Twin Peaks: Kingda Ka vs. Top Thrill Dragster
One of the most common comparisons in enthusiastland involves the two tallest and fastest roller coasters on Earth. It’s like Everest and K2. They are very similar strata coasters that launch riders from 0 to 100+ miles per hour in a matter of seconds. They both take riders over 400 feet into the air only to send them spiraling back down to Earth.
Since Six Flags Great Adventure’s Kingda Ka was built second, it bested Top Thrill Dragster’s 420′ peak by 36 feet and added a second 129′ hill. Thanks to a rainy day at Cedar Point, Top Thrill Dragster closed before I was able to ride it. So I really can’t give a clear cut winner from my ride experience. But I’ll compare and contrast what I’ve observed of the two rides.
Theming the Sky Scrapers
Kingda Ka’s Golden Kingdom is nice, but Top Thrill Dragster’s dragster-inspired trains, station, and observation area take the cake.
Edge: Top Thrill Dragster
A View from a Hill
On a clear day you can see New York City and Philadelphia from the top of Kingda Ka. TTD’s view of Lake Erie and Canada(!) is probably more memorable.
Edge: Top Thrill Dragster
Ride Experience
Again, the rides are pretty similar and I seriously doubt the additional 18 feet on Kingda Ka’s drop is perceptible. Ditto for the heights at about 42-stories and 45-stories and the speeds at 120 mph and 128 mph. Kingda Ka does boast that second hill which does offer some airtime in certain seats.
Edge: Kingda Ka
Verdict
You decide! I’m sure some of my readers have ridden both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster. Which ride gave more airtime on the top hat, felt faster or smoother? Which did you just enjoy more? Leave a comment below.
Coaster Critic 
326 responses to “Top Thrill Dragster vs. Kingda Ka | Roller Coaster Showdown”
If you were able to ride TOP FUEL you would have realized that there is only a lap bar restraint. KK uses over the shoulder restraints and is way more rough so personally its not even close. I would much rather flung up 36 less feet to be held in by only a seat belt and lap bar any day. That makes the ride that much more trilling and automatically gives TOP FUEL the win.
Top Thrill Dragster is better. The theme and layout is much better and Kingda Ka is a blatant ripoff by Shit Flags. They're both cool rides, but I give the edge to the original and cooler theme, Top Thrill Dragster.
That's two votes for Top Thrill Dragster. You both make some good points. I failed to mention the difference with the restraints. From this picture you can clearly see that there are only lap bars on Dragster. That's nuts!TTD's theming definitely beats Kingda Ka's. I was just curious if the ride was that much better. So far, it sounds like it is. Thanks for stopping by.Anyone prefer Kingda Ka to Top Thrill Dragster? And if so, why?
I just went to Cedar Point yesterday, I rode TTD for the 6th time. I talked to some people about KK and all of them said TTD is better. Its the restraints like you guys are talking about. You feel like you're going to die on TTD due to the lack of huuuge shoulder restraints. TTD's theme I've heard is much better too. Over all, i say TTD. I havent been able to ride KK, but from alot of people I've talked to, they say that I'm not missing much.
i have only been on ttd and it is so much fun, you feel like there is nothing holding u down when u stick ure arms up. i cant imagine having giant shoulders restraints on.
I went to six flags and rode kk. First of all its not the first time i tried to ride the extreamly sensitive ride.Often it is closed without notice. Top thrill has better rliablity. kk was only open for about six hours. I live in ct and to drive there for a ride that could be closed which just suck. THe theminig on kk is just okay. I would much perfer Top Thrills Theaminig,lets face it theaminig on a coaster is one of the most imporatant thinigs on a ride.
I never Rode Top Thrill but I think it would be better.Dont get me wrong kk was great, awsome launch ,but it wasn't that smooth and the air time hill did not do anything. I rode kk 4 times and it's a great ride but still a knock of it's father top thrill.
I have yet to ride KK because it was down when I was there, but I know several people that have ridden both, and give the edge to Top Thrill Dragster. After riding Maverick and Storm Runner with those restraints that are on KK, I can't imagine how it could be better. The feeling of freedom with only the lapbar is incredible. After 315 rides, Top Thrill Dragster will always be my favorite!
top thrill all the way
Could I just say, I have ridden Kingda Ka and TTD and Ka is better in every possible way. more air time safer feel more thrilling just better
I'd have to say Kingda Ka is better than TTD. I'm terrified of roller coasters, so hearing that TTD (I've never been over there) has lap bars, scares me even more. I was pushed onto KK and I was so glad I did. I felt completely safe and I loved the air time I got. KK is better then TTD, in my opinion.
There are a few issues I have with most of the posters that comment on the difference between these rides.1. If you have never ridden Kingda Ka how can you compare? The Coaster Critic here did not ride TTD so he is not giving the winner to either. Saying, "I've never ridden (A) but (B) makes your comparison meaningless.2. If you have not ridden the front seat of Kingda Ka and think TTD is more of a "thrill" you will also have a skewed opinion. Sitting in the back is like watching a football game from the nosebleed section. You not only get less of a thrill, but the farther back the seat the shakier it is.Now for my opionions. One thing not a lot of people talk about is why the OTSRs are better, at least in my opinion. The reason I like Kingda Ka better than Nitro is because I feel safer. Feeling like I'm going to slip out of my seat is not a "perk" in my book. I think Kingda Ka will attract more of the casual, just getting in to coaster experience, rider than TTD because of the OTSRs.That being said I have never ridden TTD because I have never been to Cedar point, so I will not say I think Kingda Ka is better, but considering the reason people don't ride the coaster is because they think they will fall out of the seats makes Kingda Ka a much more practical idea. Kingda Ka was a huge leap for me in coasters and I may, or may not ride TTD because of the unsafe and slightly nauseating feeling lap bars give me.
seriously….KK is better. TTD has cool theming yes alot better and is more reliable….but KK is still better. The OTSR is actually better, let me say why. i have been on both TTD and KK. on TTD the lap bar has to come down so tight, that you can barely move. so when you get up there, people think you start falling forward or something. quite the opposite. you are stuck in that seat and your lower body does not move at all. and whats this not as scary on KK, not as free ?? what a load of crap. you're still 450 feet up in the air…..i went on both 3 times and i tell you they feel the same apart from the fact that on KK you slightly fall forward into the harness which gives a WAYYYY better feeling. TTD takes cake with theming ideas and reliability. but KK is better, neither is shakier than the other and KK's extra hill is actually really good. although TTD's view ROCKS !!!! the water is awesome !!! although being able to see new york and philly is really cool !!! but TTD is better in that concern. as a roller coaster KK is better. and trust me, theres nothing holding you from putting your hands up in KK. your just as free as you are on either one.
i cant really say because i have only rode on the top thrill dragster and it was amazing! the lap bars feel safe even when you put your hands up but at the same time you feel free and the view is incredible!!! the airtime is great and the theme is just great! and also cedar point is the roller coaster capital of the world!!!
I've been on TTD and KK and I must say that by far TTD wins my vote. Talking to other rides that have road both as well also said that TTD is a much better coaster.
Well, I've ridden them both. And weighing more than I should, I prefer Kingda Ka. I can fit on TTD, but its close, frankly. The OTS harness on KK opens it up to more riders. TTD's got in in the theme dept, and no question CP blows away SFGAd, but what good is a ride if you can't, you know, RIDE it.
I also got on KK 3 times in an hour, having bought the FastPass. No option for that at CP.
SO, for fat people with disposable income to blow on a fast pass, KK all the way!
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I have only ridden TTD so I will not post a personal opinion on which is better. I must say that after reading comments it seems that TTD is more open and will give a scarier ride, while Kingda Ka would be better for those who are slightly more afraid of coasters. Also, I feel that TTD deserves credit for being the original while Kingda Ka was clearly a slightly modified copy. From the comments I think TTD is a better ride for thrill seekers in the typical style of Cedar Point while Kingda Ka is made to be slightly more tame to appeal to a broader audience.
Seriously, neither of them is that great. They're both a quick blur of a ride, with about 2 seconds of glory. Top thrill dragsters launch rattles you so violently you wonder if you lose some brain cells, and kingda ka's is no smoother. And honestly, the over the shoulder restraints dont make any difference whatsoever to the ride, and its dumb people debate over that. all in all your best sticking to a ride that delivers some substance, and not a gimmicky rush
Last season I was able to ride both. KK was first and it was awesome. Later in the season I rode TTD and could not believe the difference. TTD was MUCH smoother and the view from the top was incredible. The theme-ing on TTD is better and it is cool that the queue wraps around the ride. All together TTD beats KK IMHO. KK is great and the second hill is very cool but TTD is fantastic.
TTd is way better cause only lap bars feels like u gonna die people say they like kingda ka cause its safe well u stupid cause it is more fun when it isnt safe
I vote The Top Thrill Dragster because:
1.IT HAS A BETTER NAME THEN THE KINGDA KA.
2.MORE POPULAR.
3.MORE PEOPLE SAY IT'S BETTER.
4.BEST RIDE EVER.
5.BETTER TRAIN.
I CHANGE MY MIND!
PICK KINGDA KA!
1.IT'S TALLER THEN THE TOP THRILL!
2.HAS A BETTER LOGO.
3.HAS A BETTER NAME.
4.MORE POPULAR.
5.MORE BETTER SPEED.
6.BETTER DESIGN.
7.BETTER RIDE.
8.BETTER COLOR.
9.IN A BETTER PLACE.
10.NO COASTER HAS BEATEN IT'S HEIGHT!
^when you said top thrill dragster you said that it had a better name, but when you said kingda ka you said that had a better name.
You have to go with Kingda ka. Ive rode both and kas forces are stronger, i think the themeing for it is great, whereas TTD is kinda lame. Ka is more powerful and frightening and I think currently has better ridability, trust me I got a rollback on TTD.
TTD is so much better. I've rode them both and on kindom ka your all safely secured inside but on TTD all you have over you is a lap bar. And the theme is better.
SORRY BUT DURING MY PULL MORE THAN 2 BILLION SAID THAT TTD IS BETTER AND AND IN KDK OLY A FEW THOUSAND!
SORRY BUT NOW I THINK TTD IS BETTER!
I have never rode on TTD, but I have been on Kinda Ka. I personally think that the name Kinda Ka is better then top thrill dragster, but I don't think that that really maters. I live closely to Six Flags Great Adventure so I go there all of the time, yet I have only been on Kinda Ka twice. This is becase it is always closed, and secondly I think that the two hour wait is not worth it. So not ridind TTD, I can not say that I think that it is better, but they were the original so Kinda Ka is just a copy with like a few feet of modifications. So I pick TTD.
Cole, 2 billion is 1/3 of earth's population. I can safely say that 2 billion people haven't heard of the ride.
