Carowinds Review, Charlotte's Cedar Fair Amusement Park | 2 States, 14 Coasters

Carowinds is the premier roller coaster park in the southeast. This Charlotte amusement park spans 2 states and features 14 different roller coasters. Paramount owned the park until 2006 and ever since Cedar Fair took over, the park has grown significantly with two massive B&Ms among other attractions. Find out everything you need to know about this park in this review.
Video Credits
Scarowinds (Carowinds)- • Depths of Darkness - S...
Boo Blasters POV (Annalisa's Awesome Adventures!!!)- • Carowind's Boo Blaster...
Nighthawk Off-Ride (Airtime Thrills)- • Nighthawk at Carowinds...
Plants vs. Zombies POV (Annalisa's Awesome Adventures!!!)- • Plants vs Zombies Gard...
Thunder Road (Carowinds)- • #ThanksThunderRoad - T...
Background Music
Upbeat Cooking Ukulele by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / A Journey Home- • Upbeat Cooking Ukulele...

[@ewbgaming529]

A few weeks ago, I got to Carowinds and got a ride on Hurler when the trim was not working/off. Very significant speed boost. Floater airtime and a lot of speed through the turns. However, it was brutally rough, namely the jackhammering on the second half of the final turnaround. It at least needs the ghost rider treatment or an RMC conversion (hopefully something a bit different from Twisted Timbers)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Jealous!

[@ritamaneata6856]

My vision went dark on it once. I’d still ride it.

[@charleskummerer]

I still don’t understand how my man Canobie doesn’t have 10x the subscribers! High quality content every day of the week and amazing analysis and well-mannered opinions

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@Jdn__0001]

Because the Coaster Community isn’t so humongous. Having 10K in as a coaster enthusiast on KZbin is pretty good in fact. Also, coaster community KZbinrs aren’t recommended much on social media so people don’t really notice talented people like CanobieCoaster

[@CoastersTravels]

This was a very complete review, thanks for sharing! I last visited this park on the opening year of Fury. I definitely have to return, as there were credits I clearly missed!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Copperhead and Fury rerides are worth it.

[@matchesmalone2201]

This is my home park. My first coaster ever was Hurler and it was so bad I almost didn’t ride another coaster. I gave Top Gun (now called Afterburn) a try and it changed my mind completely!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Afterburn is way better than Hurler.

[@One-Day-After-Another]

I feel for you if that monstrosity was your first coaster... It's amazing you overcame that horrible experience.

[@Joypyf]

You always have such great tips! 👍🏼

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@Lxusi]

great video! added to my bucket list! your vids is packed with useful info! thank you thank you than you!

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome!

[@ScottyMania313]

Terrific review. I enjoy them so much 🔥🔥🔥

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@ritamaneata6856]

“Carowinds is one of the best parks in the Southeast.” Thanks for affirming that. Ha!

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome!

[@alecscheerer_run]

This is my home park, one of my favorite parks out there

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@breew1702]

For anyone wanting to go to Scarowinds to ride coasters, I’d recommend coughing up the money for the fast lane. It’s really expensive on Scarowinds nights, but the lines get really long. Every year I consistently wait 2 hours for Copperhead Strike. The haunted house waits aren’t terrible though and its just fun to walk around the park and talk to friends.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not surprised haunt gets packed like many parks.

[@blockin9556]

this is my home park and I can confirm this, the lines get very long on scarowinds

[@SouthsideThrills]

Great review. Fury looks amazing and I have seen it before on a road trip my family took to north carolina in 2019. Didn't go to carowinds though because I was scared of coasters at the time.

[@SouthsideThrills]

also teach me how to snap please

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's worth a pit stop.

[@chargedonpc9989]

I would want to visit Carowinds even if they only had Fury 325 or Copperhead Strike. Both of those coasters look so incredible. Copperhead Strike just looks like a coaster I would really enjoy, and I loved the B&M hyper coasters I rode, so Fury 325 would be even better.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Both are great.

[@sajk1082]

Copperhead is strike in my opinion is a great coaster. It’s the only coaster that makes my legs feel like jello when I get off.

[@chargedonpc9989]

@@sajk1082 It looks like a really good ride. That's interesting that it makes your legs feel like jello. I wouldn't really expect that.

