Welcome Iron Gwazi and Tigris!
I'll start with Iron Gwazi because let's face it, this was the reason I had to return to a park I've been to so many times over the years. Iron Gwazi is Busch Gardens Tampa’s newest roller coaster, standing at 206 feet tall, traveling 76 mph, and containing a 91degree first drop. It is an RMC remake of the original Gwazi roller coaster that stood at Busch Gardens for years. As of right now (4/22), Iron Gwazi is the tallest, fastest, and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. I had a chance to experience this coaster for the first time this past March as its recent opening timed perfectly with my spring break. Lucky me! My expectations were extremely high going in as all I heard were rave reviews from the people who had ridden the coaster already. The ride made a great first impression as its plaza is very visually appealing and consists of a grand entrance sign that you walk under to enter the queue. There is not much theming on or around the ride as that is not its main focus, but the area is still very well landscaped and fits in well with the rest of the park. Once you board the actual ride you will climb up the 206 ft. lift hill then plummet down the slightly beyond vertical drop. Every element that follows is extremely fast-paced and intense and will be sure to leave you speechless. There are two inversions both giving great hang time. It does not feel like the longest ride, but still packs an incredible punch. Iron Gwazi has earned the spot of my favorite roller coaster ever, as I have yet to experience a ride that delivers as much as this one does. It is not for the faint of heart so be mindful of that when riding. Overall, Iron Gwazi is a 10/10 and arguably exceeds the sky-high expectations that were put in place for it, and it is definitely worth the trip to Busch Gardens Tampa. Or a revisit, as the case may be!
This is Iron Gwazi's new entry way facelift and preview of the ride's first drop. Obviously you can't film on the ride, or even get that close to photograph, so you're just going to have to head to Tampa to experience this for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
Tigris is Busch Gardens Tampa's second newest roller coaster opening in 2019. It is one of 10 skyrocket models around the world. It is a launch coaster that starts in the station and launches you forwards and backwards. The first forward launch sends you halfway up the track before you fall back and launch backwards. You then drop back down into the station and launch forwards one more time and travel to the rides max height. You go through one inversion and drop down into multiple twists before returning back to the station. At 62 mph Tigris is an intense ride that can pack a punch. It is not quite the caliber of some of the other coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa, but is still sure to provide a thrill. I put it up there with Cheetah Hunt in the category of mid size coasters that surprise you with large size thrills.
While you're visiting the park, here are some old favorites not to be missed:
Sheikra
Cheetah Hunt Cobra's Curse Kumba
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