I think that Cedar Point deserves the title of tallest and fastest roller coaster in thr world. After all it is the roller coaster capital of the world. PLus dragster has a way better theme and seat restraints.
Give my vote to the Drag queen. It's the original, it's got the smaller restraints, and it has the better theme. Kingda Ka is a great ride, don't get me wrong, Ka is a great ride too, but Drag just has that little edge over it.
I've ride both rides.
The differences are not as big.
The TTD is give you more of A THRILL probobly because of just the lap bar, better theame and on top of that the park is better overal you can ride Millenium Force and Magnum XL
The KK the waiting time is a fraction of what I had to wait for ttd. 2 train operates constantly.On the plus side there is another good ride in the park you should not miss:Nitro
Overall I have to give the first place to TTD
I have ridden both and want to say they are both awesome rides but are also very similar.
Top Thrill Dragster Pluses:
– no shoulder restraints
– the sound of a dragster engine in your ears before the launch is awesome
Kingda Ka Pluses:
– Faster Acceleration (128 mph in 3.5 sec vs TTD at 120 mph in 3.8 sec) After riding both the acceleration on Kingda Ka is a bit more intense
The rest of the attributes of both rides are almost identical because the extra height of Kingda Ka and its second hill make no real difference to the ride experience.
PS. The rollback phenomenon on these coasters is awesome and I hope to one day experience it. It's basically two rides for the wait time of one!!!
i think dragster is better, it is in the center of the park…and shoulder restranits suck
just becasue the ride is taller and faster dosent mean its better. i have been on both and from my point of view TTD is better. for two resons…..1. it is much much smoother than kingda ka……2. TTD has lap bars, kingda ka dosent, the lap bar gives TTD a much higher thrill factor because the rider feels as if they are going to fall out due to the much higher rang of motion you have while you ride………..to put your argument in to prospective…..the 36 foot difference is not nocticeable, your body is so overwhelmed by the launch that when your at the top you have about one second to look around, which your not really worried about becasue your thinking of the drop a head not the view you have, so that 36 feet might as well be a foot….as far as speed goes, yes kingda ka does go faster and get to top speed faster, but your talking about .5 of a second faster, pro baseball players have more time to hit a 90 MPH fastball. so i dont think that we can tell the difference of the launch. As for the speed, the launch happens so fast for both rides that if you rode both back to back you cant tell an 8 MPH difference. its impossible for a human brain to see a difference while moving that fast.. last point, if cedar point and six flags swtiched the tower part of each ride, and paint them the same color, with out any one knowing, no one could tell the differnce, from the ground or on the ride, they are way to alike in speed and height.
To make a long argument short…….TTD is better for one point and one point only…..the lap bars…….give the rider a higher thrill.
I think it should have been spelled poll, and i don't think that about one third of the worlds population has ridden both.
I LOVE ROLLER COASTERS! THEY'RE AWESOME! I just went to six flags darien lake yesterday, and I went on the ride of steel for the first time. It's my favorite roller coaster… so far. I might go to cedar point next year… THIS HELPED ME A LOT!
I can't say which is better cuz I haven't ridden both but kk was realy fun and ttd dosent look to better, and about the shoulder harneses theyre realy just afalse comfort probly a scam six flags made to get people who are afraid of coasters into them. just like sasquatch as a matter of fact, the great escape is basicly a better version of a famiy theme park there are mostly littlekid rides and there ading sasquatch so that littlekids start to like thrill rides and go to there other parks.oh yeah next try to compare the thunderbolt to the cyclone or magnum to the ride of stell.
I've only ridden Kingda Ka so far, but I have to say the theming seems better on Kingda Ka. The queue line goes through a jungle, and you get on in this "temple" sort of thing with banners hanging from the ceiling saying the records the coaster has, and much of the launch is hidden in jungle-like trees. The lap bar on TTD does seem cooler than Kingda Ka's, though…. but the airtime hill on KK..
Personally, i think that Top Thrill Dragster. Its really well themed. The trains look cool looking like drag racers. The track colors look unbelievable. And when you get to the top, the view is breath taking!!!!!!
I do agree with you Matthew, Top Thrill Dragster is definitely more themed.
Let me first say that i have ridden both and TTD is far better than KK. Here are my reasons
1. Every time I ride Kingda Ka i feel as if i have just suffered a concussion, whereas TTD is so smooth you can actually enjoy the ride.
2. TTD offers much more leg-room and even excluding the comfortable lap-bars the seats are better
3. TTD actually tells you when you are going to launch and it is funny to listen to the loudspeaker saying "arms down!" even though i don't pay attention
4. TTD has a better theme
5. KK is pretty much a rip-off of TTD
6. the front seat of TTD is MUCH better and even if you are not in the front you are still able to see nearly everything
7. Six Flags' motto is "more flags more fun" which just goes to show that TTD is better because it has around twenty flags near the entrance. or perhaps that was Wicked Twister with the flags… either way TTD wins hands down, even though riding with hands up is better.
Kingda Ka has been closed since mid-June, and is still closed because they are missing an important part. UGH.
P.S.
The airtime on kk at the top was wicked cool, at the top just before you drop your lifted out of your seat and then thrown down 46 stories (although it feels like a million) it is so fun. + i honestly don`t give a crap about the restraints as long as they`re comfortable and I don`t fall out of them (falling forward is fine/awsome) + the jugle arond the line really isnt that noticable and at the the be giening of the launch same thing but i don`t know if that was beacause i had my eyes closed.(its like a coaster in the dark)
it IS a coaster in the dark if you have ur eyes closed dude.
I vote top thrill dragster i don't know why though
I have not been on KK but i have been on dragster. Let me start off by saying, this ride was amazing. It was the best ride i have been on in my life. The lap bar lets you feel free and safe at the same time. Also, the theme is amazing. And, you dont get bored when you stand in line (I only stood in line 30 minutes every time i went on, wich was 7 times) because the whole time you are standing there you watch the ride taking off and coming back. This ride is so smooth, and from what i have heard KK isnt. So all and all, i am planning on riding KK next week, but i dont think anything will ever beat TTD.
PS. dragster was the original. KK is a copier, so its taller because it was made second. Its like a remake of a classic film: suckky.)
Okay, i rode jocker`s jinx a couple of days ago and let me tell you it was awsome! you go usd 4 times whith nothing but a lapbar holding you down, the felling of freedom the lapbar gave you was increadible. although the affect may very on TTD, the odds look pretty good for it now and not so much for KK, but still there are are some differences that i need to discuss, for instance, top thrill has a diffrent cource of action and it may not have the same outcome. also, the type of lap bar may change the expeirience a bit, for instance the lb on joker`s J was large and comfortable, while the lb on superman:ros at SFA was small and uncomfortable during air time, the lb on bizaro after transformed was better than before it was tranfomed and that lap bar looks most like the one on TTDso for thoughs reasons, i`m not going to just spit out my awnser whithout thinking. And by the way, just beacause your eyes are closeddosent makit an in-the-dark coaster beacause on kingda ka you can teel wich exact part of the ride even if your eyes are closed.
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Well I hear everyone talking about kk's otsr's and that doesnt sound like a thrill. I just road TTD yesterday for my fisrt time on vacation and the lap bas give you so much freedom its scary im only 13 so it was really neat. I have never ridden KK but the shoulder bars I like on all other coasters but TTD. Thats probably the reason why its called Top THRILL dragster.
I never rode KK but my friends dad did, but he told me TTD was much better. He said he loves the view from the top of TTD and I do too and we both love the scenery on dragster especially with the grandstand area. He also told me that the second hill wasnt all that great he said he only got a split second of airtime if that. WE both live in York, Pa and we both agreed that we much rather drive 8 hours to ride TTD than 4 to ride KK.
I Live in new york too and even if you'd much rather ride top thrill at cp you should still go to SFGA, there are more rides there than simply KK. theres also nitro el toro and the newley named bizzaro either way you should still go. and you cant give a clear awnser whithout riding both.
I have ridden both and TTD wins by a lot. The lap bar makes the ride what it is, and kingda ka is actually sort of painful. I rode TTD 15 times while i was at cedar point, in front row 9 times (front row really makes a difference), but on Kingda Ka i only rode 6 times and it was a lot bumpier and the hill in the end i couldnt even feel until my 5th ride. TTD wins by A TON even though they are both amazing
I am wanting to go ride these rides next year. Big road trip. I can't have much of an opinion on these, but I am happy that Six Flags did make a faster higher roller coaster for a few reasons. One good reason for me is that I have a six flags season pass, so I can go to that six flags for free. More importantly, it took the roller coaster title away from Cedar Point. Directly that does not look good for Cedar Point fans, but in the long run, it may bring more motivation for Cedar Point to do something even bigger and faster. Also, since Six Flags is a chain, it would be possible that they recreate KK at other parks which would give many other people (not in the northeast US) to ride this (basically the same) ride. As far as deciding which is better… Its probably about like Pepsi and Coke. Everyone seems to have their preference, but few people are nit-picky enough to really dislike one if they like the other.
Okay, I've been on TTD 12 times, but I have not been on Kingda Ka. Let me first say that I've always been a Cedar Point fan, and I know a lot about Dragster. Personally, I think that it is better, even though I have not experienced KK. The theme, in my opinion, is a much better idea than Six Flag's attempt at a jungle theme. Dragster has had a much better reliability record than Kingda Ka, and it also has a better overall capacity in terms of riders per hour. As for safety issues, Intamin, the manufacturer of TTD, KK, Millennium Force, and other coasters began using OTSRs on all of their rides after accidents with Superman Ride of Steel at Six Flags. These accidents were determined to be due to ride operator error, putting the blame on Six Flags. The TTD accident with the launch cable was found to be Intamin's fault. The much more serious accident on KK, during which the brake fins shredded during a rollback, was found to be Six Flags' fault for failure to maintain the fins. If you ride Maverick, it also features the OTSRs. Personally, I believe that the lap bars provide a better ride experience. Overall, I think that Six Flags' rip-off of TTD was no match for the original, very first, stratacoaster.
If you read all of that, I'm impressed.
No offense Anonymous, but there are comments a LOT longer(bottom line)
MarvelMaker, i think it was the top buacause it was struck by lightning, fyi.(i don`t usaly wtite like that, but it sounds nicer than “for your information”)
If the coasters switched places, Kingda Ka would win. Just because of location. I haven't ridden either yet, but I so want to.
until you`ve ridden at least one, try not to givce an opinion, no offense.
While Kingda Ka has a better layout, Top thrill Dragster has a much more efficient design. The lap Bar restraints on TTD are a nice touch. I did enjoy the hump on KK but it could of been better. The view of Cedar point from the top of TTD is better than KK view of the Parking lot, rather than the than SFGA. Overall I would give the edge to TTD but only by a hair.
No, they were missing some of the rollback Brake fins. The park only stock a quarter of the total used on the ride, but nearly all of the brake fins were shredded.
