ACE Spring Conference Officially Announced: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando

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originally posted on 11/12/2021

Image: Courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. View full-sized image.

As if the towering 200-foot, purple-tracked coaster hadn’t commanded enthusiasts’ attention for more than two years now, Iron Gwazi will finally see its first official ACE event in early May. Central Florida’s Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will cohost the 2022 ACE Spring Conference alongside sister park SeaWorld Orlando, which will also be debuting Ice Breaker next spring. With two new-for-2022 signature coasters in the mix, it should be a popular event.

ACE Events Director Steve Berto has worked with the parks to arrange a solid event. Navigating days that would accommodate ACE was a bit of a trick, but a solution was found. May 6 – 8 are the dates of the conference. Friday and Saturday will be at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; Sunday will be at SeaWorld Orlando.

Attendees at Coaster Con 42 will remember Neal Thurman, who was park president at the time at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Thurman is now at the helm of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and is eager to see ACE’s friendly faces once more.

Busch Gardens will be offering three ERTs, two meals, snack and custom behind-the-scenes experiences. While the details for SeaWorld aren’t technically set in ink yet, the expectation is similar in that ERT, a meal and fun perks will be in store for that third day.

Tigris.
Photo: David Fake. View full-sized image.

SheiKra.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Once Iron Gwazi opens next spring, Busch Gardens will be home to 10 coasters. In that mix are three by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) (Kumba, Montu and SheiKra), an unusual Mack Rides forward-backward-spinning installation ( Cobra’s Curse), an Intamin launched (Cheetah Hunt) and a classic Schwarzkopf (Scorpion). Of course, Rocky Mountain Construction’s Iron Gwazi is sure to be center stage.

Cheetah Hunt.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.

Scorpion.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Just 64 miles away is SeaWorld Orlando, soon to be home to five coasters. Premier Rides’ Ice Breaker looks pretty snazzy with its quadruple launch. A trio of B&M rides is crowned with Mako, Florida’s tallest coaster currently, but it will be bested by Iron Gwazi (by six feet) once it opens. Mako will remain champ in the Orlando area for tallest and fastest. SeaWorld also has two notable water rides. Infinity Falls and Journey to Atlantis have signature attributes that make them worth the time to enjoy.

Mako.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Ice Breaker.
Photo: David Fake. View full-sized image.

Central Florida is a hotbed of coaster and park activity; attendees are sure to schedule other park visits while there. Make plans to be a part of ACE’s first national event of 2022.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor