Photo TR: Central Florida Iron, Ice and Art

[jedimaster1227]

Over the last few weeks I've had a chance to experience several of Central Florida's newest coasters while also taking in some artsy experiences along the way. The first of these three was a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a passholder preview of Iron Gwazi, the park's RMC conversion of the former Gwazi dueling wooden coaster. 

Let's start by stating the obvious... This is a much better experience than the previous version of Gwazi in every sense. Iron Gwazi is smooth, fast, intense experience. Gwazi, especially in its latter years was rough, aggressive and meandering at times. The new coaster leverages approximately a third of the former coasters' wooden structure and while the geek in me wishes we could have gotten an updated dueling or moebius style coaster (akin to Twisted Colossus), I'm grateful for what we got. The only other Rocky Mountain Construction coaster I've experienced to date is Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point, so I expected to really like this one purely for its similar style. I wouldn't consider this better than Steel Vengeance, considering the Cedar Point attraction has a longer ride time, more airtime, more inversions--there's just more to it. But I do find there to be some elements that are better on Iron Gwazi, such as the transitions between elements. There are some really jarring transitions on the Ohio-based coaster where Iron Gwazi really flows smoothly (with no abrupt changes) from maneuver to maneuver. There's much to love about each coaster, but having Iron Gwazi so much closer to home makes my sense of urgency to return to Sandusky that much less. 

Almost all of the former Gwazi queue is intact and in use for Iron Gwazi. One side of the queue, dedicated formerly to one side of the coaster is now used exclusively as the Quick Queue/Platinum Pass re-ride line where the other serves as the standby queue. Once in the main station building, it is hard not to recognize the former second track's loading section and dispatch opening from the building (if you know what you're looking for), both covered up but noticeable. It should be noted that from the front side of Iron Gwazi as well as inside of the queue and station, there are few good vantage points to see the majority of the coaster's biggest maneuvers. Your best views when not on the coaster will be from when Gwazi Park is open for special events or from the Sky Ride when it reopens later this year. 

Gwazi was themed to a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a lion--each of the two coaster tracks was themed to one of the two actual creatures. The color scheme of light blues, yellows, oranges, purples and greens has been replaced with a more streamlined (and pronounced) purple and green to match the new alligator-themed Iron Gwazi. 

Since my visit Montu has reopened with a bright new color scheme.

Iron Gwazi has definitely changed the park's skyline.

As I'd imagine will be the case once the ride officially opens, the line for the passholder previews ran down near the park entrance. 

The ride was still testing as of park opening. This was my first time seeing the overbanked curve behind the entrance.

The station has been repainted with bold colors that really pop against the replenished thatch roofing.

This will look familiar for those that previous experienced Gwazi.

One section of the queue takes place in the lower pit area where the two Gwazi tracks would cross before heading towards their respective lift hills. Now guests pass directly underneath the track as it turns towards a dip that leads to the coaster's lift hill.

It was neat walking in this space without any wooden track around it.

Iron Gwazi facts.

Picturesque. 

More Iron Gwazi facts.

They aren't kidding with "The Death Roll." It is definitely the wildest element of the coaster besides the initial drop. 

One of the few areas where you can see track semi-clearly from the queue.

The majority of coaster is hidden behind the queue and station.

Wooden structure from the former Gwazi coasters is bolstered by new steel supports in high-stress sections of the new coaster. 

Peaking through the supports you can see a portion of The Death Roll. 

Going down!

The coaster zips through this portion of the layout.

Like most new coasters at SeaWorld and Busch parks, there is a monitor in the station showing which seats are locked in and how long the train has been parked in the station. Iron Gwazi operates with two trains and due to its quick layout, it works out pretty well that a train is dispatched right around the time the other train hits the block section.

The former spot where one of two Gwazi tracks would exit the station. 

Notice the lighter-colored flooring on the left... That is the filled in portion of the station where the load section used to be for one of the two Gwazi tracks.

A neat pattern found when you look up in the station...

With a fun nod to the old coasters found by the loading side of the last row. In the block section/transfer track you will find the former lead car decorations from the Gwazi Lion and Gwazi Tiger trains hung on the wall. I couldn't get a picture since my phone was secured for the ride.

The front of the train looks great!

And the side panel detailing is neat too. 

There is a Ride Photo location at the exit and it is powered by the park's PhotoKey service.

Definitely a different view compared to a few years ago.

Such a fun element!

Zooming past the ride photo location.

The ride's gift shop is currently selling a series of classic Gwazi-inspired merchandise. These neon shirts were available to purchase in years surrounding the original coasters' debut.

Pin collectors will be happy with these new options.

And of course there is Iron Gwazi merchandise.

I love that they have CoasterDynamix Nanocoasters for both Iron Gwazi and Gwazi.

The Gwazi model is super detailed and I was very tempted to buy it on the spot if not for the $50 price tag.

There's less metal to the Iron Gwazi model and the price is $40. 

I love the side by side comparison of the stats... I definitely didn't realize that despite two coasters becoming one, Iron Gwazi manages to have more track than its predecessors combined. 

Commemorate concept art prints are available in a limited edition size of 2022.

I wish there was a better angle to watch the drop...

