Carowinds has Permanently Closed its Worst Coaster; Goodbye Nighthawk!

[@braxtonhill417]

I'm in the minority, but I actually enjoyed Nighthawk. Sure, the corkscrews were the roughest part, but the vertical loop was pretty intense. I much preferred it over Vortex next door.

[@X_Canine]

ditto! carowinds is my homepark, and it was my #5 in the park. hopefully they replace it with something better though!

[@evelinhernandez6208]

Same. I feel like it’s overhated but after the big 4, Nighthawk was the fifth best? RIP Nighthawk 😔

[@Coastersclips-gi4ng]

I loved nighthawk is was top 4 in the park for me

[@braxtonhill417]

It was top 5 for me

[@CaliforniaCoastin]

Same

[@zacg_]

Give them a new Vekoma Flyer with a Wright Bros theme.

[@bgwkid]

I thought a Vekoma would be good too! But I want a launch coaster!

[@trainlover16]

Agreed.

[@zacg_]

@@bgwkid well, so far there's only one and it's launched so that shouldn't be a problem.

[@alecday3775]

I mean that is THE PERFECT theme for a flying coaster as it is something to do with the history of the aviation industry and a very important part of it as the Wright Brothers basically sparked the aviation industry with the first powered flight and it is in NC and the flight took place in Kitty Hawk so that is just a no-brainer move in my book.

[@alecday3775]

@@zacg_ With it being a launched model, it would give it something that no other flying coaster has in the US so it would make it a unique experience cause all of the other flying coasters here have lift hills. Also the 2x2 seating would add to the uniqueness as the rest of them here have 4-across seating. It would be TOTALLY different from the rest of the flyers we have here and that is what it would make it stand out from the rest of the crowd and that would only bring more guests to Carowinds.

[@evanjones8770]

I have multiple friends who LOVED nighthawk and are super sad

[@deloron8813]

It is such an unique ride and not really that rough

[@evanjones8770]

@ completely agree, so different from b&m fliers, i definitely prefer manta for its comfortability and its setting, but that’s a given, nighthawk has a more interesting layout and definitely more intense

[@karlstrauss2330]

It’s a historic coaster. It was the first actual flying coaster

[@ArrowThrills]

I'm suprised Batwing at Six Flags America ain't got scrapped for extra peices for Nighthawk at Carowinds

[@DiamondOrPoor78]

The ride itself was good, the problem was that it took 10 FKN MINUTES to get a train in and out of the station No matter how few people were in the park (I have been to Carowinds countless times) this ride always have a 60min+ wait because its operations were SO SLOW

[@kaileyallen4365]

Yeah for sure. Even if they had a team on it that was as good as Fury’s, it would STILL take forever to load and unload. It’s just a TOUGH ride to operate because of all the restraint checks and safety stuff to go through

[@alecday3775]

Luckily the newer Vekoma Flying model fixed that cause the new models have more like standard vest restraints and the same leg holders but dispatch times would be greatly reduced with the new model.

[@KingTito-mg8bn]

Its funny how the general public loves more coasters than enthusiasts do. Kind of shocking

[@rileylippitt]

So true! Crazy how a hobby about liking something, can hate something so much…

[@MidwestBoom]

Not every coaster deserves love lol

[@iliketrains3546]

The GP also hate I305 tho

[@maverick114e9]

@rileylippittThis is something you find with so many hobbies actually, Im surprised more people aren’t quitting hobbies

[@Stuie299]

That's because the GP only cares about what's there. Enthusiasts, being more knowledgable about Roller Coasters, are constantly thinking about what could be.

[@KandJHorrordotcom]

It’s me. I’m the one you’re talking about. I loved that ride. It was called BORG when I rode it and we loved it. I’ve never been back, but I don’t obsess over roller coasters either. Let’s get rid of all of them and then we can just think back of how they used to be and reminisce.

