Knott's Berry Farm Announces 2023 Improvements

Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA

Did you hear the news yesterday? Big things are coming to Knott’s Berry Farm next year—specifically a complete revitalization and refurbishment of Fiesta Village and a transformation of its iconic thrill ride, Montezooma’s Revenge! Fiesta Village is getting a major facelift, and while there will be limited structural changes from a layout perspective, new theming and furnishings will celebrate a greater diversity of Hispanic cultures, with reimagined dining and retail locations. It’s a significant makeover for the area, which has seen many ride changes over the years but not necessarily a comprehensive refresh like this.

However, the most exciting news may be what’s happening with Montezooma’s Revenge, which will now be called Monte Revolta’s Last Stand—wait, scratch that, MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress. The last-standing Schwarzkopf shuttle loop still in its location, this roller coaster was a literal blast from the past until it closed down earlier this year for extensive renovations, with track being torn down earlier this summer to the sadness of roller coaster history lovers. Well, those renovations involve changing the launch system completely from the old flywheel type to a magnetic launch system that will allow trains to launch forwards or backwards, and Knott’s announcement effectively confirms rumors that the roller coaster will have a randomized launch sequence that incentivizes re-riding and makes for an even more thrilling experience. Guests will brave dangers in an ancient Aztec fortress before finally climbing on board the revamped shuttle loop roller coaster in order to face one final test to claim the forbidden treasure!

It’s all quite exciting, and we can’t wait to see how everything turns out. The colorful environment shown in the concept art is photogenic and energetic, and the improvements are a welcome addition. No word on when Fiesta Village will close for the improvements, or if construction will be phased per the different zones. But 2023 will be another milestone in the park’s history! And as long as no one celebrates this via a Fiesta Fight Club, the guest experience will be all for the better!

From the press release:

2023 Brings a Complete Revitalization of Fiesta Village, an Exciting Reimagination of a Coaster Classic and a Transformation of the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel

The best way to experience all this and more is with a 2023 Season Pass on sale now

BUENA PARK, CA – Knott’s Berry Farm and the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel are proud to announce major changes debuting in 2023. Inside the park, Fiesta Village is being refreshed to further celebrate all the Hispanic cultural influences present in Southern California. The unveiling of the new Fiesta Village includes a reimagined Montezooma’s Revenge. The historic coaster will be renamed MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress, with an immersive storyline and new surprise thrills for its riders. And next door to the park, every aspect of the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel -- from the front desk and lobby to the guest rooms and hotel restaurant -- will be transformed with brand new theming based on the theme park and its founders.

The New Fiesta Village

The new Fiesta Village will reopen in Summer 2023, showcasing enhanced themes and beautiful décor across three new zones in the area. Walking down El Camino Real and entering Fiesta Village, guests will step into brand-new food locations, an updated stage and a redesigned marketplace. The Fiesta Plaza stage will be refreshed to an even grander scale, with theming to match the attached restaurant and new bar. Casa California will be transformed into a completely different dining location with a menu featuring Mexican food items such as made-to-order tacos and burritos. Across from the brand-new eatery is Papas Mexicana, where guests can enjoy fan favorites like carne asada fries and other delicious offerings. The former La Papa Loca location will become Cantina Del Sur, a one-stop shop for specialty beverages. Also in this new zone will be an open street market inspired by the likes of Los Angeles’ Olvera Street. At Fiesta Mercado, guests will find an assortment of merchants and retailers selling items perfect for guests to commemorate their visit to the new Fiesta Village.

As guests leave Boardwalk and head into Fiesta Village, they will enter a zone filled with magical alebrijes. These brightly colored mythical creatures will take over the landscape and transport guests to a dream world inspired by Mexican folklore. While enjoying the scenery, guests can also fulfill their Mexican street food craving at the new taco stand-influenced location Taqueria Fiesta.

Montezooma’s Revenge Reimagination

Opening in 1978, Montezooma's Revenge was the first flywheel-launched roller coaster in the world and the oldest shuttle loop roller coaster still in its original location. Montezooma's Revenge has launched millions of guests through Fiesta Village into a gravity-defying single loop track and back again. For 2023, Montezooma's Revenge is being reimagined and rethemed with exciting new thrills added to this coaster classic. New updates allow guests to be completely surprised by the direction the train will take them at the start of each ride. The randomized launch sequence will make it impossible for anyone to know their destiny until it is too late to escape the clutches of Montezooma. To reach the station and try to escape with Montezuma's gold, guests will find their way through the fortress protecting the treasure but must beware of the countless boobytraps within. The grounds leading to the temple will resemble a macabre history exhibit as treasure hunters' remains from throughout the ages line the walls. Now that the traps leading to the gold have been cleared, only those brave enough can make it through the final challenge and find themselves at the home of the hidden Aztec treasure in MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress.

Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel Renovation

Steps away from the thrills of the theme park, Knott's Berry Farm Hotel offers accommodations perfect for families ready to unwind after a full day of fun at the park. In 2023, the property will be unveiling a major renovation. The multi-million-dollar investment will incorporate all-new theming with a storyline centered around the park's founders, Walter and Cordelia Knott. The theme park continues its extensive theming to the resort hotel by creating a space that will honor the love story of the family and their historic roots in the community. Every aspect of the hotel will be transformed, from common areas including the lobby and the pool area to conference rooms and a newly refurbished outdoor event space designated to elevate the experience for both corporate and leisure groups alike. The renovation is set to commence later this year, starting with a complete transformation of all 322 guest rooms.

In early 2023, all public spaces, including the lobby, conference rooms, ballroom and restaurant, will receive a complete transformation. The lobby will include rustic and warm textures reminiscent of Walter's appreciation for the Old West with a welcoming, elegant feel that Cordelia created for everyone who ordered her famous chicken dinners at their restaurant. Accents will nod to the inspiration and ingenuity that led to the creation of the Knott Family’s famous berry farm. The theme will carry over to a newly updated and conceptualized restaurant that makes guests feel like they are dining in modern farmhouse-style. This open-concept restaurant will feature historical details and elegant accents perfect for those looking to celebrate big moments or enjoy a meal with loved ones.

"It is a privilege to welcome those visiting the Orange County area from near and far to stay at the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel," said Don Prescott, general manager of the hotel, "and this project will significantly enhance and elevate the experience for all guests by seamlessly complementing the theming of the park located only steps away."

The renovation project will officially begin later this year and be completed in 2023. The fully redesigned space will give future guests visiting the Buena Park area an opportunity to experience a new level of hospitality. In the meantime, the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel will remain open during its remodel. For reservations and special theme park packages, please visit knotts.com.

2023 Seasons of Fun and Season Passes

Throughout 2023, guests can experience everything new that Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Berry Farm Hotel have to offer, along with the park's entertaining Seasons of Fun events. It all starts with the return of Knott's PEANUTS Celebration, a fun-filled event dedicated to the beloved PEANUTS characters. Guests are invited to step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic strip as the characters take over the entire park daily from late January through February 2023. In spring, the much-anticipated Knott's Boysenberry Festival returns with countless one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired food and drink offerings created by the Knott's culinary team. Unique entertainment and an array of artisan crafters round out the festival from mid-March through April 2023. Summer brings the completion of the New Fiesta Village, plus the return of the award-winning immersive western adventure Ghost Town Alive!, with a new storyline set in the town of Calico unraveling for guests. The summer adventure continues long after the sun goes down, with a nighttime summer party that will liven up the evening. Knott's Summer Nights offers exciting ways to enjoy the nighttime festivities that fill Knott's midway from Calico Park to Charleston Circle with live music and DJs. Summertime at Knott's wouldn't be complete without a visit to Knott's Soak City Waterpark, where guests can catch a ride down 23 different speed, tube and body slides or take a relaxing trip down one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. For fall, the spooktacular family-friendly daytime Halloween event, Knott's Spooky Farm, will invite families with little ghouls to celebrate the spooky season. Knott's Spooky Farm will offer little ones delightfully wicked Halloween-themed activities, live entertainment and much more. As winter rolls in, guests can find the spirit of the season at Knott's Merry Farm, where joy will be spread throughout the park. Knott's Merry Farm will host holiday cheer for parkgoers as they create new holiday memories set to the backdrop of a true classic Christmas.

A 2023 Season Pass is the best way to experience the new Fiesta Village, including the thrilling MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress and an entire year of seasonal fun. With a 2023 Season Pass, guests can enjoy all of Knott’s Seasons of Fun events next year, plus free admission for the remainder of 2022. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are now available at the lowest price of the year at $130 and Gold Passes are only $170. These offers are available for a limited time. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Pricing and payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

For more information about the new Fiesta Village, Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel or Knott’s Season Passes, please visit knotts.com. Join the conversation about everything new to come in 2023 by using #KnottsBerryFarm.