MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress Is Now Open at Knott’s Berry Farm

After years of anticipation, one of Knott’s Berry Farm’s most iconic roller coasters has officially returned. Montezooma’s Revenge has been reimagined as MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress, bringing a legendary Southern California coaster back to life with modern technology, updated theming, and a brand-new story.

The historic attraction officially reopened on August 15, 2026, just in time for National Roller Coaster Day.

Montezooma’s Revenge first debuted at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1978 and quickly became one of the park’s signature thrill rides. The coaster was notable for its unique flywheel launch system, sending riders from 0 to 55 mph in roughly four seconds before launching them through a 76-foot vertical loop.

The ride then sent its train up a towering 148-foot spike before reversing back through the station and climbing a second 112-foot tower.

Nearly five decades later, the classic shuttle coaster has returned with its original spirit intact—but with some significant upgrades.

What’s New on MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress?

Knott’s Berry Farm has undertaken a major restoration and modernization of the attraction, with improvements designed to enhance the ride while preserving the experience that made Montezooma so memorable.

Guests can expect:

• New trains
• A new motorized launch system
• An updated station experience
• Refurbished track and supports
• New storytelling and theming

Perhaps the biggest change is the attraction’s new storyline. Rather than simply boarding the legendary coaster formerly known as Montezooma’s Revenge, guests are now invited into a mysterious adventure involving a forbidden temple and the legendary lost treasure of Montezooma.

The story begins before riders ever reach the launch, with the queue and station becoming part of the adventure.

While the technology behind the attraction has changed, Knott’s has worked to preserve the defining characteristics of the original ride.

That means guests can still look forward to the rapid launch, vertical loop, towering spikes, and the unique sensation of traveling forward and backward through the course.

The new version is designed to combine the nostalgia of one of Knott’s historic attractions with improvements intended to provide a more reliable and comfortable ride for today’s

Clint Gamache

Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83