Iron Gwazi: Difference between revisions

Iron Gwazi
Iron Gwazi
Previously known as Gwazi (1999–2015)
	Iron Gwazi's lift hill and barrel roll downdrop
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Location	Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Coordinates	28°02′02″N 82°25′23″W / 28.03389°N 82.42306°W
Status	Operating
Soft opening date	February 13, 2022
Opening date	March 11, 2022
Replaced	Gwazi
General statistics
Type	Steel – Hybrid
Manufacturer	Rocky Mountain Construction
Designer	Alan Schilke
Model	I-Box track
Track layout	Twister
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	206 ft (63 m)
Drop	206 ft (63 m)
Length	4,075 ft (1,242 m)
Speed	76 mph (122 km/h)
Inversions	2
Duration	1:50
Max vertical angle	91°
Trains	2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
Theme	Crocodile
	Quick Queue available
	Iron Gwazi at RCDB

Browse history interactively

← Previous edit

Content deleted Content added

VisualWikitext

Inline

Latest revision as of 17:33, 28 November 2024

Iron Gwazi (formerly called Gwazi) is a steel-track hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park in Tampa, Florida, United States. Development of the original Gwazi began in July 1998, when Busch Gardens announced that it would build a wooden roller coaster on land formerly occupied by the Anheuser-Busch brewery. Great Coasters International (GCI) built Gwazi, a wooden dueling roller coaster with two separate tracks. The ride was named after a fabled creature with a tiger's head and a lion's body. Trains riding on both tracks, respectively named Lion and Tiger, reached a height of 105.4 feet (32.1 m) and a maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h).

Gwazi opened on June 18, 1999, and received positive reviews from critics and the public. Over time, the wooden roller coaster became difficult to maintain, resulting in the Tiger side closing in 2012. Following rising maintenance costs and declining ridership, the remaining side was closed in 2015. The wooden structure sat dormant for several years, and the park considered several replacement attractions, including a remodeled roller coaster, an amphitheater, and a new attraction. The park indicated it would refurbish the wooden structure, and site preparation began in late 2018.

In 2019, Busch Gardens announced the replacement as Iron Gwazi, a steel-tracked roller coaster. The park hired Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) to retrofit the original wooden structure's layout. It was initially scheduled to open in 2020 but was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues. Iron Gwazi soft-opened to passholders on February 13, 2022, and to the public on March 11. The refurbished ride was marketed and opened as North America's tallest, steepest, and fastest hybrid roller coaster, featuring a height of 206 feet (63 m), a maximum speed of 76 mph (122 km/h), and a track length increase of 567 feet (173 m) over its predecessor. Iron Gwazi debuted to positive reviews from critics, later winning the 2022 Best New Roller Coaster category in Amusement Today magazine's annual Golden Ticket Awards.

History

In October 1995, Anheuser-Busch announced the closure of its Tampa brewery, which had operated in the middle of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay since the park's inaugural year, 1959.^[1]^[2] The brewery closed in December and was demolished afterwards.^[2]^[3] To replace the brewery, the park chose a wooden roller coaster rather than one made of steel due to growing preferences for older-style attractions. The park wanted to differentiate itself from other Florida theme parks, which had modern ride technology.^[4]

Mark Rose, the park's vice president for planning and design, chose the builder for the wooden roller coaster after touring several amusement parks over 17 days.^[4]^[5] He made a shortlist of five roller coasters, seeking a prospective designer for a new Busch Gardens attraction, and eventually settled on Great Coasters International (GCI) for the project based on the company's Wildcat installation at Hersheypark. Officials for Busch Entertainment (later renamed SeaWorld Entertainment) confirmed the choice and signed GCI.^[4]^[6] Washington University in St. Louis helped research the new roller coaster name, Anheuser-Busch selecting Gwazi.^[4] The name Gwazi refers to a mythical African lion with a tiger's head that struggles with inner conflict.^[4]^[5]

In early June 1998, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay considered adding a resort on site to compete with other Florida amusement parks, including a projected $10 million attraction scheduled to open in 1999.^[7]^[8] By mid-month, park owner Busch Entertainment filed a trademark for the name "Gwazi" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.^[9] Busch Gardens announced its plan to add a pair of dueling wooden roller coasters named Gwazi on July 15,^[10]^[11] with groundbreaking taking place that day.^[12] The dueling roller coasters would be built as the park's fifth roller coaster, the two tracks themed to a "Lion" and "Tiger" to correspond with the respective dueling theme.^[12]^[13] The announcement also revealed that GCI would be building the roller coaster.^[12]^[14] The Tampa Tribune ran pictures of the hills under construction in November.^[15] Gwazi was reported to have been re-designed several times during construction.^[6] By April 1999, it was near completion,^[16] and testing began in May.^[5]

Operation

To promote the opening of Gwazi, park officials sold "first ride" tickets for the preview event in June 1999; of the 5,700 tickets sold, 3,500 went to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay passholders. Approximately 500 members of American Coaster Enthusiasts were in attendance.^[17]^[18] Construction of the roller coaster's theming and removal of excess wood were ongoing during the preview event.^[18] Gwazi opened the next day as Florida's first dueling wooden roller coaster^[19] and the first wooden roller coaster at any Busch Entertainment park.^[12]^[20] Busch Gardens promoted the attraction as the largest and fastest dueling wooden roller coaster in the southeastern United States.^[21]

The original Gwazi's entrance and Lion's lift hill in 2006

Gwazi developed a reputation for delivering a rough ride over time despite regular maintenance.^[22]^[23] The Lion's track was replaced with new wood in 2009, and the Tiger side re-tracked the following year.^[24] After both tracks were refurbished, the last part of the renovation included the installation of four GCI-designed Millennium Flyer trains in 2011 to replace the trains originally supplied by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC).^[24]^[25]^[26] Even with re-tracking and new trains, the wooden roller coaster remained difficult to maintain, and ridership continued to decrease.^[23] The Tiger side closed following the 2012 season, and soon after, the park built a pedestrian bridge across its loading platform; one of its trains was relocated to the Lion track.^[22]^[27]

The closure of the Tiger side prompted rumors from amusement park enthusiasts that Gwazi's operation would be terminated in the near future.^[22] In December 2014, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay confirmed the closure of the remaining Lion side due to low attendance, operating costs, and negative guest feedback.^[28]^[29] Gwazi's last train dispatched in February 2015.^[22]^[30] The trains were relocated and used on rides at other SeaWorld park locations, including InvadR at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Texas Stingray at SeaWorld San Antonio.^[31]^[32] SeaWorld Entertainment repurposed wooden planks from the structure within the same park and at other properties, including SeaWorld Orlando.^[33]

Refurbishment and relaunch

Rose, vice president of park services, stated there were no plans for the Gwazi site after its closure, although the park was considering possible replacement attractions.^[34] A park spokesperson added that engineers discussed adding new elements, manufacturing steel parts, or completely demolishing the structure.^[35] In the three years after the closure, rumors circulated about a possible replacement of the wooden structure, speculating it could be a remodeled roller coaster, a new attraction, or an amphitheater.^[36] During a September 2018 news conference announcing the park's ninth roller coaster, Tigris, officials said there were construction plans for Gwazi in 2020.^[37]^[38] The same day, SeaWorld Entertainment applied to trademark the name "Iron Gwazi".^[39]

An internal SeaWorld Entertainment presentation was leaked online to the public in October 2018, which showcased several projects under development across its parks, including a replacement ride for Gwazi as a "high-thrill hybrid roller coaster".^[40]^[41] Later in the same month, Busch Gardens filed a demolition permit with the city of Tampa for parts of the Gwazi site.^[41] In December, updated construction-permit applications sent to the city of Tampa listed Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) as the ride manufacturer of an upcoming attraction in the Gwazi area.^[42]^[43] Site preparation and construction started in late 2018 for an attraction code-named "BGT 2020".^[44]

In March 2019, the park announced Gwazi's replacement with a hybrid roller coaster conversion by RMC. Busch Gardens promoted the attraction as North America's steepest, fastest, and tallest hybrid roller coaster.^[45]^[46]^[47] By August 2019, the placement of the roller coaster's track had begun.^[48] Busch Gardens revealed the following month that the roller coaster would be named "Iron Gwazi" and that it would be 206 feet (63 m) tall with a 91-degree drop and a maximum speed of 76 mph (122 km/h).^[49]^[50] During the 2019 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Exposition in November, RMC unveiled the trains for Iron Gwazi.^[51]^[52] RMC completed track work on March 8, 2020,^[53] and testing began the next day.^[54]^[55]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial opening date was missed, and testing halted after a week.^[54]^[56] RMC filed a lien against SeaWorld in May 2020 for $3.5 million of the $9 million the company said it was owed for work on Iron Gwazi, delaying further construction.^[57] As a result of the pandemic, SeaWorld Entertainment's preliminary second-quarter results for 2020 incorporated several approaches to reorganize its assets, one plan being to postpone the opening of all 2020 attractions to the following year.^[58]^[59]^[60] The park said in September that it scheduled to open Iron Gwazi in 2021,^[61] and it released a point-of-view video of the roller coaster two months later.^[62]^[63] In August 2021, Busch Gardens postponed Iron Gwazi's launch date a second time, to 2022.^[64]

In January 2022, the park specified a final launch date in March of that year.^[65]^[66] The park hosted a media preview for Iron Gwazi in February.^[67]^[68] The roller coaster soft opened for passholders on February 13,^[69] and it opened to the general public on March 11.^[70]^[71] Iron Gwazi debuted as the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America,^[72]^[73] as well as the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world.^[67]^[72] Iron Gwazi and Zadra at Energylandia, another RMC-built roller coaster located in Poland, are tied as the tallest hybrid roller coasters worldwide.^[63]^[74]

Ride experiences

Gwazi

The ride experience of both the Lion and Tiger sides of Gwazi followed similar paths to each other when dueling. The park promoted Gwazi as the first dueling coaster with six "fly-bys",^[75]^[76] in which the two roller coaster trains passed each other in opposite directions at high speeds, giving the false impression they would collide.^[22] One cycle of each ride took approximately 21⁄2 minutes.^[27]

After leaving the station, the Lion train moved forward dipping into a right-handed U-turn to pass the other train. The train climbed slightly to the left and ascended the 105.4 ft (32.1 m) lift hill.^[27] At the top, the train dipped slightly into a pre-drop, turned right, and then descended 91.8 feet (28.0 m), reaching its maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h) near the bottom.^[27] The train banked slightly right before ascending into a left-banked turn through the lift hill of the Tiger side, exiting downward and entering a right-banked turnaround. The train then banked up into a left turn, next traversing downward into the outer region of the layout, making multiple, slightly banked right turns. Afterward, the train entered a series of hills parallel to the opposite train, passing by the station, then banking leftward into a downward spiral. The train descended, rising into a slight right turn, transitioning into a left turn and into the brake run. Completing the course, the train then turned right and then slightly left, returning to the station.^[6]^[27]^[77]

The Tiger train departed the station, moved forward into a slight right turn, then dipped into a U-turn to the left to pass the other train. It climbed slightly to the left to ascend the 105.4 ft (32.1 m) lift hill.^[27] At the top, the train entered a pre-drop, turning left and descending 91.8 ft (28.0 m), reaching its maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h) near the bottom.^[27] The train slightly banked right to ascend into a banked right turn followed by a drop. Continuing the banked angle, it climbed, dipped, and climbed again into a left-banked turn, traversing a series of curves before turning toward the outer region of the layout in multiple, slightly banked left turns. The train then entered a series of hills, running parallel to the opposite train, passing by the station, and turning right down a banked spiral. It descended slightly, then rose into a slightly banked left turn, moving into a right turn, and finishing at the brake run. Completing the course, the train turned left and slightly right, returning to the station.^[6]^[27]^[78]

Iron Gwazi

Iron Gwazi begins with a sharp left-hand turn, followed by a descending turn leading to the 206 ft (63 m) lift hill.^[79] As the train crests the hill, it slows down before descending its 91-degree drop, reaching its top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h).^[79] The train then climbs a hill and banks in the opposite direction making an outer-bank turn,^[79]^[80] returning downward in a left-hand turn and upwards to the right. Reaching the apex of the hill, the train navigates through a barrel roll downdrop, followed by an overbanked turn to the left.^[79] The train climbs above the station and banks outward to perform an extended wave turn until flattening out.^[81] The train continues to climb a series of left-curved hills, transitioning into a zero-g stall.^[79] Completing the stall, the train traverses a small outer-banked hill and continues into a series of upward-curved hills to the right.^[81] Iron Gwazi finishes with a turnaround into a hill and a left turn into the final brake run.^[81] Upon completion, the train makes a left turn passing the car barn, and a last right turn before entering the station. One cycle of the roller coaster takes about two minutes to complete.^[79]^[82]^[83]

Characteristics

Wooden roller coaster

Gwazi covered eight acres (3.2 ha) previously occupied by the brewery.^[12]^[84] Gwazi was Great Coasters International (GCI)'s third project.^[85] The individual wooden tracks were 3,508 ft (1,069 m) long,^[27]^[86] and the maximum height of each side was 105.4 feet (32.1 m).^[27] GCI built the wooden roller coaster with 1.25 million board feet (2,900 m³) of treated southern yellow pine, two million bolts, and 4.4 million nails.^[5] Its tracks consisted of 20-foot-long (6.1 m), 2-by-12-foot (0.61 by 3.66 m) planks in eight layers.^[5]^[87] The wooden structure could withstand 100 mph (160 km/h) winds without riders. Gwazi was given a sealant coat, instead of traditionally being painted, to blend in with the park's African theme.^[5]

Gwazi was originally supplied with six-car PTC trains arranged in two seats of two rows each.^[27] According to designer Mike Boodley, GCI offered their new Millennium Flyer trains, but Busch Gardens did not want to use an unproven design.^[24] After the 2011 season, the park replaced the PTC trains with Millennium Flyer trains.^[24]^[27] The park moved the roller coaster's sensors to accommodate the new trains, modified the rollback system, and implemented a new release system for the restraints.^[24] The four GCI trains consisted of 12 cars, each with a single row of two seats.^[27] Both the PTC and GCI trains could accommodate 24 riders,^[27] and they featured a lap-bar restraint system.^[5]

The two Gwazi tracks were named Lion and Tiger. Lion trains were mainly yellow, and Tiger trains were mostly blue.^[22]^[27] Gwazi was themed to the struggle between two territorial wildcats: the African lion and the Asian tiger. The surrounding plaza was similarly themed for each cat; the Lion side included desert-like environs, and the Tiger side had landscaping and streams.^[12]^[20]^[27]

Steel roller coaster

Iron Gwazi was designed and built by RMC using portions of the original dueling roller coasters,^[88] and used the steel I-Box track created by Alan Schilke.^[23]^[79] Busch Gardens reutilized parts of the previous infrastructure for the steel roller coaster, using Gwazi's loading station.^[89] Andrew Schaffer, the park's director of design and engineering, stated, "about 25 percent of the original wooden structure has been re-utilized, and 75 percent of the foundations".^[88] RMC added another 375,000 board feet (880 m³) of lumber for structural support^[90] and reconstructed the entire lift hill with steel rather than reusing the wooden structure.^[74] The steel track reaches a total length of 4,075 feet (1,242 m), adding 567 ft (173 m) from its predecessor.^[79]

The roller coaster's theme is the crocodile, similar to other attractions at the park that carry animal motifs.^[88]^[91] The queue area has educational elements about the reptile and their conservation, with crocodile-themed graphics painted throughout.^[88]^[92] Iron Gwazi operates with two six-car RMC trains. Each car has two seats in two rows, accommodating up to 24 riders per train.^[79]^[82] Riders are secured with lap-bar restraints.^[93] The lead car features the rendition of a crocodile's head; its trains are green, purple, and blue. The track has a purple color scheme.^[88]^[94]

Comparison

Statistics	Gwazi^[27]		Iron Gwazi^[79]
Years	1999–2012 (Tiger) 1999–2015 (Lion)		2022–present
Manufacturer	Great Coasters International		Rocky Mountain Construction
Designer	Mike Boodley		Alan Schilke
Track	Wood		Steel
Height	105.4 ft or 32.1 m		206 ft or 63 m
Drop	91.8 ft or 28.0 m		206 ft or 63 m
Length	3,508 ft or 1,069 m		4,075 ft or 1,242 m
Speed	51 mph or 82 km/h		76 mph or 122 km/h
Duration	2:30		1:50
Inversions	0		2
Max vertical angle	—		91.0°
Trains	PTC (1999–2011)	GCI (2011–2015)	Rocky Mountain Construction

Reception and legacy

Gwazi received generally positive reviews upon its debut in 1999. In a St. Petersburg Times report, guest reactions to the roller coaster were positive, many commenting on its twists and turns, air time, and smoothness.^[95] In writing for The Tampa Tribune, Levin Walker noted among guests that Gwazi was praised for its speed and initial drop; some riders positively commented on the partial rattle typical of wooden roller coasters.^[96] An editor for Park World, Paul Ruben, stated that Gwazi had "everything a good coaster should have", adding "it never slows down".^[95]

The opening of Gwazi coincided with the debuts of several other major roller coasters at Florida theme parks, including Dueling Dragons and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure, as well as the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios.^[97]^[98]^[99] Gwazi was one of several wooden roller coasters that opened in North America during a resurgence of interest in vintage-style attractions.^[100] Gwazi opened one month after the steel dueling roller coaster Dueling Dragons.^[22]^[101] Dueling Dragons and Gwazi were frequently compared because of their dueling feature.^[102]^[103]^[104]

The rebuilt Iron Gwazi garnered positive reviews by critics on its debut in 2022. Writing for the Tampa Bay Times, Sharon Kennedy Wynne described it as "glass-smooth" and noted its many air time moments.^[93] Wynne went on to highlight the "build-up to the beyond-vertical drop" as "slow and terrifying", with the restraint system being of "some comfort" for air time.^[93] Dewayne Bevil of Orlando Sentinel pointed out Iron Gwazi's anticipation and sustained pacing.^[94] Bevil further commented on the "relentless nature" of its pacing being the attraction's appeal that "doesn't let up until it's done about two minutes later".^[94] American Coaster Enthusiasts members praised the ride's speedy maneuvers, smoothness, and ability to be re-rideable.^[93] Bobbie Butterfield, a writer for Theme Park Insider, contended that from any seat, "Iron Gwazi is a winner", as well as praising the roller coaster's signature "barrel roll drop" and air time moments.^[82]

Awards

Before its closure, Gwazi was occasionally ranked in Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards.

