The thrill of a roller coaster is unlike any other—the anticipation as the chain lift pulls you skyward, the rush of wind as you plunge down a towering drop, and the laughter and screams shared with friends and strangers alike. For decades, roller coasters have been the heart and soul of amusement parks, offering a blend of exhilaration and nostalgia to riders young and old. Yet, as time marches on, even the most beloved rides must eventually take their final bow.
In 2024, the amusement park community bid farewell to an extraordinary and surprising lineup of roller coasters. Each one carried with it a legacy of engineering brilliance, unique charm, and cherished memories. Some of these coasters were more than just rides—they were landmarks, storytellers, and symbols of joy. Today we look back and celebrate the roller coasters we lost this year.
*Updated 3-18-2025. Sadly, we will most likely have to keep adding to this article as more closed rides are unveiled.
Roller Coasters That Closed in 2024
Scorpion 1980 – 2024
Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was a beloved steel coaster that thrilled visitors from its debut in 1980 until its closure in 2024. Designed by the legendary roller coaster engineer Anton Schwarzkopf, Scorpion featured a compact but thrilling layout, highlighted by its signature vertical loop. Located in the park’s Timbuktu area (later renamed Pantopia), it was one of the first looping coasters in Florida and played a significant role in establishing Busch Gardens as a premier destination for thrill-seekers. With a modest height of 60 feet and a top speed of 41 mph, Scorpion proved that a coaster didn’t need to be massive to deliver excitement. Its tight turns, dramatic drops, and smooth ride mechanics made it a fan favorite, particularly among coaster enthusiasts who valued its historical significance and classic design. Although Scorpion has now joined the ranks of retired Schwarzkopf coasters, its legacy continues to resonate with those who experienced its timeless thrills.
Space Mountain 1983 – 2024
Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland was an iconic indoor roller coaster that transported guests on a thrilling journey through the cosmos from its opening in 1983 until its closure in 2024. Modeled after the original Space Mountain at Disneyland in California, this version stood out for its sleek, futuristic design and its role as a centerpiece of Tomorrowland. The ride’s immersive experience, featuring sudden drops, sharp turns, and dazzling starfield projections, made it a perennial favorite among Disney fans. Over the years, Space Mountain became a symbol of the park’s innovative spirit and dedication to storytelling. Its closure in 2024 marked the end of an era, as the park prepared for a new vision of the future with plans to replace the beloved attraction with a reimagined version. While Tokyo’s Space Mountain has now joined the ranks of retired Disney classics, it remains cherished by fans for its thrilling legacy and unforgettable adventures through the stars.
Wikimedia Commons
La Vibora 1984 – 2024
La Vibora, the iconic bobsled-style roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, delighted riders from its opening in 1987 until its closure in 2024. Originally introduced as
Sarajevo Bobsleds at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California in 1984, the ride was relocated to Texas as Avalanche and then re-themed to match a vibrant snake motif in 1995. Unlike traditional coasters, La Vibora’s trains traveled freely through a winding trough, simulating the thrilling sensation of bobsledding. Its unique design, created by Intamin, made it a standout attraction in the park’s Spain section, where its colorful aesthetic and distinctive ride experience drew fans of all ages. Although La Vibora’s innovative style and legacy left a lasting impression, its closure in 2024 marked the end of a chapter for Six Flags Over Texas as the park prepared for a new record breaking dive coaster.
Wikimedia Commons, La Vibora 3.jpg
Green Lantern 1997 – 2024
Green Lantern, the stand-up roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, thrilled visitors from its opening in 2011 until its closure in 2024. Originally debuting as Chang at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in 1997, the coaster was relocated and re-themed to match the DC Comics superhero. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, Green Lantern stood out for its towering 154-foot height, five inversions, and the unique stand-up riding position that gave passengers an intense, one-of-a-kind experience. Located near the entrance to the park, the ride’s vibrant green and yellow color scheme made it a striking visual landmark, though the standup coaster was probably B&M’s least successful model.
Wild Train 2005 – 2024
Wild Train at Fantasiana in Austria delighted visitors with its intense and compact thrills from its debut in 2005 until its closure in 2024. Manufactured by PAX, the coaster became known for its surprisingly wild ride experience, despite its small size and family-friendly appearance. With its sharp turns, rapid drops, and unique track layout, Wild Train provided a one-of-a-kind adventure that captivated both children and coaster enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the charming surroundings of Fantasiana, it was a signature attraction for decades. However, after years of operation, the park retired the ride in 2024 to make room for new developments.
https://www.erlebnispark.at/attraktionen/action.html
Nighthawk 2000 – 2024
Nighthawk, the iconic flying roller coaster at Carowinds, soared through the skies from its debut in 2004 until its closure in 2024. Originally introduced as Stealth at California’s Great America in 2000, it was named Borg Assimilator when it made its debut at Carowinds, then the ride was re-themed to Nighthawk in 2008 to fit a broader flight motif. Manufactured by Vekoma, Nighthawk featured a unique flying position, allowing riders to experience the sensation of gliding headfirst through loops, corkscrews, and swooping turns. Its location over a picturesque lagoon added to the thrill, with elements such as a dramatic vertical loop and inline twist offering breathtaking views. Although it became a signature attraction for two decades, Nighthawk’s operational challenges and aging infrastructure led to its retirement in 2024.
