The Bankrupt Creation of Carowinds: One Carolina Man's Dream

Join us on Expedition Carowinds to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary as we look back at the creation of the park, which stemmed from one man's dream. Inspired by Disneyland, the theme park located on a state border was not off to quite as smooth start as it would like.
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Credits -
www.carowinds.com
Uncle Walter Lee - • Carowinds - 1973
Park Rovers - • Carolina Skytower at C...
Matthew Mcswain - • Carowinds monorail
Jim Hart - • Willie Hart's Super-8 ...
PatGallegher - / @patgallegher
Menachem Piekarski - • pov scooby doos ghoste...

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

First person to tag me in a picture of you wearing the new shirt to Carowinds wins! Get 10 percent off the new Expedition Carowinds shirt using code EXP10 - expeditionthemepark.creator-spring.com/listing/expedition-carowinds?product=2 Check out our new podcast here www.expeditionenthused.com

[@racheljackson4428]

Wow 50 years of CaroWinds. they must do something special to celebrate.

[@coreylineberry8557]

@@racheljackson4428 They're making the park a year-round park (They're actually open today) and opening up a new area of the park, with restaurants and new rides.

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

Wonderful vid!! Can't wait till ya cover Carowinds during Halloween when it's called, SCAROWINDS!! That has been me and my wife's favorite time to go since the kids are now grown.

[@MiggerPlease]

@@racheljackson4428I'm a big gay nigga ok lol

[@jameshhenderson]

I was the “young boy” (mentioned at 10:41) who wrote Pat Hall 50 years ago asking to buy the first ticket. My daughters and I were invited to “cut the ribbon” last week for the 50th anniversary. Much has changed, and current ownership is making investments to keep it fun and relevant. The rollercoasters were great, even for a 61 year old.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hey Jim! That’s amazing I saw you went and cut the ribbon for the new land. Wish I could have mentioned that in the video but was just after. I was going to include your name but wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate to. I hope you are doing well. Would love to chat to you more if you have time! [e-mail]

[@livermush]

Neat

[@joutoob9]

hell ya that's awesome!!

[@maxtirk7752]

🎉😊 i love this You deserve it!!!

[@Cap-ku6ok]

This is by far the best telling of Carowind's history I have ever seen, and that is coming from a person who actually lived it from the planning stages until now. Thank you very much.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it

[@CardinalKaos]

The care this team/person puts into researching and producing these episodes js simply second to absolutely no one

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

@@CardinalKaos thank you! And it’s just me 😀

[@CardinalKaos]

​@@ExpeditionThemePark honestly that makes it all the more impressive

[@coreym162]

Exactly! The days of true capitalism. When people enjoyed making people's lives better above making a mere profit.

[@April235E]

Park fans and Carolinians really felt it when Cedar Fair removed the beloved Thunder Road (and probably the log flumes just as much.) I love Carowinds history!

[@DrewberTravels]

I went to Carowinds with family as a kid. First day was like any other theme park trip with family and waiting in line. At the end of the day my parents asked if I wanted to come back tomorrow with the second day pass while they went to the mall. I jumped on it and went when it opened that day. There was literally nobody there. I just ran from one ride to another and got right on the line everytime. At some point I ran into some other kid that was there alone and we hung out together for the day. Best amusement park memory every and I visited a lot of them as a kid.

[@coreylineberry8557]

As a former Carowinds employee who loved working there, I always love to hear more about Carowinds.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yesss

[@MM-ux7kp]

Your hard work at Carowinds meant a whole lot to me as a kid! All the people who worked and kept the park operating deserve credit for the amazing memories we created :D

[@ryanstrong1167]

BTW douche Corey. Carowinds fuuuuuckinh sucks. Sorry not sorry MAGIC MOINTAIN 🐐

[@coreylineberry8557]

​@@MM-ux7kpOh, I worked there from 2018-2021. Not exactly a long time ago. But thank you!

[@taylorstenhouse6168]

One of the theme park KZbinrs I watch FINALLY did a video on my local park, thank you so much!!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you! I love Carowinds

[@ryanahr2267]

I always forget that there's a local park for the Carolinas. The first time I went was just a few years ago. 2017, maybe or 2018. Just a few months prior I went to Universal for the first time, so I wasn't terribly impressed with Carowinds. I feel like I need to revisit it, though.

