THE FUTURE OF MONTEZOOMA'S REVENGE at Knott's Berry Farm!

Montezooma's Revenge at Knott's Berry Farm closed in February 2022 for an extensive renovation. And was supposed to reopen in 2023. But now it's looking like it might be scrapped!!
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[@looperdehooper5870]

Just call Zamperla and rebuild the coaster with the flywheel launch. I will take that scenario ANYDAY over just scrapping it completely.

[@theronlanghorne6673]

I'm sure Cedar Fair is considering all of their options. I just hope they make the best call.

[@crazee4mm]

I will renew my pass ONLY if Knott's brings Montezooma back. This is my absolute favorite coaster. Simple, thrilling, a loop, and a bone jarring insta-brake stop at the end. Everyone who loves Knott's in my family want it back. No substitute will be acceptable.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

💯

[@realrocker777]

By far mine too.

[@gregg5958]

A cautionary tale…make sure you chose your contractors wisely and that they don’t make matters worse.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

I'm wondering if they went with TOGO again. 🤣

[@KnottsBear-yTalesPreserved]

You are right! Because as someone who is working on a dark ride independently. You always gotta make sure the contractor you hire is the right choice.

[@kittykitty0204]

​@@AmericasCoasterNetworkdidn't TOGO go bankrupt after Knott's sued them over Windjammer? Knott's doesn't always get it right (for example, Iron Reef, Windseeker, and closing Mystery Lodge) but I like to think they know better than to go back to someone who has burned them.

[@IntaminFanGRLPowerCoasters]

I thought it was KumbaK

[@Marmarket]

My first real coaster, went for my birthday when I knew I was finally tall enough. Still my favorite after all the coasters since then, a perfect ride and a living memory. Can't believe it's gone, and more that they just let it go through disregard and incompetence. Didn't know it was recognized as historic, that adds so much to the sting. Clear, dispatch. ROAR. Full gravity press, suddenly weightless, then flying backward unwinding the initial loop while still processing it, bird's eye snapshot of the incongruous traffic squares outside of your postage stamp paradise day in the park, and skid to a screaming stop in 36 seconds, the definition of thrill ride and very few things created for our amusement more perfect than that. ¡Que Viva Montezooma!

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

I'll miss the witness protection sounding voice!

[@CZsWorld]

Disappointing year to have a Knott's pass. No cycles on Xcelerator and no opening of Montezooma's Revenge.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yeah I feel the same after getting a 2023 pass in Aug 2022. Been 14 months of not being able to ride two of my favorite coasters.

[@giovannicastro8218]

So only like 2 coasters?gosthrider and magic bullet or qhatever its called.thats it right??

[@littsociety]

I just got on silver bullet a couple weeks ago went for Knotts scary farm man the line was 180 minutes @@giovannicastro8218

[@kotchapakmaneechote2062]

@@giovannicastro8218 It's called Silver Bullet

[@dylanlopez85]

And hang time but yeah :(

[@jeffwood1631]

Hopefully the rumors are just that, rumors. We’d all love to see Monty back in all it’s glory. The bit about the contractor messing up and now being sued by Cedar Fair would make a lot of sense though.

[@jarretstroud1842]

What glory? Train and launch is getting replaced. They might as well replace the coaster.

[@schizhophrenic]

no rumors,heard from a family friend who is a manager at knotts, state that they’re missing or can’t find a part for montezooma’s revenge & if they can’t find said part then it will have to close

[@deletedaccountdnd]

5:06 the paint over the pine cone 😂

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Haha right? I just HAD to use that specific clip.

[@002mjr]

Great video! Montezuma was such a great ride not only for its nostalgia, but as a middle ground between small and larger coasters. I really hope it comes back because it was an integral part to knotts, especially with its iconic launch noise. However, when I saw the proposed comfort collars, I knew the original ride experience was dead.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thank you! And well said! Monte was most definitely a nice step up to larger coasters. Kids could brave the launch of it before stepping up to Xcelerator. Or the one loop before the many on Silver Bullet. And, yeah, that launch sound was everything. As well as the sound of the loop. Sadly all that will sound different when/if the ride reopens.

[@jordanmartinez1281]

Pretty sad to hear about Monty. It just doesn't feel the same in the park without it, and that goes for Xcelerator as well. Which is also down for awhile too

[@suninmyeyesyes]

They just need to renno Xcelerator to maglev launch and move on. Clearly the original hydraulic cable system can't be repaired properly.

[@OriginalJoe]

It's been so hard to get reliable info on this story. Thanks for posting.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. And yeah... It's been crickets from Knott's. And rumors are still just that. Rumors. But still wanted to at least get my thoughts out. I don't think Knott's wants to be down a coaster. And there aren't many options to fill that piece of land.