[@bradyryan5105]

As a resident of North Carolina, I'm so glad to have Carowinds as my home park. Fury325 is unlike any other experience. Fun fact: Intimidator is North America's tallest B&M hyper

[@CanobieCoaster]

I didn't realize that.

[@TwinRovaMGM]

Uncanny timing on this upload, came out while I was just in the park. Had a great day tho, Fury hitting as always.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@pamagerr]

I live about 15 minutes from the park, and have a season pass, and the fury is one of the best rides ive ever been on.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mateoalvira7826]

In 2006 and early 2000s, Paramount's Carowinds had many roller coasters, but Top Gun, the B&M invert, was considered to be the park's well received coaster. Because the park's other coasters, Carolina Cyclone, Vortex, Hurler, Thunder Road, Borg Assimilator...

[@CanobieCoaster]

They weren't as loved.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Do you like all elements on Nighthawk, the turnaround after the first drop, the vertical loop, and the corkscrews?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The corkscrews can be shaky.

[@mitchellries256]

Does SpringHill Suites offer discounted tickets or early entry into the park like what you get at the Cedar Point hotels? Also if Charlotte is really that close to the park, does the Charlotte transportation system offer busses to and from the park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I used Uber when I came from the airport without a car. I don't know if they offer discounted rates since I usually have a Platinum Pass.

[@mariokartwii123100]

They do I’m pretty sure. I paid $68 for a two day ticket through the hotel

[@aldodaci9055]

when I go to carowinds someday copperhead strike will definitely be my favorite roller coaster cause it looks really fun it's very smooth and I love the hangtime

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's one of the best coasters for hangtime.

[@helloforsake8620]

For those that are planning to go Nighthawk is going to be down for probably most of the season although there was a sing that says they are planning to open late spring. Also Fury is getting rougher and rougher which I'm honestly sad about since it is obviously an exceedingly amazing ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fury was still smooth for me earlier this year.

[@helloforsake8620]

@@CanobieCoaster I go there often as it’s my home park, and I have noticed that the quality is going slightly downhill over time. I rode it twice yesterday when I visited and it was pretty rough. it’s not as rough as Cyclone or Hurler but it’s very (idk how to describe it) shaky? has too much vibration? It’s not like horrendously bad but it’s really rough compared to afterburn, copperhead, and intimidator. Or maybe it just naturally is like that idk lol

[@mateoalvira7826]

About the Carowinds Hurler, did most people like the ride in its opening year or in its original form, or the ride with the trim brake added after the first drop?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think people liked it better in the opening year.

[@Jason_Maier]

@Canobie, Yes Carowinds has the big 3 (Fury, Intimidator and Copperhead Strike) but I still feel there's room for improvement. Titan Track Hurler; junk Vortex in favor of a Raptor; dump Nighthawk in favor of a modern Vekoma .... which do you think is more reasonable?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd like an RMC of Hurler myself.

[@Novhlol]

Vortex shouldnt get as much hate as it does to be honest. I was on it in early april. The loop was intense, and the only head banging i got was on he corkscrew. But even then, it was still enjoyable. I do think that there should be a dive coaster somewhere, maybe a gerstlauer, i do wish they had a more intense launch coaster, Or a launch coaster that goes back and forth, like pantheon, a wing coaster, or a bigger stand up. The new surf coaster concept, standing up and getting launched, sounds really fun. Not to mention the surf coaster concept seemed to have had a little bit of airtime. Can you imagine airtime standing up?

[@mateoalvira7826]

What are the differences between quality and quantity in reference to the park's coaster lineup?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Quality is how good rides are. Quantity is how many rides there are.

[@charlanator225]

Definitely looks to be a top 5 cedar fair park at the very least. Where do you rank it among cedar fair parks?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have a whole video on that.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Looks like a great park. I have Canada's Wonderland. I'd like someday to visit all the Cedar Fair parks. That would be great.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Indeed!

[@mateoalvira7826]

At Carowinds, what do you think about the first drop on: Hurler Carolina Cyclone Intimidator Fury 325

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fury 325 has the best drop by far. The ones on Intimidator and Cyclone are good.

[@mateoalvira7826]

And about Hurler at Carowinds, did most people and enthusiasts like it in its opening year and/or its original form, and/or with the trim brake added after the first drop? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was much better before the brake was added.

