Iron Gwazi Surfacing Spring 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Last Monday I introduced you to Ice Breaker, the new multi-directional launch coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando. Today we travel to Florida’s west coast to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. I had the opportunity to go on a hard hat construction tour of their newest coaster Iron Gwazi.

Introducing Iron Gwazi

A NEW legend is surfacing in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the evolution of Iron Gwazi^TM, North America’s tallest, and the fastest, and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include three inversions and 12 airtime hills as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, it will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together.

“Iron Gwazi is the evolution of a classic wooden coaster into a modern icon,” said Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From the bones of the original Gwazi, a new legend rises, reaching taller heights and faster speeds, delivering the next-level thrills that our coaster fans crave and expect from Busch Gardens.”

While elements of the former wooden attraction will be integrated into the new ride, the steel track and reimagined layout of the new coaster present an entirely unique experience that tells a different story. This will highlight the best of both worlds — the classic nostalgia of a wooden coaster and the bold innovation of a steel coaster. Thriving and adapting over millions of years, this evolutionary crossroad is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and the animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.

Fast Facts

• Maximum Height-206 feet
• Maximum Speed-76 mph
• Drop Angle-91°
• Track Length Traveled-4,075 feet
• Number of Trains-2
• Maximum Riders per Train-24
• Minimum Rider height-48″
• Ride Elements-12 airtime features including 3 inversions

Become a Passholder

With three ALL-NEW attractions to enjoy, there has never been a better time to be a SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Annual Pass Member. Upon the launch of each attraction, Pass Members will enjoy EXCLUSIVE RIDE TIME on Iron Gwazi, Ice Breaker and Solar Vortex. For more information on Fun Cards, Annual Passes, and daily admission, visit BuschGardensTampa.com