Golden Ticket Awards: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2010
Ranking	34 (tie)^[105]	44 (tie)^[106]	38^[107]	43 (tie)^[108]	46^[109]	40 (tie)^[110]	46^[111]

In its debut year, Iron Gwazi received the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster.^[112]

Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year	2022	2023	2024
Ranking	4^[113]	5^[114]	5^[115]

Incidents

In 2006, a 52-year-old Palm Harbor man collapsed after riding Gwazi. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. It was determined that the roller coaster, which was functioning properly, had aggravated his high blood pressure.^[116]

In 2022, a guest riding Iron Gwazi during its preview hit their hand on a beam, but declined medical treatment after the ride. The incident prompted Busch Gardens to remove two beams where the incident took place.^[69]^[117]

References

^ McMorrow-Hernandez, Joshua (2017). Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Arcadia Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 9781467124959. On October 25, 1995, it was announced the park's Anheuser-Busch brewery, which originally served as the anchoring feature of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, would close.
^ ^a ^b "Anheuser-Busch To Increase Profitability Through Increased Efficiency, Restructuring". Business Wire. October 25, 1995. Gale A17449576.
^ Clancy, Carole (December 23, 1996). "Busch to brew beer again in Tampa". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Herman, Jeff (June 13, 1999). "A-B's first wooden roller coaster will open Friday at park in Tampa". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Pulitzer, Inc. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Davis, Pamela (June 14, 1999). "Twist & shout". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Albright, Mark (April 26, 1999). "Still The Coaster Capital?". St. Petersburg Times. pp. 8–9. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Busch plans huge hotel, entertainment complex". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. June 3, 1998. Gale A66066252.
^ "Rumor On New 1999 Coaster At Busch Gardens Tampa". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Archived from the original on February 18, 2001. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
^ "Gwazi". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Archived from the original on April 4, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
^ "Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Dueling Wooden Coaster For 1999". Ultimate Roller Coaster. July 16, 1998. Archived from the original on January 23, 2001. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
^ Baker, Tim (July 20, 1998). "In bid for visitors, Busch Gardens ups its roller coaster ante". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f O'Brien, Tim (July 20, 1998). "Two Beastly Heads To Do Battle At Busch Gardens". Amusement Business. 110 (29). The Nielsen Company. Gale A20949043.
^ Albright, Mark (July 16, 1998). "Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters". St. Petersburg Times. pp. 1E–2E. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Albright, Mark (July 16, 1998). "Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters". St. Petersburg Times. p. 1E. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Wood You?". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. November 17, 1998. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Clarke, Jay (April 25, 1999). "New attractions, old favorites await in Central Florida". The Miami Herald. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Busch pass is the ticket for 1st Gwazi ride". The Tampa Tribune. General Media. June 5, 1999. Gale A65977447.
^ ^a ^b "Busch's new Gwazi a hit with coaster enthusiasts". The Tampa Tribune. General Media. June 17, 1999. Gale A65971396.
^ Stooksbury Guier, Cindy (February 22, 1999). "Tourism Up 8.2%; Generates $41 Billion". Amusement Business. 111 (8). The Nielsen Company. Gale A53998196.
^ ^a ^b Stone, John (January 4, 1999). "Busch Gardens' Fast and Furious Roller Coaster". Leisure Travel News. 15 (1). The Nielsen Company. Gale A53576880.
^ A. Stefani, Kelly (June 18, 1999). "Get on the fast track". St. Petersburg Times. p. 4T. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g McMorrow-Hernandez, Josh (January 31, 2015). "Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's final run Sunday (w/video)". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ ^a ^b ^c Fake, David (March 2022). "Wait is over – RMC, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay awaken Iron Gwazi" (PDF). Amusement Today. 25 (12): 10, 12. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 1, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Rutherford, Scott (February 28, 2011). "Great Coasters delivers thriller to China, new trains to Busch Tampa" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (12). Arlington, Texas: Amusement Today: 1, 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
^ Gworek, Don (January 26, 2011). "Gwazi wooden coaster at Busch Gardens reopens with a smoother ride". Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
^ John, Stevenson (January 13, 2011). "Gwazi to reopen with Millennium Flyer trains". Coaster101. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q Marden, Duane. "Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, USA)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
^ C. Hammett, Yvette (December 23, 2014). "Busch Gardens to close Gwazi wooden roller coaster". The Tampa Tribune. Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
^ "Gwazi officially closes Feb. 1 at Busch Gardens". The Tampa Tribune. January 9, 2015. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
^ Omberg, Emily (January 28, 2015). "Last ride ever on Gwazi Rollercoaster: Busch Gardens Tampa". Sun Times Network. Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ Lambert, Marjie (January 29, 2015). "Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster". Miami Herald. McClatchy. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
^ Black, Jonathan (November 1, 2016). "Busch Gardens' latest coaster, InvadR, appeals to ride enthusiasts". Daily Press. Tronc. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
^ Bevil, Dewayne (April 7, 2016). "Parts of Busch Gardens' wooden coaster are recycled at theme parks". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
^ Staff (February 2, 2015). "Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's clickety-clack goes silent (w/video)". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^ Lambert, Marjie (January 29, 2015). "Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster". Miami Herald. The McClatchy Company. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (July 27, 2018). "Here's what may happen to the closed Gwazi ride at Busch Gardens". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^ Staff (September 12, 2018). "Tigris coaster coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (September 12, 2018). "Busch Gardens' roaring new roller coaster, Tigris, will feature Florida's tallest launch tower (Video)". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
^ "Iron Gwazi". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (October 2, 2018). "SeaWorld images reveal what could replace Busch Gardens' Gwazi coaster". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Brezina-Smith, Veronica (October 26, 2018). "Busch Gardens files demolition permit, may signal Gwazi ride set to be torn down". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (December 24, 2018). "Busch Gardens' long-dormant wooden roller coaster Gwazi looks even closer to roaring back to life as prominent theme park contractor updates plans". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
^ Staff (December 27, 2018). "Revamped Busch Gardens coaster may open in 2020". WTSP. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (January 25, 2019). "Busch Gardens, Legoland take major strides on new investments, rides". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2019. A crane was spotted this month hovering above Gwazi...but will soon be transformed into a hybrid ride in 2020 that's been code named "BGT 2020".
^ Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (March 1, 2019). "Busch Gardens will add two new roller coasters by 2020, including this just-announced Gwazi replacement". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
^ Andrew, Stilwell (March 1, 2019). "Busch Gardens' Gwazi Conversion to become World's Fastest, Steepest Hybrid Coaster". Coaster101. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
^ Tuttle, Brittani (March 1, 2019). "Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces hybrid coaster replacement for Gwazi". Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (August 21, 2019). "Busch Gardens' new coaster on Gwazi site goes vertical". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ Russon, Gabrielle (September 12, 2019). "SeaWorld Orlando is getting a new roller coaster called Ice Breaker". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
^ Levine, Arthur (September 12, 2019). "Exclusive: This could be the best roller coaster in Florida ⁠— and beyond". USA Today. Gannett. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
^ Carter, Ashley (November 19, 2019). "Busch Gardens Unveils Ride Vehicle for Iron Gwazi Coaster". News 13. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ Niles, Robert (November 19, 2019). "Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks reveal new coaster cars". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ Niles, Robert (March 9, 2020). "Busch Gardens completes track work on Iron Gwazi". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Anderson, Avery (March 10, 2020). "Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster, Iron Gwazi". WTSP. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ "Iron Gwazi is almost ready as Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster". WTVT. March 11, 2020. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
^ Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (June 9, 2020). "Busch Gardens president talks reopening, safety and when we can ride Iron Gwazi". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
^ Russon, Gabrielle (June 16, 2020). "SeaWorld has fallen behind on millions of dollars in construction bills, including Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker roller coasters". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
^ Hiramoto, KJ (July 29, 2020). "Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to be delayed due to pandemic". WFTS-TV. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ Ruth, Daisy (July 29, 2020). "Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi roller coaster delayed until 2021". WFLA-TV. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ "SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Reports Second Quarter and First Six Months 2020 Results" (PDF). SeaWorld Entertainment. August 10, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
^ Russon, Gabrielle (September 11, 2020). "SeaWorld's new Orlando and Tampa roller coasters are opening in the spring". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
^ Carter, Ashley (November 12, 2020). "Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Releases POV of Iron Gwazi Coaster". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Levine, Arthur (November 12, 2020). "Exclusive: Watch the first video from Florida's record-breaking Iron Gwazi roller coaster". USA Today. Gannett. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
^ Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (August 23, 2021). "Busch Gardens will open Iron Gwazi in March". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^ Carter, Ashley (January 20, 2022). "Busch Gardens sets opening date for Iron Gwazi". Spectrum News 13. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
^ Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (January 20, 2022). "Busch Gardens announces opening date for monster coaster Iron Gwazi". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (February 9, 2022). "We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
^ Villegas, Brianda (February 9, 2022). "Sneak peek: Iron Gwazi ready for grand opening at Busch Gardens". WFLA. Archived from the original on February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Rice, Katie (March 3, 2022). "Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after a guest reports hitting one". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
^ Carter, Ashley (March 11, 2022). "Iron Gwazi opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
^ Morris, Athina (March 11, 2022). "Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to officially open Friday". WFLA. Archived from the original on March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Daly, Sean (February 10, 2022). "Iron Gwazi, the much-delayed hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens, opens with a roar". WFTS-TV. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
^ Hawley, Catherine (September 13, 2022). "Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi named Best New Roller Coaster of 2022". WTVT. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "Beyond the Track: Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa In-Depth Analysis". Coaster101. July 22, 2021. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
^ Sigo, Shelly (May 28, 1999). "New roller coaster escalate competition". South Florida Business Journal. Vol. 19, no. 21. Gale A54993794.
^ Stilwell, Andrew (January 9, 2015). "Busch Gardens Tampa's Gwazi to Close February 1". Coaster101. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ Gwazi (Lion) Front Seat on-ride POV Busch Gardens Tampa. CoasterForce (Internet video). January 6, 2010. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
^ Gwazi (Tiger) Front Seat on-ride HD POV Busch Gardens Tampa. CoasterForce (Internet video). June 17, 2011. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2020 – via YouTube.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Marden, Duane. "Iron Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, United States)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
^ Marden, Duane. "Outward Banked Airtime Hill". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Shane, Joseph (February 12, 2022). "Iron Gwazi: Our Review and Reactions". Coaster101. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Butterfield, Bobbie (February 17, 2022). "Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Has a Winner With Iron Gwazi". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
^ Iron Gwazi POV Busch Gardens Tampa – New Roller Coaster! (Video link). Theme Park Review. November 12, 2020. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022 – via YouTube.
^ Sidime, Aissatou (July 16, 1998). "Busch adding wooden coaster". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Morgan, Philip (May 7, 1999). "Rock on Wood". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. p. 2. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Mauney, Matt (January 30, 2015). "The end of Gwazi: A look at notable wooden coasters around the U.S." Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ "Rock on wood; Busch Garden's dual coaster will have rider shaking, shimmying and rolling". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. May 7, 1999. Gale A65983209.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Stilwell, Andrew (December 26, 2019). "Inside Iron Gwazi with Project Manager Andrew Schaffer". Coaster101. Archived from the original on August 26, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ Tatham, Chelsea (January 30, 2020). "Busch Gardens shows off almost-finished Iron Gwazi coaster, Solar Vortex water slide". WTSP. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
^ Original Gwazi vs. Iron Gwazi (Sign inside queue area). Tampa, Florida: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. 2022.
^ Brezina-Smith, Veronica (September 12, 2019). "Busch Gardens reveals details on new Gwazi coaster, water slide at Adventure Island". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
^ Fais, Scott (February 10, 2022). "'Iron Gwazi:' Inside Florida's New Roller Coaster". Funworld Magazine. International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (February 9, 2022). "We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c Bevil, Dewayne (February 9, 2022). "First ride: Relentless Iron Gwazi streaks through Busch Gardens". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Davis, Pamela (June 17, 1999). "Thrill seekers get taste of latest ride". St. Petersburg Times. Mark Albright. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Walker, Kevin (June 21, 1999). "The highs and lows of Gwazi". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Hickman, Breuse (July 4, 1999). "Parks' push for customers fuels roller coaster wars". Florida Today. Gannett. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Staff (June 18, 1999). "Wooden coaster debuts at Busch Gardens". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Durkee, Dennis (May 14, 2000). "Wooden Coaster Offers Thrills". The Tyler Courier-Times. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Yeager, Connie (July 25, 1999). "Roller coasters are riding the comeback rail". The Record. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Daly, Sean (January 9, 2015). "Last day to ride Gwazi roller coaster at Busch Gardens? Feb. 1". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
^ Murphy, Jeremy J. (August 29, 1999). "Tampa's Gwazi: A heart attack on rails". The Charlotte Observer. Knight Ridder. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Simanoff, Dave (June 30, 2000). "Crazy for coasters". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. pp. 18–19. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.; Simanoff, Dave (June 30, 2000). "Crazy for coasters". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. p. 35. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Murphy, Jeremy J. (August 29, 1999). "Florida parks debut new rides". The News-Press. Gannett. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Top 25 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 6B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 10–11B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 22–23B. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 30–31B. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 11 (6.2): 42–43. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (6.2): 38–39. September 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
^ "Amusement Today – Golden Ticket Awards 2022". Amusement Today. 26 (6.2): 36, 38–40. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
^ "2022 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.
^ "2023 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Amusement Today. 27 (6.2): 66–70. September 2023. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023.
^ "2024 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2024. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024.
^ Vansickle, Abbie; Danielson, Rick (July 26, 2006). "Hillsborough: Man dies after roller coaster ride". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ Carter, Ashley (March 3, 2022). "Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after guest hits hand". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.

External links

Official website
Media related to Iron Gwazi at Wikimedia Commons

[McMorrow-Hernandez-1] McMorrow-Hernandez, Joshua (2017). Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Arcadia Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 9781467124959. On October 25, 1995, it was announced the park's Anheuser-Busch brewery, which originally served as the anchoring feature of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, would close.

[BW1995-2] "Anheuser-Busch To Increase Profitability Through Increased Efficiency, Restructuring". Business Wire. October 25, 1995. Gale A17449576.

[3] Clancy, Carole (December 23, 1996). "Busch to brew beer again in Tampa". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved August 15, 2022.

[Herman1999-4] Herman, Jeff (June 13, 1999). "A-B's first wooden roller coaster will open Friday at park in Tampa". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Pulitzer, Inc. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[Davis1999-5] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Davis, Pamela (June 14, 1999). "Twist & shout". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2020.

[Albright1999-6] Albright, Mark (April 26, 1999). "Still The Coaster Capital?". St. Petersburg Times. pp. 8–9. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[7] "Busch plans huge hotel, entertainment complex". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. June 3, 1998. Gale A66066252.

[8] "Rumor On New 1999 Coaster At Busch Gardens Tampa". Ultimate Roller Coaster. Archived from the original on February 18, 2001. Retrieved August 4, 2020.

[9] "Gwazi". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Archived from the original on April 4, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2019.

[10] "Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Dueling Wooden Coaster For 1999". Ultimate Roller Coaster. July 16, 1998. Archived from the original on January 23, 2001. Retrieved August 4, 2020.

[11] Baker, Tim (July 20, 1998). "In bid for visitors, Busch Gardens ups its roller coaster ante". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[OBrien1998-12] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f O'Brien, Tim (July 20, 1998). "Two Beastly Heads To Do Battle At Busch Gardens". Amusement Business. 110 (29). The Nielsen Company. Gale A20949043.

[13] Albright, Mark (July 16, 1998). "Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters". St. Petersburg Times. pp. 1E–2E. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

[14] Albright, Mark (July 16, 1998). "Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters". St. Petersburg Times. p. 1E. Archived from the original on November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[15] "Wood You?". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. November 17, 1998. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[16] Clarke, Jay (April 25, 1999). "New attractions, old favorites await in Central Florida". The Miami Herald. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

[17] "Busch pass is the ticket for 1st Gwazi ride". The Tampa Tribune. General Media. June 5, 1999. Gale A65977447.