[@yesorlando05]

Great review. It would be go to review the restaurants and shops at each park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks! I haven't been to every restaurant, but I can touch on dining at parks I've eaten in reviews.

[@jacobproenneke6142]

The first time I went to carowinds and rode intimidator the trim brakes were not not. And to make it better there was ejector airtime on every hill. Such an amazing first ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Awesome!

[@coastergaming3640]

What's wrong with nighthawk? We visited in April this year and it hasn't been open since march or before, any clue of what is happening?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I thought it was down for a repaint and refurb.

[@coastergaming3640]

@@CanobieCoaster Oh

[@ritamaneata6856]

As of July 5th, parking was $25 and day passes were $79 at the gate. A friend of mine upgraded her ticket to a season pass (an option at guest services) and they credited her the parking fee!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

Question: does a $50 fast lane imply a quiet Saturday?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Is during the winter? It may be severely discounted since less rides will be open.

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

@@CanobieCoaster it’s today

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I don't know why Nighthawk's operations are so terrible. I was riding Batwing over and over just a few days later, and they were crushing it. Batwing was on 1 train, but dispatches were less than half the time of Nighthawk, keeping the line short. I didn't have any problem with Nighthawk's final corkscrews. I enjoyed the ride a lot. I wish there were more of these Vekoma flyers. On my 2021 visit to Carowinds, my Saturday arrival had very reasonable lines, even with no chance of storms. Copperhead was at 10 minutes, and Fury about 15. Sunday was busier, but Monday had the biggest crowd, even with storms rolling in, and nobody left the park when the huge thunderstorm hit. When rides reopened, lines were huge. It was a strange visit for sure. None of the typical things from other parks applied.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Batwing can have bad dispatches too, but that ride is at least hidden in the back of a less visited park.

[@Ihatethoosies]

Do you have a review for Canada's Wonderland?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not yet, but I will.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

I got to see this park in person almost 2 months ago, and it's captured on KZbin! Go check it out for more!👍

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

See in RCDB: Kiddy Hawk at Carowinds. I think that coaster looks like a suspended family coaster, so to ride again, what would you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's rough unfortunately.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Was Intimidator at Carowinds your favorite B&M hyper for airtime? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, but it's a good ride.

[@jtbowman132]

I haven’t been since 2016 and I saw four flat rides in this video that I definitely did not see back then 😯

[@jtbowman132]

also fantastic review as always! I’ve been binging your reviews as they’re captivating and on a documentary-style level. Some of the best work out there on coaster KZbin imo!

[@CanobieCoaster]

They've added.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Do you like Nighthawk at Carowinds, the drop, the lie to fly, the turnaround to the right, the fly to lie, the vertical loop, the lie to fly, the fly to lie, and the double corkscrews?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The double corkscrews can be jerky, but I like most of Nighthawk.

[@StamfordBridge]

The times I’ve gone here I’ve stayed at the Comfort Inn. The rates are decent, the rooms are fine, the views are right onto the park, and the walk to the park gate is very close. So I’d recommend it. The only caveat is that the hotel parking lot and lobby can get a bit sketchy at night.

[@marty_nz]

We stayed at the Sleep inn Fort Mill, since it was about $30 cheaper per night at the time. Noticed no crossing, but crossed it anyway with care. Sounds like that was illegal?

[@StamfordBridge]

@@marty_nz Lol. I’d be less concerned with legality and more with safety! But you made it, obviously. At least with Comfort Inn, you just cross a small street, and then most of the walk is across Carowinds’ big parking lot.

[@marty_nz]

@@StamfordBridge yeah I mean it was three lanes each side with an island in the middle to wait for cars, not that there were many cars at the time. Didn't even cross my mind that it is or could be dangerous. I mean the road is called Carowinds Blvd, so must be for Carowinds people!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree it's a solid hotel.

[@mateoalvira7826]

At Carowinds, Canobie Coaster would say: Ricochet is a Mack wild mouse with some powerful laterals. So imagine comparing it to Mack wild mouse coasters like: Coast Rider at Knott's Berry Farm Fly at Canada's Wonderland Apple Zapple at Kings Dominion So what would you think about the four to ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Coast Rider is far worse due to the shin guards.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

The downside they had with the ride was the uncomfortable finale with the two corkscrews, but they liked the rest of the ride on Nighthawk. Was Nighthawk always built at Carowinds?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, it opened at Paramount's Great America.

