[MooreWV]

Hello, Carowinders! (Is that a word?)

Next month, I'll be roadtrip-ing to Carowinds because I fully intend on taking advantage of having a Platinum Pass and riding 'Itimidator.' My 'home park,' so to speak, is Kings Island and I absolutely fell in love with Diamondack last year. Anyway, I'm driving to Carowinds to spend April 10th and 11th to enjoy your park and had a few questions for you guys.

Firstly, which of your rides has low capacity that I should aim to ride in the morning before the park gets busy. We have a coaster almost exactly like Nighthawk, so I know I should hit it up early but would like to know any others. For instance, if someone asked me about Kings Island, I'd tell them they should ride Delirium and Flight of Fear in the morning because, even though they're good rides, they're not worth waiting several hours to ride.

Secondly, does Carowinds do Early Ride Time? Last year at KI, we had it for Diamondack and The Beast.

Thirdly, what do you think is the most under-rated ride in the park? Some rides just don't get the full love they deserve and usually have a really short buy are a really good ride.

Fourth, are any of the coasters really rough? For me, I'd tell anyone coming to the Island that The Vortex, while a good ride, can be hell on your neck.

And lastly, are there any park secrets I should know? I know there are storage bins for some rides at Kings Island that aren't readily obvious for some rides. Any information provided will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks everybody and I can't wait to ride intimidator!

[Jarsh]

Someone escort this guy around. We can't have any Kings Islands maniacs trying to smuggle the Flyers back!

[jordN1414]

We do have early ride times but they are not valid when you are traveling... (valid May 31, 2010 – August 15, 2010)

The weekend you are visiting is going to be a very busy weekend because it is the local school system spring break. But Sunday you should be fine.

[!ntimidator]

You should definitely ride afterburn, nighthawk, and obviously intimidator!

[lazor 22]

Do intimidator and nighthawk first. If the line for intimidator looks short go to nighthawk first.

[Davidtmp]

Afterburn is a must. May be the best coaster in the park, well, was definitely. Intimidator and Nighthawk are at the very front of the park. Hopefully Intimidator's wait isn't too bad. Coming from KI, you know Diamondback is about a 45min wait most of the time(at least what I have heard). I would ride Nighthawk first and get it out of the way. Then hit Intimidator. If you are going to go on Sunday, the lines should be much shorter. Don't know what kinds of crowds Intimidator will bring, but in years past Sundays feature walk on rides for the most part. Saturdays will probably be a little busier, but you probably still be able to ride about everything.
Must Do's-Afterburn, Intimidator, and your flyers(no funny business, you aren't going to get them back!).
Carolina Cobra is our boomer, but they move the line really well. As far as rough, HURLER. DON'T sit back past about row 4. If you have good insurance and some time to spare, sit in the back, then head up I-77 to I-277, get off onto 3rd st and turn right. Presbyterian Hospital is just up the street to take care of you.
Have fun when you come. The weather should be nice by then.

[jordN1414]

Usually..... Depends on the day...

Afterburn- Medium wait
Carolina Cobra- Long wait
Carolina Cyclone- Short wait
Carolina Goldrusher- Short wait
Hurler- Short wait
Intimidator- Assuming Long wait lol
Nighthawk- Long wait
Ricochet- Medium wait
Thunder Road- Short wait
Vortex- Short wait

[coasterD]

#1) Pretty much just Nighthawk.

#3) Definetly Goldrusher. Though I like the "big" coasters at the park, the Carolina Goldrusher is still a really fun ride!

#4) In my opinion Hurler is. And as for the Carolina Cyclone (same model as Vortex, KI) is a little bit rough in the loops and on the helix. But still a cool ride! So worth it!

[billcollins531]

Here are a few tips for your visit...

1.) Free water. This may be an obvious tip, but I figured I'd let you know as some places don't offer that. Go to any place that offers drinks or food and ask for a free cup of water. You can do this unlimited times throughout the day.

2.) Park in an area with a very visible landmark. The Carowinds parking lot is well-known for hiding my car. So make sure you remember where you park!

3.) Don't run to the Intimidator immediately, as that's what most people are going to do. Rather wait until 12 to 2 PM as the lines will have died down slightly. (After 3PM the kids get off school, so expect long lines around then)

4.) On Nighthawk, take EVERYTHING out of your pockets and put it into the bin before riding. I never really payed attention to this rule until last year when my cell phone and wallet fell out. Luckily it was caught by my seatbelt, but still... Be careful on that one!

5.) Don't play mini golf unless you utterly have to. This course is rather rough and unkempt, with large puddles of water on some of the holes. It also costs extra money.

6.) As for the roughness of the rides, I'd watch out for the Hurler. I have to admit, this is probably one of my favorite coasters in the park. However in order to enjoy it you have to be able to withstand the jarring-ness of the ride. Like the guy ahead of me said, stay AWAY from the back row. Try to get in the first 2 rows if possible as these offer the smoothest rides.
Thunder Road is another one that could get you. In all honesty, sometimes this one feels rougher than the Hurler. Try getting anywhere but the back car and you should be fine.
The Cyclone may be getting new trains this year, I haven't heard. If not though, watch out for the corkscrews. They tend to bang the head around quite a bit, so just brace yourself for that.
Afterburn on its last corkscrew offers quite a POW as well, so brace yourself for that one too!

7.) The Vortex is what's known on the boards as the "crotch rocket". In truth, it really can be quite uncomfortable for men past the age of 12... To prevent this and have a great ride, when the seats are going to lock, keep your feet flat on the ground and bend your knees. This offers the pressure to be taken off of your seat. Believe me - you'll thank me.

8.) If it's hot outside, there are quite a few locations to cool off at. First, go on Afterburn. There's a nice tunnel during the ride that, when hot, has mist spraying.
There's also a place by the Carolina Cyclone that usually has mist spraying as well. I believe it's called the Coca-cola center or something like that.
The 3D theater is usually very nice inside. Sometimes it's so cold in there that the employees have to wear jackets!
The Haunted Mansion is also air conditioned.
Almost every store has an AC fan just inside the door (especially the ones near the front of the park). This feels so good after walking around a hot park all day.


I hope you have a great trip. Carowinds is a really fun park. Enjoy!!