[@jonathannichols2043]

This ride cannot be lost!!!!!

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

💯

[@spaceistheplace2293]

Cedar Fair hired Kumbak to refurbish Montezooma. Kumbak's most famous ride is Vliegende Hollander at the Efteling, which opened a year late, and the park had to hire Intamin to come in and fix the ride before it was able to open. I believe the only reason Cedar Fair would choose to work with Kumbak on this project is because they agreed to do this renovation for significantly cheaper than any other manufacturer. Montezooma's is well loved, however it has not been a very popular ride among most guests for a long time, and therefor I don't believe it makes financial sense for Cedar Fair to dump a ton of money on this refurbishment when the space could be used on a much more popular new attraction. So now that it's clear the renovation will take more money than predicted and Kumbak is unable to complete the project for the original price I believe this is probably the end for Montezooma as we know it.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Ah yeah I remember the Kumbak talk when we saw those trains. Ew.

[@rexrabbiteer]

Not popular? 😂 you’re crazy. It’s one of the most iconic and popular coasters at knotts. Easily more exciting than Xcelerator. It’s a short attraction but the lines were always packed when I was there

[@realrocker777]

As a kid who spent every free moment riding this ride (unofficial record holder possibly at 4000+ rides in the 80s alone) and as someone who knew how to run main dispatch and secondary dispatch despite never working there, no one feels the pain of possibly losing Montezooma's Revenge (Just 'Zoom' as the ride operators used to refer to it as) more than I do. It felt like a dagger through the heart just watching this. I hope they figure this out quickly.

[@stratoplayer1988]

This was my first looping rollercoaster that I ever went on. I’d be heartbroken to see it gone from Knotts.

[@psychopompinc.646]

This whole situation makes me so sad. Loved this ride. It was always a must ride when I went to Scary Farm because it was such a fun little night ride. Hopefully it can be put back together and saved, but sadly, I don't think that's happening. I guess all we can do is wait and see. There really are very few new rides on the market with a similar footprint so it is tough to replace. I'd rather see it restored.

[@alexlents4689]

To be fair, I don’t think any old pieces have been scrapped yet, and we all know Schwarzkopf coasters can be taken apart and reassembled pretty smoothly (look at Olympia Looping, 30+ years old and moved around dozens of times, and yet somehow still glass smooth. I guess I can understand if the flywheel launch and maybe even the original trains have to go (those new trains do look gorgeous!). Knott’s is landlocked now, so they basically *have* to remove something to make room for something new. However, at the very least they should keep it lapbar-only. It’s so stupid to put OTSR’s on that ride. Same goes for All American Triple Loop at Indiana Beach. It’s unfortunately getting Mindbender’s old trains, which of course include those *AWFUL* OTSR’s.

[@KaliforniaLA]

I grew up next to, and worked at Marriotts Great America in Santa Clara. I loved Tidal Wave, a clone of Monty. I’ve been in LA 40 years now and I’ve only been to Knotts 4-5 times. (Disneyland 100s of times). I was at Knotts a month ago and the first thing noticed is that Monty was gone. We got bored and left after 3 hours. Doubt I’d ever go back. And Cedars version of Great America breaks my heart compared to how nice that park was in the 70s and 80s.

[@jyzo]

The most recent time I went was before covid, so most likely spring of 2019. I was super unimpressed with their quality of operations and staffing (to put it nicely). To call it like it was, just about every employee we interacted with was a jerk. My point to this is, you aren’t missing anything. I doubt I’ll go back anytime soon, and in the meantime I like to take every opportunity to talk about their poor attitudes towards guests. There’s certainly no reason to go now that the two coasters I liked best are down for the count!

[@seanlewis1148]

Zamperla, Vekoma, and Premier...those would be my three guesses to bring Montezooma back to life.

[@sebastianvilas]

For my, the best company for Schwarzkopfs refurbs is Gerstlauer...

[@ThePirateprincess23]

It is hard knowing that this coaster is still close. MonteZooma's Revenge was there during my first visit to Knotts back in the 90s and it was there during my last visit back in 2005 (when I finally rode it). I'm in a Knotts Berry Farm group on Facebook and I keep myself up to date on the going ons there and I am still waiting on when they announce when work on the coaster resumes 🥳 or when Knotts delivers the heartbreaking news of it being scrapped 💔.

[@pietrodied2early]

God I love this ride, I always used to go on a Tuesday with my mom and we actually rode it 37 times in a row running all the way back around each time. I miss this rollercoaster. I hope it will come back.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Was such a great ride to marathon!

[@andrewsroses]

Man! I'll be so sad if that ride closes down if anyone y'all have sat in the absolute last seat in the back you'll know the insane airtime weightlessness you get. It was wild!

