests from one end of the park to the other.

But Great Adventure has grown to include more than a dozen zones, from Frontier Adventures and Plaza del Carnival to Movietown and Jr. Thrillseekers — and it's home to 14 roller coasters that attract riders from all over.

As the park begins its 50th season, there are a number of new attractions representing "our largest park investment in almost two decades," Park President Brian Bacica said in a news release. Here's what to look forward to this year.

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The Flash: Vertical Velocity

The Flash: Vertical Velocity roller coaster, "a super boomerang coaster," is scheduled to open this season. The coaster, which is the first of its kind in North America and the second in the world, "rushes forward and backward at nearly 60 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll," reads a news release from the park. "The train pauses, and then, just like The Flash, you change directions on a dime and rush backwards along the track."

An opening date has not been announced.

Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa

Opening Friday, June 14, Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa invites guests to sleep in one of 20 "glamping suites" designed to resemble authentic African lodges" in the middle of Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari, park spokesperson Staci Wheeler said. "We will have a number of animals that freely roam around the enclosed campsite."

The resort, which will have a spa and fine-dining restaurant, costs around $600 per night and requires a two-night minimum stay. Breakfast and access to the theme park, safari and Hurricane Harbor water park are included.

Giant Wheel and Roaring Rapids

Two original rides are receiving upgrades. "The Big Wheel will be returning to its original namesake this year — Giant Wheel," Wheeler said. "It will be receiving upgrades including a repaint and new light package."

The Sawmill Log Flume also is being refurbished and will reopen this summer.

Also, "Congo Rapids" is returning to its original name, "Roaring Rapids."

Safari Off Road Adventure returns

The Safari Off Road Adventure returns following the 2023 closure of the Wild Safari Drive-Thru.

"Guests will once again be able to board our safari off-road vehicles with a driver and tour guide to experience the 350-acre Wild Safari," Wheeler said. "This attraction can be experienced from two locations. It is included with a theme park ticket, or guests can purchase a safari-only ticket to board from a new 'Base Camp' located at the entrance to the Wild Safari."

Hurricane Harbor

Hurricane Harbor, which opens Saturday, May 18, will include a new family area called Splash Island. The feature will have a treehouse play structure and seven slides for young guests.

14 coasters (soon to be 15)

Six Flags Great Adventure has become a destination for those wanting to climb high and speed through the air on roller coasters. The Runaway Mine Train sends riders careening over a lake at 38 miles per hour, while the 3,000-foot-long Jersey Devil Coaster shoots riders to heights of 13 stories at speeds of up to 58 mph.

There are coasters based on DC Comics characters: Batman, The Ride anchors riders to the track from above, their feet dangling as they speed 50 mph; The Dark Knight is an indoor coaster where riders face six 180-degree turns, and a series of hair-raising ups and down from a height of 45 feet; The Joker is a free-fly coaster with no track above or below riders; Green Lantern is a stand-up coaster with a top speed of 64 mph; and Superman: Ultimate Flight launches roller coaster fans through the air face down and head first.

Kingda Ka shoots riders vertically at 90 degrees before sending them down a 270-degree spiral; Medusa sends them 146 feet into the air and clocks speeds of 61 mph; Nitro, at 233 feet tall, offers a quick glimpse of Philadelphia before a 215-foot drop; and Skull Mountain is an indoor coaster that rides in the dark.

Then there's El Toro, which frequently makes the list when people talk about the best coasters in the world. This wooden beast takes riders up 19 stories before dropping them 176 feet, all while traveling 70 mph.

There are junior coasters for young riders, too, like Harley Quinn Crazy Train and Lil’ Devil Coaster.

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to [email protected], follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Six Flags NJ: New water park area, glamping, classic rides return 2024