Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is opening the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi, on March 11. Adventure Island is also launching two new water slides, Rapids Racer and Wahoo Remix, in March.
Iron Gwazi will be North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster when it launches this year. Riders will plunge from a 206-foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop, reaching speeds of up to 76 miles per hour.
Iron Gwazi will be Busch Gardens Tampa Bay‘s tenth coaster. It boasts 12 airtime moments, including three inversions, along more than 4,000 feet of steel track. Pass members will get the chance to ride from February 13.
“The incredible anticipation for Iron Gwazi is shared by both our guests and ambassadors, and we are beyond excited to open this amazing coaster,” said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay park president.
Busch Gardens, Adventure Island attractions
“Iron Gwazi diversifies our thrill-ride portfolio and is an impressive addition to the Tampa skyline. Combining classic elements of a wooden coaster with a smooth, steel track will provide thrill-seekers with an unforgettable experience.”
Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, the new addition is a wood and steel hybrid coaster. Elements of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s classic wooden coaster Gwazi are integrated into the ride.
Adventure Island, Busch Gardens’ sister water park, is also opening two new waterslides in March, part of its biggest makeover in 30 years. Rapids Racer is a dueling waterslide featuring the world’s first dueling saucers, while Wahoo Remix is a revamp of the former Wahoo Run attraction.
Elsewhere, California’s tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster, Emperor, will open to the public at SeaWorld San Diego on March 12. Guests will rise 153 feet with their feet dangling in the air, before experiencing a 143-foot facedown vertical drop at over 60 miles per hour.
Images: SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
