Concept: Courtesy Knott’s Berry FarmAfter nearly four years, one of Southern California’s most beloved roller coasters is ready to rise—and drop—again. According to People, Knott’s Berry Farm will reopen its Montezooma’s Revenge coaster later this month as MonteZOOMA: The Forbidden Fortress. The reimagined attraction will debut with a media preview on July 20 before welcoming park guests shortly afterward. RECOMMENDED: See Walt Disney’s legendary Mickey Mouse One private jet in Palm Springs now When the coaster first opened to the public in 1978, it was one of the world’s first flywheel-launched roller coaster, hurtling riders from zero to top speed without a traditional chain lift before sending them through a vertical loop. Nearly five decades later, it remains one of Knott’s signature attractions and the last operating flywheel-launched coaster of its kind in the United States.  The new version replaces the flywheel with a modern synchronous motor launch system, allowing for something the original never offered: randomized launches. Riders won’t know exactly when the train will blast out of the station, adding an extra layer of anticipation and adrenaline to the experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Knott's Berry Farm (@knottsberryfarm) The ride has also received a major thematic makeover. Instead of simply boarding, guests will now enter the Forbidden Fortress in search of Montezuma’s lost treasure. The queue and station have been redesigned with ancient ruins, hidden relics and elaborate storytelling elements that tie into Fiesta Village, the theme park’s Mexican-inspired land. The reopening marks the end of a lengthy renovation that missed several projected debut dates, leaving coaster enthusiasts wondering when (or if) the attraction would return. For Knott’s regulars, the wait has been especially frustrating given Montezooma’s status as one of the park’s defining rides, alongside GhostRider and Xcelerator. For Los Angeles-area thrill seekers, it’s also a reminder that one of the region’s best amusement parks sits less than an hour (traffic permitting) from Downtown. Knott’s may be known for its boysenberry pie and Ghost Town, but MonteZOOMA’s return restores a piece of Southern California theme park history, now with a fresh coat of paint, a new backstory and a launch that promises to keep even longtime fans guessing and screaming. ...read more read less