California Theme Park Nears Reopening of 48-Year-Old Roller Coaster After Years of Sitting Idle
California Theme Park Nears Reopening of 48-Year-Old Roller Coaster After Years of Sitting Idle
Colson ThayerMon, July 13, 2026 at 6:21 PM UTC
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The entrance to MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress at Knott’s Berry FarmCredit: Knott's Berry Farm -
Knott’s Berry Farm is preparing to reopen a nearly 50-year-old roller coaster after a four-year renovation
A media preview of MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress is scheduled for July 20, with a public debut expected to follow
The ride, originally Montezuma’s Revenge, debuted in 1978 as the world’s first flywheel-launched coaster
After years of sitting unused, a nearly 50-year-old roller coaster is coming back to life at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Officials at the Buena Park, Calif., theme park have sent invitations for a media preview on July 20 for the reimagined MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress roller coaster. A public opening is expected to follow soon after, though an official date has yet to be announced.
“The ancient legend rises again!” a press release shared with PEOPLE says. “Knott’s Berry Farm is proud to unveil MonteZOOMA: The Forbidden Fortress for all who are brave enough to embark on an unforgettable expedition in search of Montezuma’s elusive gold.”
Montezuma’s Revenge at Knott’s Berry FarmCredit: Scandphoto / Alamy Stock Photo
The attraction dates back to 1978 when it opened as Montezuma’s Revenge. When it debuted, it was the first flywheel-launched coaster — which uses the kinetic energy of a rapidly spinning, multi-ton flywheel to propel a train forward — in the world. It was later designated as a historic landmark as the last operating ride of its kind in the country and the longest standing in its original location.
The coaster closed to guests in 2022 when the park announced plans to update the attraction with a new randomized launch sequence, according to The Orange County Register. The park has since spent four years converting the attraction to feature a new synchronous motor launch system and adding new design elements throughout the experience.
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Concept art for the ride vehicle for MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress at Knott’s Berry FarmCredit: Knott's Berry Farm
Themed around Montezuma, the ninth emperor of the Aztec Empire, the attraction is said to feature an Aztec treasure hunt on a train designed to look like a mythical stone creature.
The Register reports a new station and queue will take guests through Montezuma’s hidden fortress, past booby traps and the remains of treasure hunters. The ride’s show building will be located next to the Mayan stone temple that houses the Jaguar coaster next door.
Knott’s Berry Farm is working with Dutch manufacturer Kumbak to revitalize the attraction. The company’s past clients include SeaWorld and Kentucky Kingdom.
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According to American Coaster Enthusiasts, the original iteration of the attraction was designed by German engineer Werner Stengel of manufacturer Anton Schwarzkopf. The 800-foot track layout included two near-vertical spikes and a train that traveled in both directions.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