[@Cmbgo98]

I'm glad to see it go! I actually talked to maintenance at Carowinds when I got stuck on Nighthawk (in the station haha). The Firehawk parts were incompatible. The track gauge was different so they couldn't use the trains flat out. The control system on Nighthawk was (SOMEHOW) simpler, used a different interface, and used 3 connectors to the train while Firehawk used 4 at a slightly different height so they were completely incompatible. The latching mechanism was different. Really despite looking the same the trains, which had most of the issues on Nighthawk, were pretty much completely different. Basically from what I heard from maintenance Firehawk was scrapped with the assumption that they could cannibalize parts, no one actually checked, tore the thing down and shipped the parts over, and they were only able to use the restraints (which were fine) lmao. I'm mostly mad they tore down the best Flying Dutchman in the US to try to fix the absolute worst... I hope they get another modern Vekoma though, a F.L.Y model would be AMAZING, or a Tilt Coaster right front and center at the entrance would be really really cool. Pretty much anything would be an improvement though. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but Carowinds has enough B&Ms and I don't really think it needs anymore especially if they do keep Vortex long-term (please I hope they do). OH! I do hope they add some more intense flat rides though... Hopefully some that are reliable. Those two really rounded out that area, and I worry that with them gone with no replacement it'll kind of be a dead zone.

[@theventuracountyrailfan]

I got a single ride during my one trip to carowinds in early 2024. We ropedropped it because it was on one train and the previous night the wait was 90 minutes. Got on one of the first trains and really enjoyed it. Since it was running slow, it was smooth and graceful. Sad this is going.

[@CatGirlSlimeGirl]

I will never understand this ride's reputation. I think Nighthawk was an absolute treat. It was intense, forceful, well paced, and undeniably unique. From my experience, it never really rode rough. I'd go as far as to call it the 4th best coaster at Carowinds, above Afterburn. Blasphemy, I know, but its how I feel, and I'm honestly disheartened to see yet another great coaster bite the dust.

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

The ride used to be almost unanimously hated, I was certainly in the crowd that disliked it back in 2016. My last rides were great though, and it's reputation has improved over the last few years. It's a shame that not everyone liked it, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

[@thatsmallcessna8300]

I was literally just talking to my brother about Carowinds because my dad just moved to Charlotte. I was hoping that they wouldn't remove Nighthawk until after I make it out there because it seems like a unique ride experience. Then I see this minutes later!

[@thebe_stone]

I have over 300 credits, including steel vengeance, iron gwazi, time traveler, every b&m flying coaster in the country, velocicoaster, and batwing. I also live super close to batwing. Nighthawk has been my favorite coaster since I rode it. I genuinely almost cried when I heard about this, at least I got to ride king da ka one last time on it's last day.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Nighthawk was so underrated! It wasn't my favorite, but it was so enjoyable.

[@NerdyandNerdier]

Nighthawk 2: Electric Boogaloo

[@dindog22]

you beat me to it. lol

[@macaronandcheese18113]

i'm glad i'm not in charge, i would've gone with nighthawk 2ah

[@dindog22]

@@macaronandcheese18113 HA!

[@sirfunkydangle7804]

Retro.. I love it!!

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

Nighthawk wowed me on my 2022 rides. My dad even called it a top 10 coaster once we got off. I'll definitely miss it but hopefully its replacement is worthy.

[@RedSlayerRides]

Nighthawk 5th best in the park, call me crazy idc. It wasn’t too rough and the flying experience is unique for the area. It was absolutely liked by most locals and some enthusiasts who are located nearby

[@alkankondo89]

I will call you "mirroring my opinion". I too ranked this 5th-in-park. It was surprisingly comfortable (for what it was) and a very unique experience. I will indeed miss this one! 😢

[@thebe_stone]

I ranked this #1 in america. I've ridden almost all the great coasters in the US (except X2, it was closed), this is my favorite of all of them.

[@Westkid3057]

Bro I got so lucky with this coaster. Between the long line, the one-train ops, and it getting removed, I'm glad I got to ride it.

[@markvolpe2305]

my one and only ride on Nighthawk was back when it was BORG: Assimilator and I was assigned the front seat and I enjoyed that ride, but we waited about 45 minutes because of the slow operations.

[@spaceoorulu8663]

Made my way to Carowinds for the first time this year and I honestly was going in thinking Nighthawk would be my least favorite. To my surprise though, it ended up probably being my 2nd favorite in the park behind Fury. That "hanging on for dear life" sensation you get on those final two corkscrews is so unique and is the reason I ended up marathoning it for a solid couple hours! Personally it's a bit of a shame to me it's going but hopefully they'll add in something just as good, if-not better, than Fury in that location

[@n3rdg4m3r]

Weird thing is they spent so much on getting parts and repainting both Vortex and Nighthawk. A lot of enthusiasts thought there was no way they would be going anytime soon.