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yes! I loved that feeling! I'd push up with my feet a little. And wait to get slammed back down at the bottom of the drop.

[@nathanlamoreaux1272]

Between this and Xcelerator it's been a rough few years for Knott's. And right before Xcelerator closed, HangTime was closed for several months in late 2021 after the COVID reopening. I would love to see Gerstlauer come in and just create a carbon copy of Monte in its place, even if they did incorporate a swing launch sequence or something, so it can last for decades to come. I'm still kinda shocked the park didn't go with Gerstlauer in the first place given their relationship from HangTime and Gerstlauer's history of refurbishing Schwarzkopf coasters.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Oh yeah. I forgot about when HangTime was down for a bit. Rough times for sure. Also a broken Mystery Lodge.

[@rexrabbiteer]

Don’t forget mystery lodge being lost in limbo. Knotts never officially announced its permanent closure, the entire stage is still in there but for whatever reason they’ve had it down for about 3 years now soon to be 4 years.

[@rexrabbiteer]

That one bothers me a lot. Great show with heart in limbo for about 3 years. I can’t help but wonder why they haven’t been able to fix it after 3 years. The stage is still there, nothing has been removed This is the stage in 2021 during scary farm kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4e4fqV5i7mfqaMsi=WXgJQyV7pc8X0_xV

[@rexrabbiteer]

If you checked out the video I added to my last comment you can see how in that scary farm show “invitation to terror” they used screen effects similar to what mystery lodge used so what exactly is broken in that show?

[@hbdad12]

The last few years at Knott’s include lengthy closure of Hang Time, Xcelerator, Monty, and squashed giga rumors. To say nothing of staffing/ops issues.

[@kalaoahaole]

Wow! So much has happened since i caught the OG version in August 2021. So glad i did. A complete restore is my preference. Too much fun!

[@scarabeo500gt]

I rode this back when it first opened...MONTEZOOMA'S REVENGE and the Corkscrew were my favorite rides in the 70's! I rode the Corkscrew more times then any ride in my life to this day and sad its been gone forever...

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

You can still ride Corkscrew at Silverwood in Idaho. Yeah, a bit far. But still runs great!

[@realrocker777]

As a kid who spent every free moment riding this ride (unofficial record holder possibly at 4000+ rides in the early 80s alone) and as someone who knew how to run main dispatch and secondary dispatch despite never working there, no one feels the pain of possibly losing Montezooma's Revenge (Just 'Zoom' as the ride operators used to refer to it as) more than I do. It felt like a dagger through the heart just watching this. I hope they figure this out quickly. Zoom will forever be my ride regardless of the outcome.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

That's an awesome record! And I never heard the "Zoom" nickname until a few days ago when Knott's Network said it. It's always been "Monte" for short anytime I heard.

[@realrocker777]

@@AmericasCoasterNetwork Wow! Very cool. Is that a blog or a youtube channel? I haven't heard anyone really call it Zoom outside of ride operators and that was way back when. Did you ever hear of when it would rarely 'short shoot,' and would barely make it through the loop forwards, but not have enough momentum to make it back over backwards? It would go back and forth until it stopped, then people would be 'offloaded." They would pull the train up to the top of the front (with a wench thing - i dont know what it's called) and release it. The empty train would clear the loop going backwards and then they did tests, etc before it would reopen. I never got to be on one of those short shoots, and i actually wanted to get stuck like that since it was one thing I had never done on the ride. I doubt it would be as fun and as much of a novelty now, but I would still totally do it. LOL

[@diazjr1975]

I was pissed when they removed my beloved Monte. Now to hear it might just be killed, is really PISSING me off. We need a rally at Knott's for Monte!!

[@detroitdiezel7856]

I was on it once when I visited back in 91 and it was awesome. So sad to hear this.

[@webguy943]

Glad i was able to ride it before it closed. It will be missed

[@P-_-S]

This would make me very sad if it never came back, though even if they rebuilt it with a modern version it will probably never be quite the same. Montezooma's Revenge was my second looping coaster, first being Wabash Cannonball at the defunct Opryland (R.I.P.), it has a special place in my heart. If they decide to abandon the plans completely, my highly unlikely dream would be for them to pull out Jaguar and use the space of both Montezooma and Jaguar to build a modern version of the Soapbox Racers or it's previous dirt bike theming. Never was a huge fan of Jaguar, it was mostly ignored by my friends and I when it came out, it's not terrible and the theming is great (especially the way it went through Monty's loop. The thrill level of Jaguar was just never a draw for us. I'm sure some would be sad to see it gone though if you first rode it at a more formative age.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Well said. And while I'm not the biggest fan of Jaguar, it fills a hole of family coaster at the park. It also doesn't take up too much room with how much it goes over. I'm not really sure what else could fit in its place without looking super crowded.

[@jsrcsouza1]

Hope it comes back I remember riding that thing like six times in a row and would always ride it every time I’d go

[@alexlents4689]

This renovation , even before the recent drama, seriously pissed me off. This ride is an ACE Coaster Landmark now. They even said they would preserve the historical charm. But then the two pieces of historical charm, the flywheel launch and the lapbar-only trains, we’re not coming back, replaced by generic, modern LSM’s and Comfort Collars. They may as well have just said “We don’t really wanna pay to maintain this dumba$$ carbuncle anymore, but ACE would come after us if we tore it down completely, so we’re gonna suck out everything that makes the ride historic in the first place cuz *MONEY MONEY MONEY!”* 🤑There’s honestly no reason for it to be a Landmark anymore. Everything historic that they *said* they’d be keeping is gone. And now with the recent drama, it’s looking like it’ll be scrapped altogether! Just… f*** you Cedar Fair.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yeah. It really didn't make sense to me how they'd talk up all this historical stuff and then ditch everything that made the ride what it is.

[@riparianlife97701]

It's been a favorite of mine since it opened.

[@coreyheins1152]

Montazooma’s revenge was my first looping coaster ❤

[@ParkVisions]

Appreciate this vid Chris thanks for sharing your insight about it. Great video I really hope they continue with this project with revamping it!

[@1abrebel]

It would suck if they just scrap the ride completely.. if it's gone I kinda doubt they ever replace it with another coaster in the space

[@seanmce8132]

Actually a........ugh 4d free spin would fit in that space. I guess we can look forward to another restaurant.

[@1abrebel]

@@seanmce8132 I'd prefer a nice large bush and flowers over a crappy 4D free spin

[@andrewcrumley5905]

@@1abrebel Prime for a next gen Vekoma Super Boomerang like whats coming to Six Flags or done with a custom layout. Also a worthy replacement, more thrilling, has the ability to use a turn table loading station etc.

[@BobsledRider]

MonteZoomas Revenge was really the only reason I went to Knotts, if it does go away for good, then I really won’t have a reason to go anymore.

[@th3l0nerang3rs]

Great video. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@anthonyantoniohughes1184]

Since Xcelerator keeps breaking stuff, CF should either replace the hydraulics launch like they are doing to TTD or just cut their loses and get rid of the coaster. Since they have a lawsuit with the contractor, Montezooma's revenge will be SNOB for a while or until they settle then maybe they will do something with the coaster, they should've repainted the tracks, replace the train added some sort of lighting package but since they ripped it in half, just take it out. Next time, don't f*** up shit that hasn't been broken!!!!!

[@lovescoober1993]

Okay so I have some tea for y’all. I am a season pass holder and take my daughters weekly. Upon waiting for sierra sidewinder to come back from technical difficulties, I overheard a ride operator mention that the team for montezumas was put on hold to fix Xcelerator. They hired a team to work on it. However, being that Xcelerator has that one special part, well that part came back defective. So they were back at waiting another 8 months for that part and well now Xcelerator has been down for so long it rolls back. They now have to wait for it to fully work before they continue with Montezumas revenge.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thanks

[@eddiehateseverything]

Damn… I’ll never forget the days when the park was nearly empty in the late 90’s/early 00’s and you could just ride Montezuma’s Revenge back to back 10+ times in a row. Boomerang was my first coaster. So many memories at Knott’s.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Oh man! I miss those times! I'd do the same with Montezooma's Revenge. Just stay on. Maybe change rows if I needed to.

[@EVMgaming2]

your content is very well done keep up the great work

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words! 😊

[@EVMgaming2]

do you guys have any advice on how to grow a youtube channel I have a small one but some great ideas. I would apricate any advice@@AmericasCoasterNetwork

[@HeavyMProductions]

Honestly, just rebuild like it was originally, keep the original trains with a refresh and keep it like it was! It has/had the same popularity for 45 years! And correct me if I'm wrong, but since this is an ACE Coaster, don't they assist with the preservation and upkeep with this sort of thing?

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

I wish they would! But, unfortunately, being an ACE landmark doesn't mean much.

[@Missglam67]

I remember this was my very first launch coaster. I think it was 1982 the first time I rode it.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

That's awesome. Back when it was pretty new. Must have been crazy for the time!

[@theronlanghorne6673]

Man, when lawsuits get into the picture, delays are bound to happen! No telling when all of this will get settled. We'll be waiting a long time.

[@TCHSDragonflicks]

Miss this ride the most.

[@realrocker777]

I sent you an email a couple weeks ago stating that my sources said work on Montezooma was going to be resumed. I never heard back, but anyways, todays news was fantastic!!

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Sorry about that. Your email got lost in the shuffle. But I just responded. Awesome news for sure!