[TampaTribune1999-18] "Busch's new Gwazi a hit with coaster enthusiasts". The Tampa Tribune. General Media. June 17, 1999. Gale A65971396.

[19] Stooksbury Guier, Cindy (February 22, 1999). "Tourism Up 8.2%; Generates $41 Billion". Amusement Business. 111 (8). The Nielsen Company. Gale A53998196.

[Stone1999-20] Stone, John (January 4, 1999). "Busch Gardens' Fast and Furious Roller Coaster". Leisure Travel News. 15 (1). The Nielsen Company. Gale A53576880.

[21] A. Stefani, Kelly (June 18, 1999). "Get on the fast track". St. Petersburg Times. p. 4T. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2023.

[McMorrow-Hernandez2015-22] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g McMorrow-Hernandez, Josh (January 31, 2015). "Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's final run Sunday (w/video)". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

[Fake2022-23] Fake, David (March 2022). "Wait is over – RMC, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay awaken Iron Gwazi" (PDF). Amusement Today. 25 (12): 10, 12. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 1, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.

[AT_march_2011-24] Rutherford, Scott (February 28, 2011). "Great Coasters delivers thriller to China, new trains to Busch Tampa" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (12). Arlington, Texas: Amusement Today: 1, 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2019.

[25] Gworek, Don (January 26, 2011). "Gwazi wooden coaster at Busch Gardens reopens with a smoother ride". Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2020.

[26] John, Stevenson (January 13, 2011). "Gwazi to reopen with Millennium Flyer trains". Coaster101. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2020.

[rcdb533-27] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q Marden, Duane. "Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, USA)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.

[28] C. Hammett, Yvette (December 23, 2014). "Busch Gardens to close Gwazi wooden roller coaster". The Tampa Tribune. Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

[29] "Gwazi officially closes Feb. 1 at Busch Gardens". The Tampa Tribune. January 9, 2015. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

[30] Omberg, Emily (January 28, 2015). "Last ride ever on Gwazi Rollercoaster: Busch Gardens Tampa". Sun Times Network. Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

[31] Lambert, Marjie (January 29, 2015). "Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster". Miami Herald. McClatchy. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

[32] Black, Jonathan (November 1, 2016). "Busch Gardens' latest coaster, InvadR, appeals to ride enthusiasts". Daily Press. Tronc. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

[33] Bevil, Dewayne (April 7, 2016). "Parts of Busch Gardens' wooden coaster are recycled at theme parks". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

[34] Staff (February 2, 2015). "Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's clickety-clack goes silent (w/video)". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[35] Lambert, Marjie (January 29, 2015). "Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster". Miami Herald. The McClatchy Company. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2020.

[36] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (July 27, 2018). "Here's what may happen to the closed Gwazi ride at Busch Gardens". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[37] Staff (September 12, 2018). "Tigris coaster coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.

[38] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (September 12, 2018). "Busch Gardens' roaring new roller coaster, Tigris, will feature Florida's tallest launch tower (Video)". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2018.

[39] "Iron Gwazi". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.

[40] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (October 2, 2018). "SeaWorld images reveal what could replace Busch Gardens' Gwazi coaster". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.

[:5-41] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (October 26, 2018). "Busch Gardens files demolition permit, may signal Gwazi ride set to be torn down". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.

[42] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (December 24, 2018). "Busch Gardens' long-dormant wooden roller coaster Gwazi looks even closer to roaring back to life as prominent theme park contractor updates plans". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2018.

[43] Staff (December 27, 2018). "Revamped Busch Gardens coaster may open in 2020". WTSP. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2018.

[44] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (January 25, 2019). "Busch Gardens, Legoland take major strides on new investments, rides". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2019. A crane was spotted this month hovering above Gwazi...but will soon be transformed into a hybrid ride in 2020 that's been code named "BGT 2020".

[45] Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (March 1, 2019). "Busch Gardens will add two new roller coasters by 2020, including this just-announced Gwazi replacement". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2019.

[46] Andrew, Stilwell (March 1, 2019). "Busch Gardens' Gwazi Conversion to become World's Fastest, Steepest Hybrid Coaster". Coaster101. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.

[47] Tuttle, Brittani (March 1, 2019). "Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces hybrid coaster replacement for Gwazi". Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.

[48] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (August 21, 2019). "Busch Gardens' new coaster on Gwazi site goes vertical". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[49] Russon, Gabrielle (September 12, 2019). "SeaWorld Orlando is getting a new roller coaster called Ice Breaker". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.

[50] Levine, Arthur (September 12, 2019). "Exclusive: This could be the best roller coaster in Florida ⁠— and beyond". USA Today. Gannett. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.

[51] Carter, Ashley (November 19, 2019). "Busch Gardens Unveils Ride Vehicle for Iron Gwazi Coaster". News 13. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[52] Niles, Robert (November 19, 2019). "Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks reveal new coaster cars". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[53] Niles, Robert (March 9, 2020). "Busch Gardens completes track work on Iron Gwazi". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[:6-54] Anderson, Avery (March 10, 2020). "Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster, Iron Gwazi". WTSP. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[55] "Iron Gwazi is almost ready as Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster". WTVT. March 11, 2020. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.

[56] Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (June 9, 2020). "Busch Gardens president talks reopening, safety and when we can ride Iron Gwazi". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.

[57] Russon, Gabrielle (June 16, 2020). "SeaWorld has fallen behind on millions of dollars in construction bills, including Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker roller coasters". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.

[58] Hiramoto, KJ (July 29, 2020). "Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to be delayed due to pandemic". WFTS-TV. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[59] Ruth, Daisy (July 29, 2020). "Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi roller coaster delayed until 2021". WFLA-TV. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[60] "SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Reports Second Quarter and First Six Months 2020 Results" (PDF). SeaWorld Entertainment. August 10, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2023.

[61] Russon, Gabrielle (September 11, 2020). "SeaWorld's new Orlando and Tampa roller coasters are opening in the spring". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.

[62] Carter, Ashley (November 12, 2020). "Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Releases POV of Iron Gwazi Coaster". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.

[:0-63] Levine, Arthur (November 12, 2020). "Exclusive: Watch the first video from Florida's record-breaking Iron Gwazi roller coaster". USA Today. Gannett. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.

[64] Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (August 23, 2021). "Busch Gardens will open Iron Gwazi in March". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.

[65] Carter, Ashley (January 20, 2022). "Busch Gardens sets opening date for Iron Gwazi". Spectrum News 13. Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.

[66] Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (January 20, 2022). "Busch Gardens announces opening date for monster coaster Iron Gwazi". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.

[:3-67] Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (February 9, 2022). "We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.

[68] Villegas, Brianda (February 9, 2022). "Sneak peek: Iron Gwazi ready for grand opening at Busch Gardens". WFLA. Archived from the original on February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.

[Rice2022-69] Rice, Katie (March 3, 2022). "Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after a guest reports hitting one". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.

[70] Carter, Ashley (March 11, 2022). "Iron Gwazi opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.

[71] Morris, Athina (March 11, 2022). "Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to officially open Friday". WFLA. Archived from the original on March 12, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.

[:4-72] Daly, Sean (February 10, 2022). "Iron Gwazi, the much-delayed hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens, opens with a roar". WFTS-TV. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2023.

[73] Hawley, Catherine (September 13, 2022). "Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi named Best New Roller Coaster of 2022". WTVT. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.

[:1-74] "Beyond the Track: Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa In-Depth Analysis". Coaster101. July 22, 2021. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

[75] Sigo, Shelly (May 28, 1999). "New roller coaster escalate competition". South Florida Business Journal. Vol. 19, no. 21. Gale A54993794.

[76] Stilwell, Andrew (January 9, 2015). "Busch Gardens Tampa's Gwazi to Close February 1". Coaster101. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

[77] Gwazi (Lion) Front Seat on-ride POV Busch Gardens Tampa. CoasterForce (Internet video). January 6, 2010. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2020 – via YouTube.

[78] Gwazi (Tiger) Front Seat on-ride HD POV Busch Gardens Tampa. CoasterForce (Internet video). June 17, 2011. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2020 – via YouTube.

[rcdb16985-79] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Marden, Duane. "Iron Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, United States)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.

[80] Marden, Duane. "Outward Banked Airtime Hill". Roller Coaster DataBase. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.

[:2-81] Shane, Joseph (February 12, 2022). "Iron Gwazi: Our Review and Reactions". Coaster101. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.

[Butterfield2022-82] Butterfield, Bobbie (February 17, 2022). "Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Has a Winner With Iron Gwazi". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

[83] Iron Gwazi POV Busch Gardens Tampa – New Roller Coaster! (Video link). Theme Park Review. November 12, 2020. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022 – via YouTube.

[Sidime1999-84] Sidime, Aissatou (July 16, 1998). "Busch adding wooden coaster". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[85] Morgan, Philip (May 7, 1999). "Rock on Wood". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. p. 2. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.

[86] Mauney, Matt (January 30, 2015). "The end of Gwazi: A look at notable wooden coasters around the U.S." Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

[87] "Rock on wood; Busch Garden's dual coaster will have rider shaking, shimmying and rolling". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. May 7, 1999. Gale A65983209.

[Stilwell2019-88] Stilwell, Andrew (December 26, 2019). "Inside Iron Gwazi with Project Manager Andrew Schaffer". Coaster101. Archived from the original on August 26, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[89] Tatham, Chelsea (January 30, 2020). "Busch Gardens shows off almost-finished Iron Gwazi coaster, Solar Vortex water slide". WTSP. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.

[90] Original Gwazi vs. Iron Gwazi (Sign inside queue area). Tampa, Florida: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. 2022.

[91] Brezina-Smith, Veronica (September 12, 2019). "Busch Gardens reveals details on new Gwazi coaster, water slide at Adventure Island". Tampa Bay Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2020.

[92] Fais, Scott (February 10, 2022). "'Iron Gwazi:' Inside Florida's New Roller Coaster". Funworld Magazine. International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2022.

[KennedyWynne2022-93] Wynne, Sharon Kennedy (February 9, 2022). "We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.

[Bevil2022-94] Bevil, Dewayne (February 9, 2022). "First ride: Relentless Iron Gwazi streaks through Busch Gardens". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.

[Davis1999-2-95] Davis, Pamela (June 17, 1999). "Thrill seekers get taste of latest ride". St. Petersburg Times. Mark Albright. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[96] Walker, Kevin (June 21, 1999). "The highs and lows of Gwazi". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[97] Hickman, Breuse (July 4, 1999). "Parks' push for customers fuels roller coaster wars". Florida Today. Gannett. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[98] Staff (June 18, 1999). "Wooden coaster debuts at Busch Gardens". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[99] Durkee, Dennis (May 14, 2000). "Wooden Coaster Offers Thrills". The Tyler Courier-Times. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[100] Yeager, Connie (July 25, 1999). "Roller coasters are riding the comeback rail". The Record. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[101] Daly, Sean (January 9, 2015). "Last day to ride Gwazi roller coaster at Busch Gardens? Feb. 1". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

[102] Murphy, Jeremy J. (August 29, 1999). "Tampa's Gwazi: A heart attack on rails". The Charlotte Observer. Knight Ridder. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[103] Simanoff, Dave (June 30, 2000). "Crazy for coasters". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. pp. 18–19. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.; Simanoff, Dave (June 30, 2000). "Crazy for coasters". The Tampa Tribune. Media General. p. 35. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[104] Murphy, Jeremy J. (August 29, 1999). "Florida parks debut new rides". The News-Press. Gannett. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

[GTA2002-105] "Top 25 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 6B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[GTA2003-106] "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 10–11B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[GTA2004-107] "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[GTA2005-108] "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 22–23B. September 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[GTA2006-109] "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 30–31B. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[GTA2007-110] "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 11 (6.2): 42–43. September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[GTA2010-111] "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 14 (6.2): 38–39. September 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2016.

[112] "Amusement Today – Golden Ticket Awards 2022". Amusement Today. 26 (6.2): 36, 38–40. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2022.

[GTA2022-113] "2022 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.

[GTA2023-114] "2023 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Amusement Today. 27 (6.2): 66–70. September 2023. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023.

[GTA2024-115] "2024 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2024. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024.

[116] Vansickle, Abbie; Danielson, Rick (July 26, 2006). "Hillsborough: Man dies after roller coaster ride". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2017.

[117] Carter, Ashley (March 3, 2022). "Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after guest hits hand". Bay News 9. Archived from the original on March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

[31]

[32]

[33]

[34]

[35]

[36]

[37]

[38]

[39]

[40]

[41]

[42]

[43]

[44]

[45]

[46]

[47]

[48]

[49]

[50]

[51]

[52]

[53]

[54]

[55]

[56]

[57]

[58]

[59]

[60]

[61]

[62]

[63]

[64]

[65]

[66]

[67]

[68]

[69]

[70]

[71]

[72]

[73]

[74]

[75]

[76]

[77]

[78]

[79]

[80]

[81]

[82]

[83]

[84]

[85]

[86]

[87]

[88]

[89]

[90]

[91]

[92]

[93]

[94]

[95]

[96]

[97]

[98]

[99]

