Are you seeking breathtaking roller coasters, exciting rides, and constant entertainment? Carowinds theme park in Charlotte North Carolina has all this and more for an unforgettable experience. With 400 acres packed with attractions that provide thrill-seekers of all kinds, as well as more relaxing family activities – the theme park provides the ideal setting. Here, we cover everything you need to know to maximize your visit to Carowinds theme park!
Overview of Carowinds theme park
Established in 1973, Carowinds theme park has since become one of the go-to spots for families searching for thrilling adventures and unforgettable memories. Spanning over 400 acres, this beloved theme park provides visitors with rides, attractions, live shows, and delicious dining options, perfect whether your preference lies with classic carnival games or world-class roller coasters – Carowinds offers it all! Divided into various themed areas each with its own attractions, let’s take a closer look:
Camp Snoopy offers young children and their fans of its characters a fun-filled entertainment experience that guarantees laughter and fun for years. With rides such as gentle coasters, interactive play areas, live shows and family entertainment such as Snoopy meets his friends there to meet, Camp Snoopy promises an abundance of memories to last them a lifetime!
Carolina Boardwalk will transport you back in time and back into a classic beachside boardwalk experience! Paying tribute to iconic Carolina beach boardwalks, Carolina Boardwalk provides thrilling rides, games, and food options reminiscent of its beachy predecessors – take a spin on their iconic Ferris wheel; challenge yourself at their carnival games; indulge in mouthwatering treats that transport you right onto an idyllic seashore paradise!
The Thrill Zone offers thrilling roller coasters and attractions for an adrenaline rush like no other – Fury 325 stands as one of the tallest and fastest coasters available. At the same time, Intimidator features an exhilarating 232-foot drop! These two coasters are some of the most popular roller coasters in the country!
Experience all the thrills and excitement of an authentic county fair at Carowinds’ County Fair area! This vibrant section of the park provides a nostalgic setting, complete with classic carnival-style rides such as spinning teacups and carousels for maximum family enjoyment and nostalgic charm. Perfect for entertaining young and old alike.
Blue Ridge Junction is an updated area that captures the charm and atmosphere of an idyllic mountain town. Immerse yourself in nature as you experience attractions such as the Copperhead Strike coaster and Mountain Gliders ride; its charming ambiance and exciting adventures make Blue Ridge Junction an absolute must for nature lovers and coaster enthusiasts alike!
Aeronautica Landing (Now Opened): Carowinds Theme Park
Aeronautica Landing at Carowinds celebrates its 50th-anniversary celebration with an exciting voyage into aviation’s thrilling world, complete with aeronautically themed rides, tasty foods, and carnival games that transport you high above. Soar into new heights while admiring breathtaking views at Aeronautica Landing!
Location and Hours of Operation: Carowinds Theme Park
Located in Charlotte, Carowinds straddles both the North and South Carolina border. Carowinds theme park is also just a short drive from several major cities in both states, including Columbia, SC, Spartanburg, SC, Winston Salem, NC, and Greensboro NC -all within 1 hour and 30 minutes of Carowinds.
Carowinds theme park operates according to a seasonal calendar with differing hours of operation depending on the season. From late May until early August (peak summer season), 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. or later is typically open – extended hours on weekends and holidays! The park is open during spring and fall seasons usually open at 10 am but closes between 6 and 8 p.m.
A most recent change: Carowinds now provides year-round operations during winter months! On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can still experience its attractions while having a wonderful time! Please check their website for exact times and dates.
Ticket Information
To prepare for a great Carowinds experience, it’s vitally important that visitors plan out their ticket options carefully. Carowinds provides multiple ticket choices to meet every visitor’s individual requirements; here are the major ticket types offered:
Single-Day Tickets
When planning a one-day visit to Carowinds, single-day tickets offer you complete access to rides, attractions, and entertainment for one day only. They may be purchased either before you visit or upon arriving; prices typically depend upon peak season prices as well as any special promotions being run that day.
Season Passes
For Carowinds enthusiasts who simply can’t get enough, season passes provide the ultimate ticket option. Offering unlimited visits throughout the season and special perks like early access to certain rides and merchandise discounts as well as access to special events, season passes can be purchased either online or at the park and come in different tiers to fit budget and preference preferences.
Are You Travelling Carowinds as Part of a Large Group? Carowinds theme park offers group ticket packages designed specifically to accommodate groups of 15 or more. Offering discounted rates and additional benefits, group tickets make an excellent option for school field trips, corporate functions, or family reunions. Advanced reservations must be made through Carowinds Group Sales Department before purchasing group tickets.
Fast Lane and Fast Lane Plus
To maximize ride time and reduce wait times, add Fast Lane or Fast Lane Plus upgrades to your admission ticket. These premium upgrades allow you to bypass regular lines for select attractions while accessing expedited queues – but keep in mind there may only be limited availability depending on day/demand and prices may fluctuate accordingly.
As ticket prices and availability may change over time, it’s essential that visitors check Carowinds’ official website or call guest services to obtain up-to-date information and stay aware of any possible promotions or discounts that might arise during their visit.