[@gypsycrossroads]

I hope that they can get MONTEZOOMA'S REVENGE back together again soon. I loved that ride!!

[@ghg1976]

Knotts was fantastic in the 80's and 90's but it's really gone downhill. Montezooma was one of my favorites. Sad to see the park going in this direction.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

I think there was a rough patch in the late '90s/early '00 under Cedar Fair. But the past decade has seen a ton of improvements in theming and ride restorations. But there's been a downfall in operations and management from a customer perspective.

[@ChrisJohnson-ng6zd]

i hope they open it up again i remember going to Great America to ride the Tidal Wave which i think opened the same year.i really enjoyed that ride

[@janaranelons9289]

They take my heartstring montezooma away i will never go to knott's again.

[@oblivieon1567]

I think Monte is done, it's all cut up already. My guess would be a modified Premier Skyrocket 2.

[@theknottskid3067]

My friend is a ride operator at Knott’s and he told me that the loop was accidentally removed which stressed the park CEO, Jon Storbeck, to the point where he doesn’t know what to do to it. Since this ride was the last of its kind and it’s impossible to restore parts, it won’t be a surprise that they scrap it since it’s been idle for several months.

[@porcelainthunder2213]

It’s not the last of its kind. Niagara Amusement has the same model it is rebuilding after moving it from Mexico. Plus, it’s just steel. The loop can be rebuilt. Just need to fabricate it.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thanks for that information. But, yeah, it can all get re-fabricated. Just like some old steel coasters have had new track made. But it's about finding a company to do it. Still keeping my fingers crossed.

[@goodfellow408]

How did they "accidently" remove the loop??

[@theknottskid3067]

@@goodfellow408 the loop was supposed to stay there but whoever was in charge of the construction made a mistake

[@goodfellow408]

@@theknottskid3067 That's just so wild though! Like how could a legitimate construction company make a mistake like that?? Huge projects like this have countless meetings, walkthroughs, discussions, etc to make sure everyone is on the same page. It's a freaking million+ dollar mistake!!

[@realrocker777]

I've ridden the ride with the lap bar up (employees would get fired if anyone found out) with nothing technically holding me in. They always checked all lap bars every ride, but some would let me ride it like this on occasion. The other thing I loved that I did the most was sit in the very back, lean to the side, turn my head around and ride the whole ride looking backwards. I miss all the people that made the park so great for me growing up. Besides ride operators and people in Admissions, I knew many of the ASRs (assistant supervisor of rides) and Dick Wells, (the only) supervisor of rides, Steve Knott who was head of security, and many other awesome people there. Knotts in the 80s was the best, imo.

[@joeygassmann5595]

This is a really excellent video and you bring up a lot of really good points. It’s very disappointing to see how the park has handled this whole project since it’s inception and it is my hope and I’m sure many others that it will be restored to its former glory, and will not just be completely removed, which, unfortunately, it seems is more likely the case at this point.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thank you! I'm happy you enjoyed the video! 😊

[@NationalCoasters]

Bummed to potentially see this go… but maybe we’ll get lucky! 🙏 Thanks for the video!

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Hey man! I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@chris_allupinya5613]

A giga is going in its plot of land 😂

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Obviously! 🤣

[@kenfrancisworld8720]

Yup; use the station and the footprint for the lift hill!

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Wouldn't be wide enough.

[@janaranelons9289]

Montezooma's revenge is my baby

[@Twisted-Coaster-Fan]

Hopefully They bring back like it was They should get Niagara Amusement Park Laser Loop

[@Buen0.e]

I'm a big fan of Schwarzkopf roller coasters and have an emotional attachment to shuttle loops. Here in Brazil, specifically in Hopi Hari, my home park in São Paulo, we have Katapul. It was the first shuttle to open in KD as King Kobra and later in AT as Thunder Looper. When Katapul opened at Hopi Hari in 1999 it was an instant success, it is the anchor attraction of its themed area. In 2012, Hopi Hari entered into a partnership with Warner and themed it as Superman, it remained that way until 2021. At the end of last year the park closed it to rethem it, however, due to its age, the systems were modernized as well as her weight drop, in addition to changing the looping rails and the sections between the looping and the second spike. Katapul was repainted and rethemed and reopened in April of that year as a time machine complete with effects and its own music radio. We Brazilians have a great love for our old dear. Hopi Hari is themed after a fictional country, with typical music, flag, capital and its own language. Kaminda Mundi is the gateway region, it has European references and a large theater. The region's anchor attraction is La Tour Eiffel, the Intamin drop tower. In Wild West, we have references to the far west and a 500 meter river rapids. The children's region, Infantasia, when opened in 1999 was one of the largest in the world. When they started looking for the capital for the Hopi Hari country, they found an archaeological site that they named Mistieri, here you can find an Intamin spinning coaster called Vurang and Montezum, RCCA wooden coaster. Aribabiba is the capital of the park, is being renovated and is home of Katapul. Katapul was my first looping coaster and since then I wanted to visit some parks to try the flywheel model, Knotts was a strong candidate. It really hurts me what they did to Montezuma, an incredible piece of equipment that could have received the same treatment as Katapul and would continue to operate over the years. These pieces of equipment hold stories and memories of many people and the park itself… I hope that one day it will be reopened. (Sorry for grammatical errors, my English is not that good)