[@jlvannat]

I went on Sunday and had a great time, and finally got to re ride Fury for the first time since 2019. Carowinds desperately needs to RMC Hurler, build a new wooden coaster, and add a water ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Those all would be nice.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

The new Vekoma suspended coasters are fantastic. They're smooth and have open restraints. Kiddy Hawk is an old version with... A) Ok trackwork B) Incredible pacing C) Flawed trackwork D) Elite trackwork

[@CanobieCoaster]

C

[@amareleggette35]

how do you snap flying scooter rides

[@CanobieCoaster]

You need to turn the fin in the opposite direction right as you reach the max and lowest heights.

[@user-ec7rb9rm4y]

See Nighthawk. Those final corkscrews, which are placed above the water, look super disorienting, especially since the train takes them in the lying position.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They are, but they're also shaky.

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

Even though the park has Vortex, Hurler, Nighthawk and Carolina Cyclone I really like this park

[@CanobieCoaster]

The top 4 carries the park.

[@Sugerloadedgirl789]

I visited here back in June last year and I have to say, it was a magical time! I got the credits on the first day as it had rained during the morning. Rode everything once except Fury 325 which I rode 4 times on the first day. Second day was just rerides! So who got rerides? Well Fury 325 was a given. Got 7 more rides on her! And... wait... what do you mean I just gave rerides to Fury 325!? Haha WHELP she was smitten with me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mateoalvira7826]

In the park's coaster lineup, consisting of many roller coasters, quantity is how many, and quality is that are liked and considered good by most people. During the 1990s and 2000s, Carowinds had a flat ride lineup that was liked by many people and enthusiasts. Carowinds also had a coaster lineup, but...

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was a lot of quantity over quality.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Many enthusiasts who liked the ride on Nighthawk, the Vekoma Flying Dutchman coaster at Carowinds. They liked the crazy and fun positive ride in most of the layout. The only con they had with the ride was... A) The vertical loop B) The turnaround after the drop C) The fly to lie to the vertical loop D) The final two corkscrews

[@CanobieCoaster]

D

[@mateoalvira7826]

And imagine reriding Intimidator, what do you think? And Fury 325?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Love both.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Many enthusiast families found Mack Wild Mouse coasters as ok, but was there in the world a mostly hated one by them?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, Coast Rider.

[@SlimFury]

I visited in 2022, it was 100 degrees both days I was there, and the park was dead. Fury 325 and Afterburn were quite surprising. At the time Afterburn managed to sneak into my top 10. Fury became my new number , replacing Skyrush which stood for 9 years. Carolina Harbor was also quite good, but a word of warning. The ground there is fire, unless you have sandals, you will burn your feet. Interestingly enough, I was ducked at Carowinds, that is one of those weird Jeep things.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you loved Fury!

[@brianblack121]

You are right about the sandals or flip flops. My family talked me into locking my flip flops in the locker while we were at the Water Park, and I had a blister so big on the bottom of my foot I had to go to the first aid building!!! Was really bad. Do NOT go into this area without some kind of flip flops or sandals!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@mateoalvira7826]

About the Carowinds Hurler, did most people like the ride in its opening year or in its original form, or the ride with the trim brake added after the first drop? What do you think? A) Many liked both the original ride experience and the trim ride experience B) Most found the original ride experience slightly better C) Most found the original ride experience a lot better D) Most found the trim ride experience slightly better E) Most found the trim ride experience a lot better

[@CanobieCoaster]

C

[@drewcorry5056]

I Am Going For The 1ST Time Dec 26th For Winterfest. Can Any 1 Confirm That Fury325 Will Be OPEN???? Thanks In Advance. Excellent From Start To Finish

[@CanobieCoaster]

It unfortunately doesn't run for WinterFest.

[@drewcorry5056]

Then Why Will Carowinds Not Say That When You Call Them Over The Phone?? Had Another KZbinr Say He Road It Last Yr For Winterfest.

[@craigauclair4026]

They did recently announce Fury would be open for Winter fest this year, and Carowinds is going to be open year round starting in January.

