Capitalize Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 This past memorial day weekend I made the trip down to Charlotte to visit Carowinds on Saturday and watch the Coca Cola 600 NASCAR race on Sunday. I'll bore you with some details and reviews before sharing some of my pictures. The crowds at the park were pretty massive, leading to some lengthy lines and crowded midways; but nothing out of the ordinary or unexpected for a Memorial Day weekend and it certainly didn't keep us from getting a good amount done and having a blast. Thankfully the weather held up well and it was predominately sunny throughout the weekend. I won't delve into the details of the race (because I doubt many here really care ), suffice it to say I was pleased with Jimmie Johnson wrecking and that was enough for me to have a good time. The main objective in visiting Carowinds was trying out their version of Intimidator as I had all the other credits (minus the kiddie coasters and relocated boomerang, which I got on at Geauga Lake). My first impression of Intimidator was fairly "blah" after seeing the animations and layout. "Oh boy..." I thought "...another B&M hyper, I sure am glad the park closer to me is getting the more original Intamin giga coaster." But Intimidator really pleasantly surprised me. It was smooth, fast, had great floater airtime, and had a great first drop; all the staples of a top-notch hyper coaster from B&M. Granted I have yet to ride the very similar Behemoth or Diamondback (the only other B&M hypers I have experienced are Apollo's Chariot and Nitro), but I'd definitely say this is the best B&M hyper I have been on. I came away thinking it was a better all around ride then I305 (especially now with the trims, but that is another topic for another thread ). Also, Afterburn is still amazing. Absolutely the best B&M invert I have been on. Without further ado, some pictures: A great thing to see right after stepping out of the car in the parking lot. Hammerhead, very sweet element. All I had to compare this to was Nitro's - this one was better. The always impressive Afterburn. My partner in life, crime, and coaster riding as we wait for the front row of Afterburn to start the day. The first drop was much better than I anticipated, lots of floater air all the way down. A very graceful ride, we compared it to flying. Carolina Cyclone was about the same as I remembered, a bit rough around the edges. I did enjoy the head chopper type effect the shrubbery around the turn before this corkscrew gave, though. Here I am, in line for the minetrain. I think its safe to say the internet could use another picture of a boomerang's vertical loop. Carolina Cobra was a pretty good time. "Gentlemen, start your engines!" and such In case the last picture wasn't close up enough. That will be all for photos of Carowinds. Sunday brought about watching the race. But more importantly tailgating before the race. Who doesn't enjoy drinking and grilling before noon? My face was obviously not properly prepared for the sun. While I burn, she tans. Thanks for reading! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger01 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Thanks for the great photos! The Intimadator is going good! Red track... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgwfreak777 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Glad you had a good time. There was no way I was heading to the park Saturday, I pulled up the webcam and saw the queue pretty full. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capitalize Posted June 3, 2010 Author Share Posted June 3, 2010 Glad you had a good time. There was no way I was heading to the park Saturday, I pulled up the webcam and saw the queue pretty full. Ooooh yeah, the first time we got in line for Intimidator the line was pouring out of the entrance and into the midway, so the park had to set up a nice long additional switch back behind a typically closed fence to try and accommodate more people. Thankfully the capacity on the ride is great and the crew was moving the trains quickly so even then line wasn't unbearable or anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgwfreak777 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Yeah I've had days when the queue was half full, and it still was only about a 15 minute wait. I still have to remind myself it's a NEW coaster too! Even Cobra's crew was very quick last year for a boomerang. Now if only they could train the Hurler crew to be that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capitalize Posted June 3, 2010 Author Share Posted June 3, 2010 Yeah I've had days when the queue was half full, and it still was only about a 15 minute wait. I still have to remind myself it's a NEW coaster too! Even Cobra's crew was very quick last year for a boomerang. Now if only they could train the Hurler crew to be that way. Yeah I didn't even give Hurler a ride this visit because the line was beyond full every time I walked by that part of the park. Frankly a rough, not very good coaster I've been on before won't get me to wait long, let alone when there's a clone right up the road a few hours closer to home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adeuce02 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Nice photos and you got to see my favorite driver win the 600 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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