Knott’s Berry Farm to Temporarily Shut Down Historic Roller Coaster

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Knott’s Berry Farm will temporarily shut down its landmark roller coaster, the Montezooma’s Revenge, on Feb. 7 for major renovations until 2023.

“Be sure to catch your last ride before this weekend is over,” the theme park announced on Facebook on Feb. 1.

The historic roller-coaster—the first flywheel launched coaster in the world, according to Knott’s Berry Farm’s blog—was originally scheduled for closure on Jan. 10, but the theme park reopened the ride on Jan. 11 after fans pleaded for one more chance to ride on the 1978 rollercoaster.

“Back by popular demand, the historic Montezooma’s Revenge will be opening again for guests to experience this classic coaster for a limited time,” Knott’s Berry Farm wrote on Facebook. “This will be your last chance to ride this iconic flywheel-launched shuttle coaster before it closes.”

Built in 1978, Montezooma’s Revenge at the Knott's Berry Farm is the first flywheel launched coaster in the world. (Courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm)

While it is unknown what kind of “major” changes will occur, fans have pleaded for the ride’s historical appeal to be preserved.

“Please don’t change it too much,” Nick Landeros responded on Facebook. “It’s a classic thrill just as it is.”

Some prospective visitors from out of state were devastated to hear the beloved ride was closing right before their planned visit to the theme park.

“Noooo!” Mandie Garcia wrote on Facebook. “We are visiting from Colorado over Presidents Day weekend. Super sad I won’t get to ride.”

The announcement of the closure occurs shortly before SeaWorld Entertainment offered to purchase Cedar Fair—Knott’s Berry Farm’s owner—for $3.4 billion, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 1.

Cedar Fair confirmed the “unsolicited” offer on Feb. 1—stating its board of directors will “carefully review and consider the proposal to determine the course of action” that is the best for the company and its investors.