[@TimmehJay]

Yes! What an unexpected surprise!

[@superd4611]

Thank you for doing this video. The original Carowinds was absolutely one of the best planned theme parks in existence. The overall Carolina theme tied everything together. It was a beautiful park full of water and interesting buildings and lots of things for everyone to do. This continue to exist through the Taft years. But then KECO came along And the park started seriously deteriorating because of their debtload. Then the park was absolutely devastated by paramount ownership. They ripped out every bit of Carolina charm from the park. Hardly any of the original park exist these days. They ripped out virtually every family, transportation ride, Theater, and almost all of the water. Cedar fair has done a wonderful job bringing Carolina theming and renovating the park. However. The park seriously lacks slow, moving family rides and entertainment venues. It’s still a thrill park aimed at teenagers instead of those with better incomes.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks so much Doug

[@ducatisti]

I agree that it's a thrill park, but I don't agree it's aimed at teenagers, plenty of older folks love big air and intensity. Case in point, the American Coaster Enthusiasts annual Coaster Con is being held there this summer, and although they do have some younger members they definitely skew much older than teens!

[@williammurray8060]

Too many gangsters now. Stay away

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

I think the Great Americas were peak, but Carowinds isn't that bad

[@mackpines]

As someone who’s visited the park while visiting Charlotte, Carowinds is a great park to have in the area. One thing I’ve noticed is that Charlotte is devoid of a zoo or other amusements. Carowinds is a essential asset for the surrounding area.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That’s true!

[@kevindavis900]

Actually, the zoo story is more complex than you would think. NC is historically a very progressive state, indeed the home of the oldest public university in the US (UNC). In the mid-20th century, North Carolina decided to create a state-supported public zoo along with some aquariums and a state art museum. The NC Zoo - considered one of the best in the US, and the first to use naturalistic settings - is in Asheboro, a 60-90 minute drive from the three largest metro areas: Charlotte, the Triad (Greensboro/WS/HP) and the Triangle (Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh) and also close for Fayetteville and Sanford residents. The Uwharrie Mountains in which the zoo is set are some of the oldest in the world and make great settings for the Africa exhibits and others. I’m glad that instead of each metro trying to build their own zoo we have one awesome state zoo. That’s the kind of planning NC is known for.

[@coreylineberry8557]

​@@kevindavis900One of the largest zoos in the world, too. Might take the crown as _the_ largest once the Australia and Asia pavilions open up.

[@triton6127]

My favorite memory of Carowinds was in the 80's when I went to see Patti LaBelle in concert and Whoopi Goldberg sat a few rows in front of me. I didn't think it was her until I remembered they were filming The Color Purple nearby at the time.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That’s awesome!

[@data-_-]

since Carowinds is my home park (and I've been going since I was little) it always feels like I got a personal shoutout when someone says something about Carowinds in a video, let alone an entire video about it! I know know my way around Carowinds better than I do my house! lol

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@tufab3494]

Guys, I think it's safe to say that ETP is indeed back! After a 4 month break we already got 4 videos in the course of 2 months! Glad to see this! Big shoutout from Brazil my G, keep up the great work!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I am indeed! Thank you so much

[@tufab3494]

@@ExpeditionThemePark I'm glad to hear that! And if you don't mind a suggestion, I think it would be very cool to go a different route and make a video on Monte Makaya - The record holder coaster that was cloned to build Colossus at Thorpe Park. It's Intamin's 10 inversion coaster prototype, which held the record for most inversions alongside Dragon Khan from 98 to 2002 (as a prototype it had 8 inversions, unlike Colossus which broke the record with 10), and surprinsilly it was built in Rio de Janeiro, here in Brazil! It is planned to reopen at Mirabilandia (not the italian one), in the state of Pernambuco, in the next 2 or 3 years. It would be very nice to see a 10 min long video about it, as it's been forgot and is almost unkown between the CE community. If you decide to make a video on it, you can contact the guys from HapFun Brasil who can help you with all the info needed!

