Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa BayBusch Gardens Tampa Bay parkgoers are not happy with a recently introduced upcharge for those hoping to experience its roller coasters.
Since opening in 1959, Busch Gardens has grown from a brewery-adjacent animal park into one of Florida’s premier theme parks. Its unique blend of African-inspired habitats and high-octane rides has made it a competitor in the state’s already crowded entertainment market.
In the past two decades, Busch Gardens has shifted its focus more heavily toward thrill seekers. Coasters like Montu, Kumba, and SheiKra helped the park build its reputation as one of the most coaster-dense destinations in the United States.
Arguably, the crown jewel arrived in 2022 with Iron Gwazi. Touted as the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, the record-breaking ride drew national attention and cemented Busch Gardens’ identity as a thrill capital. For many visitors, Iron Gwazi – which sits in the space once occupied by its wooden predecessor, Gwazi – alone justified the price of admission.
However, guests hoping to ride the roller coaster lately have been asked to cough up extra before doing so.
Locker Controversy at Iron Gwazi
The change involves lockers now being mandatory for Iron Gwazi riders, with guests required to pay before boarding. This follows a recent incident in which a guest was hit in the face by a cellphone while riding the roller coaster.
Regardless, for many fans, the policy feels less like a safety measure and more like a hidden fee tacked onto an already costly park day.
“Most stupid rule in the world why not make them free if mandatory?” one frustrated Reddit user wrote, echoing the sentiment of many who feel nickel-and-dimed by the park.
Others defended the rule’s origins, citing ongoing safety issues. “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.”
One former employee offered a firsthand perspective of why the lockers are necessary. “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, several fans argue the burden shouldn’t fall on paying customers. “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.”
Some guests, though, voiced empathy for the park’s position. “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.”
It seems like Busch Gardens is still working out the kinks of the new system. Notably, guests have claimed that many aren’t following the new rule. As one wrote, “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.”
What do you think of the new lockers upcharge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?