Carowinds Discussion Thread

[tndank]

Fury now open again. https://www.carowinds.com/blog/media-center/official-statement-fury-325

[bert425]

for those who don't like clicking links:

 

[tndank]

You no longer have to exit for the changeover to Scarowinds.  They are using the new section as a holding area. 

https://www.carowinds.com/blog/2023/scarowinds-first-in-fright-faqs

[tndank]

2024 Calendar now posted.  Opening day is March 9.  RIP Jan/Feb weekends here and at KD.

https://www.carowinds.com/calendar-and-hours

[tndank]

Scarowinds is no longer a separate ticket. 

https://www.carowinds.com/events/scarowinds

[tndank]

Intimidator is now called Thunder Striker. 

I305 at KD is now Project 305. 

 

[_s3_]

I'm not surprised by the renaming in the slightest.

Curious though if it was a cost-cutting maneuver by Cedar Fair, a licensing fee increase by Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), or a combination of both.

Knowing how Teresa killed DEI in the race world, wouldn't be surprised if it was a licensing increase at renewal which CF just said "nope" to.

[bert425]

the naming agreements expired in December, from what I saw.

so a cost saving thing probably.. .

[tndank]

Fancy new machine.

[BitterOldHag]

I hope they roll these out at all CF parks this year. About time they had something like this! 

[tndank]

Concerts back at the amphitheater this year.

https://www.carowinds.com/events/summer-music-fest

[tndank]

Upcoming plans leaked. 

"... include a "Racin Railway" rollercoaster, a rapids splash battle, relocated train ride, a meet and greet area, and a new splash pad."  Appears to be a clone of the snoopy coaster at CW.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Carowinds/comments/1bk8j6q/carowinds_project_sparrow_plans_revealed/

 

[GnastyGnoric7]

Word of warning. This wasn't just me that experienced this. Carowinds staff seems to start clearing out locker areas at closing time sharp. I was in line for Fury 325 and closing time came. I got off at 7 after and my belongings were not there. I had to go to customer service, then to lost and found, and thank God my belongings were there. Some others said that they couldn't go to the lockers after closing time, and they too had to do what I did.

[prozach626]

What a way to close the night.

Thanks for the warning.

[KIJester]

Hey everyone....just looked at the webcam and noticed none of the headlights are working on Copperhead Strike's trains. Did all three trains have them removed or is it just a degree of laziness that the ride ops overlooked and never switched on?    I recall in 2019 when CS was new, all three trains had working headlights on night rides.   

Thanks in advance.

[KBrylczyk]

Congrats, you've discovered where the budget ends.

[jedimaster1227]

Carowinds announced an expansion of Camp Snoopy with two new attractions to debut in 2025! The land will also receive some additional enhancement including splash play zones and a new meet and greet.

Carowinds' Camp Snoopy will unveil two new family-friendly attractions in 2025 as part of the largest investment in family attractions in the park's history: a new family launch roller coaster and an interactive raft ride. These additions, alongside splash play zones and a meet-and-greet experience with Peanuts™ costume characters, offer more spots for families to cool off and new character experiences. The new attractions promise endless adventured fun for guests of all ages, making Camp Snoopy a must-visit destination for family fun in 2025.

New Attractions:

• Snoopy's Racing Railway: Guests can join Snoopy as he races to deliver root beer and pizza to Camp Snoopy's Mess Hall, where Woodstock and his yellow bird buddies are causing quite a ruckus. This family-friendly steel launch coaster accelerates from 0 to 31 mph in seconds, providing an exhilarating adventure for all ages. Riders will experience exciting dips and wild turns, ensuring the delivery arrives safely and on time. Riders get double the fun as they race through the course twice.
• Charlie Brown's River Raft Blast: Families can hop aboard an eight-seater boat at Snoopy's swimming hole for a splish-splash adventure with family and friends. Equipped with on-board and onshore water cannons, riders can engage in friendly water skirmishes with other boats, spraying each other as they navigate the river channel. With their trusty water cannon mounted on the side, they can join in the excitement with other campers. Throughout their journey, riders will encounter their favorite Peanuts characters swimming, floating, and splashing—all eager to drench them in fun!

"We're excited to introduce the latest adventures in Camp Snoopy in 2025," Manny Gonzalez, vice president and general manager for Carowinds, said. "Our re-imagined Camp Snoopy will allow families to ride and play together, immersing them in a summer camp experience with the Peanuts gang. From the thrilling twists of Snoopy's Racing Railway to the splashes at Charlie Brown's River Raft Blast, our focus is on family fun. These new features will transform Camp Snoopy into more than just a place to play and cool off; it will become a destination for creating family memories."

New Enhancements:

• Splash Play Zones: Families can beat the heat in Camp Snoopy's brand-new splash play zone areas. Featuring enhanced shade and refreshing water features, these areas are designed to ensure everyone stays cool and has fun. The ample shade and water make it the perfect relaxing spot on a hot Carolina summer day.
• Camp Store Meet-and-Greet Experience: Guests can enter the newly remodeled Camp Store to meet Peanuts costume characters at their interactive, camp-themed meet-and-greet area. Complete with rustic log benches around a cozy firepit, this air-conditioned environment offers ideal photo opportunities and memorable interactions with favorite characters.

Unlimited Family Fun:

Unlimited access and visits to Camp Snoopy for the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 are available with a 2025 Gold Season Pass, now on sale at the lowest price of the season. A Gold Season Pass includes unlimited visits to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark, admission to seasonal events like Tricks and Treats, SCarowinds and WinterFest, free parking, exclusive discounts, and eligibility for two Pre-K Passes.

For more information on the new Camp Snoopy attractions, visit www.Carowinds.com and follow Carowinds' social media channels.

[prozach626]

This is good news, as they are sticking with the same theme for the CF parks. The latest strategy is still focused on bringing in more families.

Is this the first splash battle to be added in a while? They almost seemed like a flash in the pan. SDC is the only one I have had recent experience with and boats are regularly half empty.

[cpfanatik77]

Yeah, haven't heard of them getting installed much recently, but at this point, any water ride in the dry park is a welcomed addition. 

[prozach626]

Absolutely. They're really good for kids. (bad for parents.....)

[Garet]

Legoland has been adding them to their newest parks: New York and Korea.

[prozach626]

ISO Scarowinds tips for Saturday, October 12th. Fastlane/fright lane still worth it, right?

 

Thanks.

[prozach626]

My wife and I will be in the area Thursday - Sunday next week. We're going to Carowinds during the day Saturday, and Scarowinds at night.

Was Charlotte badly impacted by the hurricane? I'm assuming it wasn't considering the web was still showing the park was open.

Our plan is to go to the park for a few hours at opening. We'll leave for chicken wings and beer mid-day and return to the park at night. 

How far in advance should I buy fright lane/fast lane? Has it been selling out? What are the wait times with fast lane during Scarowinds like? 

[CaptainUnknown]

4 hours ago, prozach626 said:

What are the wait times with fast lane during Scarowinds like? 

I picked up single use fast lanes for Copperhead Strike, Thunder Striker, and Fury on Saturday the 21st. All were walk ons with it. I did 2 houses stand by, waited maybe a combined 20 minutes for them.

The bigger thing is the line to get in. I arrived 2 hours after Scarowinds started (walked across the street from my hotel) and the security line was well beyond Fury's treble cleft if you're familiar with the park.

[prozach626]

That's good to know. We'll make sure to eat early enough to get back to the park before all hell breaks loose.

What's the best option for late night drunken food in the park? La Rosa's is our go-to at King's Island. It's quick.