Carowinds
Southern Star
Originally named "Frenzoid," this looping pirate ship made its debut at Carowinds in 1986. In 2005, expansion of the Boomerang Bay section of the park necessitated the removal of this attraction, and riders of Drop Zone could see what was left of the ride laying on the ground just outside the park.
The ride returned to Carowinds in 2007 with a new name and location.
If you've ever ridden a looping starship before, you know the drill here. The ride slowly rocks back and forth until it completes full 360 degree rotations. Thrill seekers seem to love the portions right before the full rotations kick in, as the ship is held in place upside down for what seems like an eternity (this is the part where I have my biggest regrets for riding, as I look at those over-the-shoulder restraints and start wondering what the chances of a locking failure are. Yes, I get skittish on these things).
At the rides maximum height, riders are held in place upside down 80 feet above ground. That's a long way for loose change to fall.
The ship holds 50 people, so a long line doesn't necessarily equate into a long wait. Just assume that for every 50 people in front of you, that's another five to six minutes you'll be waiting. Good luck getting that headcount.
Back to Carowinds Park Directory
Back to ThemeParkSushi's Main Page