 Plans to build Kingda Ka were announced on September 10 , 2004 , at an event held for roller coaster enthusiasts and the media . The event revealed the park 's goal to build " the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth " , reaching 456 feet ( 139 m ) and accelerating up to 128 miles per hour ( 206 km / h ) in 3 @.@ 5 seconds . On January 13 , 2005 , Kingda Ka 's tower construction was completed , and on May 21 , 2005 , the ride opened to the public . Kingda Ka became the " tallest " and " fastest " roller coaster in the world , taking both world records from Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point . It lost the title of world 's fastest when Formula Rossa at Ferrari World opened in November 2010 . Intamin designed both Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster , and the two share a similar design and layout that differs primarily by the theme and the additional hill featured on Kingda Ka . Both rides were built by Stakotra and installed by Martin & Vleminckx . 
