Iron Gwazi is one of the standout attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, combining the thrilling elements of a wooden coaster with the smoothness and excitement of a steel track. As the tallest and fastest hybrid coaster in North America, Iron Gwazi offers a unique experience that has quickly become a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts around the world. This article delves into its history, ride features, and what makes Iron Gwazi a defining feature of Busch Gardens Tampa.
History of Iron Gwazi
Iron Gwazi was born from the remnants of the classic wooden coaster, Gwazi, which first opened in 1999. Gwazi originally featured two dueling tracks, named “Lion” and “Tiger,” and was known for its intense, bumpy ride. However, due to maintenance challenges and declining ridership, Gwazi was closed in 2015.
In 2019, Busch Gardens announced that they would be transforming Gwazi into a state-of-the-art hybrid coaster in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), a company renowned for its innovative hybrid coaster designs. The transformation involved reusing sections of the original wooden structure while incorporating new steel track elements to enhance the smoothness, speed, and overall ride experience.
After much anticipation, Iron Gwazi officially opened to the public in March 2022, immediately capturing attention as one of the most exhilarating hybrid coasters in the world.
The Ride Experience
From the moment you board Iron Gwazi, the anticipation builds as you’re secured into the sleek coaster cars, which resemble a fearsome crocodile—a nod to the ride’s theme and the ferocity of the experience to come. The lift hill takes riders 206 feet into the air, providing breathtaking views of Busch Gardens and the surrounding area. But the moment of awe quickly transforms into adrenaline as the coaster drops 91 degrees, a near-vertical plummet that makes it one of the steepest drops in the world.
Riders are then propelled through a series of high-speed inversions, airtime hills, and overbanked turns. Iron Gwazi’s layout is designed to maximize airtime, with 12 distinct airtime moments that make passengers feel weightless as they are lifted from their seats. The ride includes three inversions, adding thrilling twists and turns that disorient and delight. Iron Gwazi’s hybrid steel-and-wood track ensures that every twist, dive, and turn is smooth, creating a seamless experience that blends traditional wooden coaster charm with modern coaster technology.
Ride Specifications and Features
- Height: 206 feet (Tallest hybrid coaster in North America)
- First Drop: 91 degrees (One of the steepest in the world)
- Top Speed: 76 mph (Fastest hybrid coaster in North America)
- Track Length: 4,075 feet
- Inversions: 3
- Airtime Moments: 12
Iron Gwazi is built using RMC’s patented I-Box track technology, which reduces the roughness typical of older wooden coasters while retaining the structural elements that give hybrid coasters their unique appeal. The ride’s intense pacing and dynamic design are complemented by theming inspired by the crocodile, a powerful and agile predator that mirrors the ride’s characteristics.
Safety and Accessibility
Iron Gwazi is a high-thrill attraction, and as such, it has height and health restrictions to ensure rider safety. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride. The coaster is equipped with multiple safety checks, lap bar restraints, and harness systems to secure riders during the ride’s intense elements.
For guests with mobility concerns, Busch Gardens offers an accessible entrance, but due to the nature of the ride, transferring from a wheelchair to the coaster seat is necessary. Busch Gardens staff are trained to assist and ensure all safety protocols are met.
Best Times to Ride and Tips for Visiting
To experience Iron Gwazi with minimal wait times, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening, as the ride tends to have the longest queues during midday. For an even better experience, consider using Busch Gardens’ Quick Queue pass, which grants priority access to Iron Gwazi and other top attractions.
If you want the ultimate thrill, try to sit in the front row, where you’ll get the best view of the ride’s steep drops and fast-paced elements. Alternatively, the back row provides the most intense airtime and sensation of being whipped over hills and turns.
Fun Facts
- Hybrid Design: Iron Gwazi is considered a “hybrid coaster” because it utilizes both wood and steel in its construction, combining the best of both worlds for a smooth yet exhilarating ride.
- World Records: Iron Gwazi is the tallest and fastest hybrid coaster in North America.
- Theming: The ride’s theme is based on the crocodile, highlighting its power, agility, and speed.
- Rebirth of a Classic: Iron Gwazi retains some of the original Gwazi coaster’s wooden structure, making it a blend of old and new.
Iron Gwazi is more than just a ride; it’s an experience that redefines the possibilities of roller coaster design. With its towering heights, dramatic drops, and innovative hybrid technology, Iron Gwazi has solidified its place as one of the premier attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and a must-ride for thrill-seekers everywhere. Whether you’re a longtime coaster enthusiast or just looking for a new adventure, Iron Gwazi promises a ride you won’t soon forget.