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Six Flags Unveils World’s Tallest, Fastest Spinning Coaster Ever
Six Flags Great Adventure Unveils BAKUNAWA: A Record-Breaking Spinning Launch Coaster Coming in 2027
TL;DR: Six Flags Great Adventure in Philadelphia is building a brand-new roller coaster called BAKUNAWA that will open in 2027. It’s a spinning, floorless launch coaster inspired by a Philippine sea serpent myth. It will be 382 feet tall, hit 100 mph, and break six world records—including the world’s first upside-down launch and fastest spinning coaster.
What Is BAKUNAWA?
Imagine a roller coaster that spins freely while it races along the track—so every ride feels different. Now make it floorless (your feet dangle!), launch it three times, and flip you upside down at 80 mph. That’s BAKUNAWA.
- Park: Six Flags Great Adventure (Philadelphia area)
- Opening: 2027
- Theme: Philippine mythology — the Bakunawa, a giant sea serpent that swallows moons
- Location: The newly transformed Boardwalk area, where it will be the star attraction
The Ride Experience: Step by Step
The whole journey lasts 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Here’s what happens, in order:
- First Launch – You shoot from 0 to 60 mph in seconds.
- Climb – The train rockets up and over the Boardwalk, giving you crazy views.
- Upside-Down Launch (World First!) – While completely inverted, you accelerate from 60 to 80 mph. Yep, you’re upside down and speeding up.
- Final Launch – One last boost pushes you to the top speed: 100 mph.
- Spinning All the Way – Because the trains spin freely, you might face forward, backward, or sideways—every ride is unique.
Six World Records — All in One Coaster
BAKUNAWA isn’t just fast—it’s historic. It will hold six Guinness World Records:
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fastest spinning coaster | 100 mph |
| Tallest spinning coaster | 382 feet |
| Fastest inversion | 80 mph (while upside down!) |
| Longest stall inversion | Hanging upside down longer than any other coaster |
| First floorless spinning coaster | No floor beneath your feet + free rotation |
| First upside-down launch | Accelerating while fully inverted |
Important: “Inversion” = going upside down. “Stall inversion” = hanging upside down at the top of an element, almost floating.
Train & Track Details
- Two trains, each holds 20 riders (10 rows of 2)
- Track length: 3,163 feet (about 10 football fields)
- Height requirement: 48 inches (4 feet) minimum to ride
- Floorless design: Your legs dangle—no floor beneath you
- Free-spinning cars: The train cars rotate on their own based on weight and momentum—no motors!
The Boardwalk Transformation
BAKUNAWA will be the centerpiece of a completely redesigned Boardwalk area. The park promises:
- New thrills and attractions
- Better views across the park
- Immersive theming tied to the Bakunawa legend
We don’t know yet: The exact opening date (just “2027”) or full details on the rest of the Boardwalk makeover.
Why Philippine Mythology?
The Bakunawa is a legendary sea serpent from Filipino folklore. It’s said to rise from the ocean and swallow the moon, causing eclipses. The coaster’s twisting, spinning, launching motion mimics the creature’s powerful, unpredictable movements—making the theme feel alive, not just painted on.
Summary
- BAKUNAWA is a first-of-its-kind spinning, floorless, triple-launch coaster opening 2027 at Six Flags Great Adventure.
- It stands 382 feet tall, hits 100 mph, and breaks six world records.
- The ride features the world’s first upside-down launch and longest stall inversion.
- Trains spin freely—no two rides feel the same.
- It anchors a transformed Boardwalk themed to a Philippine sea serpent myth.
- Riders must be 48+ inches tall.
FAQ
Q: What does “floorless” mean?
A: There’s no floor under your seat—your legs hang freely. It adds to the feeling of flying (or falling!).
Q: How does the spinning work if there’s no motor?
A: The train cars are mounted on a rotating bearing. As the coaster twists, turns, and launches, your car spins naturally based on gravity and momentum—like a teacup ride at high speed.
Q: Is the upside-down launch scary?
A: It’s intense! You’re flipped over before the second launch, then accelerate from 60 to 80 mph while inverted. It’s a world-first sensation.
Q: Can kids ride it?
A: Only if they’re at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall. It’s a high-thrill coaster—think “extreme,” not “family.”
Q: When exactly in 2027 will it open?
A: The park hasn’t announced a specific date yet—just “2027.” Keep an eye on Six Flags’ official channels for updates.
