Busch Gardens invited the 99.5 QYK crew & the ladies of the Theme Parks and Rec Podcast out to the official opening of Iron Gwazi Thursday night. Some of our staff have already done a test ride during the day. This time they got to ride it in the dark and they gave it two thumbs up!

We also got a chance to sample some of the flavors of the Food & Wine Festival which runs through May 22! See the list of acts here who are performing as part of the festival.

• 3, 2, … 1!

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  Ceremonies began with a welcome from Busch Gardens President Neal Thurman. He described the ride as the world's fastest and steepest hybrid rollercoaster. It's 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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