The view is definitely nicer on TTD, but with KK, those cars in the parking lot waaaaaaaaaaay down there definitely give more perspective relative to height!
and they owed Intamin AG money.
yeah, it`s prettey cool, imagine Kingda Ka whith an underground tunnle at the bottom of the drop.
You sound very intelligent
I'm not going to give my opinion on which is better because I haven't ridden either one but I'm going to Cedar Point in a few weeks where I can finally get to ride the TTD!!!!!
I've only been on Dragster (Kingda Ka was a lawn ornament when I went) but I would think the location and lack of OTSRs would put Dragster ahead. I can't wait to ride both.
I just went to Cedar Point and the people who say TTD is better…. I'm not sure what they're thinking. First off, to the people who say TTD is more reliable, I got on TTD twice after three tries and four breakdowns …. it was ridiculous. KK has been much more reliable this season. Second, both rides are just as rough as each other. Third, the seats on TTD are much more uncomfortable than Kingda Ka's. For those of you Cedar Pointies who don't know, KK's restraints are like Maverick's. On TTD, my head banged between the headrest, and I was thrown around on the way down the drop, so much so I couldn't put my hands up. On KK, I can put my hands up without a problem. Also, KK's second hill makes a difference because you feel less "ripped off" when you get off the ride, and TTD is just a one-trick pony. I also think KK's theme is more original, because most of the accelerator coasters are car-themed. Golden Kingdom BY FAR beats out the TTD, so I'm not sure you gave Golden Kingdom a fair rating.
I never rode king da ka but #1 makes a good point.. dragster only uses a seatbelt and also the veiw is amazing on dragster.. I dont know if its just me but also the lights make it more suspenseful and my palms starts to sweat for me. I dont know I rode Dragster for about 11 times since there was barely a line the day i went there and i never got sick of it..
I plan on riding bolth this summer but every coaster website and top ten seems to prefer ttd and from what i have seen kingda ka looks better with the suprise start and faster exleration, the restraints dont look as good though
I waited 6.5 hours the first time I rode KK. The whole time I was in line you could not watch any of the trains because of fences and trees. Cedar point allows for great visibility of the ride for those waiting in line. Also friends and family can watch your facial expressions on TTD. I have ridden the front middle and back on both TTD and KK. TTD is way better. TTD has a better view, theme, restrains, and more comfortable seats. As for the roughness of the ride, I would say both rides can be smooth and rough depending on the weather and time of day. I learned in one of my engineering classes that the temperature and humidity highly influence a roller coasters speed and smoothness. One final thing no one has mention is the speed radar sign that shows TTD rides the speed of the trains as they pass the end of the launch. Although I think trees now block the sign.
I have only been on kingda ka so i can't really give a full opinion, but from my experience, kingda ka was amazing. Personally I prefer jungle to dragster because it feels like you are taming the beast, enhanced by the fact that you walk by four tigers on the way to the queue. Also, I felt an accomplishment after riding kingda ka because of its records. And also, for those of you ripping on kingda ka for being a rip off of TTD, they were both made by the same company so its not one copying another, its the same company trying to outdo itself. Finally, I like being able to go for multiple insane thrills in one day by going from kingda ka to el toro to the great american scream machine to dare devil dive. so kingda ka has those advantages in my opinion, so i'd like to see how dragster measures up.
i have been on the ttd but not the kk Cedar point in general is a thrilling place to go for coasters the ttd the wicked twister is great too
i have ridden neither. this is what i have to say.
i am very scared or roller coasters and i have to say that TTD is a little bit more appealing. it has a much cooler theme and is more reliable. it is well known and original. but again, i havent ridden either one, so i cant give that good of an opinion.
totally agree:)i've only rode ttd and it was amazing!!! i mean it could have been alot longer and added some more stuff to it, but over all it was great! i would like to ride kk to, but i love cedar point and they have the best roller coasters! and as far as design goes, well i would haft to give it to kk, but thats just my point of view.
I have not ridden Kingda Ka (what does that name mean anyway?). I have ridden Top Thrill Dragster twice.
I can't say that I have much sympathy for copycats and let's face it: whichever ride you think is better, KK is clearly a copycat. Built by the same company for a park that wanted only to buy the title of "tallest" and "fastest" because "most original" was no longer available.
Having said that, I do believe that OTSR vs lap restraints is a valid point. What is the purpose of a coaster if not to trigger your body's survival reflex? Coasters subject your body to unnatural forces – that's the point. When prehistoric man experienced "free-fall" it was followed shortly thereafter by the experience of "death." Coasters trigger that adrenaline reflex – safely (one hopes). As I sat there with the dragster SFX blaring in my ears, my hands were reflexively scurrying about looking for the best way to restrain myself against the seat – survival instinct at its finest. And that is why I would have to give an edge to the first and original, Top Thrill Dragster.
Plus did I mention that Kingda Ka is a copycat? 🙂
I must agree: Wicked Twister does not get nearly enough love. And how 'bout Raptor?
I have been on both… TTD is wayyyy better!
TTD is scarier and has a better theme. You think you can really feel the extra 30 feet!? You can't
I have been front seat on both of these rides, and KK just feels cheesy.
TTD FTW
i cannot wait until my trip to cp at the end of august coming all the way from jersey. Ive been on kingda ka 35+ times and i love it i always keep my hands up and it feel awesome theres nothing like the first row….. i will be sure to ride the first row of ttd with my hands up of course!
brian, not to sound like a jerk, but try a new handle. I already exist lol.
That being said, you'll love CP. It's a steel coaster Eden.. Terrible woodies though :(.
Ps- TTD stomps the poop out of KK. Enough said.
Obviously Top Thrill is better.
First of all, CP is a much better environment. KKs view is of a parking lot, how memorable (not). Secondly, top thrills theme is so much better! (Ex:) Top fuel dragsters go really fast so it makes sense making one of the fastest rides in the world that! Then you have a jungle, wtf. Thirdly, dragsters seat restraints WITHOUT A DOUBT beat KKs. No questions asked. Also, Dragster is an ORIGINAL. You can't beat an original, by adding 36 ft & a little hill. I'm assuming the people a SF saw the attention TTD was getting & wanted to bring in some tourists to SFNJ. But why waste the time and money when you can get a better ride experience, & get to ride many other rides also @ CP?! Plus dragsters smoother by far:P
Oh & for whoevers saying you can't put your hands up on TTD, I'm a 13 year old GIRL. And my hands were up the whole time. Either your a liar, or just very OLD.(;
Good day.
ttd ftw! lap bars, good view, more intense launch, better ligths at night, ttd all the way!
I have gone to many amusement parks and ridden many roller coasters and extreme rides, including the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedarpoint. I really liked riding the Kingda Ka. Six Flags Great Adventure had some lousy handicapped policies though, so you might want to consider this before visiting this park if you have someone with special needs. The special needs policies at Cedarpoint, Busch Gardens, Hersheypark, Knobels, etc are a whole lot better. I wish that CedarFair or some other company would buy the park. Also, I've never seen an amusement park with so many broken rides before. It seems like rides at Six Flags brake down constantly!
But Kingda Ka was an excellent ride. I'm not sure how much airtime there was, but there was a lot of nice wind in our faces. It was a very smooth ride, even smoother than the Top Thrill Dragster. Kingda Ka wasn't as scary Top Thrill Dragster because there was no initial "going up to speed" session before going up the hill. I couldn't tell when the first hill ended and the additional hill began. We had so much fun on Kingda Ka that we rode it five times before leaving the park.
Also, the theming of a ride really doesn't mean too much to me as they make me take off my glasses when I enter the ride's line. I can't tell whether the trains and tracks are supposed to resemble dragsters or cars or snakes or bears or what!
I came here to see what the difference between the two rides were when I stumbled on this post.. Sorry dude, but I have to tear this apart….
1) Yes, we know it's taller. But that doesn't necessarily make it better.
2) In your opinion it's a better logo. Not everyone shares that opinion
3) Again, Your opinion. Not shared by everyone.
4) Who says it's more popular? I had never heard of the KK until today.
5) More Better Speed? Most of us would use the phrase "Faster".
6) Better Design? It's the same design. Both coasters look almost identical in design with the exception of the second hill.
7) Better Ride. We will come back to that.
8) Better Color? Your opinion. I prefer the color of the TTD.
9) In a better place? TTD is in Cedar Point! It's basically on an island surrounded by other roller coasters!! This is definitely your opinion, again.. not shared by me.
10) No Coaster has beaten it's height. This is the only one of your "facts" I agree with.
So going back to #7. Is it a better ride? That's what i came to this site to find out. I have riden the TTD. Infact, I rode it the first year it came out and stood in line for HOURS because the ride broke down CONSTANTLY. Seems like that morning they just couldn't get the train to make it all the way up the hill. It kept coming back down backwards. They finally took the rear car off and all seemed fine. And was it worth the 5 hour wait? YES! (For me anyway).. And what I am trying to find out is.. Is it worth my time to go to NJ and jump on KK? Or will I be disappointed because I have already been on the better of the two.
I have been on both coasters and I can say without a doubt that Top Thrill Dragster is a better ride. While Kingda Ka's launch is slightly more intense, Dragster offers the better overall ride experience. I have no complaints about Ka's restraints as they are pretty comfortable, but I prefer Dragster's lap bars because their not as restricting. The views from the top of both rides are spectacular and the height difference is negligible, but I prefer the view from the top of Dragster because Lake Erie is much more picturesque then SFGAdv's parking lot. The front rows of both rides are insane, and the wind is incredible, but Dragster is smoother. Nevertheless, their both great coasters.
I just rode bolth within the last five days and top thrill was wayyyyy better the expiriance and the turning and the restraints not taking anything away from kingda ka it's a great ride but the turning isn't quite there and on dragster the lights are a great addition it also probably helped that I rode front on dragster and did not on ka
Let me just say that Kingda Ka is better. The shoulder restraints dont even matter. None of these are the best coaster. The best coaster by far is Bizarro at SFGA.
I like kingda ka better i know it has otsr but thats the only thing intamin offfered they had no choice plus i bte you some poeple have only rode one or some none and just looking at other comments to choose i nkow cedar point has really good rides but i cant really explain it but i like kingda ka better
I've been on both rides and was on Top Thrill Dragster first before Kingda Ka. TTD and KK are both essentially the same ride and with the speed you are going down, up and over the top of the track, the small difference in height and difference in speed didn't really make a difference to me.
What do you mean more intense launch? TTD's luanch goes from 0 to 120 in 4 seconds. KK's launch goes from 0 to 128 in 3.5 seconds. Maybe you should do your reasearch, or, come to think of it, Actualy ride it.
I didn't fid KK rough in any way, and while I haven't ridden both, I don't think that adding a shoulder restraint makes it rougher.
KK's restraints are paper thin, and rather large. you can hardly tell they're there if you sit back in your seat.