[100]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Hybrid roller coaster in Tampa, Florida}}
+{{Short description|Ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay}}
-{{good article}}
+{{Featured article}}
 {{Use American English|date=July 2022}}
 {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}}
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
 | name                 = Iron Gwazi
 | image                = Iron Gwazi (11).jpg
-| caption              = Iron Gwazi's lift hill and downdrop barrel roll
+| caption              = Iron Gwazi's lift hill and barrel roll downdrop
 | previousnames        = Gwazi (1999–2015)
 | location             = Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
@@ Line 27: / Line 28: @@
 | length_ft            = 4075
 | speed_mph            = 76
-| inversions           = 2 <!-- RCDB states that Iron Gwazi has 2 inversions. If you think it is 3, please provide a reliable source and post it to the article's talk page for further discussion -->
+| inversions           = <!-- RCDB states that Iron Gwazi has 2 inversions.-->2<!-- The park's claim of 3 does not override secondary source analysis. Gather other reliable sources and post on the article's talk page for further discussion. -->
 | duration             = 1:50
 | angle                = 91
@@ Line 46: / Line 47: @@
 | type3                =
 |logo=Iron Gwazi (logo).png|logodimensions=200|theme=[[Crocodile]]|logo_alt=A script text of "Iron Gwazi Busch Gardens", with the word "Iron" being at the top, followed by the next line word "Gwazi" and then "Busch Gardens" at the bottom. The word "Iron" appears slightly larger than "Gwazi", with "Busch Gardens" being the smallest text centered. "Iron" is colored silver, with a darker green hue outlining the text at the top which transitions into a yellow gradient towards the bottom of the word. The words "Gwazi" and "Busch Gardens" are colored purple, with "Busch Gardens" appearing in a slanted text. Atop the script text is a geometric crocodile colored in shades of green and yellow. The crocodile appears to sink its white teeth into the "Iron" text, with yellow appearing on one of the scales on its head, its eyes, and its nostrils.|image_alt=Appearing from the central plaza, Iron Gwazi's lift hill is prominently shown in the skyline with the barrel roll-down drop under the lift structure. Parts of the building that houses the hybrid roller coaster are imaged at the bottom, with a thatched roof in the center-right. Trees are also visible on either side of the image.}}
-'''Iron Gwazi''' (replacement of '''Gwazi''') is a steel-track [[hybrid roller coaster]] at [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]], a theme park in [[Tampa, Florida]], United States. To repurpose the site of the [[Anheuser-Busch]] brewery, Busch Gardens announced the construction of Gwazi in July 1998. [[Great Coasters International]] (GCI) built the original Gwazi, a [[Wooden roller coaster|wooden]] [[dueling roller coaster]] with two separate tracks. It was named after a fabled creature with a tiger's head and a lion's body. Trains riding on both tracks, each named Lion and Tiger, reached a height of {{Convert|105.4|ft}} and a maximum speed of {{Convert|51|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.
+'''Iron Gwazi''' (formerly called '''Gwazi''') is a steel-track [[hybrid roller coaster]] at [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]], a theme park in [[Tampa, Florida]], United States.  Development of the original Gwazi began in July 1998, when Busch Gardens announced that it would build a [[wooden roller coaster]] on land formerly occupied by the [[Anheuser-Busch]] brewery. [[Great Coasters International]] (GCI) built Gwazi, a wooden [[dueling roller coaster]] with two separate tracks. The ride was named after a fabled creature with a tiger's head and a lion's body. Trains riding on both tracks, respectively named Lion and Tiger, reached a height of {{Convert|105.4|ft}} and a maximum speed of {{Convert|51|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.
 Gwazi opened on June 18, 1999, and received positive reviews from critics and the public. Over time, the wooden roller coaster became difficult to maintain, resulting in the Tiger side closing in 2012. Following rising maintenance costs and declining ridership, the remaining side was closed in 2015. The wooden structure sat dormant for several years, and the park considered several replacement attractions, including a remodeled roller coaster, an amphitheater, and a new attraction. The park indicated it would refurbish the wooden structure, and site preparation began in late 2018.
-In 2019, Busch Gardens announced the replacement as Iron Gwazi, a steel-tracked roller coaster. The park hired [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] (RMC) to retrofit the original wooden structure's layout. It was initially scheduled to open in 2020 but was delayed several times due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Florida|COVID-19 pandemic]] and other issues. Iron Gwazi [[Soft launch|soft-opened]] to passholders on February 13, 2022, and to the public on March 11. The refurbished ride was marketed and opened as North America's tallest, steepest, and fastest hybrid roller coaster, featuring a height of {{Convert|206|ft}}, a maximum speed of {{Convert|76|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, and a track length increase of {{Convert|567|ft}} over its predecessor. Iron Gwazi debuted to positive reviews from critics, later winning the 2022 [[Best New Roller Coaster]] category in the annual [[Golden Ticket Awards]] publication from ''[[Amusement Today]]''.
+In 2019, Busch Gardens announced the replacement as Iron Gwazi, a steel-tracked roller coaster. The park hired [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] (RMC) to retrofit the original wooden structure's layout. It was initially scheduled to open in 2020 but was delayed several times due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Florida|COVID-19 pandemic]] and other issues. Iron Gwazi [[Soft launch|soft-opened]] to passholders on February 13, 2022, and to the public on March 11. The refurbished ride was marketed and opened as North America's tallest, steepest, and fastest hybrid roller coaster, featuring a height of {{Convert|206|ft}}, a maximum speed of {{Convert|76|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, and a track length increase of {{Convert|567|ft}} over its predecessor. Iron Gwazi debuted to positive reviews from critics, later winning the 2022 [[Best New Roller Coaster]] category in ''[[Amusement Today]]'' magazine's annual [[Golden Ticket Awards]].
 == History ==
-In October 1995, [[Anheuser-Busch]] announced the closure of its Tampa brewery, which had operated in the middle of [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] since the park's inaugural year, 1959.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez">{{Cite book |last=McMorrow-Hernandez |first=Joshua |title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |year=2017 |isbn=9781467124959 |pages=77 |quote=On October 25, 1995, it was announced the park's Anheuser-Busch brewery, which originally served as the anchoring feature of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, would close.}}</ref><ref name="BW1995">{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1995 |title=Anheuser-Busch To Increase Profitability Through Increased Efficiency, Restructuring |work=[[Business Wire]] |publisher=Business Wire, Inc. |id={{Gale|A17449576}}}}</ref> The brewery closed in December and was demolished afterwards.<ref name="BW1995" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clancy |first=Carole |date=December 23, 1996 |title=Busch to brew beer again in Tampa |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/1996/12/23/story5.html/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725053931/http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/1996/12/23/story5.html |url-status=live }}</ref> To replace the brewery, the park chose a [[wooden roller coaster]] rather than one made of steel due to growing preferences for antiquated attractions. The park wanted to differentiate itself from other Florida theme parks, which had modern ride technology.<ref name="Herman1999">{{Cite news |last=Herman |first=Jeff |date=June 13, 1999 |title=A-B's first wooden roller coaster will open Friday at park in Tampa |work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |publisher=[[Pulitzer, Inc.]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62825640/st-louis-post-dispatch-on-the-gwazi/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613030817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62825640/st-louis-post-dispatch-on-the-gwazi/ |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
+In October 1995, [[Anheuser-Busch]] announced the closure of its Tampa brewery, which had operated in the middle of [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] since the park's inaugural year, 1959.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez">{{Cite book |last=McMorrow-Hernandez |first=Joshua |title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |year=2017 |isbn=9781467124959 |pages=77 |quote=On October 25, 1995, it was announced the park's Anheuser-Busch brewery, which originally served as the anchoring feature of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, would close.}}</ref><ref name="BW1995">{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1995 |title=Anheuser-Busch To Increase Profitability Through Increased Efficiency, Restructuring |work=[[Business Wire]] |id={{Gale|A17449576}}}}</ref> The brewery closed in December and was demolished afterwards.<ref name="BW1995" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clancy |first=Carole |date=December 23, 1996 |title=Busch to brew beer again in Tampa |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/1996/12/23/story5.html/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725053931/http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/1996/12/23/story5.html |url-status=live }}</ref> To replace the brewery, the park chose a [[wooden roller coaster]] rather than one made of steel due to growing preferences for older-style attractions. The park wanted to differentiate itself from other Florida theme parks, which had modern ride technology.<ref name="Herman1999">{{Cite news |last=Herman |first=Jeff |date=June 13, 1999 |title=A-B's first wooden roller coaster will open Friday at park in Tampa |work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |publisher=[[Pulitzer, Inc.]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62825640/st-louis-post-dispatch-on-the-gwazi/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613030817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62825640/st-louis-post-dispatch-on-the-gwazi/ |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
-Mark Rose, the park's vice president for planning and design, chose the builder for the wooden roller coaster after touring several amusement parks over 17 days.<ref name="Herman1999" /><ref name="Davis1999" /> He made a shortlist of five roller coasters, seeking a prospective designer for a new Busch Gardens attraction, and eventually settled on [[Great Coasters International]] (GCI) for the project based on the company's [[Wildcat (Hersheypark)|Wildcat]] installation at [[Hersheypark]]. Officials for [[Busch Entertainment]] (later renamed SeaWorld Entertainment) confirmed the choice and signed GCI.<ref name="Herman1999" /><ref name="Albright1999">{{Cite news|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=April 26, 1999|title=Still The Coaster Capital?|pages=8–9|work=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62821784/the-detailed-look-and-into-the-new/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509013207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62821784/the-detailed-look-and-into-the-new/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Washington University in St. Louis]] helped research the new roller coaster name, Anheuser-Busch selecting Gwazi.<ref name="Herman1999" /> The name Gwazi refers to a mythical African lion with a tiger's head that struggles with inner conflict.<ref name="Herman1999" /><ref name="Davis1999" />
+Mark Rose, the park's vice president for planning and design, chose the builder for the wooden roller coaster after touring several amusement parks over 17 days.<ref name="Herman1999" /><ref name="Davis1999" /> He made a shortlist of five roller coasters, seeking a prospective designer for a new Busch Gardens attraction, and eventually settled on [[Great Coasters International]] (GCI) for the project based on the company's [[Wildcat (Hersheypark)|Wildcat]] installation at [[Hersheypark]]. Officials for [[Busch Entertainment]] (later renamed SeaWorld Entertainment) confirmed the choice and signed GCI.<ref name="Herman1999" /><ref name="Albright1999">{{Cite news |last=Albright |first=Mark |date=April 26, 1999 |title=Still The Coaster Capital? |pages=8–[https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-continued-coverage-of-th/62822455/ 9] |work=St. Petersburg Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62821784/the-detailed-look-and-into-the-new/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509013207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62821784/the-detailed-look-and-into-the-new/ |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> [[Washington University in St. Louis]] helped research the new roller coaster name, Anheuser-Busch selecting Gwazi.<ref name="Herman1999" /> The name Gwazi refers to a mythical African lion with a tiger's head that struggles with inner conflict.<ref name="Herman1999" /><ref name="Davis1999" />
-In early June 1998, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay considered adding a resort on site to compete with other Florida amusement parks, including a projected $10 million attraction scheduled to open in 1999.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1998 |title=Busch plans huge hotel, entertainment complex |work=[[The Tampa Tribune]] |publisher=[[Media General]] |id={{Gale|A66066252}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rumor On New 1999 Coaster At Busch Gardens Tampa|url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jun98.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010218092901/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jun98.shtml|archive-date=February 18, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=Ultimate Roller Coaster}}</ref> By mid-month, park owner Busch Entertainment filed a trademark for the name "Gwazi" with the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=2293675&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|title=Gwazi|publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404082200/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=2293675&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|url-status=live}}</ref> Busch Gardens announced its plan to add a pair of [[Dueling roller coaster|dueling]] wooden roller coasters named Gwazi on July 15,<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 16, 1998|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Dueling Wooden Coaster For 1999|url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jul98.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123213100/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jul98.shtml|archive-date=January 23, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=Ultimate Roller Coaster}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Baker|first=Tim|date=July 20, 1998|title=In bid for visitors, Busch Gardens ups its roller coaster ante|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|publisher=Tribune Publishing|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815494/construction-details-of-gwazi-roller/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116111048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815494/construction-details-of-gwazi-roller/|url-status=live}}</ref> with groundbreaking taking place that day.<ref name="OBrien1998" /> The dueling roller coasters would be built as the park's fifth roller coaster, the two tracks themed to a "Lion" and "Tiger" to correspond with the respective dueling theme.<ref name="OBrien1998" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Albright |first=Mark |date=July 16, 1998 |title=Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters  |pages=1E–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62816961/gwazi-details-as-part-of-busch-gardens/ 2E] |work=St. Petersburg Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-details-about-a-new-roll/62815353/ |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707154944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-details-about-a-new-roll/62815353/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> The announcement also revealed that GCI would be building the roller coaster.<ref name="OBrien1998" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=July 16, 1998|title=Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters|page=1E|work=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815353/details-about-a-new-roller-coaster-at/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116201206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815353/details-about-a-new-roller-coaster-at/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Tampa Tribune]]'' ran pictures of the hills under construction in November.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 17, 1998|title=Wood You?|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|publisher=Media General|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62818338/construction-details-of-the-roller/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62818338/construction-details-of-the-roller/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gwazi was reported to have been re-designed several times during construction.<ref name="Albright1999" /> By April 1999, it was near completion,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Jay |date=April 25, 1999 |title=New attractions, old favorites await in Central Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62819461/details-about-attractions-within-the/ |access-date=March 17, 2022 |website=The Miami Herald |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317170523/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62819461/details-about-attractions-within-the/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and testing began in May.<ref name="Davis1999">{{Cite web|last=Davis|first=Pamela|date=June 14, 1999|title=Twist & shout|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/06/14/twist-shout/|access-date=August 16, 2020|website=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|publisher=[[Times Publishing Company]]|archive-date=June 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613025634/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/06/14/twist-shout/|url-status=live}}</ref>
+In early June 1998, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay considered adding a resort on site to compete with other Florida amusement parks, including a projected $10 million attraction scheduled to open in 1999.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1998 |title=Busch plans huge hotel, entertainment complex |work=[[The Tampa Tribune]] |publisher=[[Media General]] |id={{Gale|A66066252}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rumor On New 1999 Coaster At Busch Gardens Tampa|url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jun98.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010218092901/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jun98.shtml|archive-date=February 18, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=Ultimate Roller Coaster}}</ref> By mid-month, park owner Busch Entertainment filed a trademark for the name "Gwazi" with the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=2293675&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|title=Gwazi|publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404082200/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=2293675&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|url-status=live}}</ref> Busch Gardens announced its plan to add a pair of [[Dueling roller coaster|dueling]] wooden roller coasters named Gwazi on July 15,<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 16, 1998|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Dueling Wooden Coaster For 1999|url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jul98.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123213100/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/1998/news_jul98.shtml|archive-date=January 23, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=Ultimate Roller Coaster}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Baker|first=Tim|date=July 20, 1998|title=In bid for visitors, Busch Gardens ups its roller coaster ante|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815494/construction-details-of-gwazi-roller/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116111048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815494/construction-details-of-gwazi-roller/|url-status=live}}</ref> with groundbreaking taking place that day.<ref name="OBrien1998" /> The dueling roller coasters would be built as the park's fifth roller coaster, the two tracks themed to a "Lion" and "Tiger" to correspond with the respective dueling theme.<ref name="OBrien1998" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Albright |first=Mark |date=July 16, 1998 |title=Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters  |pages=1E–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62816961/gwazi-details-as-part-of-busch-gardens/ 2E] |work=St. Petersburg Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-details-about-a-new-roll/62815353/ |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707154944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-details-about-a-new-roll/62815353/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> The announcement also revealed that GCI would be building the roller coaster.<ref name="OBrien1998" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=July 16, 1998|title=Busch Gardens launches attack with twin coasters|page=1E|work=St. Petersburg Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815353/details-about-a-new-roller-coaster-at/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116201206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815353/details-about-a-new-roller-coaster-at/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Tampa Tribune]]'' ran pictures of the hills under construction in November.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 17, 1998|title=Wood You?|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|publisher=Media General|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62818338/construction-details-of-the-roller/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62818338/construction-details-of-the-roller/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gwazi was reported to have been re-designed several times during construction.<ref name="Albright1999" /> By April 1999, it was near completion,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Jay |date=April 25, 1999 |title=New attractions, old favorites await in Central Florida |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62819461/details-about-attractions-within-the/ |access-date=March 17, 2022 |website=The Miami Herald |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317170523/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62819461/details-about-attractions-within-the/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and testing began in May.<ref name="Davis1999">{{Cite web|last=Davis|first=Pamela|date=June 14, 1999|title=Twist & shout|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/06/14/twist-shout/|access-date=August 16, 2020|website=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|archive-date=June 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613025634/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/06/14/twist-shout/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 === Operation ===
@@ Line 63: / Line 64: @@
 [[File:Gwazi (Busch Gardens Africa) 02.jpg|thumb|The original Gwazi's entrance and Lion's lift hill in 2006|alt=The original Gwazi entrance is viewed in 2006. The thatched roof containing the original Gwazi logo depicting the clash of the yellow-orange tiger and blue-purple lion is seen above the word "Gwazi". The entrance is located on the right, with another thatched roof structure on the left. The Lion's lift hill is seen above the left thatched roof with tree foliage in the foreground.]]