[@Phostings1]

Carowinds also host symphonic band competitions. I truly missed hanging out with my band mates, breaking into small groups, and walking around aimlessly just having fun without a care in the world. We would also run into seniors who choose Carowinds as their senior trip on the same day! We truly had a great time at carowinds. If you haven't been there, please do visit! We Carolinians are big on hospitality!

[@ChairmanChico]

Brother you have no idea how it warms my heart that my home park FINALLY has an ETP badge.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It’s finally time!

[@alphie333]

Carowinds is soo charming and honestly massive! We spent a few days there a couple years ago and I’m itching to go back! Fury is one of my top 5 and copper head strike’s shed beats mystic Timbers any day of the week!

[@GCJACK83]

Seeing this reminds me of one of the last times I saw one of my uncles before he passed away. He took me to Carowind's for the day, and it was a blast even during the late 1990s. I also recall there was an A&W Restaurant in there, and you could buy the glass mug you used as a souvenir. I still think of this specific uncle whenever I use my A&W mug.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

Every kid that grew up in Carolina has a childhood story about standing on the state line at Carowinds and jumping from state to state. And it did continue to get better. By the time I moved here as a 10 year old in 1980, they had "White Lightning," which was a one loop coaster, and "The Carolina Cyclone" which had four loops. Hell, I am 53 and I almost want to go back this weekend!

[@mindwarp42]

It's not just kids who grew up in SC who have that memory. I grew up in NY, but half of my family is Southern, and I remember going to Carowinds as a teen visiting my mom in Rock Hill after my parents divorced and she moved back to SC. You better believe my sister and I had fun crossiing the state line.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

@@mindwarp42 awesome, brother

[@emilybenge_]

Oh my god its my Home Park!! I never thought I’d ever see Carowinds on the channel, this is so cool! Your videos are always so well done and I love looking at all the different rides and stories of these parks. Never have I clicked faster on a video.

[@hopejordan2997]

My home park too!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy!

[@marissam6595]

It’s mine too!! I’ve never been so excited! 🎉

[@MrCamzdad]

Mine too

[@williamgibson9291]

I worked there 9 seasons. My brother did 10 i think. So much has changed but i still love the park.

[@linnearyan7750]

Carowinds was my first theme park; my family had annual passes in the late 90s. It was great to see you cover it's history!

[@timfromnc645]

Loved your report on Carowinds - very comprehensive! As a Charlotte native worked there 3 summers in mid 70s. Had a blast. They would have beer parties for us - made so many friends from other schools. And the girls - so much fun! One friend that started working there when we were 16, stayed for 30 years.

[@pproteinc]

I’m so stoked to see my homepark on this channel. I grew up there during the Hana Barba days. I remember the monorail, train and chairlift. Wish those were still around. Well maybe not the monorail. Family moved to NYC for a time and moved back to SC during the Paramount days. To my dismay I noticed all the water was almost gone and certain areas were gone like Smurf Island. Worked there from 99-07. Still love my park. I’m there almost everyday it’s opened. 😂

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I love Carowinds!

[@jimprice9703]

What a trip down memory lane. I worked at Carowinds one summer in the early 80s. It was my first job after graduating college in Chapel Hill while I decided my next steps. It was more fun than work and I enjoyed it greatly. I made redwood signs in the Country section and remember Rocky Raccoon and Carol Lion well. Looking forward to what comes with 'to be continued'. I have a feeling you'll be covering the year I was there.😹

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

You might be right!

[@obliograce3551]

Growing up in Virginia and vacationing in the Outer Banks every summer when school let out, later coming to love many places in North Carolina, I am both embarrassed and pleased to now be hearing about this place for the first time. Thank you.

[@megaascension2748]

Carowinds has a bunch of fun coasters. Fury 325 is one of the best coasters, if not the best, I've ever ridden. If you go in the summer, pack a bunch of sunscreen, the heat and humidity is like going to Disneyworld in the Summer, except you don't get as many afternoon thunderstorms.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I love fury!

[@edwardc4453]

glad you're back! if you ever wanna go to carowinds i live just around the corner :D

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Can’t wait to go again soon!

[@guardianofcreativity4860]

I’ve been watching these KZbin theme park documentaries for years and it’s so exciting seeing my home park getting a video! I remember as a kid (and honestly still as an adult) we would jump back and forth over the state line in the park and put one foot on each side for fun.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It has to be done!

[@Cris-em9tn]

I’d totally do that too. I went on a road trip last year to move my best friend back home, so we went from LA to NY. I’m still grumpy I forgot about the Four Corners Monument. I, a 32 year old adult, wanted to run in a circle chanting which of the 4 states I was in each time I went around. Damn memory making me forget to go and embarrass myself.

[@tybrady1935]

Kudos to Pat Hall for creating a theme park that brings lots of fun to many people!

[@louannchipman1749]

My Dee (Daddy) took me to Carowinds when I was little. Thunder Road had just been opened. I remember getting a little stuffed dog with an engineer hat on it - I think it was from playing some arcade games - and Dee bought me a pretty tissue paper flower that a "true Southern Belle" had made for me. It was such a magical experience and one I will never forget. We both rode the Goldrusher, the Oaken Bucket and drove the little cars around. Back when I was little, there were other options that were somewhat close to our home - Circle M Zoo near Stuart, VA, Dan River Queen in Meadows of Dan, VA and The Land of Oz near Banner Elk, VA - by far, Carowinds was the biggest and best, though. So happy we still have this landmark park! Even went to my first concert there - on my 14th birthday, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were there performing and I still have the t-shirt to prove it - Damn the Torpedoes tour 1979 - 1980!

[@Uncle-Jay]

The idea of an attached community is really cool. I'd love to live close to a place like that.

[@nielgregory108]

Brings back lots of memories. I never knew about the western theme and now it makes sense with some of the left-over bits that they left. Hanna-Barbera Land was AWESOME as a kid. They had all kinds of HB characters roaming the park. I had been to Disney, and thought it was just too big. Carowinds was perfect!! You could do everything in one day. I was there in the late 70's as a kid and LOVED it. The Goldrusher is still my all time favorite coaster. It's not much really but the old wooden coaster will shake you out of your boots! REMEMBER, the very 1st gold rush in the US was in NC!! The other old coasters that are not there anymore are still my favorites, Thunder Road and White Lightning - Lightning strikes.......NOW!!!!

[@robindeera8060]

As a fellow Carolinian this was great to watch !

[@amymorand5723]

Love this video! As a Carowinds passholder for many years, I'd love to see more history of the park. I'm excited about celebrating 50 years!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks so much!

[@coreyhiggins3475]

I just have to say, that during the Pandemic I discovered channels dedicated to amusement parks and ride histories. I fell in love with them! Your channel has been the most balanced and consistent and it means so much to me you have added Carowinds to your expedition line up! Great work and what a fun podcast you two have as well!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much as always Corey

[@jimmiles9144]

Thank you so much for the research. The photos and pictures bring back many memories. I live in Columbia (1.5 hours away). First visit was 1974. It really changed around 77’. Also, they held concerts there. I saw Ray Stevens and Crystal Gale as a child in the amphitheater. Later, as a young man, I saw Depeche Mode! I never knew Mr Hall until your research. He’s now a great hero to this grown man child! Thank you

[@karenstoddard8278]

Those Palladium concerts were awesome! I saw The Bay City Rollers there when I was 14 😊 Frankie Valli, Rick Springfield, America. So many memories. I had season passes for our kids for years-still love that park ♥️. So happy to see this! I’d forgotten or never knew some of this history.

[@TimmehJay]

I had a friend who ran all the arcades at Carowinds in the early 2000s. He was a 3rd party contractor and had access to the park in the off season so we used to head down there at night in the winter and ride around the park in his car, smoking a joint. Driving down the Wayne's World section was always the best part. Then he'd open up one of the arcades and we'd game the night away. Good times.

[@ofclshn]

Working in rides leadership at Carowinds was the best job I’ve ever had. There’s a reason Cedar Fair has all but moved their HQ down the street.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Love Carowinds!

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

Well, from what I've read in a book about Kings Island, this park was originally the flagship park of the Kings Entertainment parks, and that remained true until Cedar Fair took over. So Cedar Fair probably realized the previous owners were onto something prioritizing this park.

[@FamousAtticusJS]

I loved going to Carowinds! I had family living in the area and we would visit every summer through the 90's, great times! Can't beat a park that has both amusement rides and a waterpark. Great insightful video!

[@JJacobs803]

Carowinds is my home park. My family has been going there for generations. Always have a place in my heart. Planning a trip there soon

[@tfromcleveland3741]

“The name is a combination of Carolina and Winds”. It’s deadpan humor like that that brings me back every time!

[@austinwilliams87]

I never would’ve thought you’d do a video on my home park. Thank you so much! I can’t wait for part 2!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I love Carowinds!

[@scronx]

Very interesting, even inspiring -- in an expressive British accent no less. I live in South Carolina but have only ever heard the name of the park. It's a shame more innovators aren't thinking along such wholesome family-oriented lines. Love the idea of treating the Carolinas as an entity -- almost a country, which in a way they are.

[@RollinBones]

As a theme park enthusiast whose first park was Carowinds, I'm excited that someone is finally doing some episodes on it.

[@MusicGal672]

I always love learning about a theme park I haven’t heard of before! Makes me excited to go to more 🥰

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It’s a great park! Changed a lot but some top quality rides

[@ceciliafetters7622]

My home park!! I never see anything about it on these channels. Thank you for telling its story!

[@christiwright3604]

Carowinds will always be a staple for the area ❤ The success has been amazing!

[@HangingwiththeCrazyCrew]

Carowinds is our home park and it has been through many changes over the years and has such an interesting history! I really enjoyed this video, Thank You!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much! I can’t wait to get some food from your food truck btw

[@fms7293]

I’m sure you know this already but your videos are top tier! You deserve so many more subscribers. So much good info on your videos. Thank you so much for keeping me entertained and also teaching me so many new things about these parks! As a theme park enthusiast, I love your Chanel ! Keep up the hard work brother!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I appreciate that!

[@weirsgarage]

I live about 5 miles from this park now and can't wait to check it out.

[@brentmanhart1026]

Have you ever considered an Expedition Extinct on Boblo Island outside of Detroit? It was a park built entirely on an island that could only be reached by ferry. The park itself, from what I understand, was pretty run of the mill, but the isolated island aspect was pretty unique, from what I understand. It was such a huge part of the city’s legacy that I feel a fondness for it even though it closed before I was born.

[@philduritza7717]

I grew up visiting BobLo! You are right, the park was pretty meh particularly when compared to the way better Cedar Point which was a relatively short drive. The REAL reason you went to BobLo was to get to ride the BobLo boats to get there. They were awesome!

[@DavidKing-ut9wr]

My brother and I helped build Carowinds and I knew Pat Hall. Pat would walk around the area while work was going on and if he thought you were doing a good job he’d give you $20 bill or stick It in your shirt pocket. We had the train that circled the entire park that had to stay polished, we dug out for the riverboat after the center track had been laid, we painted Harmony Hall, we sandblasted the towers for the monorail and we all loved the baby elephant that they went and got for the petting zoo area. I remember it got out once through an unlatched gate and we had to get it corralled back. So very many other things we did that slips my memory but we had a good time working for Pat Hall.

[@carouselofLaura]

I’m a huge nerd for amusement park history and with this park it’s basically in my “backyard” - I indulge in its history! Great video. Side note: I plan on taking my Mother here this summer to celebrate her 50th Birthday as well. (Yes, she still loves amusement parks, and has had consistent pass to her local Six Flags since I was 4. Her love for theme parks doesn’t change with age.) 😂

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Same for my mum! That’s the best

[@kiera_rdh6697]

I’ll be visiting Carowinds for the first time soon, I love all of this history! Can’t wait for more parts to come!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you have a good time

[@SaltyNationalist]

I remember working there one summer back in the 90s.. I worked in the Waterpark area, on some of the slides.. Good times, lol.. Beautiful people to work with and people just having fun..

[@thefergyfilms]

This is one of your best videos. Earl Patterson Hall sounded like a wonderful man, forever thankful for his gift that keeps on giving- Carowinds!

[@astroguster5522]

My brother has a season pass and he took me one visit. We had an awesome time. I work at Disney in Orlando so to be able to actually enjoy a day at a theme park without crazy prices, overcomplicated parking and neverending lines was a pure delight.

[@245lilman]

Growing up here in North Carolina its great to see Carowinds on this channel always love going their

[@disneydarling7573]

This is my home park. Carowinds is one of my favorite places in the entire world. It was hard not to sob during your video, the memories I’ve had here are some of the best of my life.

[@aaliyahmc6734]

Wow I’m from Charlotte Nc I would’ve never thought I’d see a video on Carowinds. So cool…. 🙌🏽😄

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I love Carowinds!

[@BeesandTeasStitching]

I doubt you'll get to read this with all the other comments, but I live in South Carolina, and I remember as a kid going up to Carowinds, seeing the cartoon characters, and riding the rides. I always looked forward to summers because I knew that meant that maybe, just maybe, our parents would take my brother and I to Carowinds that year. And when they did, those are some of the best memories that I have. Thank you so much for making this video. I remember that commercial you played at the end as well. All the great memories!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I read all the comments! Thank you so much I really appreciate it. It’s a great park with an incredible history

[@BeesandTeasStitching]

@@ExpeditionThemePark I wasn't aware you read them all. That is awesome. I've been a long time watcher and subscriber, but I don't think I've ever commented. I'd love to see a video on the Six Flags over Georgia ride The Great American Scream Machine. That's the first roller coaster I ever rode (even if it is a tame wooden coaster) Your videos are the best :)

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

@@BeesandTeasStitching thank you! I plan to visit over Georgia soon and definitely will make a video about the park

[@savahbejin7511]

Have visited several times with our daughter many years ago. Lots of fun at that time.

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

Always enjoy your videos. I learn something new each time. The research you put into them with the articles and film clips is impressive. Looking forward to the next one!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks so much

[@tripsplat]

i’m so excited for this series!! Carowinds is my old home park (but forever in my heart my true home park) and I’ve seen a small handful of its many eras. I can’t wait for part 2! I loved Thunder Road and was gutted when they retired that iconic coaster.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@timfromnc645]

I worked on Thunder road 1977 summer in my overalls- country section. Loved it sad to see it go few years back

[@knicholsch]

I can’t believe how much it resembles Six Flags of Georgia. You can def tell the same creators were involved.

[@charliehanscome6456]

I drove up and down the east coast my whole life and my Dad lives in myrtle Beach. I never heard of this place I’m 45.I’ll have to check it out someday. great video!

[@janicewright6375]

I was there the first year it opened. It has really changed over the years. The log flume ride was the best, but unfortunately it's gone now. Thank you Sam!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That’s awesome!

[@janicewright6375]

It just means I'm old. lol

[@sikkygames]

I need you to know that I appreciate these videos so much. The editing style and your voice are so soothing and I use them as ASMR to fall asleep to. Good job and thank you!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Aha you are welcome! Thank you

[@leahjacobs38]

You and Super Enthused are actually 2 of my most favorite parks channels and 2 of my favorite channels period (full stop). I INSTANTLY click play when I see yall post and it's a highlight of my day!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much!

[@nicholasestes4299]

Ive went to Carowinds since i was a child so about 30 years. Its awesome to see what it looked like years before i was born. I've never seen some of these videos of the original Carowinds. Very cool video!

[@lynlyhickey]

My first job was on the Vortex!!! I love this park.

[@ComradeMarlow]

Pretty cool to see all the other people in the comments who grew up with the park. When I was a kid, it was a Paramount park, and had a bunch of Star Trek stuff, like klingons and ferengi wandering around. My first concert was there, I think, when I was like 2 or 3--Moody Blues.

[@TK4052]

Having grown up 30 minutes from this park but not having been born until 1980, it's a real treat to learn more about its history. Very much looking forward to part 2 - the era that comes next will have lots to dive into, like when the park was acquired by Paramount and many of the rides converted to IPs owned by that company.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It’s gonna be exciting that’s for sure!

[@skittlessunshine5518]

My park!!! Can’t wait to watch this.

[@chrisyoungblood1421]

Another fantastic episode Sam!! Thank you as always for the amazing content!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks so much Chris

[@TheMuni777]

That intro Carowinds song sounds just like the Carousel song from the Great America parks.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I love it!

[@mormor8871]

I never thought I'd see the day a popular rollercoaster channel do a documentary on my local park!!!! My family has grown up with the Park sense it's first creation me seeing it rise from 2003-today and my mom growing up with it in the early days so it's so nice to see this;-;

[@JayAlfordElementJMusic]

As an NC native, seeing this really warms my heart. I've loved Carowinds ever since I was a kid (I'm 31 now, #90sBaby) and I still love it just as much now. Looking forward to seeing the next part!

[@RichardinNC1]

I’ve lived in Charlotte for 40 years. Sadly as an adult I’ve only been there 4 times if I recall correctly. The last 2 were for a charity walk and staying the day at a discount. The big problem is the admission fee of $55 now for summer season or $75 at the gate!

[@BrandonTWills]

Thunder Road, the Scooby Doo & the Dale Earnhardt roller coaster will always be my favorites.

[@carlyandfriends1547]

We went here as a family in the mid 90's. Nice park!

[@sirqe6791]

Thanks for covering the history of my local theme park. Scooby Doo is long gone along with the water log flume. I wish we could bring back the admissions prices from the 70s 😂

[@Maybe1Someday]

I loved going to carrowinds as a kid, didnt know anything about the man behind it. Havent been in a while. Video gave me goosebumps

[@coastingalong]

i can tell this video took a long time to make. great job man. your work ethic is unmatched in the coaster community

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you

[@BarryGGould]

i live 3 hrs away so i dont go as much as i would like but i do try to go at least once a yr. i love this park. fury 325 is awesome so is afterburn and copperhead strike so many fun rides. i was born and raised 40 from six flags great adventure even worked there for 7 yrs. so when i moved to nc i was like gotta check out the park here. its absolutely beautiful 😍

[@hopejordan2997]

My home park! So much nostalgia. Thanks for covering this one

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you for watching

[@jazzbo13]

9:57 Love that chuckle in your voice as if you couldn't believe what you were saying.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Aha I forgot to redo it oops

[@jazzbo13]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Don’t change it. It was perfect!

[@darkgreen9098]

The cost of a dream, thank you and rest easy Mr. Hall.

[@williamhilbert8324]

Grew up in Goldsboro NC that brings back memories

[@jacobciccolella5801]

Agreed that this was superb! Looking forward to Episode 2!! 😃

[@eth39232]

My parents took me there in 1973 when I was 9, and I loved Carowinds the way it was then. I don't think I would care for it the way it is now with one roller coaster after another.

[@cozyburrito686]

These are just sooooo good! Wtg! I love this channel soo much! The deep dives just are so amazingly interesting!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much

[@hamletsprincess]

I was able to visit carowinds o 3/31/2023 and ride the gold rusher on its 50th birthday! It was amazing!

[@kawaiitrash3604]

I've been waiting for this one!

[@Happy32153]

I’ve been very happy several times as a Carolina native. The new coaster is awesome and look forward to visiting again.

[@bug5258]

Thanks, brother. I live 15 min from here and will always get season tickets.. great job and content.... been watching your for years... carowinds is where the Carolinas come to meet!!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A great place to be! Thank you so much. I’m a big fan of Carowinds

[@OddOneOut665]

For me, the Paramount years were one of its' best, and I'll gladly die on that hill...

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Iconic

[@SaturnCanuck]

Wow a two-parter. I had no idea and what a great idea on the state line.

[@topherervin7731]

This was really cool. Brought back some many childhood memories!

[@gordonwchas]

Excellent as always. Only got to Carowinds once but loved it.

[@MrJamieBattle]

I love their theme song. My first full day at the park i was serenaded with one of the actors when the park opened with the song playing :)

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It’s the best!

[@wbnc66]

My first theme park visit was to Carowinds, in the late 70s, I lived just up the road from Charlotte and we made a day trip to it. Thunder Road was my first ever roller coaster so yeah this place holds some great memories for me. In the middle of summer, it can be brutally hot. a little crowded on busy days, but it is not a bad day out...or at least it wasn't the last time I visited

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That’s awesome!