[@Jake53495]

As a local drop tower is usually not popular. It’s almost always a walk on

[@averyjohnson8508]

Yeah but honestly, it’s sort of blocked off by trees, and it’s in the corner of the park over there by itself. It’s definitely not in a good spot

[@evanjones8770]

NIGHTHAWK IS GREAT, easily way better than the superman ultimate flight clones, super disorienting and awesome, i’m so sad

[@SlimFury]

Six Flags is certainly running up my defunct coaster count. I liked Nighthawk.

[@alecday3775]

I think the perfect replacement would be a new Vekoma flying coaster themed to the Wright Brothers and the first powered flight. I mean that would be a fun and educational ride experience and it would be perfect as it would be a DIRECT ONE-TO-ONE REPLACEMENT to Nighthawk as that is a flying coaster as well. The dark ride section could tell the story leading up to when it happens and the ride happens when they actually are ready to go for that historic flight. It's a no-brainer move on Carrowind's part and look how well-recieved F.L.Y. was received at Phantasialand in Germany. It got rave reviews from everyone who rode it so it would make sense to bring that model to the United States. Also there are other parks within the new Six Flags chain that are getting Vekoma coasters with Cedar Point getting a Tilt Coaster and SFGA getting a Super Boomerang so that just makes the chances of it happening even greater.

[@Nighthawk-official-youtube]

Rest in peace to the ride that’s better than Thunderstriker and top 3 at Carowinds. Gone but never forgotten. Long live the Flying Dutchman!

[@Irongwaziaddict]

THANK YOU

[@ItsSiebay]

Coaster Dash is crying. I’ve ridden Batwing enough times to know that Nighthawk is an uncomfortable ride. It’s a no brainer that Carowinds would remove this. I’m kinda worried about Batwing though since SFA is not a high priority park.

[@joelbolton7252]

Sequel B&M Flyer to replace it - "Hawk Twah - The Ride?" Yes? No? lol Kidding aside, rode it once, that was all I needed.

[@kingdelbert]

Uh no.........this is a family park. LOL

[@theventuracountyrailfan]

I don’t like the hate of hurler. It’s not the most exciting ride but I had fun on it. It is super smooth with a couple of airtime pops

[@DiamondOrPoor78]

I still don't understand why parks won't announce ride closures before the park closes Imagine how much more money they could make if they did, take Kingda Ka for example, if they told everyone that it was closing, THOUSANDS more people would've came to Great Adventure this year, it makes no sense

[@EveryoneIsFamily]

One of the reasons they may not be making announcements about departures is that- in the future- side-by-side comparisons of departures and arrivals may not make them look good.

[@MidwestBoom]

It's not as much money as you think.Parks make the majority of the money off the general public and families, not enthusiasts

[@gooigismansion8215]

Stock would go down

[@chrisdorris5496]

@@MidwestBoomyeah. I think it’s about the money. Like maybe the ops of the ride outweighs the extra ticket sales they would get so they don’t even bother.

[@averyjohnson8508]

I will say this, I know a lot of people that loved Nighthawk. It was one of there favorite roller coasters if not there favorite in the park. The GP really liked this ride for the most part. First time I rode it, it was number 5 in the park I thought it was intense and not that rough. The second time was awful, it was so rough I said I would never get back on it. Felt like an airplane crashing.😂 I hope they remove vortex soon and put something really good in that area.

[@MidnightRailfan]

These late season closures makes me wonder if Invertigo will reopen at KI. Apparently the Congo Falls sign is being removed already; should be interesting to see

[@natekenny7106]

Firehawk was the only Vekoma Flying Dutchman I ever rode, and gotta say I didn't mind it. Maybe Nighthawk is a lot worse, but Firehawk was definitely leagues better than any Vekoma SLC I have ridden. (Low bar I know, but I do miss it). Orion was a great addition but wish they could have kept both. Although I'm sure parts availability on these things is a nightmare at this point as well.

[@Agent_2008]

canadas wonderland not removing any coasters:

[@Carolinacoasters1]

Who said the grim reaper is done?

[@heather1980]

I think it’s coming. I think we’re getting one announcement a week for the next few months.

[@triple7marc]

Sad I never got to ride this. It was the only coaster closed on my trip to Carowinds in 2019. Had two days there and it never opened.

[@wrh41]

Nighthawk was fun - I can’t believe I’ve ridden a ride that Sarah hasn’t!

