Carowinds is an amusement park on the border of North and South Carolina. (Make sure to stock up on fireworks while you’re there.)
The park opened in 1973 and has grown to over 400 acres. If you live in the South-East and haven’t been to Carowinds, you’re missing out. Carowinds is a fun family experience that has attractions for all.
While tickets are typically 50$ for admissions, you can often find discount coupons or special discount days. Tickets are lower priced during Fall as well.
Plan to spend AT LEAST five hours for a day filled with laughter, fun, and adventure!
Fear
Carowinds has a total of eleven roller coaster. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is your place.
We started off on a good foot at Fury. Fury 325 is North America’s longest steel coaster and is over 1.25 miles long.
That drop you see – puts you at an 81-degree angle. Leaving you staring at the ground, praying for a quick drop!
Fury is also the first coaster you see while walking into the park. The ride passes the entrance giving guests a welcoming greeting of screams when they walk in.
This was by far Tyler’s favorite coaster. He actually rode it twice.
To be honest, The Vortex wasn’t THAT intense. There were no huge drops or extreme heights but lots of turns and twists!
There were also two loops. So, If you get super dizzy… The Vortex won’t be your cup of tea. Otherwise, it was a great coaster. Yes, we decided to skip over the Hurler, Carowind’s wood coaster. Wood coasters can really hurt your back and neck and we still had a full day ahead.
The Nighthawk is another high-intensity level coaster that I was not about.
Nighthawk is a “flying” roller coaster. How you are seated is “the closest you’ll get to flying” without actually flying… Make sure to stick your arms out and pretend your Superman during!
Be prepared for a long line. The wait was over an hour long.
The Intimidator was inspired by the original Intimidator himself, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. On this coaster, you race to the finish line through featuring twists, turns, and hills.
The ride is supposed to give you a glimpse of what it’s like to be out there on the race track!
Food
The Carolina Boardwalk “wing” of Carowinds has the BEST food!! All the food you’d eat during a trip to the coast.
I was so excited to see a familiar treat: Rita’s Water Ice. Up North (I grew up in New Jersey), Rita’s is super popular and everyone loves water ice! While, Carolinians will look at you with a confused face if you offer them some.
If you’re in Carowinds, you have to try Rita’s! And let me know what you think. Mango has been my favorite flavor since I was little.
Chickie and Pete’s is another one Southerners aren’t very familiar with. Of course, I insisted the group go there for lunch.
It was their first time having crab fries and they were pleasantly surprised! No… crab fries are not made from crabs…
Trust me, you’re gonna love it.
Fun
You may run into some characters during your time at Carowinds!
Carowinds has an area called Planet Snoopy for kids! You can snap a pic with the Charlie Brown cast there.
Sally Brown threw up the peace sign with me ✌️
No matter what age you are, make sure to hop on the carousel for a fun classic ride!
Yes, I’m 23 but was determined to go on it.
If you’re not big on rides, don’t worry, there is still tons for you to do!
I got to check out a live band by Carowinds performers while waiting for my friends on Nighthawk.
There’s also an inside/outside bar with rocking chairs to get some shade and relax at.
Also, if you’ve ever wanted to be in two places at once — check out the North and South Carolina borderline in the middle of Carowinds.
Carowinds makes a great trip for friends, families, and kids! You will make tons of great memories. Hopefully one isn’t throwing up after a coaster…
Have you ever been to Carowinds? What is your favorite amusement park ride?
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