[@One-Day-After-Another]

one thing I've never understood... why intimidator gets named intrimidator when the other B&M Hypers also have trim brakes? I don't notice much difference in any of the ones I've ridden at all honestly.... just that I do agree once you hit the MCBR on intimidator... the ride is pretty much over

[@CanobieCoaster]

This one has several and they have a tendency to be active.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

To ride wild mouse coasters, built by Maurer and built by Mack Rides, try all, including Ricochet at Carowinds and Coast Rider at Knott's Berry Farm

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't always ride mice (mainly since they usually aren't unique), but they're usually decent. I won't ride Coast Rider again though.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

See in RCDB: Flying Ace Aerial Chase at Kings Island and Kiddy Hawk at Carowinds. So if I recommend you riding them with families, Canobie Coaster would say...

[@CanobieCoaster]

They can be rough.

[@ChairmanChico]

You were able to come back since Opening Weekend, yeah?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@360coasters]

Could I please request a review for Universial Studios Orlando if possible?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have an Islands one already made.

[@avengedfingsevenfold]

14 coasters but only 4 of the are good. Fury 325 is my personal #1.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@craigauclair4026]

Same. Copperhead Strike is probably my #2

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Carowinds: So what would you rate Copperhead Strike? Why?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have a review for it.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

What means "so you need to watch out for headbanging"?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Headbanging can occur there.

[@aldodaci9055]

Yeah that would be great but not to be rude or anything because some people find intamin looping starship rides scary that must be why there aren't so many left

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think it's their age.

[@maxhagenauer24]

One of the big Cedar Fair Parks. There is so much to do with this park. It may have its issues when being between 2 states but the upside of it is that they can say they have a giga coaster that goes through an entire different state and back. The collection is like Canadas Wonderland where it has a fantastic top 4 then it kinda goes downhill fast after that. But those top 4 are the reason you want to go here, one of the strongest inverts, a B&M Hyper, a Mach family muliti launch, and the best giga and probably the single best coaster in the world to many. This park just needs an RMC and a modern woodie.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Those two rides would make it perfect.

[@randywest5149]

Randy West Love ❤️ Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina USA 🇺🇲 EST. 1973.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yup!

[@macnammy6916]

You will find areas here that remind of old school amusement parks. That's not a bad thing in my mind. This park can experience some intense summer heat. That being said, I think the huge missed opportunity is in not including a few more water rides....would have greatly appreciated. This park relies heavily on rollercoasters....they are the cash cows of any amusement park today. Carowinds did have a coaster, with a significant structural crack, that was noticed by a guest, recorded, and reported to the park and the media. I can not speak in any way to the diligence of park maintence, or whether they had already been actively involved when this issue went public. With so many coasters, it presents a lot of structure to inspect and maintain....a huge responsibility that I wouldn't want to carry on my shoulders. Before this sounds too much like a bash fest, let me say there are very good ride offerings, good food venues, and a very good experience overall. Glad to have it as a nearby attraction.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope they add water rides in the future (and the rumored Project Sparrow in 2025 should add a splash battle).

[@radbricks8298]

its sad that the intamin star ships are getting so rare. 20 years ago almost every park had one

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yeah it's a bummer they're being removed.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

In this video about Carowinds, see Ricochet. How would you compare that to other Mack wild mice? Ricochet at Carowinds is a standard (compact park) model, and see in RCDB, Ricochet at Carowinds, as well as those installations from the large park model: Technic Coaster at Legoland California Fly at Canada's Wonderland Apple Zapple at Kings Dominion Coast Rider at Knott's Berry Farm Seen in photos and videos, I think they do not look like abominations. Try the five again.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I would ride any but Coast Rider.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Imagine reriding two Mack Wild Mouse coasters, Ricochet at Carowinds and Fly at Canada's Wonderland, what do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They're fine.

[@aldodaci9055]

Yeah jet scream at wonderland was great for some people but now that they have lumberjack which gives a similar experience it's definitely a much better version and alot of people love it

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad they could get a newer version at least.

[@mateoalvira7826]

And imagine reriding Carolina Cyclone and Vortex, both at Carowinds. What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like both.

[@justaprotogen8391]

Unfortunately the southern star was removed last year I believe

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes I heard. Sad but the park got a cool new area at least.

