Montezooma's Revenge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montezooma's Revenge |
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Montezooma's Revenge in the hill right after the loop
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| Knott's Berry Farm | |
| Location | Knott's Berry Farm |
| Park section | Fiesta Village |
| Coordinates | 33°50′44″N 117°59′56″W / 33.845634°N 117.998982°W |
| Status | Open |
| Opening date | May 21, 1978 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Launched – Shuttle |
| Manufacturer | Anton Schwarzkopf |
| Designer | Werner Stengel |
| Model | Shuttle Loop - Flywheel |
| Track layout | Shuttle Loop |
| Lift/launch system | Flywheel launch |
| Height | 148 ft (45 m) |
| Drop | 137 ft (42 m) |
| Length | 800 ft (240 m) |
| Speed | 55 mph (89 km/h) |
| Inversions | 1 (traversed twice) |
| Duration | 0:36 |
| Max vertical angle | 70° |
| Capacity | 1344 riders per hour |
| Acceleration | 0 to 55 mph (0 to 89 km/h) in 3 seconds |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train. |
 Fast Lane available |
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| Montezooma's Revenge at RCDB | |
Montezooma's Revenge is an exciting shuttle roller coaster found at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. It first opened way back on May 21, 1978. This awesome ride was designed by Anton Schwarzkopf.
It was the very first roller coaster in the world to use a special "flywheel" to launch riders. It's also the oldest shuttle loop coaster still in its original spot. Plus, it's the last ride of its kind still running in the United States.
Unlike many other roller coasters with loops, Montezooma's Revenge uses simple lap bars to keep you safe. Most newer looping rides have big over-the-shoulder restraints. After Knott's Berry Farm changed owners in 1997, extra seat belts were added for even more safety.
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The Story of Montezooma's Revenge
Montezooma's Revenge got its name from a bluegrass music group. This band, called Montezuma's Revenge, used to play regularly at Knott's Berry Farm.
The way this coaster launches is super cool. It's based on the powerful systems used to launch airplanes from aircraft carriers! This "flywheel launch" was a big step forward for roller coasters. It came before the modern launch systems we see today, like those using magnets or hydraulics.
Before the flywheel, some coasters used a "drop-tower" launch. Imagine a huge silo with a heavy weight inside. When the weight dropped, it would pull a cable and launch the train. But this old method wasn't as fast or as strong as the flywheel launch. It also couldn't be adjusted easily for different weather.
Over the years, Montezooma's Revenge has seen some changes. In 1995, another roller coaster called Jaguar! was built. It actually passes right through the middle of Montezooma's loop! In 2002, Montezooma's Revenge got a fresh coat of paint, becoming teal and yellow. Later, in 2017, it was painted again with bright orange track and dark green supports.
In 2008, Knott's Berry Farm opened Pony Express. This smaller roller coaster also uses a flywheel launch system, just like Montezooma's Revenge.
In June 2019, a group called the American Coaster Enthusiasts gave Montezooma's Revenge a special award. They named it a "Roller Coaster Landmark." This award recognized it as the last coaster of its kind in the United States and the one that has been in its original spot the longest.
How Montezooma's Revenge Works
This ride uses a special flywheel to launch you! It speeds up the train to an amazing 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds. After the launch, the train zooms through a big vertical loop. Then, it climbs up a tall spike of track and reverses direction.
It goes backward through the loop again, then speeds backward through the station. It climbs up another spike of track behind the station. This is often where riders feel the most "airtime," which is that fun floating feeling! Finally, the train slows down using many brakes and returns to where it started.
The giant flywheel, which weighs about 7.6 tonnes (7.5 long tons; 8.4 short tons), is located outside the station. It's connected to a system of clutches and cables. This system pulls a small car, called a "bob," which connects to the back of the train. When the bob is attached, the ride is ready to go!
To launch the train, two operators work together. They make sure everyone is safely secured and that the launch area is clear. Both operators must press a button at the same time to start the launch.
When the launch begins, the flywheel quickly pulls the bob and the train forward. The train then races through the 76-foot (23 m) tall vertical loop. It then goes up the 148-foot (45 m) front spike. After that, it comes back down, goes through the loop a second time, and speeds backward through the station. It then climbs the 112-foot (34 m) rear spike before returning to the station.
Awards and Special Recognition
In June 2019, Montezooma's Revenge received the Coaster Landmark Award from the American Coaster Enthusiasts club. There's even a special plaque to celebrate this achievement!
| Preceded by King Kobra (tied with Tidal Wave and White Lightnin') |
World's Tallest Roller Coaster 1978–1983 |
Succeeded by Moonsault Scramble |
Images for kids
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Train traveling along the center loop of Montezooma's Revenge