-Gwazi developed a reputation for delivering a rough ride over time despite regular maintenance.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015">{{Cite web |last=McMorrow-Hernandez |first=Josh |date=January 31, 2015 |title=Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's final run Sunday (w/video) |url=http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/busch-gardens-gwazi-to-make-its-final-run-sunday/2215887 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210125608/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/busch-gardens-gwazi-to-make-its-final-run-sunday/2215887 |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |publisher=Times Publishing Company}}</ref><ref name="Fake2022">{{Cite journal |last=Fake |first=David |date=March 2022 |title=Wait is over – RMC, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay awaken Iron Gwazi |url=https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/202203/assets/downloads/AT-MARCH-2022i.pdf |journal=Amusement Today |volume=25 |issue=12 |pages=10, 12 |access-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301173328/https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/202203/assets/downloads/AT-MARCH-2022i.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The Lion's track was replaced with new wood in 2009, and the Tiger side re-tracked the following year.<ref name="AT_march_2011">{{cite journal|last=Rutherford|first=Scott|date=February 28, 2011|title=Great Coasters delivers thriller to China, new trains to Busch Tampa|url=http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_march_2011_web.pdf|journal=[[Amusement Today]]|location=Arlington, Texas|publisher=Amusement Today|volume=14|issue=12|pages=1, 4|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130020744/http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_march_2011_web.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> After both tracks were refurbished, the last part of the renovation included the installation of four GCI-designed [[Great Coasters International#Millennium Flyer trains|Millennium Flyer]] trains in 2011 to replace the trains originally supplied by [[Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters]] (PTC).<ref name="AT_march_2011" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gworek|first=Don|date=January 26, 2011|title=Gwazi wooden coaster at Busch Gardens reopens with a smoother ride|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=Attractions Magazine|archive-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428175539/https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Stevenson |date=January 13, 2011 |title=Gwazi to reopen with Millennium Flyer trains |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2011/01/13/gwazi-to-reopen-with-millennium-flyer-trains/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104025031/http://www.coaster101.com/2011/01/13/gwazi-to-reopen-with-millennium-flyer-trains/ |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> Even with re-tracking and new trains, the wooden roller coaster remained difficult to maintain, and ridership continued to decrease.<ref name="Fake2022" /> The Tiger side closed following the 2012 season, and soon after, the park built a [[pedestrian bridge]] across its loading platform; one of its trains was relocated to the Lion track.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /><ref name="rcdb533">{{Cite web |last=Marden |first=Duane |title=Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, USA) |url=http://rcdb.com/533.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613224447/https://rcdb.com/533.htm |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=[[Roller Coaster DataBase]]}}</ref>
+Gwazi developed a reputation for delivering a rough ride over time despite regular maintenance.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015">{{Cite web |last=McMorrow-Hernandez |first=Josh |date=January 31, 2015 |title=Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's final run Sunday (w/video) |url=https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/busch-gardens-gwazi-to-make-its-final-run-sunday/2215887/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210125608/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/busch-gardens-gwazi-to-make-its-final-run-sunday/2215887 |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref><ref name="Fake2022">{{Cite journal |last=Fake |first=David |date=March 2022 |title=Wait is over – RMC, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay awaken Iron Gwazi |url=https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/202203/assets/downloads/AT-MARCH-2022i.pdf |journal=Amusement Today |volume=25 |issue=12 |pages=10, 12 |access-date=March 7, 2022 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301173328/https://amusementtoday.com/issues/2022/202203/assets/downloads/AT-MARCH-2022i.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The Lion's track was replaced with new wood in 2009, and the Tiger side re-tracked the following year.<ref name="AT_march_2011">{{cite journal|last=Rutherford|first=Scott|date=February 28, 2011|title=Great Coasters delivers thriller to China, new trains to Busch Tampa|url=http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_march_2011_web.pdf|journal=[[Amusement Today]]|location=Arlington, Texas|publisher=Amusement Today|volume=14|issue=12|pages=1, 4|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130020744/http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_march_2011_web.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> After both tracks were refurbished, the last part of the renovation included the installation of four GCI-designed [[Great Coasters International#Millennium Flyer trains|Millennium Flyer]] trains in 2011 to replace the trains originally supplied by [[Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters]] (PTC).<ref name="AT_march_2011" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gworek|first=Don|date=January 26, 2011|title=Gwazi wooden coaster at Busch Gardens reopens with a smoother ride|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=Attractions Magazine|archive-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428175539/https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Stevenson |date=January 13, 2011 |title=Gwazi to reopen with Millennium Flyer trains |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2011/01/13/gwazi-to-reopen-with-millennium-flyer-trains/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104025031/http://www.coaster101.com/2011/01/13/gwazi-to-reopen-with-millennium-flyer-trains/ |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref> Even with re-tracking and new trains, the wooden roller coaster remained difficult to maintain, and ridership continued to decrease.<ref name="Fake2022" /> The Tiger side closed following the 2012 season, and soon after, the park built a [[pedestrian bridge]] across its loading platform; one of its trains was relocated to the Lion track.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /><ref name="rcdb533">{{Cite web |last=Marden |first=Duane |title=Gwazi – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, USA) |url=http://rcdb.com/533.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613224447/https://rcdb.com/533.htm |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=[[Roller Coaster DataBase]]}}</ref>
-The closure of the Tiger side prompted rumors from amusement park enthusiasts that Gwazi's operation would be terminated in the near future.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /> In December 2014, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay confirmed the closure of the remaining Lion side due to low attendance, operating costs, and negative guest feedback.<ref>{{Cite web|last=C. Hammett|first=Yvette|date=December 23, 2014|title=Busch Gardens to close Gwazi wooden roller coaster|url=http://www.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/busch-gardens-to-close-gwazi-roller-coaster-20141223/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523042659/http://www.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/busch-gardens-to-close-gwazi-roller-coaster-20141223/|archive-date=May 23, 2015|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=The Tampa Tribune|publisher=Tampa Media Group, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 9, 2015|title=Gwazi officially closes Feb. 1 at Busch Gardens|url=http://www.tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/gwazi-officially-closes-feb-1-at-busch-gardens-20150109/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110092340/http://www.tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/gwazi-officially-closes-feb-1-at-busch-gardens-20150109/|archive-date=January 10, 2015|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=The Tampa Tribune|publisher=Tampa Media Group, Inc.}}</ref> Gwazi's last train dispatched in February 2015.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tampa.suntimes.com/tpa-entertainment/7/85/83079/last-ride-ever-gwazi-rollercoaster-busch-gardens-tampa/|title=Last ride ever on Gwazi Rollercoaster: Busch Gardens Tampa|last=Omberg|first=Emily|date=January 28, 2015|website=Sun Times Network|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928072753/http://tampa.suntimes.com/tpa-entertainment/7/85/83079/last-ride-ever-gwazi-rollercoaster-busch-gardens-tampa/|archive-date=September 28, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref> The trains were relocated and used on rides at other SeaWorld park locations, including [[InvadR]] at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] and [[Texas Stingray]] at [[SeaWorld San Antonio]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lambert|first=Marjie|date=January 29, 2015|title=Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/florida-travel/article8580386.html|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=[[Miami Herald]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413171443/https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/florida-travel/article8580386.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Black|first=Jonathan|date=November 1, 2016|title=Busch Gardens' latest coaster, InvadR, appeals to ride enthusiasts|url=http://www.dailypress.com/entertainment/attractions/dp-nws-busch-gardens-invadr-1101-20161031-story.html|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]]|publisher=[[Tronc]]|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413190619/https://www.dailypress.com/entertainment/attractions/dp-nws-busch-gardens-invadr-1101-20161031-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> SeaWorld Entertainment repurposed wooden planks from the structure within the same park and at other properties, including [[SeaWorld Orlando]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |date=April 7, 2016 |title=Parts of Busch Gardens' wooden coaster are recycled at theme parks |language=en-US |work=Orlando Sentinel |publisher=Tribune Publishing |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-recycled-20160407-story.html |access-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410080722/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-recycled-20160407-story.html |archive-date=April 10, 2016}}</ref>
+The closure of the Tiger side prompted rumors from amusement park enthusiasts that Gwazi's operation would be terminated in the near future.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /> In December 2014, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay confirmed the closure of the remaining Lion side due to low attendance, operating costs, and negative guest feedback.<ref>{{Cite web|last=C. Hammett|first=Yvette|date=December 23, 2014|title=Busch Gardens to close Gwazi wooden roller coaster|url=http://www.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/busch-gardens-to-close-gwazi-roller-coaster-20141223/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523042659/http://www.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/busch-gardens-to-close-gwazi-roller-coaster-20141223/|archive-date=May 23, 2015|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=The Tampa Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 9, 2015|title=Gwazi officially closes Feb. 1 at Busch Gardens|url=http://www.tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/gwazi-officially-closes-feb-1-at-busch-gardens-20150109/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110092340/http://www.tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/gwazi-officially-closes-feb-1-at-busch-gardens-20150109/|archive-date=January 10, 2015|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=The Tampa Tribune}}</ref> Gwazi's last train dispatched in February 2015.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tampa.suntimes.com/tpa-entertainment/7/85/83079/last-ride-ever-gwazi-rollercoaster-busch-gardens-tampa/|title=Last ride ever on Gwazi Rollercoaster: Busch Gardens Tampa|last=Omberg|first=Emily|date=January 28, 2015|website=Sun Times Network|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928072753/http://tampa.suntimes.com/tpa-entertainment/7/85/83079/last-ride-ever-gwazi-rollercoaster-busch-gardens-tampa/|archive-date=September 28, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref> The trains were relocated and used on rides at other SeaWorld park locations, including [[InvadR]] at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] and [[Texas Stingray]] at [[SeaWorld San Antonio]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lambert|first=Marjie|date=January 29, 2015|title=Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/florida-travel/article8580386.html|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=[[Miami Herald]]|publisher=[[McClatchy]]|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413171443/https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/florida-travel/article8580386.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Black|first=Jonathan|date=November 1, 2016|title=Busch Gardens' latest coaster, InvadR, appeals to ride enthusiasts|url=http://www.dailypress.com/entertainment/attractions/dp-nws-busch-gardens-invadr-1101-20161031-story.html|access-date=February 7, 2019|website=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]]|publisher=[[Tronc]]|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413190619/https://www.dailypress.com/entertainment/attractions/dp-nws-busch-gardens-invadr-1101-20161031-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> SeaWorld Entertainment repurposed wooden planks from the structure within the same park and at other properties, including [[SeaWorld Orlando]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |date=April 7, 2016 |title=Parts of Busch Gardens' wooden coaster are recycled at theme parks |language=en-US |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-recycled-20160407-story.html |access-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410080722/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-recycled-20160407-story.html |archive-date=April 10, 2016}}</ref>
 === Refurbishment and relaunch===
-Rose, vice president of park services, stated there were no plans for the Gwazi site after its closure, although the park was considering possible replacement attractions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=February 2, 2015|title=Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's clickety-clack goes silent (w/video)|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/busch-gardens-gwazi-roller-coasters-clickety-clack-goes-silent/2216014/|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|language=en|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511201105/https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/busch-gardens-gwazi-roller-coasters-clickety-clack-goes-silent/2216014/|url-status=live}}</ref> A park spokesperson added that engineers discussed adding new elements, manufacturing steel parts, or completely demolishing the structure.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lambert|first=Marjie|date=January 29, 2015|title=Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/florida-travel/article8580386.html|access-date=August 9, 2020|website=Miami Herald|publisher=The McClatchy Company|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190930/https://account.miamiherald.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=8580386&intcid=ab_archive|url-status=live}}</ref> In the three years after the closure, rumors circulated about a possible replacement of the wooden structure, speculating it could be a remodeled roller coaster, a new attraction, or an [[amphitheater]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=July 27, 2018|title=Here's what may happen to the closed Gwazi ride at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/07/27/heres-what-may-happen-to-the-closed-gwazi-ride-at.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=[[Tampa Bay Business Journal]]|publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190649/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/07/27/heres-what-may-happen-to-the-closed-gwazi-ride-at.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During a September 2018 [[news conference]] announcing the park's ninth roller coaster, [[Tigris (roller coaster)|Tigris]], officials said there were construction plans for Gwazi in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2018/09/12/tigris-coaster-coming-to-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-in-2019|title=Tigris coaster coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019|last=Staff|date=September 12, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|publisher=[[Bay News 9]]|language=en|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913012306/http://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2018/09/12/tigris-coaster-coming-to-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-in-2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=September 12, 2018|title=Busch Gardens' roaring new roller coaster, Tigris, will feature Florida's tallest launch tower (Video)|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/09/12/busch-gardens-roaring-new-roller-coaster-tigris.html|access-date=September 13, 2018|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190604/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/09/12/busch-gardens-roaring-new-roller-coaster-tigris.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same day, [[SeaWorld Entertainment]] applied to trademark the name "Iron Gwazi".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Iron Gwazi|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88613908&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218074011/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88613908&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|archive-date=February 18, 2020|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office}}</ref>
+Rose, vice president of park services, stated there were no plans for the Gwazi site after its closure, although the park was considering possible replacement attractions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=February 2, 2015|title=Busch Gardens' Gwazi roller coaster's clickety-clack goes silent (w/video)|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/busch-gardens-gwazi-roller-coasters-clickety-clack-goes-silent/2216014/|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511201105/https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/busch-gardens-gwazi-roller-coasters-clickety-clack-goes-silent/2216014/|url-status=live}}</ref> A park spokesperson added that engineers discussed adding new elements, manufacturing steel parts, or completely demolishing the structure.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lambert|first=Marjie|date=January 29, 2015|title=Last ride for Busch Gardens' wooden roller coaster|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/florida-travel/article8580386.html|access-date=August 9, 2020|website=Miami Herald|publisher=The McClatchy Company|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190930/https://account.miamiherald.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=8580386&intcid=ab_archive|url-status=live}}</ref> In the three years after the closure, rumors circulated about a possible replacement of the wooden structure, speculating it could be a remodeled roller coaster, a new attraction, or an [[amphitheater]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=July 27, 2018|title=Here's what may happen to the closed Gwazi ride at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/07/27/heres-what-may-happen-to-the-closed-gwazi-ride-at.html|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=[[Tampa Bay Business Journal]]|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190649/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/07/27/heres-what-may-happen-to-the-closed-gwazi-ride-at.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During a September 2018 [[news conference]] announcing the park's ninth roller coaster, [[Tigris (roller coaster)|Tigris]], officials said there were construction plans for Gwazi in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2018/09/12/tigris-coaster-coming-to-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-in-2019|title=Tigris coaster coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019|last=Staff|date=September 12, 2018|access-date=September 13, 2018|publisher=[[Bay News 9]]|language=en|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913012306/http://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2018/09/12/tigris-coaster-coming-to-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-in-2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=September 12, 2018|title=Busch Gardens' roaring new roller coaster, Tigris, will feature Florida's tallest launch tower (Video)|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/09/12/busch-gardens-roaring-new-roller-coaster-tigris.html|access-date=September 13, 2018|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190604/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/09/12/busch-gardens-roaring-new-roller-coaster-tigris.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same day, [[SeaWorld Entertainment]] applied to trademark the name "Iron Gwazi".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Iron Gwazi|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88613908&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218074011/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=88613908&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|archive-date=February 18, 2020|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office}}</ref>
-An internal SeaWorld Entertainment presentation was leaked online to the public in October 2018, which showcased several projects under development across its parks, including a replacement ride for Gwazi as a "high-thrill hybrid roller coaster".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=October 2, 2018 |title=SeaWorld images reveal what could replace Busch Gardens' Gwazi coaster |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/02/seaworld-images-reveal-what-could-replace-busch.html |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609163955/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/02/seaworld-images-reveal-what-could-replace-busch.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Busch Gardens files demolition permit, may signal Gwazi ride set to be torn down |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/26/busch-gardens-files-demolition-permit-may-signal.html |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707155000/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/26/busch-gardens-files-demolition-permit-may-signal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in the same month, Busch Gardens filed a demolition permit with the city of Tampa for parts of the Gwazi site.<ref name=":5" /> In December, updated construction-permit applications sent to the city of Tampa listed [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] (RMC) as the ride manufacturer of an upcoming attraction in the Gwazi area.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=December 24, 2018|title=Busch Gardens' long-dormant wooden roller coaster Gwazi looks even closer to roaring back to life as prominent theme park contractor updates plans|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/12/24/rumors-confirmed-on-what-the-ride-replacing-gwazi.html|access-date=December 29, 2018|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803191000/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/12/24/rumors-confirmed-on-what-the-ride-replacing-gwazi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/revamped-busch-gardens-coaster-may-open-in-2020/67-b2655548-cc5a-44f0-9960-6afaba48c681|title=Revamped Busch Gardens coaster may open in 2020|last=Staff|date=December 27, 2018|publisher=[[WTSP]]|access-date=December 29, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190918/https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/revamped-busch-gardens-coaster-may-open-in-2020/67-b2655548-cc5a-44f0-9960-6afaba48c681|url-status=live}}</ref> Site preparation and construction started in late 2018 for an attraction code-named "BGT 2020".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=January 25, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens, Legoland take major strides on new investments, rides |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/01/25/busch-gardens-legoland-take-major-strides-on-new.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190918/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/01/25/busch-gardens-legoland-take-major-strides-on-new.html |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |quote=A crane was spotted this month hovering above Gwazi...but will soon be transformed into a hybrid ride in 2020 that's been code named "BGT 2020".}}</ref>
