Credit: Knott's Berry FarmKnott’s Berry Farm fans rejoice! We finally have a reopening date for a coaster whose fate has been uncertain for several years.
Knott’s Berry Farm is one of California’s oldest theme parks, coming from humble beginnings as a roadside restaurant and traveler’s stop in the 1920s. Since then, it’s continued to compete with Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Each year, its fall event, Knott’s Scary Farm, draws in as many guests as Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, making it a premiere vacation destination.
The park boasts over a dozen iconic attractions and roller coasters, including the GhostRider, HangTime, Camp Snoopy, and the historic Old West Ghost Town. Last year, Knott’s Berry debuted the updated the Fiesta Village area, which saw renovated dining options, theming, and brand new shows. However, the iconic centerpiece of the area did not reopen with the Village, leading to rumors and concerns that it was being considered for permanent closure.
Montezooma’s Revenge is one of the most popular attractions in the park and is the longest-standing shuttle loop in the US. The ride has existed in the park since 1978 and features a simple yet effective system that launches riders forward into a loop while gravity then brings the coaster right back through the loop. It’s one of the most popular rides at Knott’s, which closed in January 2022 in order to undergo a major renovation and reimagining, with an expected reopening date of summer 2023.
Unfortunately, summer 2023 came and went with no word from Knott’s or parent company Cedar Fair about the future of the park, leading to concerns that the park had decided to give up on the promised upgrade, leaving Montezooma’s Revenge to be barred from guests forever. This also followed the closure of two other landmark roller coasters that had been torn down within a year, one of which was destroyed by the Cedar Fair company.
However, Knott’s Berry Farm released an official update yesterday offering fans a look at the “re-launched” attraction. “Work is ‘re-zooming’ on our reimagination of Montezooma’s Revenge,” the park announced in an Instagram and X/Twitter post. “Get ready to launch into new thrills when MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress opens in 2025.”
Work is “re-zooming” on our reimagination of Montezooma’s Revenge. Get ready to launch into new thrills when MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress opens in 2025. 🎢https://t.co/iCcFa3i69Z
— Knott’s Berry Farm (@knotts) March 1, 2024
The announcement confirms the new name as well as gives an official reopening date for 2025, two years after its initially expected reopening. While disappointing, it at least confirms the ride will be available to guests once again next year with improved, immersive technology reinvigorating the iconic attraction.
Are you excited for this update on MonteZOOMa? Let us know in the comments below!