Lucky!!! we all dream of rollbacks. Those are sweet! You get a free ride and you don't have to wait in line for another ride!
Make up your mind kid! TTD. No wait, KK, now back to TTD!
No. not really. sure on KK you get a relative height perspective, but it is 50 feet higher, which barely makes a difference at 120+ miles an hour. on TTD you get a pretty good height perspective too you know.
don't forget Maverick
Good point. I don't get KK's jungle theme. it's so unoriginal. That's real believable. a 125mph ride zipping through a jungle. really. TTD actually looks in its place.
I think someone hacked your poll. Or people kept repeatedley hitting The TTD button. Either way, 2 billon? Think about it.
Yes, but, is it taller and faster? No, it isn't.
Were rating coasters here, not parks.
Glad to hear it, did you ever find yourself at CP?
I like the "Apex Predator-Apex Coaster" Idea, and the Golden Kingdom is Realy well done, excluding the way-too-bright souvinear shop, that seems to ruin the athmosphere of the place.
I found them both to be rather boring, in that they're both one-trick ponies. (Okay,KK has a second hill.) All that energy (and cash) wasted. Storm Runner is less than half as tall but is actually a full-fledged coaster and a much better ride for my money. Until both of them dwindle to a 15 minute wait or less, I'm not wasting my time on riding either of them again. Give hill some hills, curves, multiple airtime and a few surprises any day.
Its not FUEL…
im sorry to say but kings dominion intimidator 305 is better than both of these rides without a doubt lol who agrees with me on that one.
for sheer excitment and feeling forget that its a diifferent type of coaster is it better?
kingda ka is soooooooo much better
so all that stuff is your opinion too
I agree hahah i know right two billon
Either way ceptor, Six flags Great Adventure is one of the best six flags parks. It's home to Nitro, El toro, and soon will be home to the Green Lantern. It Has plentey of good rides, and you should go anyway. KK isn't the best ride in the park.
kingda ka is actually much better. i’ve been on both twice. personally, no comparison. restraints mean nothing. yes, ttd is in a much better location (cedar point. also, the launch track is like right in the midway while kingda ka’s is way outside where people are walking. u have to go through the queue line to get a very good view of the launch. trains are better themed on ttd too and the whole dragster thing is very cool while no one really knows wat kk is), with a much better view, much better theming, but the ride itself is not as good.
KK is 60 seconds, TTD is 30 seconds, my vote is for KK!
the dragster is better for many reasons
1.it has lap bars rather than over the shoulder restrants.
2. it stupid that intamin made an identical ride the dragster was first
3.all they did was mad it a little bigger and faster and painted it green and added one more hill
4.the dragster broke the world tallest and fastest record
5.cedar broke many records and is the best park in the country.but there really the same
no they're not
Jonah, can you please tell me what it is that's "not".
I have had the chance to ride both and I have to say Top Thrill is the best. I love the lap restraints and I prefer zooming by people and other coasters than trees thirty feet away.
Actualy, from launch to brake stop, KK is 28 sec. and TTD is 20 sec.
We're comparing coasters, not theme parks. Also, three of your reasons were close to the same exact thing. I think that's more like two reasons.
Kingda Ka is the name of the biggest tiger in the Golden Kingdom.
i have ridden both coasters. I prefer kk. When TTD came to a stop i felt like i was bieng torn in half by the lab bar. I would much rather have a OTSR than a lap bar on a coaster with this much speed. But i do agree about the view and themeing.
referring to Flags it really depends on which park you refer to. Sure, their hosting is a bit crappy, but SFGA and SFMM have absolutely brilliant coasters.
Got to disagree. The lap bar makes the experience way more unnerving, which is a huge plus if you've ridden hundreds of coasters and need to look hard to find a coaster that will genuinely scare you.
Hey how do you know that you can see NYC, and Philadelphia from the top of Kingda Ka?
To be honest, I'm not sure it's confirmed. That's just what I've heard. I didn't see much of anything on my rides on Kingda Ka. If someone else can confirm it, please do.
I know they are made by the same company, but when KK sais "Arms down, head back and hold on" isnt that just a total copy of TTD. I mean it could at leats have a different saying.
Kingda ka is sooooooooo much better. I went on both and that one was good but not as better as kingda ka
Ok, so this debate is old news… But I'm about to finally make it to Six Flags Great Adventure, and I stumbled upon this, trying to predict whether the experience on Kingda Ka will surpass TTD, will equate to it, or be slightly disappointing.
I do have to touch on a major point that surprisingly nobody has commented on.. Ok, Lap bars vs. OTSR, The Extra 8.5% height and 6.7% faster – I will have to experience it to decide. Better name? Pshhh who gives a s***? I've never not rode a coaster because I didn't like the name. The view from the top? You barely have time to realize you're >400ft off the ground, let alone "enjoy the view"..
But one major problem I experienced at least once on TTD that honestly ruined the experience is a general problem in Cedar Point: BUGS!
Ok, so I've only been to Cedar Point 3 times and all of them were in May or 1st weekend of June, and maybe had I come later on in the drier part of the season, it wouldn't be as prominent of a problem. But I guess since it's on lake Eerie, and especially that when I've been there was soon after it rained, there are trillions of little bugs everywhere – ESPECIALLY at night.
It's so annoying that it literally ruined my experience on my all time favorite ride. Like, last time I was there, we rode TTD 2wice – the 1st time 2 of my friends rode in the front row, and my other friend and I were right behind them. After not having ridden it in 7 years, it surpassed everything I could even remember.. It was an intense, amazing feeling that to me personally puts every other coaster at the park to shame, besides maybe Maverick. But here – let me compare the two ride experiences:
The first time, which was earlier during the day, and I was sitting in the 2nd row, I remember exactly the crazy launch, and I was screaming "Holy F***!!! Oh My GOD!!" over and over. I remember going up the hill, and briefly seeing Millenium from 110ft above, and thinking of how insane this ride is. I remember falling down the other side and screaming again, and passing through the "finish" sign and saying how amazing and awesome it was.
The 2nd time was later in the afternoon, probably around 6:30, where my friend and I who rode in the 2nd row were gonna ride in the front, and our other 2 friends were gonna wait with us and time it so that they ride in the 2nd row on the same train. Having already ridden the ride that day, I was SO stoked. But all I remember from that ride is the 1st half of the launch where I was like "OH MY GOD THIS IS AWESOME!!" But as soon as I thought that I started feeling little things crashing into my face and the back of the throat, in the same frequency and consistency as rain drops. I immediately knew what it was, having experienced that on CP rides before, and I completely don't remember going up the hill, or the brief view from the top, and all I did as soon as the train came to a stop was wiping nasty bugs off my face… My friend who was sitting next to me didn't realize those were bugs, and as soon as we got off the ride, we pointed out the smashed bugs on her face and chest… So anyway that was my point. Sorry for the long post. But if Kingda Ka is just as good but without the bugs, it might beat it for me.
Anyone's feedback? Is it not the case at CP later in the summer?
I've never ridden KK in the front row, but I have at night. I didn't notice any bugs, and I've never heard anyone talk about getting hit by bugs on it. I have however, heard about bugs on Dragster. I don't think you're the only person who's expeirienced this.
lol do u ride rollercoasters for safer feeling? and the airtime hill on KK doesnt even do anything
He's talking about on the top of the first hill, most likely. Anyways, not everyone who likes coasters wants to feel like there's nothing protecting them from flying off the train.
first there nothing alike the ttd is clearly better the the kdk
I am compareing coasters and so what does it matter
Quil your always disagreing with poepls coments and getting alittle irratating
Kingda Ka for sure. It actually runs most of the time while Dragster always seems to have some sort of issue that keeps it from running the entire day!
Why do you say that?
He just answered my question, and actually, he agreed with me! He said he has heard of people complaining about bugs on Dragster, which is exactly what I experienced, and then he went on to mention that this was NOT the case on Kingda Ka, which is what I had hoped!
Cut him some slack 🙂
No honestly, I'm not siding with KK, but it is DEFINITELY more popular. When people read the guiness book of world records, they see KK as the fastest rollercoaster in the world.
Actualy, now KK's just the tallest, but your point is taken.
So more than a quarter of the world's population voted in your poll?
How is the jungle theme unoriginal? TTD has a racing car theme for goodness sake!
Robb, Formula Rossa at Ferrari world uses lap bars, so Intamin must be working on it
Yeah, race cars tend to be the theme of most racing coasters (and by that I mean side-to-side woodies) , many launch coasters, and the Intimidators.
I'll give a virtual cookie to anyone who can name another jungle themed ride. (and when I say "virtual cookie" I mean nothing at all)
I've been lucky to have ridden both, various seats including front row on both. In keys ways, they offer very similar ride experiences – the sensation of continuous acceleration for around 4s at the start of both rides is amazing and a totally different sensation to all the gravity coasters. I didn't find the few extra feet and miles per hour on KK made a noticeable difference compared to TTD. I enjoyed them both.
There are some differences between them, which makes enough of a difference to differentiate between them. KK is definitely rougher, to the extent that I'm worried that my glasses will fall off when I ride it, despite having a sports strap to secure them. The over the shoulder harness feels restrictive (I like to raise my hands on coasters) and at the top of TTD, you get a better sensation of being 'out of control' due to only having a lap bar. Lastly, you do get some airtime at the end of the ride with KK due to the hill which is missing with TTD.
TTD has great theming and I like the spectator area. Still haven't really worked out what the theme for KK is.
My verdict is that they're both great rides which offer a completely different sensation to the other rides in their respective parks, so ride them. Being an airtime junkie, I usually ride in the back seat but for KK and TTD, front seat is the place to sit with an amazing view.
Incidentally, in my humble opinion, neither KK or TTD are the best rides in their respective parks. I prefer Nitro at SFGAdv for its smooth ride and amazing airtime (my favourite coaster of all time across 4 continents). At Cedar Point, I prefer Millennium Force for that unbelievable first drop.
I dont know why everyone insists dragster is better. Yeah, the lap bars are more comfortable than kingda ka's otsr (over the shoulder restraint.). However, kingda ka is taller, faster, and has an extra hill. Plus, for people that are scared of roller coasters i assume(i am not afraid of them) that otsr feel safer than a lap bar to them. Dragster takes the cake in comfort, but ka takes it in thrill factor.
The key to the Dragster is to stay in line no matter what. If the ride "breaks down" wait in line until they get it running again. Nine times out of ten, it will only take 15 minutes, and by that time all the impatient people have left and you are magically at the front of the line. It truly is a beautiful thing.
It ideal to go to CP at the end of the Season, preferably during HalloWeekends in mid-September to October. It's not too hot, there aren't many bugs. In fact, there really aren't any bugs at all. And there are Haunted Houses included in the standard admission. BONUS!
TTD!
I use the same tactic whenever I ride Kingda Ka. It works very well, even though it feels a little long.