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thanks for the story. Yeah, I'd love to ride Katapul. So cool how it has old Schwarzkopf loop design. Like Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

[@realrocker777]

One day there was a LOUD metal banging every time the train launched. I knew this ride SO WELL I told the ride operators something was seriously wrong. They all heard it and couldn't figure it out, so the didn't close the ride. (I wouldn't go on it because I knew something was very wrong) It turns out that when the "breakaway" - the metal piece that the 'bob' goes up against when dispatching a train - was loose and flopping around and hitting the track banging loudly during each ride. Then the heavy metal breakaway broke off somewhere on the loop and hit someone in the face at high speed and they were badly injured. Paramedics and others took the person away, and I still don't know what happened to that person to this day.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Woah that's crazy! How long ago was this? I'm surprised it wasn't in the news!

[@realrocker777]

@@AmericasCoasterNetwork This was early 80s... Maybe 2-4 years after opening. I was a kid then but did watch the news and look in the newspaper after that happened and found nothing. I was surprised because it seemed pretty major to me.

[@markbrown9458]

Back in the 80's I remember our family driving down to Knott's, and of course the first thing we saw was the parachute tower. But we always looked for the big, yellow looping coaster right after. Although Corkscrew was there first and is a great coaster for youngsters riding their first "big" coaster, it still wasn't as iconic as Monty.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Great memories! I miss the parachutes!

[@212Elevators]

If it doesn't work, they should get a Super Boomerang.

[@JTabor1976]

And now 2023 and nothing. No new update the updated ride idea they announced the change to has been canceled mid September 2023. This coaster was the best one for kids to start their Rollercoaster adventure in life.

[@jaanfo3874]

I’d just as soon see them rebuild it exactly as it was with new trains/track/launch, but if they HAD to change it out for something new with an LSM then I’d suggest it should be a Premier Rides Sky Rocket II. It’s a relatively quick and easy build since it’s a clone, it has a launch and it’s a shuttle so spiritually it would be a worthy successor to the average rider; Something new, different, and exciting that echoes what was there before.

[@Lloyd00]

It is very disheartening seeing it looking like that everyday... the first ride with an inversion I ever rode. I will be devastated if it's scrapped

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yeah, I feel the same way every time I'm at the park. So sad to see. I miss hearing it run.

[@rustycrestmore8784]

I was so pumped for Forbidden Fortress

[@Itsyaboyharry98]

From the jump had a feeling that was all just a scheme to remove the ride with as little protest as possible. The fact that the public was never told who was doing rhe refurb shoudl have been a big sign. Sadening that ill likely never get fo experience one of these classics

[@JTabor1976]

also the signs of construction markings on the ground there is a new kids soap box coaster coming.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

That would be awesome!

[@VegasSteveWinn]

@4:55 "when work was re-ZOOMing on Monty"

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Haha! That's my kinda joke! Good one! 🤣

[@MitchsAdventures65]

I Really don't see Six Flags re-opening Monte. A sad day today as Six Flags and Cedar Fair have merged. :(

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Well, the deal still hasn't gone through. And Cedar Fair still has the majority share. I don't think the merger will change the future of Monte specifically. But there will be things down the line which might be affected.

[@santaclaritadrone2844]

I remember riding this when it opened in 78.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

That's super awesome!

[@TheOwlCreek]

How did they accidentally remove the loop? Did someone at Cedar Fair say, "you see that large giant circle that makes the coaster go upside down? Yeah, just make sure you guys don't take it down" and then the contractor went, "oops we took it down." Who is running this place? 🤦‍♂️

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

It's like the doctor who cuts off the wrong limb! 😂

[@fire2box]

I hope it reopens because up north we lost California Great America's over a decade ago. That one was my very first inversion and helped me tackle more rollercoasters to the point I could go on Tatsu, X2 and Goliath at magic mountain.

[@crazee4mm]

I went on the California Adventure version and was saddened that they engaged the brakes as you were flying through the station backwards. This greatly reduced the speed as you started climbing the final spike hill. In fact, the first few cars never even left the level track much less got any reverse lift. At Knott's, the brakes never engaged until the train was coming back into the station in the forward direction. This made for a bone jarring stop...which always caught newbies unprepared and jerked them in their lap bars. I love the Knott's version as the California Adventure version was too tame, INMHO.

