Carowinds (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro: amusement park, house, live in)

[Jdatlas]

Has anyone been to Carowinds? Is it worth the 2 1/2 hr drive? The season passes are very reasonably priced so I thought it might be a good way to get my teenagers out of the house this summer.

[SunnyKayak]

If you are looking for just water park rides I would suggest checking out Emerald Point in Greensboro but if you want thrill rides, kids rides and water park rides then Carowinds will fit your need. If you have ever been to Kings Dominion it alot simiilar to that but Knotts Berry Farm is best one I have been to.

The season pass will pay for itself with two visits When it is open 7 days weekdays is the best time to go. Saturday expect long ride lines.

The Borg is the best roller coaster ride then Top Gun. Bring a chiropractor if you going to ride the Hurler wooden roller coaster. Watch out in the Rugrats area there is a ride that the riders can dump water on people on sidewalk below. About everyday there is a Parade that Dora The Explorer leads. Eat at one of the restaurants at Carolina Place mall or along Carowinds Blvd food like any amusement park is pricey. You can bring back packs in so it a good way to bring in frozen water bottles for later consumption.

I find the place romantic at night if you stay that long. Right now they have promo on passes that I believe will be ending soon online.
This year is first time they are allowing pass holders to use it for Scarowinds. During the mid to end of the month of October the place and employees is all deck out for Halloween.
Try to run low on gas when you arrive and fill up on the South Carolina side it is about 30 cents cheaper a gallon.
Feel free to check out their website or go to the Charlotte forum and search Carowinds.
There is alot of threads on the subject.

[Dire Wolf]

I've never been all that impressed with Carowinds. Unless it has changed drastically in recent years, it pales in comparison to Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Worth the extra time to get there.

[jln69]

Originally Posted by Dire Wolf

I've never been all that impressed with Carowinds. Unless it has changed drastically in recent years, it pales in comparison to Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Worth the extra time to get there.

I second Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. There is also a water park there too (can't remember the name) and also Historic Colonial Williamsburg. Worth the drive.

I've never really been a fan of Carrowinds or Kings Dominion.

[mfrank2109]

Originally Posted by jln69

I second Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. There is also a water park there too (can't remember the name) and also Historic Colonial Williamsburg. Worth the drive.

I've never really been a fan of Carrowinds or Kings Dominion.

I third the Busch Gardens recommendation

[JJingle]

Carowinds and Kings Dominion share some of the same rides. The drive is much easier to Kings Dominion than to Carowinds in terms of traffic. (I drive to Charlotte and to Richmond from Raleigh on a regular basis.)

I do prefer Busch Gardens over Carowinds/Kings Dominion. But, that really depends on the person. All have detailed websites on line.

OH...Not sure of the timing of your trip...but KD's season is shorter than Carowinds.

[mistydew]

Jackie,
I've been to Carowinds twice since we have friends who live in that area. It was fun, but I would compare it to Canobie Lake Park....certainly not up to Busch Gardens in terms of ambiance. That said, they have many fun roller coasters and my kids really enjoyed it.
Judy

[Jdatlas]

Originally Posted by mistydew

I would compare it to Canobie Lake Park....certainly not up to Busch Gardens in terms of ambiance. Judy

Canobie Lake and not Six Flags in Agawam? I was hoping it was at least up to Six Flags standard. I was never impressed with Canobie Lake.