When Busch Gardens Tampa Bay unveiled Iron Gwazi in 2022, it was hailed as a game-changer. The hybrid coaster was touted as the steepest and fastest of its kind, instantly drawing attention from thrill-seekers across the globe. Its record-breaking statistics and relentless layout positioned the ride as the park’s star attraction — one that alone could justify the ticket price.
Two years later, the coaster is again at the center of discussion, but this time for less celebratory reasons. Fans say a newly enforced policy has turned the park’s premier thrill into a flashpoint for controversy.
A Theme Park With a Thrill Identity
Busch Gardens opened in 1959 as an extension of Anheuser-Busch’s Tampa brewery. What began as a modest animal preserve soon expanded into a full-fledged theme park. By the 1990s, Busch Gardens had firmly shifted its brand toward thrill rides.
The park’s transformation was punctuated by high-profile coasters like Montu, Kumba, and SheiKra, each establishing Busch Gardens as one of America’s most coaster-centric destinations. In recent years, the push for adrenaline experiences culminated in Iron Gwazi — a $25 million reinvention of the wooden coaster that once occupied its footprint.
That thrill-heavy identity has also made the park a central player in Florida’s theme park rivalry. Competing with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort just an hour away, Busch Gardens has carved out its niche by targeting thrill seekers.
Locker Policy Sparks Debate
In late 2025, Busch Gardens introduced a new requirement at Iron Gwazi: mandatory lockers. Guests are now asked to store personal belongings before boarding. Unlike at some competing parks, however, lockers at Busch Gardens come at a cost.
The rule emerged after a rider was reportedly struck in the face by a cellphone that slipped free during the ride. While it’s positioned as a safety precaution, fans view it as an unnecessary fee piled onto already high ticket prices.
“Most stupid rule in the world why not make them free if mandatory?” one guest complained on Reddit.
Another user pointed out the origins of the decision but still criticized its rollout. “The rule was implemented because nobody was following instructions… phones flying out of people’s hands… I do think a free alternative for the lockers should be offered though. Universal does it for most of their rides and they seem to be doing fine.”
Safety Versus Guest Costs
Former staff members have echoed the safety concerns. One recalled being struck by a flying object while working behind the scenes. “I was walking behind the scenes near Gwazi and I was hit by a guest’s phone. Ridiculous that people can’t understand the gravity of the situation.”
Still, the notion that Iron Gwazi guests (who also complained about a wasp infestation atop the attraction earlier this year) must pay for lockers has fueled frustration online. “That’s total BS. If you are going to force people through metal detectors, you’re going to need to offer free lockers at the ride like Universal does. This needs to be made national and on X and all social media and shame BG until they make it free.”
Others voiced reluctant understanding. “Yes, it does suck to have to pay for a locker but it sucks even more to… watch someone realize they can’t take something as they are trying to get seated. Riders need to realize… they are ruining the ride experience for everyone.”
What frustrates some visitors even more is the inconsistent enforcement of the rule. “Despite all the signs people are still bringing stuff on they can’t as staff aren’t telling them until they get on the ride. Today I was told to put stuff in locker at the entrance but looks like others weren’t,” one person wrote.
How do you feel about this new Busch Gardens rule?
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