[@LecterTorus]

My issues with Nighthawk boiled down to my horrendous luck with it. Plenty of times it broke down right as I was about to board it, and it simply wasn't fun enough to justify the long wait. Also there was that one time my train got stuck on the brake run... in the hot summer heat. Not to mention it used to look way cooler as Borg Assimilator. I would ride Manta over this any day.

[@urbex_coasters]

Don't love that title card. I don't care what you thought of Nighthawk, every ride is someone's favourite, they deserve transparency from the park about a ride closure. Remember Mean Streak Henry? Even if we might've not loved Mean Streak, he did. And I'm glad that closure was transparent so he could give it a proper sendoff. Every ride has someone like that. This isn't "good riddance", it's "Richard Zimmerman has still not learned his lesson about how to handle closures". This was clearly a post-merger decision to put a headliner in their new flagship park (it's where HQ is. It's their flagship park) and send the spare oarts over to the park they are most likely to close entirely so they can keep Batwing going.

[@MrLbhall16]

This plot of land used to be a big pond with an old riverboat that circled a small island in the middle. I hope they open it back up and recreate the pond as a central feature of the park. Carowinds isn’t like cedar point where it’s built next to a lake. They need to create an environment or it’ll just fall deeper into a boring concrete jungle.

[@brianmacdonald7297]

I was pleasantly surprised when I visited in October and Nighthawk was actually running. Looks like I actually got a farewell ride on it. Doesn't make up for missing out on Kingda Ka, but it's something.

[@kevbo2981]

i think they will either remove hurler, and put in a new wooden coaster in that area or RMC it. there is now tons of rooms back there, and scream weaver and the drop tower were next to it. i could it see be used for elements after the first drop. if not, i hope they add better flat rides there. kind of sad seeing two extreme rides there and not being used

[@CoasterStudios]

Don’t expect them to RMC it anytime soon. They’ve made it pretty clear it’s not happening.

[@Trim_Brakes_06]

Nighthawk was honestly my 4th favorite in the park over Intimidator. I just wish it had better operations.

[@Kilbaneisking]

Went to Carowinds in 2017, 108 degrees high that day, we got there about noon, and this was our first ride for the day. Line said 15 minutes wait and looked to be an accurate time. We waited 45 minutes first off, and the ride itself was ok, not as good as Firehawk, but ok. Then proceeded to be on the brake run on our backs for almost 10 minutes as they loaded the next train. It was very very uncomfortable on many levels. That position was awkward and it was Hotter than Hades. Suffice to say once we got off of the ride we vowed to never ever again experience it. Only experience worse that day was riding Vortex. Although I won't miss Nighthawk at all I just kind of thought Vortex would be trashed first. It probably will be next one down, if we are being honest. I say a Dive where Nighthawk was would look cool, although I'm not as excited about Dives, but they are crowd pleasers fo sure. Maybe give us a Gerstlauer or Premier launch coaster where Vortex is. Would do wonders for changing the top 5 coasters of the park.

[@jeffgreen5429]

Losing an Enterprise hurts. They're so much fun, but they're definitely going away.

[@Protronica]

I don’t really know anything about nighthawk but I’ve marathoned batwing multiple times. It’s really smooth and I’m surprised to hear that other people don’t think it’s good.

[@larslap7597]

Send that Enterprise to Knoebels for me. I love those old school Enterprises!

[@theunknown0887]

This is the worlds first flying roller coaster this deserved more recognition and respect

[@Lovecalvin1]

No I actually liked it

[@nygilwesley7240]

This actually pissed me off so much I was there last night and found out because of A FRIENDS SNAPCHAT STORY, no announcement or nothing other than a post after the season was over. This was a good ride to me and I’m upset I didn’t even get a final ride.

[@The8BitNerd]

This one is kinda bitter sweet, because even though the ride was terrible, it's one of the last remaining coasters of a rare model. Also Six Flags, get your closures right and let people have a chance to ride it before it's too late!

[@dindog22]

perhaps the era of the closing announcement is over. maybe from now on they just close the stuff after the season ends

[@Spike-sk7ql]

The Vekoma Flying Dutchman is one of the most under-rated coaster models out there. X Flight/Firehawk was my favorite of them all.

[@Cheezbat]

When I look at Carowinds and Canada’s Wonderland, both parks have a lot of coasters, but a lot of BAD coasters. Both could lose 3 or 4 and replace with a few more solid coasters to really build up the park.

