Carowinds

Carowinds is a premier amusement park located on the border between North and South Carolina, drawing visitors from across the Southeast and beyond. Opened in 1973, this 407-acre park offers a blend of thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and water rides, making it a top destination for adrenaline seekers and families alike. Carowinds has established itself as one of the key entertainment attractions in the region and continues to evolve with new rides and experiences each season.

History and Development

The concept of Carowinds was conceived by Charlotte businessman E. Pat Hall in the late 1960s, inspired by his visit to Disneyland. His vision was to create a park that would bring people together and celebrate the culture of the Carolinas. After years of planning and an investment of over $70 million, Carowinds opened its doors on March 31, 1973. The park's unique location straddles the state line, making it one of the few parks in the world to operate in two states.

In the decades that followed, Carowinds saw several expansions and ownership changes, with major investments coming in under the management of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, which acquired the park in 2006. With the addition of new coasters, themed areas, and a water park, Carowinds has grown into one of the most visited amusement parks in the Southeast.

Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides

Carowinds is best known for its lineup of world-class roller coasters, featuring some of the tallest, fastest, and longest coasters in the region. A few highlights include:

• Fury 325: Towering at 325 feet, Fury 325 is the tallest and fastest giga coaster in the world. It reaches speeds of up to 95 mph and offers an exhilarating ride that spans both North and South Carolina.
• Intimidator: Named after NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Intimidator is a hyper coaster known for its massive drops and airtime hills. It’s one of the park’s longest coasters, providing a thrilling experience for coaster enthusiasts.
• Afterburn: This inverted coaster twists and loops through the sky, giving riders the sensation of flight. It is consistently ranked as one of the best coasters of its kind.
• Copperhead Strike: The park’s first double launch coaster, Copperhead Strike features five inversions and a unique storyline that immerses riders in a thrilling chase.

Family and Kid-Friendly Attractions

While Carowinds is famous for its high-adrenaline rides, it also offers a variety of attractions for younger visitors and families. Camp Snoopy is a dedicated area filled with Peanuts-themed rides, shows, and play areas designed for children of all ages. The Carousel Park and the County Fair sections of the park feature classic family rides like the Scrambler, bumper cars, and Ferris wheel, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Carolina Harbor Waterpark

Carowinds’ water park, Carolina Harbor, is included with park admission and offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. With a variety of water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a children’s splash area, Carolina Harbor is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy a day of aquatic fun. Popular attractions include the Blackbeard’s Revenge slide complex, Surfer’s Swell boomerang slide, and the Tidal Wave Bay wave pool.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Carowinds hosts a variety of seasonal events and festivals that add to the park’s appeal:

• Scarowinds: Every fall, Carowinds transforms into a haunted theme park with terrifying mazes, scare zones, and live shows. Scarowinds is one of the most popular Halloween events in the Southeast, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers looking for a scare.
• WinterFest: During the holiday season, the park is adorned with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations. WinterFest features ice skating, live entertainment, holiday-themed rides, and visits with Santa, creating a magical experience for families.
• Great Carolina Fest: Celebrating the culture and heritage of the Carolinas, this summer festival includes live music, local food, and games.

Amenities and Services

Carowinds offers a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests. The park has numerous dining options ranging from quick-service restaurants to full-service eateries, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. Shopping enthusiasts can explore souvenir shops and boutiques offering everything from Carowinds-themed merchandise to plush toys and clothing.

For those looking to make the most of their visit, Carowinds provides Fast Lane passes to skip the lines on select rides, and VIP Experiences for a more exclusive adventure. Guests can also choose to stay at the Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, which features cabins, RV sites, and tent camping, making it easy to extend their visit to the park.

Accessibility and Safety

Carowinds is committed to making the park accessible to all guests, offering wheelchair rentals, designated parking, and ride accessibility programs. Safety is a top priority, and the park maintains a robust security and health system to ensure a safe experience for visitors of all ages.

Future Plans and Conclusion

Carowinds continues to invest in new attractions and experiences, with plans for further expansion and enhancements in the coming years. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to conquer some of the world’s best roller coasters, a family looking for fun, or someone seeking a unique event experience, Carowinds has something for everyone. Its blend of high-energy rides, water attractions, and entertainment make it a must-visit destination for any amusement park enthusiast.

Fun Facts About Carowinds

• The park is located exactly on the North Carolina-South Carolina border, and some rides cross between the two states.
• Fury 325 was named the "Best Steel Coaster" by Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards for multiple consecutive years.
• Carowinds' mascot is Snoopy, and the park has a strong Peanuts-themed presence, especially in the children’s areas.

Carowinds is more than just an amusement park; it’s a place where memories are made and thrills are found around every corner. If you’re planning a visit to the Carolinas, be sure to add Carowinds to your itinerary for a day of fun and excitement.