Exciting Rides and Roller Coasters at Carowinds Theme Park
Carowinds is well-known for its incredible collection of world-class roller coasters and thrilling rides that cater to adrenaline junkies, featuring towering heights to rapid speeds – these attractions will push your limits, leaving you wanting more! Let’s take a closer look at some must-ride attractions here at Carowinds!
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience aboard Fury 325, one of Carowinds’ crown jewels. At 325 feet in height and traveling at 95 miles an hour, Fury 325 offers thrills unlike any other in Carowinds – you will soar through twists, turns, and inversions as panoramic park views fly by below you – offering an adrenaline rush unlike anything else on Carowinds’ grounds!
Named to commemorate racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Intimidator is an exhilarating hypercoaster ride that honors his fearlessness. At an impressive 232 feet in height and reaching speeds up to 80 mph, Intimidator delivers an exhilarating journey full of heart-stopping drops, twists, turns, and high-speed maneuvers that will leave riders breathless – it is truly a one-of-a-kind coaster experience for coaster enthusiasts looking for thrills.
Get ready for an incredible double launch experience aboard Carowinds’ latest roller coaster, Copperhead Strike! This twisty masterpiece boasts inversions, high-speed launches, and thrilling high-intensity maneuvers for an exciting journey – with two powerful launches and five inversions including its exclusive “jojo roll”, this thrilling coaster will leave you wanting more.
Afterburn will deliver an exhilarating ride for any thrill seeker looking for an intense rush! This inverted coaster takes riders through an incredible series of inversions and maneuvers at high-speed, including corkscrews, loops, and heartline rolls that promise an exhilarating adventure! Afterburn has become one of coaster enthusiasts’ top choices and promises an exhilarating journey.
Take a trip back in time on Carolina Cyclone, an iconic looping coaster that has delighted visitors for decades. This steel coaster offers multiple inversions including vertical loop and double corkscrew twists for an exciting, thrilling, and nostalgic ride experience – perfect for both seasoned coaster enthusiasts as well as first-timers!
Experience the sensation of flight on Nighthawk, Carowinds’ Flying Coaster! Get strapped into your seat and prepare to glide gracefully through the sky while mimicking bird flight with each twist, dive and flip that takes place – offering an exhilarating sense of freedom and exhilaration unlike anything else on any coaster! It truly offers something different than other coasters!
Vortex, an exciting stand-up coaster, promises an experience you won’t forget! Boasting multiple inversions – such as its vertical loop and corkscrews – to guarantee an exciting ride, Vortex offers unique excitement that even coaster enthusiasts won’t want to miss! With its standing position offering something different than other coasters can do, Vortex provides coaster enthusiasts with a thrilling ride they don’t want to miss.
Family-Friendly Rides and Attractions
Carowinds understands the value of providing fun and entertainment to every member of a family, from infants to grandparents alike. Alongside its adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, this amusement park also boasts numerous family-oriented rides and attractions to satisfy everyone. Ranging from gentle rides for infants all the way through interactive experiences for all generations – Carowinds provides unforgettable family moments together and allows people of all ages to make lasting memories together! Let’s discover some of their top family-oriented attractions!
Camp Snoopy at Carowinds offers fun and excitement for all members of the family! Inspired by beloved Peanuts characters, this lively area features rides and attractions suitable for people of all ages: Great Pumpkin Coaster, Kite Eating Tree Ride, or Flying Ace Balloon Race are just a few options for entertainment here.
Meet and Greet
No trip to Carowinds theme park would be complete without meeting some iconic Peanuts characters! As you explore the park, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and their pals may appear, giving you plenty of chances for photo ops, hugs, or memories with these loved characters – be sure to keep tabs on Carowinds’ schedule to find specific meet and greet times/locations!
The Carolina Goldrusher will take you on an adventure back through time on this family-friendly mine train coaster that blends thrilling elements with mild intensity levels for maximum family fun! Take an exciting tour through the North Carolina countryside on this timeless classic coaster to experience its nostalgic charm first-hand! Hop aboard today!
Carolina Skytower provides breathtaking views for thrill-seekers while remaining an accessible family attraction suitable for visitors of all ages. Take a break from thrill rides to take a tranquil climb up the tower’s steps – taking in panoramic vistas while bonding with loved ones as memories are created above. Carolina Skytower promises an enjoyable, tranquil, and memorable experience that everyone in your party will treasure together!
These are only some of the family-oriented attractions at Carowinds! From gentle rides and interactive experiences to character meet-and-greets, Carowinds ensures families create magical moments together at this theme park.
Eating and Shopping Options Available in Carowinds Theme Park
At Carowinds, a day of adventure wouldn’t be complete without tasting some delectable cuisine and browsing its unique shopping opportunities. There is something to satisfy everyone at this amusement park from quick bites to sit-down meals; not forgetting our gift shops and boutiques that provide souvenirs as reminders. We will explore the options for dining and shopping at Carowinds theme park.