[@staringcorgi6475]

Axe vortex since the layout and ride sucks

[@theoseeley9661]

I live in LA, and in 2019, I went to Carowinds from California specifically to ride Nighthawk. In 2020, I went to Six Flags America on Labor Day Weekend and rode Batwing. Outside of the 2 last corkscrews, Nighthawk was actually a pretty good ride; Batwing was way worse. I have ridden 323 different roller coasters, and Batwing is the only one that has ever given me vertigo. I actually like Nighthawk more than Fury 325 (NOT JOKING).

[@Xxjman410xX]

Moment of silence for marc from coaster dash

[@CoasterFiend]

Thanks for the rides Stealth/Nighthawk…rest easy…

[@darealsavage3472]

Also Borg Assimilator

[@stuartchartock8203]

I'm that one person who absolutely loved "Nighthawk". Well, sorta. I only got to ride it once in 2017, but I do absolutely love "Batwing". Weird, janky, gimmicky coasters are my jam. Batwing is my favorite coaster at SFA, and Nighthawk was top five for me at CW.

[@joeybacon214]

If they’re gonna delete nighthawk they should delete vortex and then stick a Mack Stryker or extreme spinner in there

[@CoasterStudios]

Closing vortex too would open up even more space!

[@ArrowThrills]

​@@CoasterStudios They should relocate Vortex to Michigan's Adventure if it ever got removed

[@Daniel_Coasters]

4:30 As a coaster enthusiast, I love hurler, as it isn’t as rough as people say, and some ok airtime (better than lightning racer) I will say it you go in a even number aka wheel seat it sucks. I’m sad drop tower is gone, I loved that ride. I’ve never been on Scream Weaver as it didn’t really look like I would enjoy it.

[@jessicasilakowski1442]

KI is my home park and I still say it every time I go, I miss Firehawk!! I didn’t like Nighthawk as much, but I still found it very enjoyable! Sad to see it go.

[@namevone]

Nighthawks closure is actually heavily rumored to be like Volcano's closure, in that the park didn't know they were removing it until it was already done. It had one last major break down during Scarowinds and they just pulled the plug on it there. It closed weeks ahead of it's typical scheduled closure date. I don't think this is as planned of a closure as the other six flags closures this season. Also when it comes to their drop tower, it's operations were pretty spotty this season, and even when it was open it never had a wait. No clue what they're gonna do with its land since it's basically surrounded on every side but it does make some sense.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I loved Nighthawk. It was my # 4 in the park, ahead of Afterburn. I think these flying dutchman were highly underrated. Batwing is the better ride (# 2 at that park), but Nighthawk still was mostly smooth & had very unique and cool elements. The only actual bad thing about the ride was the horrible operations, which makes no sense, because Batwing had great operations, 15 minute waits instead of 2 hours. The enterprise at Carowinds was maybe my 5th favorite ride in the park, and the drop tower was # 6, both also ahead of Afterburn. I am truly hating the new Six Flags (actually Cedar Fair).

[@Natsu-0915]

Nighthawk was my first big roller-coaster when I was a kid. I'm very sad even though the ride was somewhat janky. RIP Nighthawk

[@stevenpardue2373]

The drop tower makes sense closing the ride is barely ever opened. Even when the ride is opened it breaks down a lot so it makes sense. I got stuck on it for an hour once before lol

[@Daniel_Coasters]

Weird, I usually see it running everytime I go…. But damn I loved that ride 😭

[@CoasterStudios]

Had no idea it was down so much. Interesting, I wonder why. It’s a very common model.

[@ArrowThrills]

Do you think that Drop Tower should go to Michigan's Adventure ?

[@slaynan]

Carowinds is my home park and I rode nighthawk often. I’ve always absolutely loved it and never understood the hate for it. Never found it unbearably rough at all. Was extremely bummed after finding out it closed for good.

[@devdoesitbest6974]

I got to ride this and Firehawk at Kings Island. While I much preferred Firehawk before it closed due to its surprisingly smooth ride, I did appreciate Nighthawk for it's layout and ride experience. I wish they gave it a face lift but I'm excited to see what's next

[@Hangtime_Davi64]

I have (had) Nighthawk at my #5 in the park. I didn't find it to be unbearably rough, and I thought the restraints were surprisingly good. It isn't smooth by and means, so I totally understand the hate. However, I can't personally comprehend why anyone would prefer Vortex or Hurler. Edit: It might be worth mentioning I only rode it two times on a single day in 2023. Maybe it just happened to be fresh off some maintenance that made the ride a bit better for me.

