Carowinds Discussion Thread

[mordecai-75]

^^^ &^^^^^ Welcome to trying to get food at any park in a quick fashion (it rarely can be done). Waiting in line for chicken and waffles at Chickie & Pete's behind 4 people almost gave a stroke! But i was prepared for that mentally going in. Pretty good though after the 40min's it took to get it (they hook you up with the maple syrup).

[coasterbill]

Are the temperatures in the Carolinas high enough for water park visits?

 

let's see...

[Vonni]

^ What I meant was the water park opened earlier than most water parks. I didn't realize the temperatures in the Carolinas warranted an earlier opening for a water park than most others. I'm not from the area. It really was a simple question.

[jarmor]

Sorry for the delay . . .

Last wednesday was the media preview for Carolina Harbor, the worlds largest Carolina themed water park and I was there on behalf of TPR! Ok, the park isn't going by that bill but I figured it had to be right?? Anyway, a lot has changed . . . I mean A LOT! Lets just get to the pictures.

 

Coming in the park from the employee entrance, the first thing encountered was Myrtle Turtle beach.

 

Lets see how it compares to the concept art . . .

 

To me, Myrtle Turtle Beach is an area for infants and small toddlers but fear not, for those toddlers that are a little too big for that area there is Kitty Hawk Cove.

 

That area is a little more geared to those toddlers who like to climb more and even has a set of 2 jr size water slides! Check out some of the theming!

 

Next up, Harbor House.

 

Concept art for comparison.

 

I have to say, this little pocket of the water park seems like a great "break" zone.

 

There will also be a full service bar right in the middle of the water park.

 

Here's your light house. . . lol. Which also doubles as a refreshment spot well it also triples are the cabana rental spot as well.

 

ooouuuhhhh . . .

 

They were getting things set up for the media day festivities!

 

The new 8ft deep wave pool, Surf Harbor Club.

 

Concept art.

 

Hummm . . .

 

The park also built another full size, in addition of expanding the original, bath house.

 

The star of the expansion!

 

For comparisons sake.

 

A group of us were able to take on the slides before the actual media day . . . where no attractions were open.

 

I am a fanatic for the drop box slides so naturally I think the new slide tower was an amazing addition! Also, to place it right at the front of the new entrance near the road is great marketing.

 

We were only dropping from the yellow slide, which I think is the shortest.

 

Lets get some above ground shots . . .

 

I'd say one of the most awesome water park signage!

 

Some more theming.

 

Oh! Now this would make a great upcharge!

 

Someone called the band?

 

Carowinds filled in the oldest wave pool and created Seaside Splashworks.

 

That's one HUGE bucket!

 

What is it with Carowinds and their snakes (the other one is in the background lol)

 

Be right back!

 

Ok back with even better weather, now it's officially time for media day! The park now has these cool signs all around, even in the water park!

 

Love the water feature at the new pool.

 

I can say, Carowinds always gets some really good live entertainment for every event.

 

I was tempted to spike it lol lol (not really).

 

Up first, the parks GM, Brad Marcy.

 

Followed by John Taylor . . .

 

Then Laresa Thompson.

 

Alright, lets open this place . . . with bubbles! Oh, and a man floating in the air by water jets.

 

Lets not forget fireworks!

 

Time to eat! Carowinds has really stepped their game up in the food department. Despite the most recent trip report on here , the food at Carowinds is considered some of the best at a chain park and its unique because it focuses on the local cuisine. So lets salivate together . . .

 

Licking your screen? Lets move on for a final look at some things . . .

 

I have to say, the Carolina Harbor really has a personality of its on, separate from the park.

 

This was consider a good option at one point lol.

 

I vote to make this little area an adults area with a bar! Instead of a wading area for geese . . .

 

Looks nice doesn't? Carolina Harbor is one of the few water parks I have been to that isn't just a concrete pad.

 

Thunder Road has now become just . . . a road.

 

I have to say, Carowinds has proven that by providing some TLC a little can go a long way. I encourage you all to head to Carowinds and spend some time in Carolina Harbor as it is worth the visit alone!

[RyanTPM]

^Absolutely wonderful pictures there, thanks for posting your review. Although i think that some of it doesn't look as good as the original concept art it's a really good expansion regardless that a lot of people are going to enjoy.

[njcoasterguy34]

I'm planning a trip to the park during the first week of August. How are the lines usually like at the park on a weekday during the first week of August? Should I budget for Fast Lane Plus?

[coasterbill]

I'm planning a trip to the park during the first week of August. How are the lines usually like at the park on a weekday during the first week of August? Should I budget for Fast Lane Plus?

 

Very short, no need for Fastlane Plus. Just ride Nighthawk first, then Ricochet, then have at it...

[KICoasterkev]

Really great pictures! The food looks delicious! yummmm!

[Gerstlauerguy]

i feel compelled to put this here... i dont know why i just want to..

[Vonni]

^ EEK! I hate wasps! I was attacked by a swarm of wasps when I was young and now, they are the devil himself in my mind!

[gp1086]

Pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but if I'm trying to visit on a Saturday or Sunday in July mid July, can I be pretty sure for a packed park and long lines? Would I need a Fast Lane Plus for the "must rides" below? I see the weekend I'm looking at is "Kids Fest" - not sure if that makes a difference.

