JACKSON, NJ — After months of teasers and snippets and hints, Six Flags Great Adventure finally unveiled the new roller coaster it is planning to open in 2027.
The coaster they have been calling "Project Purple" since May is named Bakunawa, from Philippine mythology, Six Flags officials said.
The Bakunawa was a sea dragon that was believed to have eaten the moon during a lunar eclipse, according to the Aswang Project.
It will be the world's fastest and tallest spinning launch coaster, rising 382 feet in the air and reaching up to 100 mph, park officials said, and is the centerpiece of Shoreline Pier, the Boardwalk area the park officially opened June 30.
Bakunawa has two 20-passenger trains with free-spinning, floorless vehicles that travel the 3,163-foot course in 2 minutes, 17 seconds, rotating independently throughout the ride for a unique combination of spins, views and sensations, park officials said.
The ride starts with the first of three linear synchronous motor launches that take the train from 0 to 60 mph before climbing high above The Boardwalk, the new area that debuted at the park in June.
Midway through the ride there is a second launch — but this one is upside down, the first upside-down launch in the world. It will push the train from 60 to 80 mph while it is completely inverted. The third launch accelerates it to 100 mph to ascend the massive tower. At the top, there is a spiral into a 180-degree bank, giving riders unprecedented views of Six Flags Great Adventure and the sky.
Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the coaster, which sets world records for the fastest spinning coaster at 100 mph; tallest spinning coaster at 382 feet; fastest inversion at 80 mph; longest stall inversion; first upside-down launch and first floorless spinning coaster, the park said.
"Over the past year, we've made meaningful investments across our resort that continue to transform the guest experience," said Mike Fehnel, Six Flags Great Adventure park president. "From Shoreline Pier and the continued evolution of The Boardwalk to enhancements at Wild Safari, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey and Savannah Sunset Resort, every transformation is part of a long-term vision to strengthen Six Flags Great Adventure as the Northeast's premier destination for thrills, entertainment and family experiences."
"Bakunawa is our next defining milestone," he said, "an attraction that demonstrates our commitment to innovation while giving guests another incredible reason to visit, stay longer and return throughout the year."
Shoreline Pier is Six Flags' "modern interpretation of an iconic New Jersey boardwalk," park officials said. It includes the family-friendly rides Barrels O' Fun, Flying Scooters, Hypno Twister, Super Roundup and Wave Swinger, plus spaces and midway experiences designed for a more leisurely pace.
Boardwalk Nights, which started in mid-June, brings live entertainment to Shoreline Pier, with vocalists, dancers, musicians, specialty performers and immersive entertainment to create "the sights, sounds and excitement of a summer evening at the Jersey Shore," the park said. The Boardwalk theme carries through the food offerings, including seafood, fresh-cut French fries and funnel cakes.
With the unveiling of Bakunawa, the park has launched its 2027 season pass sales, which will offer the chance to be among the first to ride the coaster when it opens in 2027, officials said.
See the timelapse of construction of Bakunawa:
Previous coverage:
New Rides, Updates As Six Flags Great Adventure Prepares To Open For 2026
Another Coaster In Works At Six Flags Great Adventure: See When It's Coming
4 New Rides, Revamped Boardwalk Plans Unveiled For Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Wild Safari Welcomes Baby Giraffes, Zebras, Bear Cub
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