Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has started construction of what it says will be the tallest hybrid rollercoaster in North America.
The yet-to-be-named ride, to be constructed from wood and steel, is slated to be the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world.
It will be more than 200 feet tall and feature restored elements of Gwazi, a wooden rollercoaster which operated in the park from 1999 to 2015.
It is due to open in 2020, a year after Busch Gardens launches Tigris, a tiger-themed steel rollercoaster which was announced in September last year.
“We’re moving quickly to open our ninth roller coaster, Tigris, with a tenth coaster already underway for next year,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “This cadence of back-to-back new attractions is unprecedented for our park and continues our legacy as Florida’s thrill ride leader.”
Busch Gardens is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year which, as well as the Tigris opening, includes its Food & Wine festival from March 16, and a new pin trading program enabling guests to swap souvenir pins with staff and each other.