IKR!
Kingda Ka is waay better
Now that I've ridden both I go with Top Thrill Dragster. I believe it's been mentioned before but there really isn't that much difference in the speeds or height of the rides and the lapbar is much more comfortable and gives a more dangerous feeling to the ride. Essentially they are the same ride with minor differences.
I'd give the nod to Top Thrill Dragster – just. I think it generally looks better than Kingda Ka and the theme is better suited. The overheads on KK were not a problem for me, although the lap bars do give a bit more of a "isolated" feeling. Saying that, they are both great rollercoasters and are pretty much the same.
i agree with you, the kingda ka is just stupid and i think it needs some work.
TTD is awesome, full of excitement and very interesting to ride.
yayz for TTD!!!!!! 🙂
I havent been on any one of them, but I would love to get on them both they look so much fun! Cedar Point and Six Flags Great Adventure both boast some pretty sweet rides too. From Maverick to Nitro to Millenium Force to El Toro. 😀
Idk why everyone argues with it saying top thrill is better and kingda ka is a rip off from six flags. You act like the parks are the ones who built the rides. Both top thrill dragster and kingda ka are made by the same manufacturer called intamin, a German roller coaster engineering company. How can it be a rip off when they are basically copies. Alot of rollercoaster manufactures make copies of their ride. Some are exactly the same, some have extra tweaks. Now since kingda ka and top thrill are both copies made by the same company only kingda ka is taller faster and has an extra hill in it for air time, then kingda ka is the better of the two. If you don't believe any of these statements I made google it.
i think TTD gets the win! i think the shoulder bars on kingda ka make you feel to safe. the lap bar on TTD makes you feel on edge and it is just that much more of a thrill.
i have to disagree with the theming statement. i honestly think Kingda Ka has better theming because SFGA built an entire new section of the park for it plus they planted a bunch of exotic plants which make it look nice. but i do think that TTD has a more exciting theme
Maybe if KK used better themed trains, like the ones used on Cheeta Hunt, it would seem better themed, but TTD's trains seem to make everyone overlook the Golden Kingdom.
ya but that means six flags was jealous of cp beating them once again and went to intamin Ag again to help them beat their rivals…
I feel that some clarification is necessary for the people that are claiming they feel unsafe with the lap restraints on TTD. This also needs to be accompanied by the story of how six flags insisted on the OTSR system on KK. After the installation of TTD at Cedar Point, Intamin was approached by Six Flags to build a sister coaster at Great Adventure, but they insisted on the OTSR system instead of the highly advanced lap bars that Intamin used on both Millenium Force and TTD. In order to aleviate their concerns, Intamin invited Six Flags officials to their engineering office in Glen Burnie Maryland for a demonstration. Intamin engineers strapped a six flags executive into a sample lap bar restraint seat, flipped him upside down, and held him there for over a minute. Despite this, Six Flags still insisted on going ahead with OTSRs (presumably for liability reasons). So remember, just because you feel like the lap restraints are less secure doesn't mean that they are. That feeling of insecurity only adds to the excitement of the experience. KK's differences are so small that the differences are almost imperceptible to the rider. KK is still hugely exciting but preference will still be Top Thrill Dragster.
I have ridden both Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka several times. I enjoy them both and can't get enough of the rush. For the most part, I think they're the same. But if I have to choose:
Kinda Ka has a more powerful acceleration on the launch. I give KK the edge here.
I like the lap restraints on Top Thrill Dragster, especially going over the top and down. I love to lean forward out of the seat w/ arms up and feel the train spiral around me going straight down. I can't do that w/ the KK shoulder restraints.
I LOVE them both, but overall I give the edge to the DRAGSTER.
The casual rider does not get drawn to a coaster by its restraints. They do not advertise on SF's commercial. "OUR COASTER HAS SAFER RESTRAINTS", the only thing being advertised is the height and speed here. And the last time I checked, Top Thrill Dragster is safer and more reliable. It has not had as much down time as KK. Not to mention, it actually opened on opening day 2003. I know this, because I was there. I ridden both, and I already knew that the copycat would not top the original. Think about it, 18 more feet on the drop is not even noticable… and the bunny hop offers not type of satisfaction or ORIGINALITY. They thought they could throw in a bunny-hop after the tower to avoid the fact that they stole Cedar Point's design. It truely is pathetic… but I guess that what you get for always being 2nd best… behind Cedar Fair. But I wouldn't even say they are anywhere near 2nd best with all the other great companies out there.
Themeing: TTD
Launch: Draw
Speed: Draw, nothing significant here. That would put KK over TTD.
Tophat: Draw, the 18ft extra does nothing.
Ending: KK, even though it is nothing special.
Restraints: TTD
Originality: TTD
Trains: TTD
Reliablity: TTD
Park: TTD
Must I go on??? They are both amazing wonders of Intamin, but you just can't top the original by adding 18ft and a bunnyhop… then to top it off. OTSR (over the shoulder restraints) Sorry
I've ridden both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster. Yeah they're the same thing basically, but I have to say Kingda Ka is better. On kingda ka when you go over the hill there's a incredible view, same with the Dragster, but I liked Kingda Ka's better. And when going down the hill on kingda ka, instead of going straight like the Dragster, you over this hill thing…. (fail?) and then it ends. That's the only reasons, until then, they're the same.
Both rides are by the same designer
I went to Cedar Point, and tried to ride TTD, but it kept breaking down. Finally, after the park closed, they sent everyone away. I was in the front of the line to ride next, and never got a chance. So annoying!
When at SFGA, I went on KK a total of 4 times. It broke down once too, but I still got to ride.
This may be just bad luck, that TTD was having more problems they day I went there. Both coasters have the same design. I'm not sure if the lap bar restraint makes a big difference or not. Didn't even cross my mind when I was waiting in line. TTD does have a more well-thought out theme to it, but drag cars aren't that original to make it that much better than KK. Although, I will say that the spectator area where people who are too afraid to ride TTD can watch others riding was a very nice touch.
I don't think either coaster is likely that exciting. The only reason I went on KK four times is because there was literally NO line an hour before the park closed. Also, let's not dwell on who copied who, because the real innovation for this kind of ride was Superman at Magic Mountain back in 2000 where the magnetic propulsion launch was first used.
Top thrill!!
Top Thrill Dragster Is Better. I rode Kingda ka too. They are both great but Top Thrill Dragster Has better theming. It has the Launching Lights and the Engine Sound Affects. Kingda ka isnt that smooth. And the Airtime Hill sucks cause your slowing down while your going down it. You cant even notice the difference by going 8 Mph.. Faster. They height Is A lil Over 20 feet. You cant Even Tell.
I think kingka da is better and here's why
1. kingda ka has a stronger launch
2. kingda ka is faster
3.kingda ka is taller
4.at the top of the kingda ka you fall into your restraints which is really cool
5. The hill at the end is amazing when you experience 0 g forces
6. I think being free to move your upper body on the ttd isn't as big of a thrill as being able to come out of your seat (you can't on the ttd because of the lap bar).
-Note- I've only rode the kingda ka
I havent been on kingda ka yet, but i think i would like ttd a lot better anyways. I dont think i would notice the height and speed difference, the view seems to be better on ttd and the restraits seem to be a bit more free and for those who think kingda ka isnt a copy……. IT IS!!!! Six Flags GA wasnt thinking about building a strata coaster until they found out cedar point was. They even used ttd's blueprints to build it. All six flags does is copy copy copy. BUTT, i would give it to six flags for having some great B&M coasters
king da ka may be faster and taller, but, lemme just say top thrill dragster has better theme and the NO shoulder restraint. also king da ka breaks down much more.
Overall, i thing top thrill dragster is the better coaster.
i think you would change your mind if you rode ttd.
Seriously, height and speed should not be reasons to vote for Kingda Ka. 8 mph faster, 36' higher, and just an 18' larger drop cannot be felt when going over 100 mph and higher than 400'. So, it is a bit odd to see a lot of people using those reasons when it really makes no sense on how that small measure would affect a ride.
Plus, 36' is just 7.89% of TTD's height. Here are examples of nonsense statements:
-Griffon is better because it is 5' taller than SkeiKra and nobody states that because it is nonsense.
-Xcelerator is better than Storm Runner since it is taller and faster, even though Xcelerator is 55' taller than Storm Runner, Storm Runner has a 180' drop which is about the same as Xcelerator's. Plus, Storm Runner is just 7 mph slower than Xcelerator
-Batman is better than Flight Deck (@ CGA) since it is 3' taller
-[Insert SLC here] is better than Batman since it is 4' higher
If you think a coaster slightly higher, the reasons above prove you wrong.
The truth is i only rode top thrill dragster but king da ka looks higher than top thrill dragster so i thing king da ka
THEY'RE almost identical actually.
I'm sorry but when a ride is that fast and tall, I doubt OTSR's will make it "tamer" 😉
Have you actually been on either? You sound ten years old and your answers are stupid.
I know you'd be older and maybe more mature now, but I felt a need to reply lol
Having been on both, I agree with the majority and perfer TTD.
1. Its smoother
2. I perfer its theme, the racing theme is awesome and its cars (used to) look fantastic.
3. Its interegated into the park much better. TTD stands in the midway and guests can walk around the ride, while Kingda Ka is sort of tucked away in the corner.
KK is so much better then TTD. If you ever go to CP you will never here "I wanna ride the worlds tallest coaster." Cedar point should have been smart and known someone would copy TTD. You should know that most of the coasters at SFGA are newer and better. The only good coaster at CP is most likely millenium force. Even though KK is better i think that CP should at A new amazing coaster like Hershey park with Skyrush. KK is better and it gets my vote by far
I love how everybody on here is saying how TTD is more reliable when it got stuck at the top 3 times and KK never got stuck once. Now I have never been to Cedar Point unfortunately so I have never been on TTD. But Gadv is my home park essentially (I live in NYC) and the front row of KK is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced in my life. It is an absolute rush and I don't even notice the shoulder harness. You get a little floater air on both hills and the drop is breathtaking. It's an incredible ride. I can't give my vote since I didn't ride TTD, but I just wanted to comment that KK is only rough in the back (which most non B&M's are). It has downtime, but it has been so much better lately.
Why are people fighting over this? They both are amazing coasters but I'm not saying one is better than another ( I have ridden both) but everybody is bashing on KK! The shoulder restraints are nothing! I barely noticed them! For theming I reallly like both of them. TTD's idea is much better than KK but I have to admit the area around KK compared to TTD, KK blows TTD out of the water with the surroundings with the plants all around you, and all of the things that make you feel like you in some forest or village. BUT TTD's Dragster theme is better. But I don't like fighting over this so for me I'm just going to drop it and enjoy the ride!
I also have to admit I do really like TTD's trains better but I was dissapointed when they took the engine,wheels and all those things off the back.
