2023 will bring new Fiesta Village and reimagined coaster to Knott’s
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., has announced major changes debuting in 2023, including a new Fiesta Village to celebrate Hispanic cultural influences in Southern California, and a reimagined Montezooma’s Revenge coaster that will be renamed MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress, with an immersive storyline and new surprises.
The New Fiesta Village
Knott’s new Fiesta Village will reopen in Summer 2023 with three new zones, featuring a redesigned marketplace and an updated Fiesta Plaza stage with theming to match the attached restaurant and new bar. The area’s new food locations include Casa California, with a menu featuring made-to-order tacos and burritos; Papas Mexicana, where guests can enjoy fan favorites like carne asada fries; and Cantina Del Sur (the former La Papa Loca location), a one-stop shop for specialty beverages. Also in this new zone will be Fiesta Mercado, an open street market inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street.
Another new zone in Fiesta Village will be filled with magical alebrijes, the mythical creatures that will transport guests to a dream world inspired by Mexican folklore. While enjoying the brightly-colored alebrijes, guests can satisfy their Mexican street food craving at the new taco stand-influenced location Taqueria Fiesta.
Montezooma’s Revenge Reimagination
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. Since its debut in 1978, Montezooma’s Revenge has launched millions of guests through Fiesta Village into a gravity-defying single loop track and back again.
In 2023, the classic coaster is being reimagined with new thrills and a randomized launch sequence that will make it impossible for riders to know their destiny until it is too late to escape the clutches of Montezooma. If they’re going to escape with Montezuma’s gold, they’ll also need to find their way through the fortress protecting the treasure, being careful to avoid the boobytraps within.
The grounds leading to the temple will be filled with the remains of treasure hunters who weren’t able to escape with their lives, but now that the traps leading to the gold have been cleared, those who are brave enough can attempt the final challenge and reach the hidden Aztec treasure in MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress.
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel Renovation
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel will also unveil a major multi-million-dollar renovation in 2023. Blending family hospitality with contemporary design, the hotel’s all-new theming will be based on a storyline centered around the park’s founders, Walter and Cordelia Knott, and their historic roots in the community.
“This project will significantly enhance and elevate the experience for all guests by seamlessly complementing the theming of the park located only steps away,” said the hotel’s General Manager Don Prescott.
The renovation is set to begin later this year and will incorporate every aspect of the hotel, including a complete transformation of guest rooms, common areas (including the lobby, restaurant, and the pool area), conference rooms, and newly-refurbished event space.
The new lobby will highlight Walter’s appreciation for the Old West coupled with the warm welcome Cordelia created for everyone who ordered her famous chicken dinners at their restaurant. Design accents will also pay tribute to the inspiration and ingenuity that led to the creation of the Knott Family’s famous berry farm, complete with a updated open-concept restaurant.
In addition, all 322 guest rooms will be redecorated with country-chic decor, including newly-updated family-size rooms that will accommodate space up to six guests and feature a kitchenette and mini refrigerator.
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, including the park’s annual Seasons of Fun events, such as:
Knott’s Peanuts Celebration dedicated to the beloved comic strip characters (Late January-February 2023) and Knott’s Boysenberry Festival with one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired food and drink offerings (Mid-March-April 2023).
In Summer 2023, guests will see the completion of the new Fiesta Village, the return of the award-winning immersive western adventure “Ghost Town Alive!” with a new storyline set in the town of Calico, and Knott’s Summer Nights with live music and DJs. But, of course, summertime at Knott’s wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, where guests can ride down 23 speed, tube, and body slides or take a trip down one of the longest lazy rivers in the country.
Fall 2023 will bring Knott’s Spooky Farm, the family-friendly daytime Halloween event with Halloween-themed activities, live entertainment, and much more, and in Winter 2023, Knott’s Merry Farm will spread holiday cheer for parkgoers as they celebrate the season with the backdrop of a true classic Christmas.
The best way to experience it all is with a 2023 Season Pass – and guests who buy 2023 Season Passes now can enjoy all of Knott’s Seasons of Fun events next year, plus free admission for the remainder of 2022.
For a limited time, a Regular Season Pass is only $130 plus taxes and fees (includes unlimited admission to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates), and a Gold Season Pass is $170 plus taxes and fees (includes unlimited admission to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates). Click here for details.
Parents should keep in mind that the Knott’s Berry Farm Chaperone Policy is still in effect on weekends.