[@tummytime123]

I don't see them ever scrapping this project. If anything, it will just keep getting delay after delay, which will suck, but since the ride takes up such a specific footprint there isn't much, if anything, that would be able to take its place.

[@JaneDoe-ip5yl]

I hope they can get it going. I know that's a tight space but it would be cool to see it extended. go a little further

[@AirtimeThrills]

It's so weird that nobody seems to know who they were working with on the refurb

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yeah, totally. I mean, there's speculation that it's KumbaK because of the trains. But nobody seems to know for sure. By the sounds of it, the trains were being manufactured by one company, and the track another. Perhaps even a different for the LSMs? If that's the case... What a mess.

[@MrTWINARMAGEDDON]

@@AmericasCoasterNetwork from what I know (take with a grain of salt since this comes from one of my team leads and my coworker), it was 2 companies that were in charge of the Zoom refurb. One for the trains (Kumbak) and another for the launch (Premier). I'm asuming this was cheaper than to go with 1 company who would've charged more for the refurb (like Zamperla or Gerstlauer). The reason for the delay (so I've been told) is that Knotts is suing the original contracting company that dismantled the loop. So until the lawsuit is over, no work can be done on Zoom.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thanks. That sounds like it could be pretty spot on.

[@deshonjb]

They should make it an intamin coaster with a super tall loop & vertical hill thingies!

[@jasonrodriguez4264]

In my opinion they’re still trying to to find someone else to do the ride, but I have a feeling that it’s going be removed whether they like it or not

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Just rebuild it like it was. What a dumb move to try to “upgrade” it. Good thing Niagara has one with the flywheel it is building.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yeah, hopefully that one in Niagara happens. And doesn't become like Greezed Lightnin' from Six Flags AstroWorld. Which was supposed to get a new home. But that park never rebuilt it.

[@thaakiidty]

This seriously breaks my heart. They should’ve just refurbished it completely. It would’ve been cheaper in the end I’m sure. The direction Cedar Fair is going with future coasters and investments has been very lackluster and concerning. It’s like they’re the new Six Flags of the theme park chains. Sure the reimagining of Fiesta Village was a home run, but to remove Monte was just plain stupid.

[@HungryFatBunny]

If montezooma is not coming I think new ride should be bobsled but there’s a lot of trees or a single rail or another water ride or a cool enclosed ride

[@rickpontificates3406]

Would be sad to see this nostalgic coaster go, but maybe it's due. Knotts needs a new coaster. Xcelerator is almost always down and the only other coasters with any real significance are Ghostrider and maybe Silver Bullet

[@history_leisure]

The new trains looked like Premier, but what if it was Gerstlauer in the first place? Zamperla would probably have to pick Xcelarator or Monty to redo. Besides, they could decide to move the kids flats behind Monty to the other side of the midway and scrap the 4x4 or whatever

[@lizggil123]

I don't think it will be scraped since in one of your knotts update videos I saw a worker go into the place where the ride was

[@gridley]

Since I don't know what KBF's sales volume is like, it's harder saying what they should or shouldn't do. If they're swimming in yearly revenue, they can do a lot more than if they're still suffering from a hangover due to Covid-era shutdowns. But the need to bring back Montezooma is a given, However, the park also needs more dark rides. The SFMM formula doesn't draw enough visitors per year to allow most or all coaster parks to compete with the big guys. I prefer that KBF compete with the top players

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

When Cedar Fair took over in 1997, they were totally trying to compete with Six Flags. But in the past decade they've focused on family friendly rides and entertainment. Even bringing back a dark ride to the KOD spot. If you count the Log Ride, Knott's has 3 dark rides. Which is pretty darn good for a park of its size. With that said, I'd totally welcome another!!

[@gridley]

@@AmericasCoasterNetwork YT channel Modern MBA several wks ago posted a vid titled "Six Flags & The Endangered Amusement Park." If you haven't seen it, it gives an interesting overview of how coaster-themed Six Flags parks are caught in sort of a sales/marketing/economic vise. However, without confidential data, it's hard knowing exactly what direction a KBF or SFMM should or shouldn't take. Bad weather also affects outdoor businesses, but so does weak word-of-mouth, poor maintenance, apathy, a weak economy. As for a Universal Studios park, the one in North Hollywood is getting a new coaster, not a dark ride. So there's that. Still, new thrill rides for KBF may have too much of a short shelf life. But they're admittedly less $$ than dark rides are.

[@ryantheridemechanic]

So sad

[@rocketrodlover]

Why even touch it? Why pull a Disney and mess with perfection?

[@jayminyoel7911]

Like you said though, Montezooma's Revenge is an ACE Coaster landmark, it can't be removed. (unless if cedar fair pulls a todd joseph.) And I wouldn't trust Historic Coaster Foundation either.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

I don't think the landmark status protects the coaster. With that, it's clear with the renovation announcement that the park wanted to keep it in some form. They could have easily removed it many years ago.

[@CoastersBolts]

Between the snafus involving Monty and Xcelerator, I hope Knott's figures it out soon. It's really not worth the price of admission right now with 2 major attractions down without any known date of return. It's a shame Intamin Impulse Coasters have fallen by the wayside; that could be a perfect replacement.

[@richardweaver9682]

Saw a article recently that Knott's is merging with Six Flags.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Yup! Cedar Fair, the company that owns Knott's Berry Farm, is merging with Six Flags. It'll be interesting to see how everything works out for the parks.

[@EF.7.]

​@@AmericasCoasterNetwork do you think its a good merge? Do you personally think there's anyway it will be back In any form?

[@joserecendez3898]

If I see a shooting star I’ll wish the return of montezooma ……. But the forbidden temple is ok but I had other theme in mind like Montezoomas revenge 2 Wrath of montezooma or Montezoomas rage

[@HungryFatBunny]

When I went to Knotts I don’t see any progress for Montezooma I just saw new construction for camp snoopy.

[@kenfrancisworld8720]

I think Knott's/Cedar fair needs to be realistic. As loved as this coaster is said to be, I don't remember it have any sizeable lines in the most recent years. If given a choice, how many of us would choose the station and plot be repurposed for a Giga/lift hill??? Psyke Underground is a horrible disappointment. I would not want Knott's to go in that direction.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

I don't think there's room for a giga station and lift hill there. Not without removing Jaguar and/or half of Camp Snoopy. Remember there needs to be a break run too.

[@kenfrancisworld8720]

@@AmericasCoasterNetwork Well, they modified Silver Bullet for Windseeker, so why not modify Jaguar? The brake run can go above the Stage Coach pathway

[@Acehitman369]

They can put a ride like electric eel the same design from sea world San Diego. That ride is so much fun to ride

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Fun ride. But I'd hate to see it sticking up behind the Jaguar station.

[@Acehitman369]

@AmericasCoasterNetwork yea, that is true. Hopefully, they get Montezooma's Revenge back open 🤞🏾

[@theoseeley9661]

They will probably scrap the ride entirely and put a kiddie ride in its place; then they will get rid of Xcelerator, and replace it with children's rides too. They are moving in a more kiddie ride family friendly direction.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

They've always been a family friendly park with some thrills mixed in. I mean, they were the first park in the world with a coaster that goes upside down with Corkscrew. And even Ghostrider was designed when the Knott's family still owned the park. Then, under Cedar Fair, they got even more focused on big coasters (Xcelerator and Silver Bullet). But in the past decade they've dialed that back and been more focused on family friendly attractions again. With that said, they still got HangTime in 2018. And I believe they'll get another big coaster in the next few years.

[@user-uj5ly1eq5n]

I heard xcelerator is finally reopened

[@bigc1280]

Premier Sky Rocket ll model will go in there

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Hopefully not. Would look so ugly behind the Jaguar station.

[@brianwaltonjr5810]

Kumbak was rumored to be a part of this project.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Ah, yeah. I remember that now.

[@TalesfromtheRails]

The loop wasn’t accidentally removed. It had to be removed because it had a giant crack in it. It may have been removed wrong but definitely on purpose Cool video keep em’ coming

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video. And, yeah, been hearing for years that the loop had to keep getting welded. And that it would be replaced at some point. So its removal wasn't a total surprise. But perhaps the way in which it was removed was an accident? At the end of the day, it's a bunch of steel that can be refabricated.

[@MannyEmm]

I seriously doubt that they will reopen MR. They, meaning 6 flags, will have to come up with a new type of coaster. They don’t have a lot of room to work with either.

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Well, the merger won't be official until early next year at best. And, even then, the current Cedar Fair president is in charge. With Cedar Fair holding a slight majority of the company. Only using the Six Flags name because it's more popular. I believe that the future of Monte won't be effected one way or another simply because of the merger.

[@Da_knee7]

They removed the other kids coaster not to far from this one. Maybe they'll make a family boomerang coaster to fill up that area.

[@rexrabbiteer]

For whatever reason knotts has always had significant issues with manufacturers in regards to their coasters. Anyone remember windjammer? Lol. Now knotts has two coasters down for about a year and mystery lodge (non coaster) has been down for about 3 years. What the heck is going on with management at knotts?

[@AmericasCoasterNetwork]

Some isn't the fault of management. With that said, their management isn't great these days.