The Death Roll is experienced with such speed, I was flying out of my seat, held in only by the snug lapbars of the train. And yet, this was exceptionally comfortable with no collars or over the shoulder restraints.

Flying through a mess of track.

Fly by!

I love this element!

It was neat to see that the park has defined two walking trail layouts that can be experienced while in the park.

Cheetah Hunt has a new neighbor on the horizon.

Over in the Serengeti Overlook (the former Crown Colony House) the Giraffe Bar opened to offers guests drinks with a view.

A new restaurant, Treetop Kitchen will open on the third floor in the place of the former Crown Colony House Restaurant.

Cheetah Hunt also reopened recently after receiving a fresh coat of paint.

The Skyride is set to reopen this summer.

Can't get over The Death Roll.

Another fun maneuver!

Sorry but I can't help but admire.

I'll be back to ride this again soon!

A fun momento guests received for attending Iron Gwazi's passholder previews...

[Nrthwnd]

Awesome! You got a button commemorating the event! I got a couple like that, from Playland(PNE) when both AtmosFEAR (2011) and The Beast (2015) first opened. They're great little souvenirs of any visit you do, especially during 'First Ride Events', etc.

Thanks for the great tour of your visit there, especially of Iron Gwazi!

My two 'prizes' of Opening Day Rides. (o:

[Taylor Finn]

Great report. Certainly looking forward to eventually returning to BGT. Train was closed when I was there as well, so some new things to experience.

[jedimaster1227]

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay isn't the only park in Central Florida with new steel! I had a chance to hop over to SeaWorld Orlando to experience the Seven Seas Food Festival, spot some construction progress for an upcoming project (rumored to be a new coaster) and of course, to ride Ice Breaker for the first time!

Ice Breaker is a new shuttle-launch coaster with a "beyond vertical" spike. This coaster packs a surprising punch between its speed and really solid airtime. The coaster operates with two trains, each with eighteen riders. It isn't super high capacity for this reason but the ops team seems to be doing a pretty solid job of moving trains to the launch track as the other train hits the brake run. I enjoyed this one far more than I expected--my only gripes are the capacity and the unnecessary comfort collars. I'll say it because it needs to be said. This coaster doesn't go upside down. It doesn't need comfort collars or over the shoulder restraints. Iron Gwazi (and plenty of other comparable Premier Launchers) operates with just a lap bar and there's no reason this coaster couldn't either.

In case you haven't already seen it, here is the new entrance sign for SeaWorld.

Construction walls near the park's festival area now extend to the old tram path outside of the park limits.

Inside of the park the new "beer garden" between Sesame Street Land and Wild Arctic has been unveiled. I didn't expect it to be a literal garden with beer, but here we are.

Lots of tasty food options to be had at the Seven Seas Food Festival. Buying a lanyard is still the best deal if you know you're going to buy five or more items during your visit.

Reuben egg rolls and shepherd's pie from Ireland. Both delicious.

Skirt steak and a frozen caipirinha. The drink is highly recommended especially on a hot day!

Giant meatballs and mozzarella at the Italy booth.

The shrimp roll and clam chowder were both really generous portions for a festival event!

Why I'm really here.

The coaster is tucked into a very small plot of land and guests can get very close. 

Lots of themed merch available for purchase.

I really do love that SeaWorld parks have embraced the fun of producing CoasterDynamix Nanocoasters.

A neat model.

As the sun began to set, I took some time to photograph the coaster in motion.

This is a neat element.

At this point the coaster flys through the layout at a surprising speed.

And this is a neat vantage point.

Yes, the height requirement was raised before the ride's grand opening... 

This is neat to watch up close.

I won't complain about more opportunities for airtime in Central Florida.

I wish these trains were more comfortable and easier to get in and out of. The comfort collars are difficult to navigate and don't feel necessary in the slightest.

I got lucky with a really pretty sunset.

The money shot.

They have other coasters here too.

Still water beneath a gorgeous sky.

Just taking it all in.

I love SeaWorld's Waterfront views.

Looking towards the festival area beside Bayside Stadium, we can see some of the area amenities being cleared. 

Looks like what is coming will reshape this corner of the park.

Construction flags!

Looking forward to seeing this space transformed!

Even the exit for Ice Breaker is a narrow path. Everything about this coaster fits into a narrow space. 

Since we were here, I finally had a chance to experience the newer Orca Encounter show.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the new show balanced education and more "show" elements. My son was loving every second of seeing these orcas in action.

The audience around us certainly wasn't bored.

This will never not amaze me.

I haven't taken a cheesy photo in a while so here's me getting back to quota. 

I love that SeaWorld is playing into the nostalgia of its classic characters.

Merchandise to play into these "classics" has been ramping up over the last few months and I think it is brilliant.

This is the "Sea World" I grew up with and it is fun to see these characters revived. I hope walk-around versions are next!

Love. It.

Care to join?

[Nrthwnd]

<sighs> Your sunset shots of everything ('specially those coasters) was top notch!

How beautiful everything must have looked to you, when the sun really started setting!

Thanks for sharing your (obviously) great visit there, Adam.

[cfc]

Bring me that skirt steak--now!  Ice Breaker looks like a fun ride, but they really need to get rid of those "comfort collars." They're not necessary and seem to cause more problems than they solve.