Carowinds General Information
Directions
Carowinds is located along the border of South Carolina and North Carolina, approximately 15 miles south of downtown Charlotte. Take South Carolina Exit 90 (Carowinds Boulevard) off of I-77 and pretty much follow the signs. The entrance is less than a mile from the interstate, so it's highly unlikely you're going to miss it unless you're just not paying a lick of attention to what you're doing. If that's the case, I just don't think it's a great idea to be behind the wheel of an automobile.
If you're coming up 77 through South Carolina, be cautious in the Rock Hill area. The police there do NOT play when it comes to exceeding the speed limit.
Park Operating Schedule
Carowinds is currently closed for the 2007 season. 2008 dates have not yet been released, although it's generally a safe bet to assume opening day will be in mid to late March. We'll update when details are released.
Ticket Prices
Under no circumstances do I want to hear that anyone bought their tickets at the gate. If you're visiting our website, it means that you want to maximize your parking day. This means you plan ahead, and you absolutely buy your tickets in advance. First off, buying in advance saves you time. But more importantly, tickets are cheaper when you buy them online. And if you buy regular admission tickets more than three days in advance, they're even cheaper.
The following prices were for the 2007 operating season. We'll update if these prices change.
Regular Admission (Ages 3-61 AND over 48" tall in shoes)
At the gate (i.e., the "I am an idiot" ticket):
$44.95
Purchased online (within 3 days):
$39.95
Purchased online at least 3 days in advance: $34.95
Jr/Sr Admission (Ages 3 and up AND under 48" tall in shoes OR 62 and over)
At the gate (i.e., the "I am an idiot" ticket):
unknown
Purchased online:
$19.95
Two Day Admission (Good any two days of the season;
non-transferable)
Purchased online:
$54.95
Of course, visit the park's website to take advantage of
the advance ticketing
Nearby Accommodations
The best locations for hotels are either the Charlotte area or the Rock Hill area. Since this is a day-trip park for us, we've never had a reason to check out any hotels up there. Be aware that staying in the Charlotte area may mean that your drivetimes will be affected adversely by rush hour traffic. That said, Charlotte is a pretty nice city and it is worth taking some time to explore. Since the park is on the NC/SC border, that means there's a nearby Welcome Center offering plenty of material for planning other excursions in the area (oh, and the free maps are nice)
Tips for Maximizing Your Day
- Like any other park, the most important advice is to arrive early. 20 minutes early isn't enough.
- Carowinds utilizes two entrances - the North Gate is the main entrance, while the South Gate is on the back side of the park nearest Top Gun. However, this season they have not been opening every day with the South Gate open (this information will be posted at the car entrance plaza). You will encounter less of a crowd at the South Gate, but you'll be further away from the attractions that are going to keep long lines all day. If you followed the first bit of advice about showing up early, you should use the North Gate.
- First attraction to hit should be BORG Assimilator. Due to its convoluted restraints, it will have a long line all day. Once you get across the small bridge, hang a left and you'll be at BORG in no time.
- Second attraction to hit should be Vortex. Same reason as above. The fastest way to get there is to double back in the direction you came and move counterclockwise (passing the CBS Cafe, Chick-fil-A and Kaleidoscope). Although the coasters are right next to each other, in reality the entrance to Vortex is on the opposite side, near the Carowinds Theatre.
- After those two, zoom into the Action Zone area of the park for Hurler, Drop Zone, and Scream Weaver. Although Hurler and Scream Weaver generally don't get very long lines, Drop Zone has a lower capacity so it's better to beat the rush on this.
- Once you're done with the Action Zone area, go ahead and knock out the Carolina Boardwalk area.
- The only other attraction that will have a miserably long line is Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Mansion (Top Gun will have a line as well, but it should move considerably faster than the Scooby line unless only one train is running. If only one train is running on Top Gun, I recommend shaking your fist in anger than shutting up and getting in line. It's the best ride in the park. It deserves to have a line).
- Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Carowinds is sorely lacking in the shade department, and the Carolina sun don't play. Also, don't forget to wear a little sunscreen. You don't want to be that guy.
- If you're looking to save a little money, you can always leave the park for lunch. There are numerous eateries in the area that won't charge you theme park prices. That said, time out of the park is time not spent riding stuff. It's a double-edged sword, so you're going to have to decide for yourself which way you want to go with that (personally, we'll leave the park. Remember, however, that this is pretty much our home park and we can hit it anytime we feel like it. If you only have one day, that luxury is lost on you).
Park Rules and Regulations
- No line jumping. This includes "holding spots." This also includes "dude, save my spot - I gotta take a mighty leak." You're either in the line or you're out of the line.
- No violating safety rules on attractions. You know what you're allowed to do on a ride. I don't need to explain this to you.
- No going backstage. Apparently an open door is NOT an open invitation.
- Leave your weapons at home.
- Leave your fireworks and/or other incendiary devices at home.
- Leave your booze at home. Well, unless you brought enough for everyone. But just this one time...
- Don't be annoying or inconveniencing. Yes, that's a real park rule. I'd like to be involved in the focus group that determines what exactly "annoying" is. Apparently basketballs bouncing everywhere throughout the park is a pleasant thing.
- Don't wear offensive clothing. You know what offensive clothing is.
- Don't tag the side of Hurler with your gang symbol, initials, or Tommy Faircloth's phone number.
- Watch your mouth, boy. This is a family park.
- No matter how bad the show or performance is, don't be disruptive. The exits are there for a reason.
- Don't bring large quantities of food/drink into the park. There is no guideline provided as to how much is "too much." Use your best judgment.
- No ticket scalping.
- No pets, unless it's a service animal.
- No large radios or laptop computers.
- No running or horseplay unless (and I'm not making this up) it's in conjunction with an approved park competition or festival. I guess we'll just have to wait for Horseplayfest '07.
- No stealing stuff.
- Don't use a camera where there's a sign or announcement that says not to use a camera.
- No rollerblades or skates are prohibited (but apparently those annoying heely things are still allowed).
That's pretty much the bulk of the regulations as found on the park website. The majority of these are obvious, and it makes me kind of sad that we even have to list them. Unfortunately, common freaking sense isn't getting taught in the schools anymore. Bottom line: behave yourselves.
Special Events
Carowinds is home to several Christian music events as well as a Halloween event. Specific information for the 2008 season is pending. As the Magic 8-Ball would tell you, "answer hazy - try again later."
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