Kingda Ka , followed by a drop of and spanning over a track by the end of the ride. Plans to build Kingda Ka were announced on September 10, 2003, at an event held for roller coaster enthusiasts and the media. The event revealed the park's goal to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching and accelerating up to in 3.5 seconds. On January 13, 2005, Kingda Ka's tower construction was completed, and on May 21, 2005, the ride opened to the public. Kingda Ka became the "tallest" and "fastest" roller coaster in the world, taking both world records
Kingda Ka tracks) to load simultaneously. When the signal to launch is given, the train rolls back slightly to engage the catch car, and the brakes on the launch track begin to retract. As the brake fins are retracting, a voice recording announces, "Arms down, head back, hold on!" Approximately five seconds later, the launch occurs. Kingda Ka's horn previously sounded before each launch, but it was silenced due to noise complaints from nearby residents; the horn now sounds only when Kingda Ka first launches after being idle for some time. When the train is in position, the hydraulic launch mechanism accelerates