Busch Gardens invited the Q105 crew out to the official opening of Iron Gwazi Thursday night. I got to be a test pilot a few weeks ago and they recorded it all on video. But that was daytime… what’s it like to ride Iron Gwazi at night? Had to find out!

• 3, 2, … 1!

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  Ceremonies began with a welcome from Busch Gardens President Neal Thurman. Described the ride as the world's fastest and steepest hybrid rollercoaster, Iron Gwazi is also the tallest hybrid rollercoaster in North America. "With 12 heart pounding air time moments with 3 inversions, Iron Gwazi is a non-stop action-packed thrill machine," said Thurman.

• Fireworks and confetti…

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  With the push of the button, the first official riders of Iron Gwazi were frontline workers who helped get us through the pandemic.

• Terrifying… but for a good cause.

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  Busch Gardens is using the coaster to help raise money for wild animal charities with Gwazi merchandise sold at the park.
• It’s time!

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  Are you brave enough to take on Iron Gwazi? One your seatbelt is fastened, the bar is lowered to keep you safe during those "air time" moments. There are 12 of them.

• Kitchen under the coaster…

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  If you dare to take on Iron Gwazi, you'll find lots of the Food & Wine Festival foods just around the corner.

• Leave room for dessert…

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  The dessert options include a Bavarian Fruit Punch Trifle topped with coconut!
• Savory and sweet…

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  Something for everyone.

• Lots to try!

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  You can buy the Food & Wine festival menu options individually or buy a punch card which lets you try a few more with a discount.

• Food & Wine… and Music

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  This weekend also kicks off the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Besides the food and drink, there are a bunch of concerts that are free with park admission.
• Lots of booths with different options…

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  Deep fried or keto friendly, there's a little bit of everything on the menu this year.

• Corny

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  The street corn looked fantastic but I was already too full to try it this visit.

• Not so impossible…

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  Vegetarian options like the Impossible Burger are on the menu this year.
• Iron Gwazi Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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  Riding Gwazi in the daytime is terrifying but exciting. At night, it's dreamlike. I loved it.

• Food and Wine or Wine and Food?

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  You decide.

• Passports are out…

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  The ride has been on the radar of roller coaster enthusiasts around the world.

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