Carowinds
Carowinds: A family-friendly amusement park on the NC/SC border, famous for its record-breaking roller coasters and thrilling rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Carowinds
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Carowinds: A family-friendly amusement park on the NC/SC border, famous for its record-breaking roller coasters and thrilling rides.
"It was a nice amusement park and water park. There are not many rides for little kids, but they have some great rollercoaster rides."
📱 Secure Your Phone
Use zippered pockets or fanny packs for phones on rides. Some rides may have lockers available.
💧 Stay Hydrated for Free
Get free cups of water at any food or drink stand, especially crucial in the summer heat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fury 325
The Thrill Zone
Experience the world's fifth-tallest giga coaster, a smooth, intense, and terrifyingly fun ride.
Copperhead Strike
Blue Ridge Junction
A thrilling multi-launch coaster with a surprise element, offering a unique and enjoyable ride experience.
Afterburn
The Thrill Zone
An inverted coaster that provides an exhilarating, high-speed ride with inversions and twists.
Water Park Fun
Carolina Harbor
Cool off at this expansive water park with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, perfect for hot days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Smart Spending Strategies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Secure Your Phone
Use zippered pockets or fanny packs for phones on rides. Some rides may have lockers available.
💧 Stay Hydrated for Free
Get free cups of water at any food or drink stand, especially crucial in the summer heat.
💰 All-Day Dining Deal
Consider the dining plan for cost-effective meals every 90 minutes.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online for potential discounts and to save time at the entrance.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Secure Your Phone
Use zippered pockets or fanny packs for phones on rides. Some rides may have lockers available.
💧 Stay Hydrated for Free
Get free cups of water at any food or drink stand, especially crucial in the summer heat.
💰 All-Day Dining Deal
Consider the dining plan for cost-effective meals every 90 minutes.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online for potential discounts and to save time at the entrance.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
♿ Accessibility Options
Carowinds offers accommodations for guests with disabilities, including autism. Check their policies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carowinds offers a thrilling amusement park experience with world-class roller coasters like Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike. Visitors praise the friendly staff, clean facilities, and the enjoyable water park. However, some find the food overpriced and of low quality, and the park can be very hot and crowded during peak times.
"Had an awesome day! Even with the July heat, the shaded lines, fans, and free water kept us going from open to close!
I highly recommend the premium dining plan. By the time you buy 2 meals and a drink you’ve basically paid for the plan. Then, you get to eat every 90 minutes and drink every 15 minutes.
Going on a weekday will give you the ability to ride basically all of the rides multiple times!
The staff was awesome, kind, and helpful answering any questions we had.
Looking for a fun activity for the family that is outdoors and away from screens? This is a great option! We brought a big group our church and had a blast as well!
Overall, I’d highly recommend this amusement park if you’re into thrilling rides, good food, and a great time with friends and family!"
Christopher Smith
"It was a nice amusement park and water park. There are not many rides for little kids, but they have some great rollercoaster ridesplan on bringing quite a bit of money. I was lucky im 65, so I only paid 19.99 to get in. I bought a refillable drink cup for the day, which cost me 21.97. A small box of popcorn was 8.35.. parking is 35.00 vip parking is 45.00. The one good thing they did was because of the high heat, we went 4th of July weekend was any food place or drink stand you could get a free cup of water. No outside food is supposed to be allowed, but they don't check bags, so you can bring in chips or something. They are a cashless place, so have a credit or debit card with you. Also, you walk through a metal detector. You must have an ID with you. They check for someone over 21 with kids, although he asked a single guy in front of me for his, so just have it ready. There are plenty of rest rooms with no lines for the womens room, that is, people just don't like to flush the toilet, so that's something to watch for. It's a nice park, though, and I can see me going back there again."
Ingrid Hakala
"Rides were fun. Went early on a Saturday morning and luckily lines were not awful. Fury325 is very intense and also a very smooth. Thunder Striker is just as smooth, intense as well but not quite as terrifying 😆. Other coasters were great. Need to remember I'm too old for Carolina Cyclone, it beat me up. I don't ride Hurler anymore for that same reason. First time on Copperhead Strike - very fun coaster! Afterburn is still one of my favorite coasters of all time; it is really a fun ride!!
