Millennium Force were installed to illuminate the ride. Twenty COLORado Range and ten COLORado Ridge wash lights were installed at the base of the lift hill structure. When it opened in May 2000, Millennium Force broke six world records and used a new magnetic braking system instead of friction brakes found on most roller coasters. This new system enabled the use of a shorter brake run, which slows the train from down to a standstill in six seconds. Millennium Force held the records for tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster until August 2000, when Steel Dragon 2000 opened. Millennium Force held the
Kingda Ka brake fins in the launch section keep fast-moving trains from returning all the way back to the station during failed attempts to complete the tophat element. The incident caused an unexpected stress on a number of fins, bending them forward. Not all required replacement, but there were more damaged brake fins than Six Flags had replacements for. Extra brake fins had to be ordered from the manufacturer, Intamin in Switzerland, and the ride had to undergo thorough testing following the repair. Kingda Ka reopened on August 4. Kingda Ka was struck by lightning in May 2009 and suffered serious damage.