First of all, when was TTD ever rattling?! Secondly, these rides are major rushes, not "quick blurs".
If you are a "casual rider" like you described above, you do not belong on this website. This website is targeted towards thrillseekers, not thrillsissies.
More popular? Not according to the golden ticket awards.
Do not accuse one of being 10 years old! (he could just be an adult with a really screwed up brain) lol
That is the problem with Kingda Ka's theming. What does a launch have to do with jungles and temples? Drag racing, however, is very much associated with launches and extreme speeds.
It resulted in a faster moving line, so I am glad that they were taken off.
Only one good coaster at CP? You failed to include Magnum, Maverick, Raptor, and, oh yeah, TOP THRILL DRAGSTER!! One more thing, are you saying that Kingda Ka is so much better because of 36ft? Your verdict lacks evidence.
What a highly intelligent coaster expert you appear to be!
The Golden Ticket Awards is a joke. They vote for the same parks for the same things every year, and seem to hate Six Flags. With that said, I can't make an opinion on TTD since I have never been to CP. I will say that KK is a ride that everybody should experience at least once in their life.
I've done both and don't honestly have an opinion one way or another. I LOVE both equally. I don't think there is enough room between these two to find a true winner because they are ALMOST identical rides. I feel like Top Thrill Dragster's placement in the park was the best because It really seems to be the Centerpiece of the Park. Plus getting to walk right under the various parts of it gets you even more excited as well as the train design to add to the theme. I love the dragster car theme. Kingda Ka had the basic car that six flags picked "off the shelf" but i did like the somewhat elaborate theme that is the whole path leading to the ride entrance, continued all the way through the line. It was kind of that peaceful nature theme before you get the extreme, heart pounding Launch on KK. The restraints to me don't make or break a ride. The airtime hill was a major plus for KK. I think the problem I have with KK is its placement in the park. Cedar Point has the massive TTD dominating the skyline right at the center but at Great Adventure KK is way off in the corner alone where it is almost forgotten (especially when it is non operational). I almost left the park without riding it purely because it was broken all morning and I forgot to look to see if it was open or not. It almost feels like you are launched far out of the park and fly back in within a matter of seconds. The trail with animals in "The Golden Kingdom" really kind of tucks it away a little to much, especially for such a masterpiece as KK.
In the end you can't go wrong with either one.
I have rode the TTD and the KK and I have to say that it was a thrilling experience!! I honestly think that the KK is just a remake so they could make the record of tallest ride in the World.I think just the lap bars are better so your more free and you can feel the wind better. Unless you’re a scardy-cat and have never even rode them and post appinions when you don’t know what your talking about, then you should like the lap belts better. The TTD has a theme of a racecar and the theme sentence “Race for the sky,” and the KK is just basically the same:/!! And seriously, ya’ll people are saying it’s better because it is taller and faster, well guess what??18 feet and like 8 mph doesn’t make a difference. The bunny-hop in the KK is just so lame,its just trying to slow you down.The TTD has a firm,bold stop like a race car and fits the theme. And all of the KK fans are trying to throw in the stuck at the top 3 times thing,well all the time on the KK it rolls down backwards and could seriously injure someone like with wiplash. I bet the KK has rolled backwards more than the TTD has gotten stuck. The theme with the blasting off with the red,yellow,and green lights on the TTD makes it look classy,and for scardy-cats, it warns you when your going to blast off and the theme with the colors and the cart that looks like a race car is finaminal.I think they are pretty awesome rides, but I honestly think the TTD is better(:
RC lover<3
you mean top thrill 😉
more boring and less thrilling
who cares KK is still a stupid cheap knock off
safe feeling is boring if you want a thrill you take the less safe feeling one but TTD is very safe without the feeling. call me crazy but feeling safe on a roller coaster is boring.
wait? was that you said about comparing two things you didn't ride? oh thats right its pointless so… practice what you preach. it's like saying i like him more than the other guy even though ive never met the one. TTD wins cause its original
Actually check your facts CP has fast pass
they do trust me OTSR's are for wussies
Exactly I agree completly. BTW rrestraints are a much bigger part of the thrill than you would imagine apparently
see you say design goes to KK but if you think about it design should go to TTD i mean after all it ids the original and KK is just a knock off
Only cause they waited till the amazing CP came out with a great ride tha's why it's faster and higher and as for the locotion… well get your head out of the gutter cause Cps view of Canada and the lake way beats KK's view
rollbacks make it fun i would count myself lucky to get a rollback 😉
yes think about how many billions went to CP and rode the better non knock off version and voted for it cause its waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better
Was it the original? Yes, it is.
well, i and others have been doing a little bit of both
With the lap belts, you feel more free. plus they dont lock at certain heights like some do, they adujst as tight or loose as you need them. Plus you get a seatbelt under it which can go as tight as needed. therefore TTD is >>>>>> kk.
people stop saying that ttd is better than ka and ka didnt copy ttd they were both made by the same creater ka is just probably a renew of ttd but if i were to say which one is better i would say ka because it doesnt who came first it matter's about the rides another thing cedar point owns six flags ka is better of the feeling that you get whan you ride it you get thrilled scared and mostly excited but ill admit that ttd has a better theme and a train you know ill say its a tie instead of saying ka is better
I vote TTD. Well, yeah it has alot of rollbacks, but that makes it better. Kingda Ka barely ever has a rollback, that makes it the same every single time. With TTD, you dont know if its going to rollback, and if it has a rollback… You get a free ride!
Duuuuude you know there is fast lane at cp rite? Okay here's how it works, you but it for 50-65 dollars, it's a wristband and you show it to the fast lane guys and you go in, no wait and you can just get in line over and over and over again.
I've been on both rides a ton of times each. The rides are very similar. TTD wins in the categories of theme, seating, and location. TTD is also a much smoother ride. It generally has more airtime due to the lack of the over the shoulder restraint. RATING: 9.5/10
Kingda Ka has a solid theme as well and I love the look of the stratacoaster too. Kingda Ka is taller and faster but I felt little difference when riding the two. KK lacks airtime with the over the shoulder restraint. I was able to see Philly and New York from the top of KK. RATING: 9/10
Overall TTD is a better ride by a hair. Both rides are great.
But the best coasters in my opinion are Millennium Force and Bizarro at Six Flags New England!
Hey Guys.
I live near Philadelphia, and I just got back from taking my kids to Cedar Point just to ride Millineum Force, and Top Thrills Dargster. I drove to Cedar Point in 2003 when TTD debuted just to ride it. I waited over 3 hours in line because anyone who knows the history of this would know that it broke down while we were in line.
I have been on both TTD and KK and If you read my first paragraph, obvioulsy I prefer TTD over KK. and here's why.
(1) Although, KK is Higher and faster, it is still sloppy seconds. You always remember you first, and this was nothing more than a copy cat, intended for bragging rights. TTD was the first to pop that cherry.
(2) The restraints for TTD (just a lap bar and seat belt) is far better than KK's (OSTR'S). KK's restraints are for the faint at heart people that probably shouldn't be riding a coaster like this anyway. I must say that, I did have to lose about 30 pounds to ensure that I would be able to ride TTD because of the restraint system. So, if you are a big guy (like me) and you can't suck your waist down to 42 inches, then KK may be your only choice. 🙂
(3) The Name, Top Thrills Dragster says it all for this type of ride. Kingda Ka is stupid. What the Hell is a Kingda Ka anyway? That says nothing about speed to me.
(4) The Theme. TTD's theme is great. First you you cruise out onto track where you can look to your right and see bleachers with family and friends (that were to chicken to ride) watching you just before take off. All the while you can here the roar of that (Dragster) engine reving with anticipation. Then, you here that famous phrase "Arms Down, Head Back, and Hold On". Next, you can here the air pressure release and the brakes drop, as you back up slightly. Now, your watching the Red, Yellow, the Green light, then you hear the Tires Squeel and your off Baby!!!!!!!!. KK doesn't even come close to this.
(5) Location. TTD is in the perfect location for CP. Right where everyone can see this monster. KK is tucked in the woods of Six Flags. The only thing that KK has is that little speed bump as your coming into the home streatch. But, that's hardly enough to eclipse TTD as the ultimate roller coaster experience.
Plain and simple, When someone lives a few minutes away from KK, but drives his children 8 hours away just to experience TTD that has to tell you something.
And for the record, my children LOVED TTD!!!!. they rode this ride twice a day for 6 days straight. No line was to long. It was the last ride we rode before we packed up and went home. Which, shows how far CP came with keeping this ride operational and improving its reliability.
I think that top thrill dragster is better then kingda ka for these reasons. Dragster was thefirst strata coaster and kingda ka was a complete copy except the hill at the end but still dragster is original. I think that top thril
Dragster is a cooler name than kingda ka. They make you wear a harness on Kingda Ka so it is harder to put your hands up and on dragster it is a T style lapbar. Top thrill is also a WAY cooler theme than Kingda Ka and it has the KEEP ARMS DOWN, HEADBACK, AND HOLD ON!!! And kingda ka says it a boring matter and don't forget that CP is the roller coaster capital of the world not magic mountain
Amen Brother!!!! Straight and to the point.
Exactly!!!
One thing I should say. If you haven't ridden both TTD and KK in your life time, you shouldn't have an ex-stream opinion on this topic. Your views or opinions are completely speculative. You should have ridden both rides to have a vote that counts. Just my opinion.
I did the same thing. I live in Perkasie, PA. but I drove 8 Hours for my children to experience TTD over KK. See my post on psge 8.
Wow Im shocked you found KK's ride expiriance over TTD. Thats the thing that I love about Top Thrill is that the rush you get I have never gotten on any other roller coaster. Still my second favorite behind Bizarro at SFNE. It seems that the rush you get on TTD is limited on KK. The over the shoulder harness is a far cry from the freedom of TTD imo, I just much proffer Top Thrill Dragsters ride expirience. Kingda Ka seems like it has to much rattle, and idk why. Im sure you guys have noticed the rattle on KK to
First of all, you shouldn't be telling us about the edges of the rides if you haven't even been on Kingda Ka. Anyways I've been on both I honestly hated kingda ka. The theme is very lame. I honestly thought that kingda ka was some kind of jungle ride. As for Dragstar you know right away that it's a fast top thrill ride. I love the stoplight on dragstar, that's the best part. The view is also amazing on TTD and there's only a lap bar which is more fun. On KK you just line up and go. Yippee! Very boring. You also have a shoulder restrain. TTD is in the dead center of the park. KK is by the parking lot. KK was down for most of the day I went on it right before I left. TTD was made for a thrill and a great ride, KK was just made to break the record and be more popular. In my opinion TTD is more popular and WAY BETTER!!! Cedar point and TTD ALL THE WAY!!
