[RollerBee]

I didn't say forever....
Ended up buying a locker and a swimsuit yesterday at Carowinds.
Without Carowinds Season Passes, I can go to Family Kingdom, Six Flags Over Georgia, or Dollywood instead.

[super7]

First of all, is this a PR scam like the removal of Whizzer at Great American, then they will "save" it to look good to the people?

Or will it get retracked like Colussus?

If not, this is an idiotic move by management. Racing coasters offer a GREAT benefit to parks that have them. On busy days, they have smaller waits because of CAPACITY. Although all these dollar grabbing parks see these days is the extra payroll it costs to operate them, not the added benefit to guest experience by having a less wait.......

It really doesn't matter what they do at Carowinds these days. That park is a hodge-podge mess of mediocre rides (sorry but even the new giga is not really that re-rideable), poor theming (just remnants of what was originally there), and virtually nothing for non-thrill seekers to do. The only thing "Carolina" about it is that they have the name slapped on THREE coasters and THREE sections of the park lol. It's an ugly park overall with few scenic areas. So removal of one of the better, re-rideable coasters in a park that isn't that great to start with isn't a huge tragedy. Just another reason not to go there.

Its always nice to look back at the Carowinds Early Years site and see how great this park once was.

[Axel]

^ tell us how you REALLY feel...

[RollerBee]

Yes Super7 let it all out! By the way, I like your opinion.

[dianals]

No Thunder Road, No Carowinds Season Passes
Save Thunder Road or keep your season passes
Watch season pass sales drop.

While there will be some people who, I'm sure, will not renew their season passes with the removal of Thunder Road, there are plenty others who don't care, and will be more than happy with the new additions.

Yes, there are thousands of people who remember Carowinds from their childhood, and have sentimental feelings towards TR. Having moved to NC in 1998, that was the first year we had a Season pass, so I find myself torn on this one. It's not a "childhood staple" for me, but I do remember riding it backwards. However, it has been way too rough for me over the past few years that I don't ride it more than 1 time per season (just to say I did it). Although I've always loved driving down Carowinds Blvd and seeing it right there.

The thing is, though, there are also thousands of transplants who don't have the nostalgia over it. There is the younger generation (my kids) who were born here but yet have no sentimental attachment to it...they just want bigger and better.

I do understand the sentimental feeling towards rides/attractions, and for them I do feel sorry to see it go. But I really don't think the number of people who refuse to buy season passes next year over it will be enough to cause CF any worries.

[uscbandfan]

Totally agree.

[Sean978]

First of all, is this a PR scam like the removal of Whizzer at Great American, then they will "save" it to look good to the people?

Or will it get retracked like Colussus?

If not, this is an idiotic move by management. Racing coasters offer a GREAT benefit to parks that have them. On busy days, they have smaller waits because of CAPACITY. Although all these dollar grabbing parks see these days is the extra payroll it costs to operate them, not the added benefit to guest experience by having a less wait.......

It really doesn't matter what they do at Carowinds these days. That park is a hodge-podge mess of mediocre rides (sorry but even the new giga is not really that re-rideable), poor theming (just remnants of what was originally there), and virtually nothing for non-thrill seekers to do. The only thing "Carolina" about it is that they have the name slapped on THREE coasters and THREE sections of the park lol. It's an ugly park overall with few scenic areas. So removal of one of the better, re-rideable coasters in a park that isn't that great to start with isn't a huge tragedy. Just another reason not to go there.

Its always nice to look back at the Carowinds Early Years site and see how great this park once was.

Something you want to talk about there buddy?

[lingerdog]

As to the issue of this being a bad move altogether or a PR stunt, I will say this. I can't count how many people I have seen on fb say "I haven't been to Carowinds in years, I've got to make a trip before July 26th so I can ride TR one last time." Well played CF, well played.

[RollerBee]

I would be shocked if it were a PR stunt, totally shocked and amazing.

[Chris]

I have zero inside knowledge so I could always be wrong but for those who think TR will still be standing by Thanksgiving 2015, I have some very, very bad news for you. Everyone needs to get out of denial for a bit here.

[Merthecat]

Wait! I think I figured it out! They're turning it into a water coaster!

[rhpsmagenta]

While I too will be sad to see TR go I am not standing by with my pitchfork and torch screaming and boycotting CF. For the exception of Saturdays and days that are super busy how often are there lines at TR. And I have noticed over the past three seasons, I only go on weekdays to avoid the crowds, most of the time only one side is running. I understand it is well loved and lots grew up riding it. I am one of those and was each of my kids first "big" coaster once they reached 48'. They brought the crowds to the Thrill Zone so maybe whatever they are doing to County Fair will boost the crowds there as well. I will remain hopeful we will be pleased with the end result, whatever it may be.

[fishels]

I have to agree and somewhat disagree about young people not finding value in the older things. I am only 21 and have only been on the ride 3 times because I don't really like it, I don't have any attachment to it really. It's more about the legacy still for me. Like I said they could build anything there and I will still be sad to see it go. It just feels like a part of Carowinds to me. Obviously I am only one person but I think there are still a lot of young people who can appreciate this. I'm not going to boycott the park but you have to understand that to some people like Roller this might have really hurt him/her badly. I've loved everything that cedar fair has given us but I feel this is just a big step over the line. They shouldn't touch this one IMO .

[Chris]

Thunder Road's first riders, including probably the youngest person to ever ride Thunder Road, 2 year old Mark Shearin.

[fishels]

Wow Chris. Depressing.