Carowinds Discussion Thread

[Ape]

*shrugs shoulders* I liked Vortex....

[CoasterDirected]

The only standup I've been on was Georgia Scorcher and I really liked it for what it was. It had a short line, some cool and snappy transitions, and wasn't too forceful on the legs. There was a breakdown while we were on the brake run and I didn't have the restraint in the best position so I either had to awkwardly squat or crush my man region for about 10-15 minutes.

 

I thought that Acrophobia was worse on the region than Scorcher. (it was still awesome)

I'd be perfectly fine at least trying Vortex if I have the time between the big three and Nighthawk

[XSupremacy]

If you want a "trick" for stand up coasters, slightly bend your knees until they lock the seats in place, and then fully lengthen your legs. It gives you a gap between the base and your privates

[thrillseeker4552]

If you want a "trick" for stand up coasters, slightly bend your knees until they lock the seats in place, and then fully lengthen your legs. It gives you a gap between the base and your privates

 

Listen to this guy! I do this on Riddler all the time and it makes the ride way more tolerable. Gotta make sure you're completely standing up to avoid any issues...

[coneyislandchris]

Nice recap Chris. Was hoping you'd post something after following your travels online. My main beef is that you take really nice pics, where are they? lol

So, yeah. When I wrote this report, I was doing it on my work computer during my lunch break, and I hadn't synced up all my photos yet. I finally bit the bullet and installed Google Photos so I can have them synced to the cloud and free up some space on my phone, and now they're ready to go. I haven't been taking as many lately, mainly because I want to spend as much time riding as I possibly can (especially at parks like this where I don't know the next time I'll be back).

 

That being said, here's some of what I got during that day.

 

Greeted with this skyline waiting for the main gate to the parking lot to open. Seeing these massive coasters tower over the highway on the drive down is completely awe-inspiring.

OMG, that lift hill. OMG OMG, that DROP!

Whose bright idea was it to put the smoking section directly next to this highly flammable pile of matchsticks and kindling?

Disposable cup plan + freestyle machine with lemon-lime seltzer + 2 minute walk from Fury's exit = one happy and hydrated Chris.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for Arrow corkscrews, especially when they interact with the midway like this.

Obligatory vintage car shot. <3

Obligatory vintage rusty tractor shot.

Flying Cobras may be the only coaster I've ever seen where you get to gaze lovingly at a picture of a doggo throughout your ride.

The fact that the state border runs directly through the middle of the park is pretty awesome IMO, though it raises some questions. Are they licensed in both states or do they only pay taxes in one? Seems like a logistics nightmare.

Oh yeah I forgot to talk about the family invert. I tried this one at Kings Island and quite enjoyed it. The line moved slow as molasses, though, especially when they were sending out many trains with empty seats or even rows.

This used to be Top Gun, right? Between this jet fighter and the "TG" letters still on the outside of the building, they haven't really made much of an attempt to disguise it.

Looks are about the only thing this coaster has going for it.

b ( ͡ಸ ‿ ಸ )

More coasters need awesome lighting packages like this!

Even looks great from far away, with the lift hill, ride sign, and station house. Really impressive!

My phone is not fast enough to capture the train mid-motion at the end of the night; all I got was this blur. Poor Intimidator in the background looking dwarfed by the turnaround.

[PKI Jizzman]

It. Is. HAPPENING.

 

I'll be visiting the park for the first time since we called the coasters "BORG" and "Top Gun".

 

Any recommendations on hotels close to the park?

 

Excited to finally ride Fury after flying over it 48 effing times.

[Card]

So, yeah. When I wrote this report, I was doing it on my work computer during my lunch break, and I hadn't synced up all my photos yet. I finally bit the bullet and installed Google Photos so I can have them synced to the cloud and free up some space on my phone, and now they're ready to go. I haven't been taking as many lately, mainly because I want to spend as much time riding as I possibly can (especially at parks like this where I don't know the next time I'll be back).

 

That being said, here's some of what I got during that day.

Dang, there's some pretty spiffy stuff here. Your composition, in particular, is really good. Also, I really like your last picture. In fact, when I take night shots, I often go for the long-exposure blurred train thing.