+An internal SeaWorld Entertainment presentation was leaked online to the public in October 2018, which showcased several projects under development across its parks, including a replacement ride for Gwazi as a "high-thrill hybrid roller coaster".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=October 2, 2018 |title=SeaWorld images reveal what could replace Busch Gardens' Gwazi coaster |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/02/seaworld-images-reveal-what-could-replace-busch.html |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609163955/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/02/seaworld-images-reveal-what-could-replace-busch.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Busch Gardens files demolition permit, may signal Gwazi ride set to be torn down |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/26/busch-gardens-files-demolition-permit-may-signal.html |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707155000/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/10/26/busch-gardens-files-demolition-permit-may-signal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in the same month, Busch Gardens filed a demolition permit with the city of Tampa for parts of the Gwazi site.<ref name=":5" /> In December, updated construction-permit applications sent to the city of Tampa listed [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] (RMC) as the ride manufacturer of an upcoming attraction in the Gwazi area.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=December 24, 2018|title=Busch Gardens' long-dormant wooden roller coaster Gwazi looks even closer to roaring back to life as prominent theme park contractor updates plans|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/12/24/rumors-confirmed-on-what-the-ride-replacing-gwazi.html|access-date=December 29, 2018|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803191000/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/12/24/rumors-confirmed-on-what-the-ride-replacing-gwazi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/revamped-busch-gardens-coaster-may-open-in-2020/67-b2655548-cc5a-44f0-9960-6afaba48c681|title=Revamped Busch Gardens coaster may open in 2020|last=Staff|date=December 27, 2018|publisher=[[WTSP]]|access-date=December 29, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190918/https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/revamped-busch-gardens-coaster-may-open-in-2020/67-b2655548-cc5a-44f0-9960-6afaba48c681|url-status=live}}</ref> Site preparation and construction started in late 2018 for an attraction code-named "BGT 2020".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=January 25, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens, Legoland take major strides on new investments, rides |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/01/25/busch-gardens-legoland-take-major-strides-on-new.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190918/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/01/25/busch-gardens-legoland-take-major-strides-on-new.html |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |quote=A crane was spotted this month hovering above Gwazi...but will soon be transformed into a hybrid ride in 2020 that's been code named "BGT 2020".}}</ref>
-In March 2019, the park announced Gwazi's replacement with a [[hybrid roller coaster]] conversion by RMC. Busch Gardens promoted the attraction as North America's steepest, fastest, and tallest hybrid roller coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens will add two new roller coasters by 2020, including this just-announced Gwazi replacement |url=https://www.tampabay.com/fun/busch-gardens-will-add-two-new-roller-coasters-by-2020-including-this-just-announced-gwazi-replacement-20190301/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302065341/http://www.tampabay.com/fun/busch-gardens-will-add-two-new-roller-coasters-by-2020-including-this-just-announced-gwazi-replacement-20190301/ |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrew |first=Stilwell |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens' Gwazi Conversion to become World's Fastest, Steepest Hybrid Coaster |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/03/01/busch-gardens-gwazi-conversion-to-become-worlds-fastest-steepest-hybrid-coaster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044243/https://www.coaster101.com/2019/03/01/busch-gardens-gwazi-conversion-to-become-worlds-fastest-steepest-hybrid-coaster/ |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-replacement-busch-gardens-tampa/|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces hybrid coaster replacement for Gwazi|last=Tuttle|first=Brittani|date=March 1, 2019|website=Attractions Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=March 4, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043350/https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-replacement-busch-gardens-tampa/|url-status=live}}</ref> By August 2019, the placement of the roller coaster's track had begun.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=August 21, 2019|title=Busch Gardens' new coaster on Gwazi site goes vertical|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/08/21/busch-gardens-new-coaster-on-gwazi-site-goes.html|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190918/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/08/21/busch-gardens-new-coaster-on-gwazi-site-goes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Busch Gardens revealed the following month that the roller coaster would be named "Iron Gwazi" and that it would be {{convert|206|ft}} tall with a 91-degree drop and a maximum speed of {{convert|76|mph|km/h|abbr=on|sp=us}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Russon|first=Gabrielle|date=September 12, 2019|title=SeaWorld Orlando is getting a new roller coaster called Ice Breaker|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-seaworld-coaster-announcement-20190912-6zndlsfofvbhdite73mpl5s7sa-story.html|access-date=September 12, 2019|website=Orlando Sentinel|publisher=Tribune Publishing|archive-date=September 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912193414/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-seaworld-coaster-announcement-20190912-6zndlsfofvbhdite73mpl5s7sa-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-seaworld-may-boast-best-new-roller-coasters-2020/2291879001/|title=Exclusive: This could be the best roller coaster in Florida ⁠— and beyond|last=Levine|first=Arthur|date=September 12, 2019|website=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett]]|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912124858/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-seaworld-may-boast-best-new-roller-coasters-2020/2291879001/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2019 [[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]] (IAAPA) Exposition in November, RMC unveiled the trains for Iron Gwazi.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Ashley|date=November 19, 2019|title=Busch Gardens Unveils Ride Vehicle for Iron Gwazi Coaster|url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/11/19/busch-gardens-unveils-ride-vehicle-for-iron-gwazi-coaster|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[News 13]]|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605015626/https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/11/19/busch-gardens-unveils-ride-vehicle-for-iron-gwazi-coaster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Niles|first=Robert|date=November 19, 2019|title=Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks reveal new coaster cars|url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201911/7110/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Theme Park Insider|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828090108/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201911/7110/|url-status=live}}</ref> RMC completed track work on March 8, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Niles|first=Robert|date=March 9, 2020|title=Busch Gardens completes track work on Iron Gwazi|url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202003/7309/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Theme Park Insider|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190919/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202003/7309/|url-status=live}}</ref> and testing began the next day.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Avery|date=March 10, 2020|title=Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster, Iron Gwazi|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-test-run-video/67-9e407d20-524c-4aa5-bbae-b937c88cf22b|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[WTSP]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190958/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-test-run-video/67-9e407d20-524c-4aa5-bbae-b937c88cf22b|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=March 11, 2020|title=Iron Gwazi is almost ready as Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster|url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/iron-gwazi-is-almost-ready-as-busch-gardens-begins-testing-newest-roller-coaster|access-date=August 5, 2020|publisher=[[WTVT]]|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903122828/https://www.fox13news.com/news/iron-gwazi-is-almost-ready-as-busch-gardens-begins-testing-newest-roller-coaster|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Iron Gwazi - Busch Gardens Tampa.jpg|thumb|Iron Gwazi under construction in July 2020|alt=Iron Gwazi as pictured in July 2020 under construction, the façade of the main queue building from the entrance plaza can be seen. The lift hill is on the right with a construction crane on the left. Tree foliage surrounds the roller coaster in the foreground on the left and right.]]Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Florida|COVID-19 pandemic]], the initial opening date was missed, and testing halted after a week.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=June 9, 2020 |title=Busch Gardens president talks reopening, safety and when we can ride Iron Gwazi |url=https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/theme-parks/2020/06/09/busch-gardens-president-talks-reopening-safety-and-when-we-can-ride-iron-gwazi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810215710/https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/theme-parks/2020/06/09/busch-gardens-president-talks-reopening-safety-and-when-we-can-ride-iron-gwazi/ |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company}}</ref> RMC filed a [[lien]] against SeaWorld in May 2020 for $3.5 million of the $9 million the company said it was owed for work on Iron Gwazi, delaying further construction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-coronavirus-seaworld-construction-liens-20200616-olovgxilybbetnorlkhho5xuzq-story.html|title=SeaWorld has fallen behind on millions of dollars in construction bills, including Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker roller coasters|last=Russon|first=Gabrielle|date=June 16, 2020|website=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|publisher=[[Tribune Publishing]]|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701122810/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-coronavirus-seaworld-construction-liens-20200616-olovgxilybbetnorlkhho5xuzq-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the pandemic, SeaWorld Entertainment's preliminary second-quarter results for 2020 incorporated several approaches to reorganize its assets, one plan being to postpone the opening of all 2020 attractions to the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hiramoto|first=KJ|date=July 29, 2020|title=Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to be delayed due to pandemic|url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-to-be-delayed-due-to-pandemic|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[WFTS-TV]]|language=en|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811224907/https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-to-be-delayed-due-to-pandemic|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ruth|first=Daisy|date=July 29, 2020|title=Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi roller coaster delayed until 2021|url=https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-roller-coaster-delayed-until-2021/|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[WFLA-TV]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803011747/https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-roller-coaster-delayed-until-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2020 |title=SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Reports Second Quarter and First Six Months 2020 Results |url=https://s1.q4cdn.com/392447382/files/doc_financials/2020/q2/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc.-Reports-Second-Quarter-and-First-Six-Months-2020-Results-2020.pdf |access-date=January 1, 2023 |publisher=SeaWorld Entertainment |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101043440/https://s1.q4cdn.com/392447382/files/doc_financials/2020/q2/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc.-Reports-Second-Quarter-and-First-Six-Months-2020-Results-2020.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The park said in September that it scheduled to open Iron Gwazi in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russon |first=Gabrielle |date=September 11, 2020 |title=SeaWorld's new Orlando and Tampa roller coasters are opening in the spring |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-cfb-iron-gwazi-update-20200911-xcpkez256raz5ofvxkkfahhbha-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925043501/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-cfb-iron-gwazi-update-20200911-xcpkez256raz5ofvxkkfahhbha-story.html |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |website=Orlando Sentinel |publisher=Tribune Publishing}}</ref> and it released a [[Point-of-view shot|point-of-view video]] of the roller coaster two months later.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Ashley|date=November 12, 2020|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Releases POV of Iron Gwazi Coaster|url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2020/11/12/busch-gardens-tampa-bay-releases-pov-of-iron-gwazi-coaster|access-date=November 13, 2020|publisher=Bay News 9|language=en|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113164324/https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2020/11/12/busch-gardens-tampa-bay-releases-pov-of-iron-gwazi-coaster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Levine|first=Arthur|date=November 12, 2020|title=Exclusive: Watch the first video from Florida's record-breaking Iron Gwazi roller coaster|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2020/11/12/iron-gwazi-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-onboard-video/5030641002/|access-date=November 13, 2020|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett]]|language=en-US|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113001727/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2020/11/12/iron-gwazi-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-onboard-video/5030641002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2021, Busch Gardens postponed Iron Gwazi's launch date a second time, to 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wynne |first1=Sharon Kennedy |date=August 23, 2021 |title=Busch Gardens will open Iron Gwazi in March |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/08/23/busch-gardens-will-open-iron-gwazi-coaster-in-march/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823190031/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/08/23/busch-gardens-will-open-iron-gwazi-coaster-in-march/ |archive-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>
+In March 2019, the park announced Gwazi's replacement with a [[hybrid roller coaster]] conversion by RMC. Busch Gardens promoted the attraction as North America's steepest, fastest, and tallest hybrid roller coaster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens will add two new roller coasters by 2020, including this just-announced Gwazi replacement |url=https://www.tampabay.com/fun/busch-gardens-will-add-two-new-roller-coasters-by-2020-including-this-just-announced-gwazi-replacement-20190301/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302065341/http://www.tampabay.com/fun/busch-gardens-will-add-two-new-roller-coasters-by-2020-including-this-just-announced-gwazi-replacement-20190301/ |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrew |first=Stilwell |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens' Gwazi Conversion to become World's Fastest, Steepest Hybrid Coaster |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/03/01/busch-gardens-gwazi-conversion-to-become-worlds-fastest-steepest-hybrid-coaster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044243/https://www.coaster101.com/2019/03/01/busch-gardens-gwazi-conversion-to-become-worlds-fastest-steepest-hybrid-coaster/ |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-replacement-busch-gardens-tampa/|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces hybrid coaster replacement for Gwazi|last=Tuttle|first=Brittani|date=March 1, 2019|website=Attractions Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=March 4, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043350/https://attractionsmagazine.com/gwazi-replacement-busch-gardens-tampa/|url-status=live}}</ref> By August 2019, the placement of the roller coaster's track had begun.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brezina-Smith|first=Veronica|date=August 21, 2019|title=Busch Gardens' new coaster on Gwazi site goes vertical|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/08/21/busch-gardens-new-coaster-on-gwazi-site-goes.html|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190918/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/08/21/busch-gardens-new-coaster-on-gwazi-site-goes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Busch Gardens revealed the following month that the roller coaster would be named "Iron Gwazi" and that it would be {{convert|206|ft}} tall with a 91-degree drop and a maximum speed of {{convert|76|mph|km/h|abbr=on|sp=us}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Russon|first=Gabrielle|date=September 12, 2019|title=SeaWorld Orlando is getting a new roller coaster called Ice Breaker|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-seaworld-coaster-announcement-20190912-6zndlsfofvbhdite73mpl5s7sa-story.html|access-date=September 12, 2019|website=Orlando Sentinel|archive-date=September 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912193414/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-seaworld-coaster-announcement-20190912-6zndlsfofvbhdite73mpl5s7sa-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-seaworld-may-boast-best-new-roller-coasters-2020/2291879001/|title=Exclusive: This could be the best roller coaster in Florida ⁠— and beyond|last=Levine|first=Arthur|date=September 12, 2019|website=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett]]|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912124858/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-seaworld-may-boast-best-new-roller-coasters-2020/2291879001/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2019 [[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]] (IAAPA) Exposition in November, RMC unveiled the trains for Iron Gwazi.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Ashley|date=November 19, 2019|title=Busch Gardens Unveils Ride Vehicle for Iron Gwazi Coaster|url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/11/19/busch-gardens-unveils-ride-vehicle-for-iron-gwazi-coaster|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[News 13]]|language=en|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605015626/https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/11/19/busch-gardens-unveils-ride-vehicle-for-iron-gwazi-coaster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Niles|first=Robert|date=November 19, 2019|title=Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks reveal new coaster cars|url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201911/7110/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Theme Park Insider|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828090108/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201911/7110/|url-status=live}}</ref> RMC completed track work on March 8, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Niles|first=Robert|date=March 9, 2020|title=Busch Gardens completes track work on Iron Gwazi|url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202003/7309/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Theme Park Insider|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190919/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202003/7309/|url-status=live}}</ref> and testing began the next day.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Avery|date=March 10, 2020|title=Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster, Iron Gwazi|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-test-run-video/67-9e407d20-524c-4aa5-bbae-b937c88cf22b|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[WTSP]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190958/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-test-run-video/67-9e407d20-524c-4aa5-bbae-b937c88cf22b|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=March 11, 2020|title=Iron Gwazi is almost ready as Busch Gardens begins testing newest roller coaster|url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/iron-gwazi-is-almost-ready-as-busch-gardens-begins-testing-newest-roller-coaster|access-date=August 5, 2020|publisher=[[WTVT]]|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903122828/https://www.fox13news.com/news/iron-gwazi-is-almost-ready-as-busch-gardens-begins-testing-newest-roller-coaster|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Iron Gwazi - Busch Gardens Tampa.jpg|thumb|Iron Gwazi under construction in July 2020|alt=Iron Gwazi as pictured in July 2020 under construction, the façade of the main queue building from the entrance plaza can be seen. The lift hill is on the right with a construction crane on the left. Tree foliage surrounds the roller coaster in the foreground on the left and right.]]Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Florida|COVID-19 pandemic]], the initial opening date was missed, and testing halted after a week.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=June 9, 2020 |title=Busch Gardens president talks reopening, safety and when we can ride Iron Gwazi |url=https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/theme-parks/2020/06/09/busch-gardens-president-talks-reopening-safety-and-when-we-can-ride-iron-gwazi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810215710/https://www.tampabay.com/arts-entertainment/fun/theme-parks/2020/06/09/busch-gardens-president-talks-reopening-safety-and-when-we-can-ride-iron-gwazi/ |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> RMC filed a [[lien]] against SeaWorld in May 2020 for $3.5 million of the $9 million the company said it was owed for work on Iron Gwazi, delaying further construction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-coronavirus-seaworld-construction-liens-20200616-olovgxilybbetnorlkhho5xuzq-story.html|title=SeaWorld has fallen behind on millions of dollars in construction bills, including Iron Gwazi and Ice Breaker roller coasters|last=Russon|first=Gabrielle|date=June 16, 2020|website=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701122810/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-coronavirus-seaworld-construction-liens-20200616-olovgxilybbetnorlkhho5xuzq-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the pandemic, SeaWorld Entertainment's preliminary second-quarter results for 2020 incorporated several approaches to reorganize its assets, one plan being to postpone the opening of all 2020 attractions to the following year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hiramoto|first=KJ|date=July 29, 2020|title=Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to be delayed due to pandemic|url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-to-be-delayed-due-to-pandemic|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[WFTS-TV]]|language=en|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811224907/https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-to-be-delayed-due-to-pandemic|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ruth|first=Daisy|date=July 29, 2020|title=Opening of Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi roller coaster delayed until 2021|url=https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-roller-coaster-delayed-until-2021/|access-date=August 8, 2020|publisher=[[WFLA-TV]]|language=en-US|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803011747/https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/opening-of-busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-roller-coaster-delayed-until-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2020 |title=SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. Reports Second Quarter and First Six Months 2020 Results |url=https://s1.q4cdn.com/392447382/files/doc_financials/2020/q2/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc.-Reports-Second-Quarter-and-First-Six-Months-2020-Results-2020.pdf |access-date=January 1, 2023 |publisher=SeaWorld Entertainment |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101043440/https://s1.q4cdn.com/392447382/files/doc_financials/2020/q2/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc.-Reports-Second-Quarter-and-First-Six-Months-2020-Results-2020.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The park said in September that it scheduled to open Iron Gwazi in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russon |first=Gabrielle |date=September 11, 2020 |title=SeaWorld's new Orlando and Tampa roller coasters are opening in the spring |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-cfb-iron-gwazi-update-20200911-xcpkez256raz5ofvxkkfahhbha-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925043501/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-cfb-iron-gwazi-update-20200911-xcpkez256raz5ofvxkkfahhbha-story.html |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |website=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref> and it released a [[Point-of-view shot|point-of-view video]] of the roller coaster two months later.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Ashley|date=November 12, 2020|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Releases POV of Iron Gwazi Coaster|url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2020/11/12/busch-gardens-tampa-bay-releases-pov-of-iron-gwazi-coaster|access-date=November 13, 2020|publisher=Bay News 9|language=en|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113164324/https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2020/11/12/busch-gardens-tampa-bay-releases-pov-of-iron-gwazi-coaster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Levine|first=Arthur|date=November 12, 2020|title=Exclusive: Watch the first video from Florida's record-breaking Iron Gwazi roller coaster|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2020/11/12/iron-gwazi-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-onboard-video/5030641002/|access-date=November 13, 2020|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett]]|language=en-US|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113001727/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2020/11/12/iron-gwazi-busch-gardens-tampa-bay-onboard-video/5030641002/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2021, Busch Gardens postponed Iron Gwazi's launch date a second time, to 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wynne |first1=Sharon Kennedy |date=August 23, 2021 |title=Busch Gardens will open Iron Gwazi in March |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/08/23/busch-gardens-will-open-iron-gwazi-coaster-in-march/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823190031/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/08/23/busch-gardens-will-open-iron-gwazi-coaster-in-march/ |archive-date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>