[@ArrowThrills]

I'm suprised Batwing at Six Flags America ain't got scrapped for extra peices for Nighthawk at Carowinds

[@NCarroll06]

I know the removal of Ka was rough but the rapid removal by Six Flags is ultimately a good thing because it can clean up the parks for newer and more modern attractions.

[@IRDeady]

I think we need to just accept that this company does not think about things the way we do and that things like final rides will never make sense to them. It sucks, but I think they've made that very clear.

[@lightningboat]

The layout looked so good, it’s a shame it was so rough

[@austinbarnes4211]

I almost wish they could do the same thing with Vortex, but maybe not have it removed, maybe have it converted into a floorless coaster, and give it a retracking

[@MrSRArter]

6:03 I'd like to see Dollywood build their own modern Vekoma Flyer themed to hang gliding, the only suspended/inverted track coaster they have right now is a family coaster.

[@michaelcraven5163]

What Carowinds really needs flat ride wise is a frisbee ride. I would love if they got a Zamperla Giga Discovery.

[@oneandonlysound99]

They should be ashamed of themselves. Then they have like 3 scrapped things less than the previous years and want the same amount of money for a season pass/membership. Also, gotta love how the general public has more respect for ride closures than alleged enthusiasts who are fine with whatever being gone as long as it's not their top 25 or some overhyped overrated 30 second coaster. As it is, if this was Batwing, I'd be super pissed that coaster is amazing. Way more than like SFGADV's green lantern, or one trick pony always broken-down ka.

[@brianfoss571]

If they are getting a B&M Dive right along the stateline, they'll probably want to (re)move the Skytower so guests have an unobstructed view of the drop and Immelmann. If they don't scrap the Skytower, it might be possible to squeeze it in where Scream Weaver was. Doubtful that would improve its ridership, though

[@CNSPORTZEDITZ]

Orbiter at Canada's Wonderland (old school enterprise) was removed in 2018 and replaced with a new pathway which connects Behemoth to Yukon Striker. There was never a new ride in its place. I don't know the location of the Carowinds enterprise but a new pathway is a potential option.

[@Hallknowsall]

They need to fill this plot soon. The park needs a new coaster as badly as they need a water ride.

[@tyketyke]

i was lucky to get a ride on it this past summer; it was my first time at Carowinds. idk if it was a matter of me getting lucky with my seat (second-to-front row) but i really enjoyed it!! my main issue was the slow line, that was pretty dire and i reckon that capacity issue was a big reason they decided to axe it. still though, i'm sad to see it go

[@vexfidel4127]

I'm more torn up over Scream Weaver tbh. Classic enterprises are getting rarer and rarer, and sure there's modern replacements, but you just can't beat the ride experience of the originals

[@Irongwaziaddict]

2:34 ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!?!?! NIGHTHAWK IS SO GOOD Genuinely, I absolutely adored nighthawk, and I'm really sad to see this ride close. This is THE BEST Flying Coaster I have been on so far, and this IS NOT ROUGH. It pulls such good forces, and it really pains me for Carowinds to get rid of this ride. I am just hoping i can ride batman at six flags america before it closes, cuz that looks so good also. Still love your content, but nighthawk is so much better then yall say it is.

[@heather1980]

I’m wearing my Nighthawk t shirt. It was a fantastic night ride. The Firehawk trains weren’t actually the same as the Nighthawk trains. I am so glad I got a last ride this summer. The ops were always terrible, but man … losing the last of these-because I’m pretty sure Batwing is going as well-is sad. I’d love so see a next gen Vekoma flier like FLY at Phantasialand. Scream Weaver -30 years? Nope. 45.

[@MichaelDery-z7h]

I'm more shocked that Drop Tower is going. It 's actually one of the decent and forceful Intamin towers I've been on.

[@declanmckenna6854]

I think its because its been around for decades and got pretty low attendance. Im wondering what theyre going to do with the space because unless you take out Cyclone or Hurler with it, the only thing they could use it for is a shop, facility, or backstage extension since the park's main workshop is right behind it.

[@jordanwolfson8378]

Oh, yes, the typical "enthusiasts hated this ride so trust us it's a good thing it's being removed" I've never gotten to ride a flying dutchman. If they remove Batwing at SFA, I'll literally never get the chance. But people will somehow still find a way to defend this.