[@aldodaci9055]

You know electro spin from Carowinds it's ok but still i prefer shockwave just because shockwave is much faster and the hangtime on electro spin is kinda weird

[@CanobieCoaster]

Shockwave is faster for sure.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I ask you, would you like to go again to Carowinds? What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, really like the park.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Some enthusiast families had Kiddy Hawk considered to be one of the worst family coasters they've experienced, do you know why was Kiddy Hawk in the list? The new Vekoma suspended family coasters are fantastic. They're smooth and have open restraints. Kiddy Hawk is... A) The same with rare restraints that staple their thighs B) The same with dull turns C) An old version with flawed trackwork and bulky over the shoulder restraints

[@CanobieCoaster]

C

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Ahhh! chicken & waffles/ crabfries. If the quality of a visit to a park is prefaced by a favorite food item...OyyyyveYYY! You got yourself a winner! Not only is Carowinds delicious in Southern food & hospitality, but also in a great ride line up. It pained the original owners to give up the park so soon. They left their "baby" in good hands and the love continues. Canobie, I'll eat your desserts. A good pastry like a funnel cake, fried pie, or that place in Norway Epcot while watching fireworks. I like my sweets @ the end of the lunch dinner of great ride time. Lovely review of a very colorful park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

Carowinds: So what would you rate Afterburn?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I made a review for it.

[@thedaltons6484]

Fury is nearly perfect, even the “dead spot” has a head chopper. I still can’t believe they didn’t build it at Cedar Point in Gate Keepers spot.

[@andrewhanson1180]

Because they already have a giga coaster

[@thedaltons6484]

@@andrewhanson1180 2 Gigas is exactly Cedar Points style.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love this ride.

[@aldodaci9055]

Canobie coaster Dont get upset with me here but I'm not really sure how you find intamin looping starship rides enjoyable because they're known for having uncomfortable restraints and the way they go upside down it feels like falling off

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't find them uncomfortable, which is why I can enjoy them.

[@Dalton363]

Vekoma needs to reinvent the flying Dutchman since b&m is reinventing the standup

[@samuelahoffman]

They already did with F.L.Y.

[@CanobieCoaster]

F.L.Y. is exceptional.

[@aldodaci9055]

I'm glad you like intamin looping starship rides canobie coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

I just wish there was more.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Whereas Hurler at Kings Dominion was closed after the 2015 season, Hurler at Carowinds...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Still runs.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Abysmal, what means?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Awful

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

If I recommend you trying to ride those Mack wild mouse coasters: Ricochet at Carowinds Fly at Canada's Wonderland Apple Zapple at Kings Dominion Technic Coaster at Legoland California Coast Rider at Knott's Berry Farm I think they do not look like abominations. And you, Canobie Coaster?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Coast Rider is painful and awful. The others are rideable.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Carolina Goldrusher at Carowinds was in your video of top 25 worst roller coasters in the world (2020). What do you think about that coaster?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's not the best mine train.

[@cfrankbii9613]

I love Carowinds, especially back in the Paramount days. Cedar Fair has some a good job and the coaster line up is decent, but after Fury, Afterburn, and CS everything else is just kind of meh. I rode Hurler and Vortex back when they were relatively new. I remember waiting in a decent line for both. The park is still nice, but I really miss the paramount theming.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Cedar Fair buffed up the coaster lineup big time.

[@russ4moose]

I'm going on Saturday.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@blockin9556]

honestly I think hurler would be better without the trim even though it would be rougher cause right now its just rough and boring vs being rougher and actually having airtime

[@CanobieCoaster]

It sure would.

[@bryanchung]

Love Carowinds. Lucky it’s my home park. Nighthawk has been closed all season so far. Disappointing.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope it reopens soon.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

and... A) hard lap bars B) bulky over the shoulder restraints C) soft over the shoulder restraints

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@mateoalvira7826]

Imagine going again to Carowinds and ride: Flying Cobras Carolina Goldrusher Hurler Afterburn What do you think?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I always ride Afterburn, but I don't always ride the others.

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

The first time I saw Fury I was disappointed. It didn’t look any taller than Orion. It didn’t have any lights on it and I could barely see it. But the next morning when I could see it. It hit me that I’m actually at carowinds and after 6 years of watching you tubes Fury was right in front of me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a marvel.