-In January 2022, the park specified a final launch date in March of that year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Ashley|date=January 20, 2022|title=Busch Gardens sets opening date for Iron Gwazi|url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2022/01/20/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-opening-date-march-11--2022|url-status=live|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=|publisher=Spectrum News 13|language=en|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122154029/https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2022/01/20/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-opening-date-march-11--2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=January 20, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens announces opening date for monster coaster Iron Gwazi |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/01/21/busch-gardens-announces-opening-date-for-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121173104/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/01/21/busch-gardens-announces-opening-date-for-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |language=en}}</ref> The park hosted a media preview for Iron Gwazi in February.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=February 9, 2022 |title=We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209193152/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Villegas|first=Brianda|date=February 9, 2022|title=Sneak peek: Iron Gwazi ready for grand opening at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.wfla.com/news/around-town/busch-gardens-new-iron-gwazi-ready-for-grand-opening/|access-date=February 10, 2022|publisher=WFLA|language=en-US|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210203906/https://www.wfla.com/news/around-town/busch-gardens-new-iron-gwazi-ready-for-grand-opening/|url-status=live}}</ref> The roller coaster [[soft opened]] for passholders on February 13,<ref name="Rice2022">{{Cite web |last=Rice |first=Katie |date=March 3, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after a guest reports hitting one |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-busch-gardens-removes-iron-gwazi-beam-guest-hit-20220303-s3rrlzy56rerdpyhfijym7435y-story.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=Orlando Sentinel |publisher=Tribune Publishing |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304000713/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-busch-gardens-removes-iron-gwazi-beam-guest-hit-20220303-s3rrlzy56rerdpyhfijym7435y-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and it opened to the general public on March 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Ashley |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Iron Gwazi opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2022/03/11/iron-gwazi-opens-at-busch-gardens |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website= |publisher=Bay News 9 |language=en |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311163118/https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2022/03/11/iron-gwazi-opens-at-busch-gardens |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Athina |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to officially open Friday |url=https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/iron-gwazi-officially-opens-at-busch-gardens-tampa-bay/ |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website= |publisher=WFLA |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070336/https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/iron-gwazi-officially-opens-at-busch-gardens-tampa-bay/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Iron Gwazi debuted as the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Sean |date=February 10, 2022 |title=Iron Gwazi, the much-delayed hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens, opens with a roar |url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/florida-theme-parks/iron-gwazi-the-much-delayed-hybrid-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens-opens-with-a-roar |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website= |publisher=WFTS-TV |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528234848/https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/florida-theme-parks/iron-gwazi-the-much-delayed-hybrid-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens-opens-with-a-roar |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawley |first=Catherine |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi named Best New Roller Coaster of 2022 |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-named-best-new-roller-coaster-of-2022 |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website= |publisher=WTVT |language=en-US |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208204311/https://www.fox13news.com/news/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-named-best-new-roller-coaster-of-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Iron Gwazi and [[Zadra (roller coaster)|Zadra]] at [[Energylandia]], another RMC-built roller coaster located in [[Poland]], are tied as the tallest hybrid roller coasters worldwide.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
+In January 2022, the park specified a final launch date in March of that year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Ashley|date=January 20, 2022|title=Busch Gardens sets opening date for Iron Gwazi|url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2022/01/20/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-opening-date-march-11--2022|url-status=live|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=|publisher=Spectrum News 13|language=en|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122154029/https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2022/01/20/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-opening-date-march-11--2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=January 20, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens announces opening date for monster coaster Iron Gwazi |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/01/21/busch-gardens-announces-opening-date-for-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121173104/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/01/21/busch-gardens-announces-opening-date-for-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> The park hosted a media preview for Iron Gwazi in February.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=February 9, 2022 |title=We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209193152/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Villegas|first=Brianda|date=February 9, 2022|title=Sneak peek: Iron Gwazi ready for grand opening at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.wfla.com/news/around-town/busch-gardens-new-iron-gwazi-ready-for-grand-opening/|access-date=February 10, 2022|publisher=WFLA|language=en-US|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210203906/https://www.wfla.com/news/around-town/busch-gardens-new-iron-gwazi-ready-for-grand-opening/|url-status=live}}</ref> The roller coaster [[soft opened]] for passholders on February 13,<ref name="Rice2022">{{Cite web |last=Rice |first=Katie |date=March 3, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after a guest reports hitting one |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-busch-gardens-removes-iron-gwazi-beam-guest-hit-20220303-s3rrlzy56rerdpyhfijym7435y-story.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=Orlando Sentinel |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304000713/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-busch-gardens-removes-iron-gwazi-beam-guest-hit-20220303-s3rrlzy56rerdpyhfijym7435y-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and it opened to the general public on March 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Ashley |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Iron Gwazi opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2022/03/11/iron-gwazi-opens-at-busch-gardens |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website= |publisher=Bay News 9 |language=en |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311163118/https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2022/03/11/iron-gwazi-opens-at-busch-gardens |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Athina |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi to officially open Friday |url=https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/iron-gwazi-officially-opens-at-busch-gardens-tampa-bay/ |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website= |publisher=WFLA |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070336/https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/iron-gwazi-officially-opens-at-busch-gardens-tampa-bay/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Iron Gwazi debuted as the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Sean |date=February 10, 2022 |title=Iron Gwazi, the much-delayed hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens, opens with a roar |url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/florida-theme-parks/iron-gwazi-the-much-delayed-hybrid-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens-opens-with-a-roar |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website= |publisher=WFTS-TV |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528234848/https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/florida-theme-parks/iron-gwazi-the-much-delayed-hybrid-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens-opens-with-a-roar |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawley |first=Catherine |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens' Iron Gwazi named Best New Roller Coaster of 2022 |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-named-best-new-roller-coaster-of-2022 |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website= |publisher=WTVT |language=en-US |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208204311/https://www.fox13news.com/news/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-named-best-new-roller-coaster-of-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Iron Gwazi and [[Zadra (roller coaster)|Zadra]] at [[Energylandia]], another RMC-built roller coaster located in [[Poland]], are tied as the tallest hybrid roller coasters worldwide.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
 == Ride experiences ==
 === Gwazi ===
-The ride experience of both the Lion and Tiger sides of Gwazi followed similar paths to each other when dueling. The park promoted Gwazi as the first dueling coaster with six "fly-bys",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sigo |first=Shelly |date=May 28, 1999 |title=New roller coaster escalate competition |volume=19 |work=[[South Florida Business Journal]] |publisher=American City Business Journals |issue=21 |id={{Gale|A54993794}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stilwell|first=Andrew|date=January 9, 2015|title=Busch Gardens Tampa's Gwazi to Close February 1|url=http://www.coaster101.com/2015/01/09/busch-gardens-tampas-gwazi-close-february-1/|access-date=April 14, 2017|website=Coaster101|archive-date=February 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220220632/http://www.coaster101.com/2015/01/09/busch-gardens-tampas-gwazi-close-february-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> in which the two roller coaster trains passed each other in opposite directions at high speeds, giving the false impression they would collide.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /> One cycle of each ride took approximately 2{{frac|1|2}} minutes.<ref name="rcdb533" />
+The ride experience of both the Lion and Tiger sides of Gwazi followed similar paths to each other when dueling. The park promoted Gwazi as the first dueling coaster with six "fly-bys",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sigo |first=Shelly |date=May 28, 1999 |title=New roller coaster escalate competition |volume=19 |work=[[South Florida Business Journal]] |issue=21 |id={{Gale|A54993794}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stilwell|first=Andrew|date=January 9, 2015|title=Busch Gardens Tampa's Gwazi to Close February 1|url=http://www.coaster101.com/2015/01/09/busch-gardens-tampas-gwazi-close-february-1/|access-date=April 14, 2017|website=Coaster101|archive-date=February 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220220632/http://www.coaster101.com/2015/01/09/busch-gardens-tampas-gwazi-close-february-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> in which the two roller coaster trains passed each other in opposite directions at high speeds, giving the false impression they would collide.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /> One cycle of each ride took approximately 2{{frac|1|2}} minutes.<ref name="rcdb533" />
 [[File:Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay).jpg|thumb|Lift hill of the Lion track|alt=The lift hill of the lion track as it ascends 105.4&nbsp;ft (32.1&nbsp;m) and turns to the right towards the 91.8&nbsp;ft (28.0&nbsp;m) drop. Pieces of track and tree foliage circumnavigate in the foreground.]]
@@ Line 93: / Line 94: @@
 === Wooden roller coaster ===
 [[File:Gwazi (Busch Gardens Africa) 01.jpg|thumb|Gwazi from the [[Skyride (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)|Skyride]] in 2006|alt=Gwazi as captured from the park's transportation Skyride with the full layout. A Lion train can be seen descending its initial drop.]]
-Gwazi covered {{Convert|8|acre|ha|abbr=on|spell=in}} previously occupied by the brewery.<ref name="OBrien1998" /><ref name="Sidime1999">{{Cite news |last=Sidime |first=Aissatou |date=July 16, 1998 |title=Busch adding wooden coaster |work=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815263/gwazi-being-announced-for-busch-gardens/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428080919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815263/gwazi-being-announced-for-busch-gardens/ |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gwazi was Great Coasters International (GCI)'s third project.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Morgan|first=Philip|date=May 7, 1999|title=Rock on Wood|page=2|work=The Tampa Tribune|publisher=Media General|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62824625/interviews-with-those-of-great-coaster/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428080919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62824625/interviews-with-those-of-great-coaster/|url-status=live}}</ref> The individual wooden tracks were {{Convert|3508|ft|m|abbr=on}} long,<ref name="rcdb533" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mauney|first=Matt|date=January 30, 2015|title=The end of Gwazi: A look at notable wooden coasters around the U.S.|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-notable-wooden-roller-coasters-post.html|access-date=April 14, 2017|website=Orlando Sentinel|publisher=Tribune Publishing|archive-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407225912/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-notable-wooden-roller-coasters-post.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the maximum height of each side was {{Convert|105.4|ft}}.<ref name="rcdb533" /> GCI built the wooden roller coaster with {{convert|1.25|e6board feet|m3|lk=in|abbr=out}} of treated [[southern yellow pine]], two million bolts, and 4.4 million nails.<ref name="Davis1999" /> Its tracks consisted of {{Convert|20|ft|m|abbr=out|adj=mid|-long}}, {{Convert|2|by|12|ft|m|abbr=out|adj=on}} planks in eight layers.<ref name="Davis1999" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1999 |title=Rock on wood; Busch Garden's dual coaster will have rider shaking, shimmying and rolling |work=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |id={{Gale|A65983209}}}}</ref> The wooden structure could withstand {{Convert|100|mph|km/h|adj=on|abbr=on}} winds without riders. Gwazi was given a sealant coat, instead of traditionally being painted, to blend in with the park's African theme.<ref name="Davis1999" />
+Gwazi covered {{Convert|8|acre|ha|abbr=on|spell=in}} previously occupied by the brewery.<ref name="OBrien1998" /><ref name="Sidime1999">{{Cite news |last=Sidime |first=Aissatou |date=July 16, 1998 |title=Busch adding wooden coaster |work=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815263/gwazi-being-announced-for-busch-gardens/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428080919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62815263/gwazi-being-announced-for-busch-gardens/ |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Gwazi was Great Coasters International (GCI)'s third project.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Morgan|first=Philip|date=May 7, 1999|title=Rock on Wood|page=2|work=The Tampa Tribune|publisher=Media General|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62824625/interviews-with-those-of-great-coaster/|access-date=November 8, 2020|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428080919/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62824625/interviews-with-those-of-great-coaster/|url-status=live}}</ref> The individual wooden tracks were {{Convert|3508|ft|m|abbr=on}} long,<ref name="rcdb533" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mauney|first=Matt|date=January 30, 2015|title=The end of Gwazi: A look at notable wooden coasters around the U.S.|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-notable-wooden-roller-coasters-post.html|access-date=April 14, 2017|website=Orlando Sentinel|archive-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407225912/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-gwazi-notable-wooden-roller-coasters-post.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the maximum height of each side was {{Convert|105.4|ft}}.<ref name="rcdb533" /> GCI built the wooden roller coaster with {{convert|1.25|e6board feet|m3|lk=in|abbr=out}} of treated [[southern yellow pine]], two million bolts, and 4.4 million nails.<ref name="Davis1999" /> Its tracks consisted of {{Convert|20|ft|m|abbr=out|adj=mid|-long}}, {{Convert|2|by|12|ft|m|abbr=out|adj=on}} planks in eight layers.<ref name="Davis1999" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1999 |title=Rock on wood; Busch Garden's dual coaster will have rider shaking, shimmying and rolling |work=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |id={{Gale|A65983209}}}}</ref> The wooden structure could withstand {{Convert|100|mph|km/h|adj=on|abbr=on}} winds without riders. Gwazi was given a sealant coat, instead of traditionally being painted, to blend in with the park's African theme.<ref name="Davis1999" />
 Gwazi was originally supplied with six-car PTC trains arranged in two seats of two rows each.<ref name="rcdb533" /> According to designer Mike Boodley, GCI offered their new Millennium Flyer trains, but Busch Gardens did not want to use an unproven design.<ref name="AT_march_2011" /> After the 2011 season, the park replaced the PTC trains with Millennium Flyer trains.<ref name="AT_march_2011" /><ref name="rcdb533" /> The park moved the roller coaster's sensors to accommodate the new trains, modified the [[Rollback (roller coaster)|rollback system]], and implemented a new release system for the restraints.<ref name="AT_march_2011" /> The four GCI trains consisted of 12 cars, each with a single row of two seats.<ref name="rcdb533" /> Both the PTC and GCI trains could accommodate 24 riders,<ref name="rcdb533" /> and they featured a [[Lap bar|lap-bar]] restraint system.<ref name="Davis1999" />
@@ Line 101: / Line 102: @@
 === Steel roller coaster ===
 [[File:Iron Gwazi overview zoomed in.jpg|alt=An overview of Iron Gwazi in 2023. The roller coaster sits center in the image with most of its elements visible. Foliage lines the foreground at the bottom of the image. The station sits bottom left.|thumb|An overview of Iron Gwazi in 2023]]
-Iron Gwazi was designed and built by RMC using portions of the original dueling roller coasters,<ref name="Stilwell2019" /> and used the steel [[I-Box track]] created by [[Alan Schilke]].<ref name="Fake2022" /><ref name="rcdb16985" /> Busch Gardens reutilized parts of the previous infrastructure for the steel roller coaster, using Gwazi's loading station.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tatham |first=Chelsea |date=January 30, 2020 |title=Busch Gardens shows off almost-finished Iron Gwazi coaster, Solar Vortex water slide |url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-hard-hat-construction-site-tour/67-cff78477-6c77-4530-a272-93c3d16f5ead |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.archive.today/20231207134107/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-hard-hat-construction-site-tour/67-cff78477-6c77-4530-a272-93c3d16f5ead |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=WTSP |language=en-US}}</ref>  Andrew Schaffer, the park's director of design and engineering, stated, "about 25 percent of the original wooden structure has been re-utilized, and 75 percent of the foundations".<ref name="Stilwell2019">{{Cite web|last=Stilwell|first=Andrew|date=December 26, 2019|title=Inside Iron Gwazi with Project Manager Andrew Schaffer|url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/12/26/inside-iron-gwazi-with-project-manager-andrew-schaffer/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Coaster101|language=en-US|archive-date=August 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826084401/https://www.coaster101.com/2019/12/26/inside-iron-gwazi-with-project-manager-andrew-schaffer/|url-status=live}}</ref> RMC added another {{convert|375000|board feet|m3}} of lumber for structural support<ref>{{Cite sign |title=Original Gwazi vs. Iron Gwazi |date=2022 |publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |place=[[Tampa, Florida]] |type=Sign inside queue area}}</ref> and reconstructed the entire lift hill with steel rather than reusing the wooden structure.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2021 |title=Beyond the Track: Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa In-Depth Analysis |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2021/07/22/beyond-the-track-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-in-depth-analysis/ |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117202921/https://www.coaster101.com/2021/07/22/beyond-the-track-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-in-depth-analysis/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The steel track reaches a total length of {{Convert|4075|ft}}, adding {{cvt|567|ft}} from its predecessor.<ref name="rcdb16985" />
+Iron Gwazi was designed and built by RMC using portions of the original dueling roller coasters,<ref name="Stilwell2019" /> and used the steel [[I-Box track]] created by [[Alan Schilke]].<ref name="Fake2022" /><ref name="rcdb16985" /> Busch Gardens reutilized parts of the previous infrastructure for the steel roller coaster, using Gwazi's loading station.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tatham |first=Chelsea |date=January 30, 2020 |title=Busch Gardens shows off almost-finished Iron Gwazi coaster, Solar Vortex water slide |url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-hard-hat-construction-site-tour/67-cff78477-6c77-4530-a272-93c3d16f5ead |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.archive.today/20231207134107/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/busch-gardens-iron-gwazi-hard-hat-construction-site-tour/67-cff78477-6c77-4530-a272-93c3d16f5ead |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=WTSP |language=en-US}}</ref>  Andrew Schaffer, the park's director of design and engineering, stated, "about 25 percent of the original wooden structure has been re-utilized, and 75 percent of the foundations".<ref name="Stilwell2019">{{Cite web|last=Stilwell|first=Andrew|date=December 26, 2019|title=Inside Iron Gwazi with Project Manager Andrew Schaffer|url=https://www.coaster101.com/2019/12/26/inside-iron-gwazi-with-project-manager-andrew-schaffer/|access-date=August 8, 2020|website=Coaster101|language=en-US|archive-date=August 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826084401/https://www.coaster101.com/2019/12/26/inside-iron-gwazi-with-project-manager-andrew-schaffer/|url-status=live}}</ref> RMC added another {{convert|375000|board feet|m3}} of lumber for structural support<ref>{{Cite sign |title=Original Gwazi vs. Iron Gwazi |date=2022 |publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |place=[[Tampa, Florida]] |type=Sign inside queue area}}</ref> and reconstructed the entire lift hill with steel rather than reusing the wooden structure.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2021 |title=Beyond the Track: Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa In-Depth Analysis |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2021/07/22/beyond-the-track-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-in-depth-analysis/ |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Coaster101 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117202921/https://www.coaster101.com/2021/07/22/beyond-the-track-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-in-depth-analysis/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The steel track reaches a total length of {{Convert|4075|ft}}, adding {{cvt|567|ft}} from its predecessor.<ref name="rcdb16985" />