[@Coastersclips-gi4ng]

It is smooth and comfortable besides the corkscrews that are so bad it’s fun because the corkscrews are only 5 seconds long. Also the general guest there seemed to love nighthawk when I went too 4 in the park.

[@CNSPORTZEDITZ]

8:13 Did you guys see that? It's Dive Coaster at Chimelong Paradise in China.

[@meadamillion]

My question is how is Vortex still open? That thing deserves to be put down 😂

[@user-pl5ds8iz6q]

Cheap to maintain high capacity and reliable. Filler for the GP no need to get rid of it just yet

[@staringcorgi6475]

⁠@@user-pl5ds8iz6qthey should get rid of it since it’s a terrible ride but at the same time the real estate is not valuable

[@oneandonlysound99]

They could at least make it floorless.

[@meadamillion]

@@user-pl5ds8iz6q It’s true, the land it sits on has no value. But they could at least make it floorless…

[@darealsavage3472]

It deserves to be floorless, if they did that it would be a clear 5th best ride at the park

[@diamondback-my3gm]

Nighthawk was not even bad lol

[@thatcoastergeek]

This makes me sad! It was my 5th favorite in the park, and I loved Nighthawk. Nighthawk was intense and fun, and although I understand it's a maintence nightmare, it's still sad.

[@Yikes_its_Psychs]

6:35 not a Vekoma Tilt? Or maybe they do decide to remove Vortex and put in a new gen Vekoma flying coaster like F.L.Y. at Phantasia Land?

[@CoasterStudios]

A tilt would be awesome there!

[@Tyrone4059]

WTF? I loved Nighthawk. The vertical loop was one of my favorite elements ever.

[@Colonel_Kitty]

My prediction is that they're deciding between a dive coaster and a tilt coaster. They could be waiting to see how the tilt coaster at cedar point does before they make their final decision. If they want Carowinds to be one of the top parks, they would choose a tilt coaster over a dive coaster

[@CoasterStudios]

A tilt coaster on that plot of land would look so good

[@randompog8493]

I never rode it either but I wished I could and this is coming from someone who is an enthusiast

[@toxikavenger9088]

How the hell is Nighthawk worse than Vortex

[@jordanwolfson8378]

Coaster Studios, that's how

[@toxikavenger9088]

@@jordanwolfson8378 if i had a dollar for every time tailor greyed out on a ride i could retire

[@NEOThoosie]

I was in the minority with lovi9ng Nighthawk. Got down to ride that at Carowinds in August and loved the whole park in general. I'm thinking this was gonna happen regardless of the merger to be honest. Hope to see you guys at Holiwood Nights this year! Great Vid.

[@Chillguy99]

I hated Nighthawk more than any other coaster I have ridden in my 25 years or so of coaster riding. It was a monstrosity. However...I think it is extremely disrespectful to abruptly shut down a large attraction without giving people who love that attraction a final chance to enjoy it. I agree with this closure, but this is literally the 1st agreement I have had with this horrible new monopoly of a company.

[@daniev6]

Honestly Nighthawk was my second favorite in the park. I don't get the hate people give it. It never felt rough like anyone claims.

[@Hexos0427]

Converting vortex to floorless trains wouldn’t be worth $1. The layout is so small that I just don’t see it adding much value. Remove Vortex and make room for an AWESOME statement rollercoaster on the plot of land that Nighthawk and Vortex take up.

[@CoasterStudios]

I like that idea more!

[@GPK1075]

the "good riddance" was a bit crazy but ig it's your opinion. I personally loved nighthawk and have it ranked 5th under the insane top 4.

[@emveeoh]

Carowinds is in decline. There's absolutely no passion or vision for that park. SCarowinds hasn't had a new haunt in several years. The Christmas holiday experience is cringe-worthy.

[@realcameronn]

didn't they already say the water attraction is the replacement for Nighthawk? I think a Mack water coaster would be cool in that spot especially since Nighthawk was already sitting on top of a lake... not a shuttle coaster but a nice custom full circuit layout!

[@Stuie299]

Ok, it's probably going to be a dive coaster, but think of how cool it would it be if they were the first US park to get a next gen Vekoma flying coaster?

[@deloron8813]

How was that the worst coaster? It was actually the best back on my visit (Fury was down). Especially in a park with Kiddiehawk and a Vekoma looper