Anaconda 1991 – 2024
Anaconda, the steel looping coaster at Kings Dominion, thrilled visitors from its debut in 1991 until its closure in 2024. Designed by Arrow Dynamics, Anaconda was celebrated for its unique layout, including an underwater tunnel and four inversions: a vertical loop, a sidewinder, and a double corkscrew. Located in the park’s picturesque Lake Charles area, the coaster’s bright red track stood out against the natural backdrop. Anaconda was the first looping coaster built entirely over water, making it a groundbreaking attraction during its time. Though its intense design and historical significance were appreciated by coaster enthusiasts, advancements in ride technology and guest preferences ultimately led to its retirement. At least Kings Dominion is set to open a new wing coaster in 2025.
Kingda Ka 2005 – 2024
Probably the biggest news in the roller coaster universe was the shocking closure the world’s tallest roller coaster. Kingda Ka, the record-breaking roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, reigned as the tallest in the world from its debut in 2005 until its closure in 2024. Standing an astonishing 456 feet tall and reaching speeds of 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds, this hydraulic launch coaster, designed by Intamin, became an iconic symbol of thrill and innovation. Located in the park’s Golden Kingdom area, Kingda Ka’s towering green structure was visible for miles and offered an adrenaline-pumping experience with its vertical ascent, 418-foot drop, and airtime hill finale. Despite its legendary status, the ride faced operational challenges throughout its lifespan, and by 2024, the park opted to retire it to make way for a new record breaking roller coaster. Kingda Ka’s closure marked the end of an era for coaster enthusiasts worldwide, but its legacy as a groundbreaking engineering marvel remains unmatched in roller coaster history.
Do-Dodonpa 2001 – 2021 (2024)
Do-Dodonpa, the world-renowned roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan, thrilled riders from its debut in 2001 until its demolition in 2024. Designed by S&S Worldwide, the coaster was famous for its record-breaking acceleration, reaching 107 mph in just 1.8 seconds. Originally known simply as “Dodonpa,” the ride underwent a major refurbishment in 2017, when its iconic top hat element was replaced with a massive vertical loop, rebranding it as Do-Dodonpa. Its intense launch and unique features drew adrenaline junkies from around the globe, earning it a reputation as one of the most extreme coasters ever built. However, ongoing maintenance challenges and shifting priorities at the park led to its closure in 2021 and finally removal in 2024. Do-Dodonpa’s closure marked the end of an era, but its legacy as a trailblazing attraction continues to resonate with coaster enthusiasts worldwide.
5 Roller Coasters at Oakwood Theme Park
Oakwood Theme Park in Wales announced they will be closing and along with it their five roller coasters, including Megafobia.
Kids Flash Cosmic Coasters 2023 – 2024
According to RCDB, the status for each pair of Kids Flash roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia has been changed to removed.
Time Warp 2004 – 2024
Time Warp at Canada’s Wonderland has officially been removed from the park’s website. One of only ten Zamperla Volare flying coasters operated from 2004 to 2024. Was called Tomb Raider: The Ride from 2004 to 2007.
Arkansas Twister 1992 – 2024
From Magic Springs’ website:
“After several decades of heart-pounding thrills, the iconic Arkansas Twister has taken her final run. The 2025 season marks official retirement for the beloved wooden coaster and she will remain permanently closed.
Since relocation to Magic Springs in 1992, Twister has been more than just a ride – the coaster has been a backdrop for countless memories. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but we celebrate the legacy of Twister and the sheer joy shared by generations of Arkansas families alongside visitors from around the world.
While the ride will no longer operate, her presence will remain. We invite guests to visit a special tribute at Twister’s entrance celebrating the ride’s history and place in our park’s story.
To everyone who has ever taken a seat, gripped the handles, and felt the rush of Arkansas Twister – thank you. Together, we will create the next chapter of unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.”
Superman: Escape From Krypton 1997 – 2024
Add another coaster to the list of rides Six Flags has quietly shuttered. Six Flags Magic Mountain President Jeff Harris confirmed with the Orange County Register Friday that “Superman: Escape From Krypton” is permanently closed.
The ride originally opened in 1997 as “Superman: The Escape.” At the time the tallest and fastest coaster in the world at 415 feet tall, with a 328 foot drop, and hitting a max speed of 100 mph, while accelerating from 0 to 100 in 7 seconds.
Credit: By Jeremy Thompson – Six Flags Magic Mountain 007, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19118475
In Memoriam Video
Take a quick ride down memory lane for the roller coasters that closed in 2024 in the video below.
Roller Coasters In Doubt
Here are the roller coasters with an uncertain future.
Timber Wolf at Worlds of Fun
According to the park’s website, Timber Wolf wood coaster will not operate for the 2025 season. It’s not clear if it is coming back as a wood coaster, as a hybrid, as a steel coaster, or coming back at all. Stay tuned.
Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa
One of the oldest B&M roller coasters, has been SBNO. Update April 2025: Busch Gardens confirmed they have plans to reopen Kumba for summer 2025 but have not announced an opening date yet.
Dragon Mountain at Marineland
Has been SBNO. Park is said to be transitioning to new ownership.
Flash: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
SBNO since January 2024.
Which of the roller coasters that closed in 2024 will you miss the most? Let us know in the comments below.
It’s always sad to see a coaster go defunct. Kingda Ka hits differently 😓
Arkansas Twister … wow