This Iconic Amusement Park Ride From The '70s Is Reopening This Summer After A 4-Year Wait

Nostalgia is all the rage these days. From the revival of '90s fashion to series like Stranger Things that tug on our heartstrings and remind us of the good times, sentimental blasts from the past are everywhere. And the tourism sector is no exception. You can be transported back to the '70s in a retro-chic boutique hotel in Hollywood, or enjoy kitsch design and classic, comforting cuisine in restaurants from London to Sydney. Even nightlife has taken on a touch of vintage flair, with arcade bars, vinyl cafes, and prohibition-era speakeasies a mainstay of most cities' after-dark entertainment options. So it is perhaps no surprise that one of the most iconic amusement park rides is reopening this summer, after a four-year closure. 

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, closed its vintage MonteZOOMa's Revenge roller coaster in 2022. After four years of renovations and refurbishments, Six Flags (which operates the park) has announced that this beloved ride will reopen in summer 2026 with a new storyline and several new elements, but the original ride layout.

Knott's Berry Farm sits on the site of an old berry farm and a roadside stand on State Route 39 and should be on everyone's amusement park bucket list. It opened as a theme park in 1941, when the owner, Walter Knott, built a replica ghost town, and over the years it has transformed into one of the most popular amusement parks in the U.S. It is a great alternative to Disneyland California in Anaheim, as it is only a 15-minute drive away, and it's around 45 minutes by car from downtown Los Angeles.

The original MonteZOOMa's Revenge coaster opened in 1978 and was the first Schwarzkopf flywheel-launch shuttle loop coaster in the United States. It has been recognized by the Association of Coaster Enthusiasts as a Landmark Roller Coaster, signifying its noteworthy spot in roller coaster history. In 2022, after nearly 45 years of service, MonteZOOMa's Revenge was closed for repair, refurbishment, and upgrades, but when it missed its original reopening date in 2023, fans feared the worst.

But after a long, long wait, MonteZOOMa will ride again, under the new name of MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress. According to reports, the refurbished ride has been completely redeveloped, with new track, new hardware, and a new launch and braking system, all sticking closely to the original layout and concept. The ride will include a brand-new, in-depth narrative and history, taking visitors on an adventure into the world of the ancient Aztecs on a hunt for long-forgotten gold and treasure.

Knott's hasn't announced a specific date for the reinauguration, but has confirmed that MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress and the renovated Fiesta Village will be operational at some point during summer 2026. Speaking to the Orange County Register, Knott's officials said, "The park is eagerly awaiting to see the ancient legend rise again. We are getting close to unveiling an opening date and welcoming all who are brave enough to embark on an unforgettable expedition in search of Montezuma's elusive gold."