[@Thuggysmurf]

I last visited Carowinds Tuesday August 9, 2022 and found this review to be the most thorough and accurate one in existence. It didn't cover food much, so if it helps anyone, Blue Ridge Country Kitchen is great for lunch and there's a Chick-Fil-A too, both covered by the dining plan. There are a bunch of other yummy dining options in the park for all tastes. I'd argue Carowinds is the best park in the southeast, third best Cedar Fair Park, and 6th best park in the United States. It's clean, friendly, well above average ops, favorable Fast Lane merge points, and while there is a substantial drop off in quality after the top 4 rides, that top 4 is tough to beat, and there isn't a "bad" coaster here except for Hurler. On a quality rides-per-hour basis, this park is outstanding, and I wish I lived closer. Main issue I encounter on the rides is obesity. The Carolinas have some large folks who can't fit in the restraints and end up causing a 2 minute dispatch to stretch to between 5 and 8 minutes. The ride ops do the best they can, but obesity in America isn't improving. Carowinds should add scales, or a similar screening mechanism, to keep the morbidly obese from ballooning the wait times for everyone else.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I haven't gotten too much food here, which is why the review was light on that.

[@Lemmon714_]

My first trip to Carowinds was when Thunder Road was only halfway built. I miss it, especially when you could ride it backwards. Does any other old farts remember White Lightning? My sister and I rode it 42 times without getting off of it one day during the week.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've ridden a ride like White Lightning elsewhere.

[@ndelli23]

I just went for the first time last week, I feel super conflicted about this park. I prioritized riding all of the open coasters during the first part of the day and doing re-rides later on. Fury is my new #1, and the top 4 here are among my favorite top 4s in any park. If I went back, I don't know if I'd do much more than ride Fury. I"d maybe/probably get 1-2 rides on Afterburn, Intimidator, and Copperhead Strike. I'd almost definitely avoid the other coasters entirely, except Nighthawk since it was down. The ambiance is among my least favorite of parks that I've been to, in fact maybe my least favorite of the Cedar Fair parks that I've been to. That being said, Fury is good enough that I'd spend at least half the day riding it, but I may not be inclined to stay at the park open-close again.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The lineup is definitely top heavy.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I spent some time doing most of the waterslides in 2018. It's crazy for me to say this about any waterslide, but I highly discourage everyone from riding the Storm Surge body slides at the top of that tower. The blue slide especially is far too aggressive, to the point of being violent. I have never disliked any other body slides. The green one is still bad, but some people may escape it without getting hurt. Everyone will get hurt on the blue slide. I don't know how it's still operating. For food, Harmony Hall had much better options in 2018 than in 2021. I had the dining plan both years. Chickies & Petes has great chicken cheesesteaks. Unlike Cedar Point, the Chick-fil-a at Carowinds is lightning fast, keeping that line moving faster than Fury's. Even on a busy day, you'll probably be through the line and eating your food in 3 minutes. The burrito cafe was good. Blue Ridge Country Kitchen is popular with others, but their menu didn't interest me. Papa Luigi's had some good options. For me, this park is about so much more than just Fury. It is a great all-around park with a wide variety of rides and slides. There were a few good music shows as well. It's a complete experience for me, and just barely behind Kings Island.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's good about Chick-fil-A having a faster line at Carowinds. That line at Cedar Point is horrendous.

[@noahkessler5500]

When I rode storm surge in 2016 the blue wasn’t terrible but not completely smooth and the green was rough as hell. They were very intense though.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

@@noahkessler5500 I don't remember them being bumpy, but they could have been. I didn't have much continuous contact with the slide surface on the blue. My body was being tossed all over the place and slammed around constantly. Blue had no line but green did, because nobody wanted to do blue who had done it before.

[@noahkessler5500]

@@OklahomaCoasterFan that’s crazy it was the complete opposite for me😂 shows how weird these slides and rides age

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

@@noahkessler5500 That does have me wondering if I mixed them up in my mind. It has been almost 4 years, so maybe it was green that was the most violent one.

[@itsseriousarc8429]

I went today and they opened the parking gates 10 minutes before opening…

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yikes!

[@mateoalvira7826]

The prototype Vekoma flying dutchman has a finale with two corkscrews, what about them? Canobie Coaster would say... A) They are incredible and disorienting. B) They are disorienting, but not in a good way.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@thecoasterflood]

If Covid-19 never happened, I would’ve been able to go in 2020 and ride Fury. Luckily I do visit family there often so hopefully I’m able to visit the park soon. That top 4 is elite.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hopefully!