Official Opening of Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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.

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

Busch Gardens is using the coaster to help raise money for wild animal charities with Gwazi merchandise sold at the park.

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.

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

The dessert options include a Bavarian Fruit Punch Trifle topped with coconut!

Something for everyone.

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.

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.

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

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

Vegetarian options like the Impossible Burger are on the menu this year.

Geno / Q105

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

You decide.

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