-The roller coaster's theme is the [[crocodile]], similar to other attractions at the park that carry animal motifs.<ref name="Stilwell2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens reveals details on new Gwazi coaster, water slide at Adventure Island |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-reveals-details-on-new-gwazi-coaster.html |access-date=August 8, 2020 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190919/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-reveals-details-on-new-gwazi-coaster.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[queue area]] has educational elements about the reptile and their conservation, with crocodile-themed graphics painted throughout.<ref name="Stilwell2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fais |first=Scott |date=February 10, 2022 |title='Iron Gwazi:' Inside Florida's New Roller Coaster |url=https://www.iaapa.org/news/funworld/iron-gwazi-inside-floridas-new-roller-coaster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210190434/https://www.iaapa.org/news/funworld/iron-gwazi-inside-floridas-new-roller-coaster |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=[[Funworld Magazine]] |publisher=[[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]] |language=en}}</ref> Iron Gwazi operates with two six-car RMC trains. Each car has two seats in two rows, accommodating up to 24 riders per train.<ref name="rcdb16985" /><ref name="Butterfield2022">{{Cite web |last=Butterfield |first=Bobbie |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Has a Winner With Iron Gwazi |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202202/8787/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218035057/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202202/8787/ |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> Riders are secured with lap-bar restraints.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022">{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=February 9, 2022 |title=We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211183933/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |access-date=February 13, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |language=en}}</ref> The lead car features the rendition of a crocodile's head; its trains are green, purple, and blue. The track has a purple color scheme.<ref name="Stilwell2019" /><ref name="Bevil2022">{{Cite web|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=February 9, 2022|title=First ride: Relentless Iron Gwazi streaks through Busch Gardens|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-prem-et-iron-gwazi-review-busch-gardens-tampa-20220209-ukorpx4g2zbo5nk2xsr5tj4uve-story.html|access-date=February 13, 2022|website=Orlando Sentinel|publisher=Tribune Publishing|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213172654/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-prem-et-iron-gwazi-review-busch-gardens-tampa-20220209-ukorpx4g2zbo5nk2xsr5tj4uve-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
+The roller coaster's theme is the [[crocodile]], similar to other attractions at the park that carry animal motifs.<ref name="Stilwell2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brezina-Smith |first=Veronica |date=September 12, 2019 |title=Busch Gardens reveals details on new Gwazi coaster, water slide at Adventure Island |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-reveals-details-on-new-gwazi-coaster.html |access-date=August 8, 2020 |website=Tampa Bay Business Journal |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190919/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2019/09/12/busch-gardens-reveals-details-on-new-gwazi-coaster.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[queue area]] has educational elements about the reptile and their conservation, with crocodile-themed graphics painted throughout.<ref name="Stilwell2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fais |first=Scott |date=February 10, 2022 |title='Iron Gwazi:' Inside Florida's New Roller Coaster |url=https://www.iaapa.org/news/funworld/iron-gwazi-inside-floridas-new-roller-coaster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210190434/https://www.iaapa.org/news/funworld/iron-gwazi-inside-floridas-new-roller-coaster |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=[[Funworld Magazine]] |publisher=[[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions]] |language=en}}</ref> Iron Gwazi operates with two six-car RMC trains. Each car has two seats in two rows, accommodating up to 24 riders per train.<ref name="rcdb16985" /><ref name="Butterfield2022">{{Cite web |last=Butterfield |first=Bobbie |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Has a Winner With Iron Gwazi |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202202/8787/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218035057/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202202/8787/ |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref> Riders are secured with lap-bar restraints.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022">{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=February 9, 2022 |title=We rode monster coaster Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens and lived to tell |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211183933/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2022/02/09/we-rode-monster-coaster-iron-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-and-lived-to-tell/ |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |access-date=February 13, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> The lead car features the rendition of a crocodile's head; its trains are green, purple, and blue. The track has a purple color scheme.<ref name="Stilwell2019" /><ref name="Bevil2022">{{Cite web|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=February 9, 2022|title=First ride: Relentless Iron Gwazi streaks through Busch Gardens|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-prem-et-iron-gwazi-review-busch-gardens-tampa-20220209-ukorpx4g2zbo5nk2xsr5tj4uve-story.html|access-date=February 13, 2022|website=Orlando Sentinel|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213172654/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-prem-et-iron-gwazi-review-busch-gardens-tampa-20220209-ukorpx4g2zbo5nk2xsr5tj4uve-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 === Comparison ===
@@ Line 163: / Line 164: @@
 == Reception and legacy ==
 [[File:Iron Gwazi lifthill BGT (2).jpg|thumb|Lift hill of Iron Gwazi track|alt=The Iron Gwazi lift hill is depicted from the queue line bridge that sits above where the train initially descends into the lift. The purple track significantly appears into the skyline. Parts of the barrel roll downdrop under the lift hill and the exit from the wave turn can be observed. ]]
-Gwazi received generally positive reviews upon its debut in 1999. In a ''[[St. Petersburg Times]]'' report, guest reactions to the roller coaster were positive,  many commenting on its twists and turns, [[Air time (rides)|air time]], and smoothness.<ref name="Davis1999-2">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Pamela |date=June 17, 1999 |others=Mark Albright |title=Thrill seekers get taste of latest ride |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66723838/reception-of-the-gwazi-roller-coaster/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=St. Petersburg Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415110539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66723838/reception-of-the-gwazi-roller-coaster/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In writing for ''The Tampa Tribune'', Levin Walker noted among guests that Gwazi was praised for its speed and initial drop; some riders positively commented on the partial rattle typical of wooden roller coasters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Kevin |date=June 21, 1999 |title=The highs and lows of Gwazi |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66724917/gwazi-review-in-the-tampa-tribune-for/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66724917/gwazi-review-in-the-tampa-tribune-for/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An editor for ''Park World'', Paul Ruben, stated that Gwazi had "everything a good coaster should have", adding "it never slows down".<ref name="Davis1999-2" />
+Gwazi received generally positive reviews upon its debut in 1999. In a ''[[St. Petersburg Times]]'' report, guest reactions to the roller coaster were positive,  many commenting on its twists and turns, [[Air time (rides)|air time]], and smoothness.<ref name="Davis1999-2">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Pamela |date=June 17, 1999 |others=Mark Albright |title=Thrill seekers get taste of latest ride |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66723838/reception-of-the-gwazi-roller-coaster/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=St. Petersburg Times |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415110539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66723838/reception-of-the-gwazi-roller-coaster/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In writing for ''The Tampa Tribune'', Levin Walker noted among guests that Gwazi was praised for its speed and initial drop; some riders positively commented on the partial rattle typical of wooden roller coasters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Kevin |date=June 21, 1999 |title=The highs and lows of Gwazi |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66724917/gwazi-review-in-the-tampa-tribune-for/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66724917/gwazi-review-in-the-tampa-tribune-for/ |url-status=live}}</ref> An editor for ''Park World'', Paul Ruben, stated that Gwazi had "everything a good coaster should have", adding "it never slows down".<ref name="Davis1999-2" />
-The opening of Gwazi coincided with the debuts of several other major roller coasters at Florida theme parks, including [[Dueling Dragons]] and [[The Incredible Hulk Coaster]] both at [[Universal Islands of Adventure]] and the [[Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith|Rock 'n' Roller Coaster]] at [[Disney's Hollywood Studios|Disney-MGM Studios]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hickman |first=Breuse |date=July 4, 1999 |title=Parks' push for customers fuels roller coaster wars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66727823/florida-today-reception-of-gwazi-roller/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=[[Florida Today]] |publisher=Gannett |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66727823/florida-today-reception-of-gwazi-roller/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=June 18, 1999 |title=Wooden coaster debuts at Busch Gardens |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66726323/orlando-sentinel-reception-of-gwazi/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Orlando Sentinel |publisher=Tribune Publishing |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108080524/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66726323/orlando-sentinel-reception-of-gwazi/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Durkee |first=Dennis |date=May 14, 2000 |title=Wooden Coaster Offers Thrills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66938326/the-debut-of-gwazi-in-1999-detailed-in/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[Tyler Morning Telegraph|The Tyler Courier-Times]] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107092017/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66938326/the-debut-of-gwazi-in-1999-detailed-in/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Gwazi was one of several wooden roller coasters that opened in North America during a resurgence of interest in vintage-style attractions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeager |first=Connie |date=July 25, 1999 |title=Roller coasters are riding the comeback rail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66931418/details-about-roller-coasters-opening/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109171254/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66931418/details-about-roller-coasters-opening/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Gwazi opened one month after the steel dueling roller coaster Dueling Dragons.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Sean |date=January 9, 2015 |title=Last day to ride Gwazi roller coaster at Busch Gardens? Feb. 1 |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/last-day-to-ride-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-is-feb-1/2213041 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329202347/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/last-day-to-ride-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-is-feb-1/2213041 |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |language=en-US}}</ref> Dueling Dragons and Gwazi were frequently compared because of their dueling feature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Jeremy J. |date=August 29, 1999 |title=Tampa's Gwazi: A heart attack on rails |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66729325/the-charlotte-observers-review-of/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=[[The Charlotte Observer]] |publisher=[[Knight Ridder]] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66729325/the-charlotte-observers-review-of/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Simanoff |first=Dave |date=June 30, 2000 |title=Crazy for coasters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934928/comparison-of-dueling-dragons-and-gwazi/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |pages=18–19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108003853/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934928/comparison-of-dueling-dragons-and-gwazi/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite web |last=Simanoff |first=Dave |date=June 30, 2000 |title=Crazy for coasters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934965/continued-coverage-of-roller-coaster/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |page=35 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934965/continued-coverage-of-roller-coaster/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Jeremy J. |date=August 29, 1999 |title=Florida parks debut new rides |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66940408/florida-debuting-new-roller-coasters-in/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[The News-Press]] |publisher=Gannett |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107171737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66940408/florida-debuting-new-roller-coasters-in/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
+The opening of Gwazi coincided with the debuts of several other major roller coasters at Florida theme parks, including [[Dueling Dragons]] and [[The Incredible Hulk Coaster]] at [[Universal Islands of Adventure]], as well as the [[Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith|Rock 'n' Roller Coaster]] at [[Disney's Hollywood Studios|Disney-MGM Studios]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hickman |first=Breuse |date=July 4, 1999 |title=Parks' push for customers fuels roller coaster wars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66727823/florida-today-reception-of-gwazi-roller/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=[[Florida Today]] |publisher=Gannett |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190921/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66727823/florida-today-reception-of-gwazi-roller/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=June 18, 1999 |title=Wooden coaster debuts at Busch Gardens |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66726323/orlando-sentinel-reception-of-gwazi/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Orlando Sentinel |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108080524/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66726323/orlando-sentinel-reception-of-gwazi/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Durkee |first=Dennis |date=May 14, 2000 |title=Wooden Coaster Offers Thrills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66938326/the-debut-of-gwazi-in-1999-detailed-in/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[Tyler Morning Telegraph|The Tyler Courier-Times]] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107092017/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66938326/the-debut-of-gwazi-in-1999-detailed-in/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Gwazi was one of several wooden roller coasters that opened in North America during a resurgence of interest in vintage-style attractions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeager |first=Connie |date=July 25, 1999 |title=Roller coasters are riding the comeback rail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66931418/details-about-roller-coasters-opening/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109171254/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66931418/details-about-roller-coasters-opening/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Gwazi opened one month after the steel dueling roller coaster Dueling Dragons.<ref name="McMorrow-Hernandez2015" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Sean |date=January 9, 2015 |title=Last day to ride Gwazi roller coaster at Busch Gardens? Feb. 1 |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/last-day-to-ride-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-is-feb-1/2213041/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329202347/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/last-day-to-ride-gwazi-at-busch-gardens-tampa-is-feb-1/2213041 |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Dueling Dragons and Gwazi were frequently compared because of their dueling feature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Jeremy J. |date=August 29, 1999 |title=Tampa's Gwazi: A heart attack on rails |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66729325/the-charlotte-observers-review-of/ |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=[[The Charlotte Observer]] |publisher=[[Knight Ridder]] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803190922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66729325/the-charlotte-observers-review-of/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Simanoff |first=Dave |date=June 30, 2000 |title=Crazy for coasters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934928/comparison-of-dueling-dragons-and-gwazi/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |pages=18–19 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108003853/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934928/comparison-of-dueling-dragons-and-gwazi/ |url-status=live}}; {{Cite web |last=Simanoff |first=Dave |date=June 30, 2000 |title=Crazy for coasters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934965/continued-coverage-of-roller-coaster/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=The Tampa Tribune |publisher=Media General |page=35 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108214755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66934965/continued-coverage-of-roller-coaster/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Jeremy J. |date=August 29, 1999 |title=Florida parks debut new rides |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66940408/florida-debuting-new-roller-coasters-in/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[The News-Press]] |publisher=Gannett |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107171737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66940408/florida-debuting-new-roller-coasters-in/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
-The rebuilt Iron Gwazi garnered positive reviews by critics on its debut in 2022. Writing for the ''Tampa Bay Times'', Sharon Kennedy Wynne described it as "glass-smooth" and noted its many air time moments.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022" /> Wynne went on to highlight the "build-up to the beyond-vertical drop" as "slow and terrifying", with the restraint system being of "some comfort" for air time.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022" /> Dewayne Bevil of ''Orlando Sentinel'' pointed out Iron Gwazi's anticipation and sustained pacing.<ref name="Bevil2022" /> Bevil further commented on the "relentless nature" of its pacing being the attraction's appeal that "doesn’t let up until it’s done about two minutes later".<ref name="Bevil2022" /> American Coaster Enthusiasts members praised the ride's speedy maneuvers, smoothness, and ability to be re-rideable.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022" /> Bobbie Butterfield, a writer for ''Theme Park Insider'', contended that from any seat, "Iron Gwazi is a winner", as well as praising the roller coaster's signature "barrel roll drop" and air time moments.<ref name="Butterfield2022" />
+The rebuilt Iron Gwazi garnered positive reviews by critics on its debut in 2022. Writing for the ''Tampa Bay Times'', Sharon Kennedy Wynne described it as "glass-smooth" and noted its many air time moments.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022" /> Wynne went on to highlight the "build-up to the beyond-vertical drop" as "slow and terrifying", with the restraint system being of "some comfort" for air time.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022" /> Dewayne Bevil of ''Orlando Sentinel'' pointed out Iron Gwazi's anticipation and sustained pacing.<ref name="Bevil2022" /> Bevil further commented on the "relentless nature" of its pacing being the attraction's appeal that "doesn't let up until it's done about two minutes later".<ref name="Bevil2022" /> American Coaster Enthusiasts members praised the ride's speedy maneuvers, smoothness, and ability to be re-rideable.<ref name="KennedyWynne2022" /> Bobbie Butterfield, a writer for ''Theme Park Insider'', contended that from any seat, "Iron Gwazi is a winner", as well as praising the roller coaster's signature "barrel roll drop" and air time moments.<ref name="Butterfield2022" />
 ===Awards ===
@@ Line 186: / Line 187: @@
 | access-date =
 | 2022       = 4
+| 2023       = 5
+| 2024       = 5
 }}
 == Incidents ==
 {{main|Incidents at SeaWorld parks}}
-In 2006, a 52-year-old [[Palm Harbor, Florida|Palm Harbor]] man collapsed after riding Gwazi. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. It was determined that the roller coaster, which was functioning properly, had aggravated his [[high blood pressure]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Vansickle|first1=Abbie|last2=Danielson|first2=Rick|date=July 26, 2006|title=Hillsborough: Man dies after roller coaster ride|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/26/Hillsborough/Man_dies_after_roller.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506202903/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/26/Hillsborough/Man_dies_after_roller.shtml|archive-date=May 6, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2017|website=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company}}</ref>
+In 2006, a 52-year-old [[Palm Harbor, Florida|Palm Harbor]] man collapsed after riding Gwazi. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. It was determined that the roller coaster, which was functioning properly, had aggravated his [[high blood pressure]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Vansickle|first1=Abbie|last2=Danielson|first2=Rick|date=July 26, 2006|title=Hillsborough: Man dies after roller coaster ride|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/26/Hillsborough/Man_dies_after_roller.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506202903/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/26/Hillsborough/Man_dies_after_roller.shtml|archive-date=May 6, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2017|website=St. Petersburg Times}}</ref>
 In 2022, a guest riding Iron Gwazi during its preview hit their hand on a beam, but declined medical treatment after the ride. The incident prompted Busch Gardens to remove two beams where the incident took place.<ref name="Rice2022" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Ashley |date=March 3, 2022 |title=Busch Gardens removes beams from Iron Gwazi after guest hits hand |url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2022/03/03/busch-gardens-removes-beams-from-iron-gwazi-after-guest-hits-hand |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website= |publisher=Bay News 9 |language=en |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304002730/https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2022/03/03/busch-gardens-removes-beams-from-iron-gwazi-after-guest-hits-hand |url-status=live}}</ref>
@@ Line 202: / Line 205: @@
 == External links ==
-{{commons category|Iron Gwazi}}
 * {{Official website|https://buschgardens.com/tampa/roller-coasters/iron-gwazi/}}
+* {{commons category-inline|Iron Gwazi}}
 {{BGT Attractions}}
 {{BGA Coasters}}

v t e Roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Current	Air Grover Cheetah Hunt Cobra's Curse Iron Gwazi Kumba Montu Phoenix Rising SheiKra Tigris
Past	Gwazi Python Sand Serpent Scorpion