 

It. Is. HAPPENING.

 

I'll be visiting the park for the first time since we called the coasters "BORG" and "Top Gun".

 

Any recommendations on hotels close to the park?

 

Excited to finally ride Fury after flying over it 48 effing times.

Well, if you're on a budget, I might not be the best person for this, seeing as I've worked in the hotel industry before and usually willing to pay a little more for a place that's nice, but I stayed at two places down there last year and really liked both of them.

 

The first was the Best Western Plus Sterling Hotel & Suites, and the second was the Hampton Inn just off of Arrowood Road. Not sure what the rates are, but if I had to go one way or the other, the Hampton Inn is closer and getting to and from the park is a bit easier, it was also a bit better furnished, and also had a better breakfast buffet. They both have waffle makers, though, which is the important thing. Nothing like trying to kill yourself with a cup or two of freshly ironed waffle batter smothered in syrup to kick off a day of walking in a miasma of oppressive heat and tourist BO.

 

Seriously though, both are nice, quiet, well put-together places that you can't go wrong with.

[PKI Jizzman]

So, yeah. When I wrote this report, I was doing it on my work computer during my lunch break, and I hadn't synced up all my photos yet. I finally bit the bullet and installed Google Photos so I can have them synced to the cloud and free up some space on my phone, and now they're ready to go. I haven't been taking as many lately, mainly because I want to spend as much time riding as I possibly can (especially at parks like this where I don't know the next time I'll be back).

 

That being said, here's some of what I got during that day.

Dang, there's some pretty spiffy stuff here. Your composition, in particular, is really good. Also, I really like your last picture. In fact, when I take night shots, I often go for the long-exposure blurred train thing.

 

It. Is. HAPPENING.

 

I'll be visiting the park for the first time since we called the coasters "BORG" and "Top Gun".

 

Any recommendations on hotels close to the park?

 

Excited to finally ride Fury after flying over it 48 effing times.

Well, if you're on a budget, I might not be the best person for this, seeing as I've worked in the hotel industry before and usually willing to pay a little more for a place that's nice, but I stayed at two places down there last year and really liked both of them.

 

The first was the Best Western Plus Sterling Hotel & Suites, and the second was the Hampton Inn just off of Arrowood Road. Not sure what the rates are, but if I had to go one way or the other, the Hampton Inn is closer and getting to and from the park is a bit easier, it was also a bit better furnished, and also had a better breakfast buffet. They both have waffle makers, though, which is the important thing. Nothing like trying to kill yourself with a cup or two of freshly ironed waffle batter smothered in syrup to kick off a day of walking in a miasma of oppressive heat and tourist BO.

 

Seriously though, both are nice, quiet, well put-together places that you can't go wrong with.

 

Thank you! Budget is not an issue. I'll check 'em out.

[Khat26]

I really enjoyed the cabins at Camp Wilderness. If budget is not an issue, I would recommend checking them out.

[SFOG1991]

If you want a "trick" for stand up coasters, slightly bend your knees until they lock the seats in place, and then fully lengthen your legs. It gives you a gap between the base and your privates

The ops at Carowinds actually instruct you to do this and then check to make sure everyone does, which was surprising to me! I already knew but most people don't know the trick and the dedication from the employees impressed me.

[PKI Jizzman]

I really enjoyed the cabins at Camp Wilderness. If budget is not an issue, I would recommend checking them out.

 

Looks fun for a group, but I'll be solo! I had no idea these existed, so good to know for the future.

[Khat26]

Stay away from the Clarion. That place is definitely a shit hole.

[Philrad71]

The Comfort Inn across the street wasn't bad...and was quite reasonable in terms of price.

 

I wanted to think that we paid about $100 or so on a summer weeknight. Their site says that it's an eight minute walk to the park, but when we went it was like 150 degrees so we drove over and got the nice preferred parking that they have for platinum pass holders.

[PKI Jizzman]

The Comfort Inn across the street wasn't bad...and was quite reasonable in terms of price.

 

I wanted to think that we paid about $100 or so on a summer weeknight. Their site says that it's an eight minute walk to the park, but when we went it was like 150 degrees so we drove over and got the nice preferred parking that they have for platinum pass holders.

 

I can get it for 80 right now. Pretty alluring since it's right across the street. I don't have a car so as long as they'll hold my crap while I'm at the park on Friday that's a DEAL

[DorneyKid14]

I highly highly highly recommend staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites Charlotte Pineville. Rooms are amazing. Staff was wonderful! It's maybe 5 minutes from the park, you make maybe two turns if that. So recommend this place!!

[VF15]

I stayed at the Comfort Inn across the street from the park, nothing fancy but it's comfortable and convenient.

[ALT2870]

It. Is. HAPPENING.

 

I'll be visiting the park for the first time since we called the coasters "BORG" and "Top Gun".

 

Any recommendations on hotels close to the park?

 

Excited to finally ride Fury after flying over it 48 effing times.

Well, if you're on a budget, I might not be the best person for this, seeing as I've worked in the hotel industry before and usually willing to pay a little more for a place that's nice, but I stayed at two places down there last year and really liked both of them.

 

The first was the Best Western Plus Sterling Hotel & Suites, and the second was the Hampton Inn just off of Arrowood Road. Not sure what the rates are, but if I had to go one way or the other, the Hampton Inn is closer and getting to and from the park is a bit easier, it was also a bit better furnished, and also had a better breakfast buffet. They both have waffle makers, though, which is the important thing. Nothing like trying to kill yourself with a cup or two of freshly ironed waffle batter smothered in syrup to kick off a day of walking in a miasma of oppressive heat and tourist BO.

 

Seriously though, both are nice, quiet, well put-together places that you can't go wrong with.

 

I almost always stay at a Marriott or Hilton hotel and I'll diddo that Hampton. As long as you don't make a wrong turn you'll be at the park in five minutes or so. I paid about $90.

[MillenniumFangirl]

I went to the park for the first time yesterday; the weather was absolutely perfect. Fury exceeded my expectations (which were already high!). Definitely my new favorite steel! I was surprised to find that the park wasn't busy at all, despite it being a Saturday. Maybe I'm just used to Cedar Point.....

[Canobie Coaster]

When I went on a Saturday in July last year, lines weren't too bad. I got a FastLane to ensure many rerides on Fury, but most of the coasters were walk-ons with the exception of Nighthawk (looked to be about an hour), Fury (30 minutes midday, more at night), and Intimidator (15-30 minutes). Even Afterburn had no line all day.

 

The park really hauls in getting out dispatches.

[larrygator]

I got to the park at opening today and had 7 rides on Fury325 to start the day. I did a couple of laps around the park but didn't ride much. Afterburn still runs great. The ride cycle on Woodstock Gliders seemed much shorter than I remember. I really like Plants vs. Zombies, even though I had to rude 3 times before i got a decent gun. I think the County Fair area looks great. I was going to turn the new restraints on the Boomerang, the crowds started picking up by the time I thought about it at 3PM.

[Khat26]

^ How is Fury riding this year?

[larrygator]

^ How is Fury riding this year?

 

Good

[PKI Jizzman]

Comfort Inn booked @ $80. Pretty solid deal AND I'm neighbors with a Culvers.

 

I'm making sure to get in at a solid time on Thursday night so I can go out and relax. Anyone have reccos for dinner/bar close to the park? I'm all down for solid bar food, but also love trying new things like Bolivian food, etc.

[defrocker]

Even Afterburn had no line all day.

 

This could very well be one of the most under-appreciated coasters out there...

[KIJester]

Comfort Inn booked @ $80. Pretty solid deal AND I'm neighbors with a Culvers.

 

I'm making sure to get in at a solid time on Thursday night so I can go out and relax. Anyone have reccos for dinner/bar close to the park? I'm all down for solid bar food, but also love trying new things like Bolivian food, etc.

 

 

Hi Jizzman, Carowinds is my home park and one of the best kept secrets near the park is "A Piece of Havana" cuban restaurant. It's about 9 minutes outside the front gate on South Tryon St and has a full bar. I can recommend the Cuban Press if it's a sandwich your looking for and the Lechon Asado (Roasted Pork) is a must. Of course a couple of Mohitos from the bar are mandatory if you drink.!!