Carowinds theme park boasts a selection of dining options to satisfy every palette imaginable, spanning classic amusement park fare to international cuisine and keeping visitors fuelled throughout an eventful day. Consider some dining options when planning your visit:
Harmony Hall Marketplace
Harmony Hall Marketplace provides an inviting food court experience, featuring an abundance of cuisine choices like barbeque, pizza, pasta salads, and more in one convenient location. Offering ample seating and occasional live music, this dining hall makes for the ideal venue for large gatherings such as families and school classes.
Blue Ridge Country Kitchen
Blue Ridge Country Kitchen provides delicious comfort food from across the South. Take a tasty tour through a traditional mountain kitchen with delicious dishes like crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and classic sides in its cozy ambiance and delicious dishes!
Funnel Cake Factory
No amusement park experience would be complete without enjoying an unforgettable funnel cake treat from Funnel Cake Factory. Choose between classic powdered sugar to extravagant toppings like ice cream and chocolate sauce and indulge yourself with this sweet delight, sure to satisfy that sweet craving in you.
Carowinds provides many dining options to meet every craving imaginable, from snack stands and ice cream parlors to specialty food carts and specialty carts – so no matter when or how long your visit lasts, your stomach won’t growl!
Shopping Opportunities at Carowinds Theme Park
Carowinds gift shops and boutiques provide the ideal opportunity for finding memorable souvenirs of your visit, from apparel and accessories to collectibles and toys – something for every age and interest is sure to be found among these charming stores! Here are a few shopping destinations you may enjoy exploring:
Emporium
The Emporium offers an amazing collection of Carowinds-related merchandise. With everything from T-shirts and hoodies to hats and accessories available here, showing your passion for the park can never get any easier! Additionally, collectible toys make great keepsakes or gifts!
Camp Snoopy Store
Situated within Camp Snoopy, the Camp Store provides the ultimate Peanuts fan experience. Browse an enchanting array of Peanuts merchandise such as plush toys, apparel, and accessories, and take home something memorable from Carowinds that reminds you of its magic!
General Store
While visiting the General Store you will discover an exquisite array of vintage merchandise spanning toys and games to classic Americana decor – creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia. There are lots of unique finds here!
Live Entertainment and Shows at Carowinds Theme Park
Carowinds provides a lot of great live entertainment options, in addition to the thrill rides and delectable dining options. These productions range from high-energy productions to intimate performances – sure to excite visitors of all ages and interests. Let’s explore some must-see shows at Carowinds theme park!
The nature of the shows, including times and dates, changes each season, and often changes are made during the operating year as well. Please check the Carowinds Theme Park official website for an up-to-date listing of their entertainment options.
Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and their pals as they celebrate with PEANUTS Party in the Plaza! This interactive show invites audiences to dance, sing and play alongside Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and their crew – complete with lively music, colorful decorations, and plenty of laughter – for an enjoyable celebration sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!
Live Musical Performances
At Carowinds Theme Park you will encounter talented musicians and performers who bring the atmosphere alive through live musical performances. From energetic bands playing popular hits to solo artists displaying their musical skills – Carowinds live music performances add extra thrill and entertainment for visitors of the park! Head into various parts of Carowinds Theme Park to witness these fantastic acts and witness all their diverse musical talent on display!
Carolina Harbor Water Park: Making waves at Carowinds theme park!
Carolina Harbor Water Park provides the ideal respite from the summer heat when temperatures soar. Carowinds’ Carolina Harbor offers wet and wild fun with exciting slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, interactive play areas and so much more to offer!
Slides and Attractions
Take on an epic voyage on Blackbeard’s Revenge, an exhilarating slide that promises an exciting swashbuckling journey through twists and turns! Boasting high-speed drops and breathtaking curves, Blackbeard’s Revenge guarantees an adrenaline rush that is sure to leave you wanting more!
Seaside Splashworks is an engaging multi-level interactive play structure for kids and families that is sure to provide hours of excitement! Climb, slide, and splash through water cannons, fountains, and tipping buckets in this vibrant play area that promises unforgettable memories while staying cool!
Experience adrenaline with Dorsal Fin Drop’s heart-pounding ride down its steep drop into an aquatic splash pool at its base. Feel the rush as weightlessness hits before making its final drop into the splash pool below – Dorsal Fin Drop delivers thrills like no other slide can.
Take to Coastal Currents’ massive wave pool for some exciting yet soothing wave-riding action! Relax on gentle swells or challenge yourself on larger waves closer to its center for an experience like no other – it offers the ideal combination of excitement and calm!
Attracting young ones and encouraging water play and adventure, Splash Island provides hours of enjoyable water fun! Complete with shallow pools, mini slides, and interactive features such as splash cannons – it creates the ideal setting for little splashers to splash and have a blast playing in safety!
My Carolinas Notebook: Me and the family usually hold season passes to Carowinds Theme Park every year. Although we don’t live in Charlotte, just a couple of visits pays for itself. With younger grandkids, the amount of fun versus the cost is very manageable. I highly recommend their food and beverage packages if you plan on visiting more than once.