Overpriced food was very low quality. $65 for two slices of pizza which came with a garlic bread knot. And 2 medium fountain drinks. Just excessive. I think a different food & bev model would work out better for the park. I'm sure it is challenging to manage that aspect but still, the quality should at least be satisfactory at those exorbitant prices."
Scott Reviews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The address for Carowinds is 1400 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273. It's conveniently located on the border of North and South Carolina.
From Charlotte, you can drive to Carowinds via I-77 South. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are common.
Yes, Carowinds offers ample parking. Standard parking is $35, with VIP parking available for $45.
While direct public transport routes can be limited, check local bus schedules for potential connections. Many visitors opt for driving or ride-sharing services.
Yes, there are numerous hotels near Carowinds, offering various price points and amenities for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but general admission can be around $40-$60 if purchased online. Look for Carowinds discount tickets or consider a season pass for frequent visits.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but buying Carowinds online tickets is often cheaper and saves time.
Yes, Carowinds offers season passes (Gold Pass, Platinum Pass) which provide unlimited visits, parking, and other perks.
Carowinds hours vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Carowinds website for the most up-to-date Carowinds amusement park hours for your planned visit.
Yes, you will need an ID. They check for someone over 21 with kids, and it's good to have it ready.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Top roller coasters include Fury 325, Copperhead Strike, Afterburn, and Intimidator. Fury 325 is particularly renowned for its intensity and smoothness.
Yes, Carowinds features Carolina Harbor, a large water park with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, included with park admission.
It's recommended to use zippered pockets or fanny packs for your phone. Some rides may have lockers available for rent or use.
While Carowinds is known for its thrill rides, there are some attractions for younger children, though the selection might be more limited compared to other parks.
Yes, Carowinds is a cashless park. You'll need a credit or debit card for all purchases.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many visitors find the all-day dining plan to be a good value, allowing you to get a meal every 90 minutes and drinks every 15 minutes.
Food prices can be high, with some reviews mentioning $65 for two slices of pizza and drinks. Bringing snacks might be a cost-saving option.
Outside food is not officially allowed, but some guests report that bags are not thoroughly checked, allowing for snacks.
Options can vary, but most amusement parks offer some standard choices like salads, fries, or fruit. It's best to check with individual food stands.
You can get free cups of water at any food or drink stand throughout the park, which is essential during hot weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic rides like Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike offer dramatic backdrops. The AeroNautica Landing area also has visually interesting rides like the Gear Spin.
Generally, you cannot use phones or cameras on most rides due to safety regulations. Secure your devices in pockets or lockers before boarding.
Riding at night can offer a different perspective and unique photo opportunities, especially with the park lights.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing clear shots of the park and rides.
Look for themed areas and the impressive scale of the major roller coasters for memorable photos. The park's entrance and iconic landmarks are also great for shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with children who have autism or other documented disabilities, Carowinds provides accessibility accommodations. It's highly recommended to check the park's specific policies and services beforehand to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for weekday visits to avoid peak crowds and potentially shorter wait times, saving you from needing a Fast Pass. Utilize the free water stations throughout the park to stay hydrated without extra cost.
🎢 Thrill-Seekers
To maximize your coaster count, consider visiting on a weekday to minimize wait times. If your budget allows, a Fast Pass can be a worthwhile investment to skip the lines on the most popular rides.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conquering the Coasters: A Thrill-Seeker's Guide
Beyond these headliners, Afterburn (formerly Top Gun: The Ride) remains a classic inverted coaster, providing intense inversions and a feeling of flight.
When planning your coaster adventures, consider purchasing a Fast Pass if your budget allows, especially during peak season, to minimize wait times. Alternatively, visiting on weekdays and arriving early can significantly reduce your time in line.
Navigating Carowinds: From Tickets to Transportation
Getting to Carowinds is straightforward, with the park located at 1400 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC. Parking is available on-site, with standard parking fees and a more expensive VIP option.
Upon entering the park, be prepared for a security check, including walking through a metal detector. It's advisable to have your ID ready, as they may check for age verification, especially for those with children.
Dining Delights and Budgeting at Carowinds
For those looking to save money, bringing your own snacks is a strategy some visitors employ, as bag checks are reportedly not always thorough.
It's also worth noting that Carowinds operates as a cashless park, so all food and beverage purchases will require a credit or debit card.
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