[mdsmith98]

Yea, no way a coaster comes in 2020, unless it’s a vortex conversion (even that likely isn’t going to happen), but that’s not even a new coaster truly.

My prediction is a revamp of crossroads for 2020.

[Techedchart1551]

I imagine they'll spruce up a few things, but i doubt any drastic additions to the park

[Chris]

I imagine they'll spruce up a few things, but i doubt any drastic additions to the park

This is the first thing you've said on this forum that I actually agree with.

[Techedchart1551]

don't know if that was a compliment or an insult, but ok

"Hey, we're coaster enthusiasts! All we do is complain and argue!" -Taylor Bybee (of all people)

to see enthusiasts agree is a rare sight.

[arby]

I agree with TarHeel1231. Our new coaster hasn't even finished testing and opened, yet there are coaster discussions in a 2020 speculation thread?!? While I have absolutely no insider knowledge, I can almost guarantee 100% that Carowinds is not getting a new coaster in 2020. In 3-5 years? Possibly, but not in 2020. They want to get the most bang for the buck out of a new coaster so want to be able to heavily market it for a few years.

[Techedchart1551]

totally agree with you on that one- definitely not a coaster in 2020- i suspect our next year is 2023- carowinds' 50th anniversary.

[cwgator]

Most parks don't care about adding coasters in an anniversary year. History proves this in general. A nice 50th years celebratory event over the summer perhaps with a festival and special shows. Who knows though.

Anyway back to 2020.
General park improvements and at most a new water slide (going with the add a coaster then water park flow they went with before). I'd be surprised if they put floorless trains on Vortex (in 2020), but you never know.

[fishels]

I agree with TarHeel1231. Our new coaster hasn't even finished testing and opened, yet there are coaster discussions in a 2020 speculation thread?!? While I have absolutely no insider knowledge, I can almost guarantee 100% that Carowinds is not getting a new coaster in 2020. In 3-5 years? Possibly, but not in 2020. They want to get the most bang for the buck out of a new coaster so want to be able to heavily market it for a few years.

Pretty much. Again I’m no expert or insider by any stretch. But I imagine they’ll also want to see what this does to attendance “long term”. Does adding Copperhead strike merely improve attendance the first year only, or does it improve it the first year and then some?

I believe that’s extremely important to them. We are no cedar point yet.

[Christopher Mallis]

If anybody thinks they’ll convert vortex so it’ll apparently be able to operate for Winterfest well, you’re wrong. Winterfest is an experience based event and is not about the rides-John said this during the off season. Just scrap vortex, give carousel park some life to it rather than 3 signs and the carousel along with reused planet snoopy benches that don’t even fit in with the area. The theming of carousel park could be perfect for antique cars. Maybe those are going in crossroads if Carowinds ever wants to add them. Who knows. All I see for 2020 is a fairly good waterpark expansion with a slide complex (not anything similar to the same concept being tossed around at other parks like kings island, cedar point and so on) and this complex shouldn’t be with drop slides it should just be with some standard slides because all Carowinds needs is either a mat racer or some tube slides and non drop body slides. (The only major non drop body slides in the park are storm surge and there’s only two on that complex).

[coasterbruh]

Vortex has too many things going for it than it has against it. It has good capacity, doesn't cost much to operate and (as with most B&M coasters) Doesn't cost much to keep running.

I remember when I thought vortex was the best thing ever. The coaster hasn't change, just my exposure to other rides. With that being said, to a good portion of park guest who isn't as experiences as some of us, Vortex is pretty great!.

[yawetag]

How "groundbreaking" were stand-up coasters when first released. I remember thinking it was the coolest thing ever when I was standing in line opening year, but I don't see mention of many others in other parks, nor have I ever (that I can remember) ridden any others.

[Christopher Mallis]

Yeah, standup coasters used to be pretty great and people really loved them but as time goes on and new attractions come to parks...it makes the stand ups less popular and they start to age out

[Wormy]

The notable exception to existing stand-ups, Georgia Scorcher even by enthusiasts' standards is still a must ride. As testimony to that, I'm glad SFOG is finally repainting theirs, as confirmed by their park rep during Winter Warm Up.


Stand-ups came along as a welcome gimmick to parks and the public alike at a time when folks were literally trying to stand up on coasters not designed for that sort of douchery. I also remember standing in line for Vortex in its inaugural season for a good couple of hours but then wondered, um, that was it? I've taken cheap shots at the ol' Crotch Rocket (who hasn't?), but as long as the park isn't hard up for space (it isn't), and even if a floorless conversion is worth it (it isn't), leave it be for now. It isn't hurting anybody (well, yeah, it still kinda hurts dudes, and ears).

If it ain't broke..

[Coasterphreak]

They also come from an era when if you wanted a B&M in your park, your options were Stand Up, Sit Down, or Inverted, because that's all they built for the first few years of their existence.

[Edwardo]

They’re FINALLY painting Scorcher? Hallelujah. That ride has looked bad forvfar too long.

Now if they can relain Goliath...