It’s Recommended You Don’t Ride Kong At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Too Many Times
I’ll admit to riding some pretty bad coasters. It’s hard to process after you’ve experienced one that can be one of your worst. I love Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, however, Kong is a disaster. This isn’t an experience you’ll want to have more than once.
If you’re a coaster enthusiast, you’ll have a good idea about Kong before stepping onto the coaster. Vekoma SLC’s (Suspended Looping Coasters) are some of the toughest rides in the world. In fact, the worst coaster I’ve ridden (Mindbender at Darien Lake) is indeed this same model by Vekoma. While Kong is better than that, there’s still a lot to dislike about it.
To start off, Kong is in desperate need of some TLC. The track and supports look really rusted over and dated. Going up the first lift hill, you’ll see exactly what I’m referring to on the supports. Rust is everywhere on this coaster. It also looks like the paint is fading off of the track.
Appearance aside, there’s a lot more about this coaster which needs fixing. The restraints are awkward and bulky. They don’t fit around your shoulders correctly (at least mine didn’t). I’ve had the same issue with most SLC’s (Excluding T2 at Kentucky Kingdom, which uses difference trains and restraints). There are handlebars to hold on to at the front of the restraint, and you’ll definitely want to use them.
I’m not going to bash Kong too hard. Again, it’s not the worst SLC I’ve done. The ride does have a rattle to it. The entirety of the coaster you’ll be shaking along the track. It’s not an unsafe feeling, just a bit uneasy. You don’t really get your head bashed in as much as I’d thought you would. Kong shakes you around a bit more than it does bash your head.
Of all the elements on Kong the worst is by far the heartline loop. This can feel a lot like a cobra roll ( not as good). I’d say if there were a time you’re head will get bashed in, it’s this. The other inversions are just your standard twists. There’s nothing too special about any of them.
If your ride Kong, I’d recommend staying as far away from the back as you can. I reluctantly chose the back seat because the front had a 2 train wait. The back row is 9 times out of 10 the most intense car of any coaster. You’ll feel a lot of the shaky elements and that’s where most of the head banging will occur. The front (while I’ve never ridden it there) I can only assume is more enjoyable than the back.
In the end, Kong at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is in my top three worst coaster list. I’ve done good SLC’s (Flight Deck at Canada’s Wonderland), but this one just doesn’t cut it. You need to do it once just for the credit. After that, ride at your own risk.
Image Source: Coasterpedia
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