 

My must rides based on a quick glance of the website:

 

- Fury 325 (preferably 2x)

- Intimidator

- Nighthawk

- Hurler

- WhitewaterFalls

 

Less concerned about (but could be interested in riding time permitting):

 

- Afterburn

- Carolina Cobra

- Vortex

- Carolina Cyclone

- Plants vs. Zombies

- Rip Roarin Rapids

[jarmor]

You'd rather ride hurler and nighthawk over afterburn?!?!?

[michaellynn4]

Afterburn was by far the best coaster when I visited in 2014, pre-Fury 325. I'd reconsider your list a bit (ESPECIALLY over Nighthawk and Hurler) lest you miss out on a really great coaster.

[DefeatistNation]

Yeah, with my platinum pass my Carowinds trips go as such usually.

 

1. Intimidator

2. Afterburn

3. Fury

4. Fury

5. Fury

6. Fury

7. Mine train

8. Fury

9. Fury

10. Fury

11. Fury

120 Fury

[coasterbill]

Pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but if I'm trying to visit on a Saturday or Sunday in July mid July, can I be pretty sure for a packed park and long lines? Would I need a Fast Lane Plus for the "must rides" below? I see the weekend I'm looking at is "Kids Fest" - not sure if that makes a difference.

 

My must rides based on a quick glance of the website:

 

- Fury 325 (preferably 2x)

- Intimidator

- Nighthawk

- Hurler

- WhitewaterFalls

 

Less concerned about (but could be interested in riding time permitting):

 

- Afterburn

- Carolina Cobra

- Vortex

- Carolina Cyclone

- Plants vs. Zombies

- Rip Roarin Rapids

 

Your list is terrible, allow me to assist.

 

First of all: Who the F**k cares about Whitewater Falls? lol

 

Elite Rides

Fury

Afterburn

 

Good Rides

Intimidator

 

If you're into that kind of thing...

Nighthawk

Vortex (not awful for a standup)

 

Who cares?

Everything else

 

In all honesty, after those rides it depends what you're into. I don't think Carowinds has a "bad" coaster, but they have a lot of mediocre ones. In regards to non-coasters, since they removed the flume for Intimidator (this was honestly a downgrade... nobody's intimidated and nobody cares) I enjoy Boo Blasters, Windseeker the crappy Drop Tower and Southern Star. I think their flyers suck but a lot of people like them. I enjoy the other coasters for what they are.

 

TL;DR Just ride Fury and Afterburn a lot.

[Philrad71]

Pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but if I'm trying to visit on a Saturday or Sunday in July mid July, can I be pretty sure for a packed park and long lines? Would I need a Fast Lane Plus for the "must rides" below? I see the weekend I'm looking at is "Kids Fest" - not sure if that makes a difference.

 

If you are going on a Saturday during an event called Kids Fest in July, I would start saving now for a FLP. Otherwise you'll probably spend half of your day in line for Nighthawk alone. At least with FLP, you might only spend 1/4 of your day in the Nighthawk line!

[gp1086]

Haha. Thanks for the feedback, all! Sounds like Fast Lane Plus it is if the July trip works out. Will also take into account your suggestions (yes - I like water rides though).

[DILinator]

To borrow coasterbill's rating system, but provide a slightly different opinion...

 

Elite Rides

Fury

 

Good Rides

Intimidator

Afterburn

 

If you're into that kind of thing...

Nighthawk

 

Who cares?

Everything else

 

Avoid

Vortex (awful, even for a standup)

 

TL;DR Just ride Fury and Afterburn a lot.

 

You can't go wrong with that advice, though I would definitely heavily weight the rides in favor of Fury, personally!

[Ape]

Vortex is probably the only stand up I have rode in recent years that I enjoyed.

[DefeatistNation]

Why is intimidator so bad???

 

I blame the trains, and the lol "second half"

[coasterbill]

Vortex is probably the only stand up I have rode in recent years that I enjoyed.

 

I entirely agree with this.

 

Why is intimidator so bad???

 

I blame the trains, and the lol "second half"

 

It's not bad. It's just very average for a hyper coaster and Fury helps to exaggerate how average it is.

[DILinator]

Why is intimidator so bad???

 

It's not bad. It's just very average for a hyper coaster and Fury helps to exaggerate how average it is.

 

I think the second part of your response really is the biggest thing that detracts from it, in my opinion. After riding Fury, it's just kind of like... "Oh, ok. That was cool, I guess. Back to Fury!" I think in another park that could use a Hyper coaster, Intimidator would be far more appreciated!

[carolinaman]

I think Fury has a lot to do with it. Before Fury was there everybody loved Intimidator.

[DefeatistNation]

I rode,intimidator front row, with my roommate behind me. I literally turned to her on the top of one of the camelbacks when we slowed to a crawl....like turned my entire body and just went "what the hell is this?"

[coasterbill]

I rode,intimidator front row, with my roommate behind me. I literally turned to her on the top of one of the camelbacks when we slowed to a crawl....like turned my entire body and just went "what the hell is this?"

 

Just picturing that made me literally laugh out loud.