Top Thrill Dragstar:
Better theme
In a better park
Center of the park
Better view
A real thrill, not for a record break
No shoulder restrain
Kingda Ka:
Just for a world record
A little faster and taller
2nd hill makes absolutely no difference
A little more force
TTD ALL THE WAY!!!!
Ok ttd SUCKS the theme is stupid!! Kingda ka is TALLER AND FASTER then ttd. Kingda kas golden kingdom theme is better plus ttd is NOT SAFE cuz there is only a bar holding u down!! Plus kingda ka has an extra hump at the end which ttd does NOT have!!!!! Kingda ka goes 128 mph n it is 428 ft tall!!!!!ttd does not deserve to exsits n it is just a WANNA BE Kingda ka- kingda ka all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOP THRILL DRAGSTER SUCKSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! U could also purchase cool gifts saying i survived kingda ka n it takes ur picture!!!!!!!! Does ttd do that uhhhhhhhhhhh exactly!!! So all u freakin idieots out there that say top thrill dragster is better SHUT UP i bet half of u didnt even ride kingda ka n ur just saying top thrill dragster is better cuz its the only one u rode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!u no im right!!!!!!! and kingda ka is not a copy of top thrill dragster six flags didnt even know about ceder points ttd top thrill dtagster is a mini version of kingda ka. Going back 2 the themes ttd race car theme is stupid i mean its a racecar goin up a hill how dumb n ohhhh theres a traffic light n finish line im dying of excitment here SO STUPID at least kingda kas golden kingda theme makes sense so that is y kingda is better then top thrill dragster
Wow!!!! Rachel. That's probably the dumbest post I've seen yet. Your spelling is aweful, your facts are inaccurate, it's perfectly clear that you have no clue what the hell your talking about. If you want to post on this board , at least be intelligent and have you facts in order.
If you had a clue as to what your were saying you'd know that Kingda Ka is 454 feet tall (not 428). Furthermore, how can you state that TTD is "NOT SAFE". No one has ever fallen out of the ride. And, why would the ride be able to legally operate if it was deemed to be UNSAFE. The lap bar simply add to the thrill of the ride. it doesn't decrease the safety of the ride in any way. Both Kingda Ka and TTD are perfectly safe to ride.
Next, how the hell can you say that "TTD is a "WANNA BE" Kingda Ka when TTD was built first. That's the most Ridiculous statement that i"ve seen on this board. It makes no sense.
Lastly, if your gonna call people idiots, maybe you should learn how to spell the word. "Idieots", is not the correct spelling. So, who's the idiot?
P.S. I have been on both Kingda Ka and TTD. And, Kingda Ka can't even compete.
kk is better cuz its in a betta park faster n taller it was on tv safer better train design starts unexpectly extra hill longer takes ur pic cool gifts u could buy after more reliable doesnt get stuck at the top liker ttd has done 3 times KINGDAAAAAAAAAAAAA KAAAAAAAAAAAAAA RULESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS TTTD SSSUCCCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
ok, but u havent even been on TTD!
I PERFER KINGDA KA ITS FASTER N TALLER ITS IN A BETTER PARK BETTER THEME SAFER IT WAS ON EXTREME RIDES WHILE TTD WAS NOTTTTTT BETTER THEME BETTER RELIABILTY I HAVE RODE BOTH N KK WAS SOOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER plUS IN KINGDA KA U HAVE NOOOOO IDEA WHEN ITS GONNA JUST LAUNCH U 128 MPH IN TTD WHEN U SEE THE TRAFFIC LITE TURN GREEN THEN U GO 120 MPH!!!!!!!!! PLUS KINGDA KA HAS A EXTRA HILL AT THE END SO U GET MORE AIR TIME AND THE RIDE IS LONGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KK AALL THE WAY TTD SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
kingda ka is better!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have rode both n kas just so unexpected
kingda ka alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the freakin way
ka is totally better than ttd ttd is slower all thise sluts that keep sayin ka copied ttd they didnt dumbos ka n ttd were built by the same coaster compines
ttd sucks
kingdaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
BUT U HAVENT RODE TTD SO HOW CAN U PICK
I love kk it is so much better you might think the height don't make a difference but it does six flags can say they own the tallest rollar coaster in the world and ka is so much more popular there where people from china and Japan they are lucky they came to the right park AND FOR THE PEOPLE THAT SAY TTD IS SMOOTHER THEY MADE KINGDA KA LIKE THAT FOR THE THRILL IT'S SCARYER AND FUNNER Ps. you can get an awesome rollback on kk not ttd
I just rode them both for the first time this month. Ka 2 weeks ago and TTD over the past few days. I got front left and front right on Ka and front right and 2nd row left onTTD.
I'd have to go with TTD by a hair. Ka has a better and noticeably faster launch, and a longer run into the also noticeable taller top-hat.
TTD just has more things going for it in my opinion. I did not understand some of the opinions about the lack of OTSR's until I experienced it for myself. It does make the ride much scarier. After Ka I said… " I did't even notice the OTSR's." I can now tell you that I certainly noticed not having them on TTD!
The location of TTD is a huge plus. Ka is mostly hidden whereas with TTD you can walk around about 99% of the ride. You can get any angle you like for viewing or filming. Being able to stand near the cable spools while they scream during the launch is "Freakin Awesome!" The bleacher viewing area is also great. Standing directly under either the up vertical or the down vertical get's you very psyched up to ride! The theming is way better for TTD it plays into the ride perfectly and the racing motor sound effects that they play when you launch add a lot to the ride. I like the flat finish on TTD more than the hump finish on KA. Ka's hump is kind of stupid because of how they ruin the airtime you might have gotten by hitting the brakes right away on the backside of the hump. TTD carries way more speed through the "Photo Finish."
A huge factor in my opinion is the difference in the ride operations. Ka had 2 trains going on a super busy Thursday. They launched a train about once every few minutes. TTD had 5 or 6 trains going on a busy Tuesday, Wednesday, and not as busy Thursday. They seemed to launch a train about once a minute.
I feel TTD wins because it's scarier, and you won't have to wait nearly as long as you would for KA.
I think it's important for me to mention to all the TTD haters that Great Adventure was my old home park and my old favorite park. I grew up with Great Adventure, I was 4 when it opened in 1974 and went there every year that I lived nearby on Long Island until I moved away in my early 20's. I still go every few years when they get a new coaster.
I am very glad to now have King's Dominion as my new home park. Their rides almost NEVER breakdown. When I was at Great Adventure every single important ride broke down. Some for short and others for long periods. [Toro was down for more than half of the day] I say Important coasters because I don't consider Superman or Green Lantern important. Those 2 were the only coasters that did Not breakdown. I hate coasters that are slow to load, and therefore have very long slow moving lines.
DRU
I can't believe you just said that. Cedar Point said that they were planning Top Thrill since 2000 3 years before and kingda ka was planned after dragster so that means copy! On top thrill the seatbelt and lapbar are super tight. Then why also did Millennium Force the #1 coaster in the world beat out the tallest in the world on insane coaster wars? Also a 8mph difference at 36ft difference with the same layout except one more hill. Also Top Thrill Dragster beats out KK every year. Top thrill dragster is 99999999999999999999999 times better then KK. Kingda Ka is a want to be copier.
i dont get why everyone says ttd is better, i mean its a fasterand taller ride…. nothing left to say
Dragster all the way! The restraints on the dragster make is so much more open and fun! And the KK is slightly more rough than the Dragster.
Plus you get airtime on top of the dragster, if you notice it. On KK theres brakes on top. TTD>KK
you mean 1 fourth
Yeah! I wish i could have a rollback! TTD is way better than KK
not two seconds! 17 seconds
You should know that on Top Thrill Dragster they also take your picture….. I’ve been on both and it sounds like you’ve just been on Kingda Ka. And how did Six flags not know about Top Thrill when it was the tallest and fastest coaster in the world? Also, Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka were built by the same company, so they had to know about dragster. And honestly I would think that a jungle Kingda theme doesn’t make sense with the tallest coaster and 2nd fastest in the world. A race car makes more sense to me. And actually the stop light at th beginning is great because on Kingda Ka you just wait till you tKe off. So there’s more thrill.
I have been on both… I like both of them the same even though I live only an hour away form Cedar Point. Top Thrill Dragster has a better theme and has just a lapbar. BUT on the other hand, Kingda Ka is taller and faster and when you see it in person OMFG it is towering over you compared to Top Thrill Dragster. TTD is still really tall but Kingda Ka it just has a mysterious feel to it. That's the way I always felt. Kingda Ka also has a second hill at the end so each one has something the other lacks so they're both just as good in their own way…
I rode both and TTD does take your picture. Both Rides have certain characteristics that the other lacks. Kingda Ka may be taller and faster than TTD but it has a better view at the top of the hill than Kingda Ka. TTD's theme makes more sense the KK because an extreme acceleration coaster should have some sort of racing theme. Because when you think of racing you think of speed. And that's how Cedar Point has got that theme. Kingda Ka is supposed to be a mythical tiger… I mean what does a mythical tiger have to do with the extreme speed and height. But I do like the name Kingda ka better than Top Thrill Dragster Kingda Ka's name seems more original but I like KK's second hill though. TTD to me has more of a thrill and Kingda ka offers a better riding experience. On TTD they get you more pumped for the ride with cool sound effects and seeing the trains race past you when you are waiting in line. kingda ka doesn't offer that. But n the other hand KK's theme has a more mysterious feel to it. So I like them both the same. Even though I live only an hour from Cedar Point. P.S. Have you ever rode Top Thrill Dragster? If you haven't rode it, you should visit Cedar Point and ride it before you decide which is better… You might like the both equally…
Per me vince il Kingda Ka, anche se non l'ho mai provato;)
BTW, it’s Top Thrill Dragster, not “Top Fuel”. I do agree with you that the lap belt would make a difference.
Yeah, Quil, you're right that it would be smooth, but I think that a lap belt would let you move around more.
That was bugging me too.
I agree that the edge should go to the original and cooler theme, Top Thrill Dragster.
That's a good note
I think that rollbacks on KK would be more thrilling than on TTD b/c of the hight, but i havn't ridden both.
The launch is unexpected on TTD too
good point, but i still agree with Anonymous
I agree with you
I say amen to everything that you said
good point
I haven't ridden KK either. I agree with you!
totaly
Who cares about feeling safe?
yeah, but there is something protecting you.
Nice point
nice points
Exactly to the second power!
I agree
Nice point, but TTD is better
It might depend on how big you are, for I am small and wasn't effected at all
nice
well said
Yeah, tommy, nice say
you are very observant. nice points
yeah
They're actually pretty good rides.
Nice points. I agree
yeah, i'm a CP fan who has ridden TTD too. haven't ridden KK but want to.
I'm not sure that it's the best ride ever, but close
I totally agree w/you!
correct
yeah!
What! I wish i could have one (a rollback)! that fact puts TTD in the lead for sure!
I have read pretty much all of the comments and come to the conclusion that TTD is better. I have not ridden KK however, so I will not decide what my opinion is.
Some of you said that you don't like TTD b/c it has rollbacks, however, most of us dream of having those!
TTD's logo and themeing are more creative, and the ride design is the original.
The veiw from TTD is better and the lap bars are perfect (for me anyways, I'm small (no offense to the slightly overweight people)).
Anyway, I think that the difference in height and speed KK vs. TTD, there isn't that much difference. They're both built by the same designer, so why not ask the designer's favorite of the too?
Yeah, good point!
6 Flags New Jersey is not a better park, last time i checked did they have three coasters that formerly held speed and height records? No. Also, TTD takes your picture and has its own gift shop. Both are perfectly safe, the reason TTD has only a lap bar is for better thrills. Lastly, who cares about being stuck and having rollbacks. I would pay to have those happen and also a extra ride without the wait.
Nitro wins in my opinion is way better an more intense than AC i kept flying out of my seat the whole ride on Nitro on AC i didnt as much. I sat in the last seat on both coasters an when you go over the first drop hands down Nitro has the best first drop then AC I had butterflies in my stomach on Nitro on AC i didnt . the best time to ride Nitro is at nighttime its pitch black its adds the thrill to the ride.
King da ka is better when its a the top 456 feet you come out of your seat when you drop Top thrill dragster you don't have no air time.
TTD cause it was built first and you only have a lap bar opposed to the sholder thingies
I thing kk is betterbecause it looks cooler in my opinion
Listen u Six Flags is much better than rubbishy Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster is NO diffrent to my fave Kingda Ka
Can’t remember whether I commented on this before, but having ridden both, I give a slight edge to Kingda Ka. True, the theming on Dragster is far superior to that on KK, but both the extra hill and the restraints are why I prefer the latter. With the harnesses on KK, I can ride in comfort, whereas the lap bars on TTD leave my arms completely free and on each ride I have gotten my elbows banged up. Also, KK is not only smoother but faster.
Cedar Point is the best theme park in the world so obviously “non of ya bussiness” is accurately incorrect
I have not rode either one of these, but, by doing a lot of research on both, I have come to the conclusion that Kinda Ka is the best. It has a higher altitude, it has an extra hill, and even though it doesn’t have a view of a lake, Canada, and other things, it makes up for missing that with it’s high speeds and twists down the hills. It was very close to me, having not rode either one.
Comment
Ok I’m tired of people ripping on KA because it has over the shoulder restraints. I am a platform ride op on king da ka at six flags great adventure and the reason ka has otsr is that it is ILLEGAL to have t bar restraints over rides of 300 feet in the state of New Jersey if it was legal I’m sure six flags would of put in restraints like ttd.
Remember ARMS DOWN HEAD BACK AND HOLD ON AND ENJOY YOUR RIDE ON KING…DA KA
TTD is much better because of the lap bars instead of shoulder harbesses.
And, because if the increaced speeds on kingda ka, i found the expereance to be way more rough.
Ive ridden both numerous times. Cedar Point is my home park so maybe im biased on this but TTD is better. The theme is so much better than KK. Also, i noticed a slight delay in KK launch. It was as if the catch car was not properly engaged in the train. I gotta say though, KK has trims at the top of the hill on the descending side which provided a little bit of hang time which was sweet! But the fact that TTD has a better theme and lap bar restraints makes it better IMO.
I love both rides. Although, Top Thrill Dragster wins my vote! Nothing is better with the sound of “dragsters” going off, rolling back a little bit, and watching the go “yellow, yellow, yellow, green” then rushing down the track (with only a seat belt and lap bar) going 120 mph in 3.8 seconds, and getting to the top, looking down over the Millennium Force and Lake Erie!
I have ridden both and TTD is better
I apologize for the all caps screaming at you clearly childish comparison. I have ridden both a lot and TTD wins by a long shot. Better theming, awesome view, amazing sound fx, and most importantly, that juicy lap bar is amazingly terrifying. Seriously when you run the angle jerk towards the top you feel like you are going to get launched off the train. Amazing experience and it makes a huge difference.
Ok, the theme of TTD and the view from the apex of Canada is better then KIngda Ka. However, that zero G camel hump in Kingda Ka sways my vote there. TTD just left me wanting more. Both can have roll backs which is plus when they happen. And in the que lines, seeing the signs of “this ride my not make it over the first try” is a bit pants soiling to a newbie. Sorry Sandusky, no hard feelings.
Um Kingda Ka’s restraints are identical to Maverick’s and Maverick’s aren’t that comfortable….
KK > THRILL…No question. faster acceleration, and NOTICEABLE. FASEST TOP SPEED AND HIGHEST COASTER IN THE WORLD> THEMING MEANS NOTHING WHEN THE RIDE IS OVER SO QUICKLY. THESE ARE THRILL RIDES NOT SCENIC ROUTES…
i have ridden both and i choose king da ka the seconds hill has nice air time and the launch is unpredictible
I’ve been on both KK and TTD! The view on top of TTD is just Amazing! You can see Canada, Port Clinton, Kelly’s Island, Put-in Bay and Pelee Island. The view from KK, not so great. Theme is way better on TTD. Ride stats go to KK.
A ride better than both of these is Millennium Force.
I’ve never been on either, live in georgia, I believe CP is closer, which one is more scary? It would decide if I would go on TTD or KK.
Why do people argue about this so much? Both of these rides suck! There was absolutely no feeling of an actual coaster, only 17 seconds up and down the tower. I was disappointed getting off both of these rides. Go ride something with the slightest bit of substance on the ride.
Yes, kingda ka is much more reliable. That’s why it wont run 3 hours without breaking down. You should first educate yourself before you TALK IN ALL CAPS
I have been riding coasters for 40+ years…and I have never been more ‘omg’ then front seat on TTD, just as you are over the crest of the hill. You literally cannot see where you are going and feel like you are going to fall out of the seat.
And the only coaster in 30+ years that I unknowingly lowered my hands back from the normal ‘arms up’ position to grabbing the lap bar for dear life. Of course, that only happened the first time 🙂
Okay I have read SO many of these comments I have ridden both rollercoasters and I would give the edge to TTD. I love KK and the air hill is a nice touch but personaly TTD in my opinion is more reliable a better seat meaning the lapbar vs shoulder thing like on the mavrick I also like the theming more and to me and I like the veiw. Also the whole 16 ft taller thing and 8 mph faster is such a knockoff I mean think about it could you tell if it was 16 ft taller I mean really so I give the edge to TTD the origanle coaster
and NOOOE person I really disagree I mean they are fast and tall isn’t that enough??? They are both fun anyway
I mean NOOONE
I also agree with coaster maniac in that mellenium force is better it has good lap bars and is very smooth fast nice and long and also very very fun!!!!!
I also find it annoying that people say that KK is unexpected launch the lights on TTD light up in under a second and once I timed how long it took and once it was 17 seconds the next 21 seconds
Also I am sorry for commenting so much but people it is rude to say “oh this one sucks because some people really that coaster so just don’t
This is only somewhat related to the topic above, but I couldn’t think of anywhere better to put it. If you want to Feel your heart slowly shatter into a thousand fragments in your chest I would suggest watching this list of “Top 68 Rollercoasters in the world” (I’ve linked the second part of the video, so If you are really interested and would like to see the worst offenses)
I have rode both and I grew up in Ohio and I love Cedar Point. Top Thrill Dragster was my favorite coaster until I rode Kingda Ka. KK was just a little higher, faster, and longer. Love them both but like KK just a little more. There is a roller coaster in Japan, it is called Vanish it goes under water and looks crazy and amazing. I also like a coaster called Sheikra at Busch Gardens in Tampa and Firehawk at Kings Island. Check out a coaster in China called Dinaconda, it looks wicked.
TTD is better because the restraints are far superior… Also on the top of Top Thrill Dragster there is a beautiful view of Lake Erie, Millennium Force, and the rest of the park. Also you can walk completely under the track and there are even bleachers to sit right by the launch and watch people’s expressions. Though Kingda Ka is the tallest and slightly faster, it doesn’t make a huge difference and Top Thrill Dragster will always be better.
Actually cedar point the best amusment park in the world litterally voted that 16 years in a row! And a lot more people agree that ttd is waaayyyy better than kk bc the bars. I’ve rode both rides and I can honesty say that ttd is the better more enjoyable ride of the two and I personally think it’s because of the bars as well. And if 6 Flags Magic Mountain was the better amusment park it would be named that.
For all of you that say KKRIESEL isn’t a knockoff because it is a little taller and faster, but CP is owned by Cedar Fair and six flags and cedar fair have an ongoing rivalry an cedar point came out with TTD FIRST! Then six flags made KK plus TTD has a better theme and view in my opinion and I like the lap bar on TTD.
KK was good but TTD hand a better theme and was much smoother
Which is better? I haven’t ridden either.
If you read through the post and the 322 comments, maybe you could draw a conclusion.
Top thrill dragster all the way. The launch on Kingda Ka very rough compared to silky smooth on Top Thrill. Biggest difference is seat restraints on Top Thrill also giving a more open experience . If you do not want to ride your friends and family can watch you from the stadium seating on the side of strip. Don’t get me wrong I love KingdaKato just prefer Top Thrill.
Top Thrill Dragster is better in every way imaginable. Kingda Ka now has Zumanjaro slowing down the capacity but even before that, Kingda Ka was slower at processing riders than Dragster. The foundation the coasters are built on is much better under Dragster than Kingda Ka. Kingda KA is built on swampy wetlands thus creating a very bad foundation. Over the years they have added more supports to Kingda KA to help make it run sturdier as the tower sways back and forth after every launch. This is clearly the reasoning for Dragster running much smoother than Kingda KA. once you get over 100 mph on Kingda KA, the ride is significatnly rougher than Dragster. Dragster does however get rough but thats once you get a couple hundred feet up the tower but by then you’re starting to slow down. These trains way several tons so containing the forces of them being launched over 120 mph each isn’t an easy task. But the foundation and lighter trains of dragster give it the edge engineering wise. The lap bars also help create faster capacity and they’re equally as safe as the shoulder harnesses on Kingda KA., we’re also not even talking about how Dragster is in the center of Cedar Point and viewed as a centerpiece to all of Cedar Point. Kingda KA runs along the parking lot, and before Zumanjaro was made, you couldn’t really get anywhere near Kingda Ka outside of the station. Zumanjaro I’d argue the case, is the better ride of the 2 that share the same structure. It’s 415 feet tall, it’s very smooth, and it’s extremely fast. and it’s capacity is outstanding and Kingda Ka must yield to it’s dispatch. Dragster would never yield to anything on it’s structure because Cedar Point wouldn’t allow it.
Kingda ka all the way the air time hill is just great
Second hill on Kingda Ka is nothing I got no airtime and the over shoulder restraining is awful