[njf]

My first TR! We got to Carowinds around 9:15. I was w/ a band and we then warmed up at 10:00. We played at about 10:30 and got a superior (the best)! What was annoying while we were playing was the airplanes, and people screaming on hurler. It was like vroom….. ahhh...click...click…click…annoying! We went back to the bus and changed. We then went into the park. We were going to do Borg but the wait was 2 hours so decided not do. Instead, we got food. Then we went and waited an hour for Vortex. It was my first time riding it. We then went to Top Gun. The line moved quickly even though it was outside of the temporary queue they had to install. We only had to wait about 30 minutes but half of my group wanted to ride in the front so it took them an extra 15 minutes. Somebody in our group bought 2 of the DVDs of them for $15.00, not bad for a theme park. It was also my first time on this. We were then going to do Thunder Road but the line was too long, so we did the bumper cars. I really can’t tell how the rides were running because it was my first time on them. However, when we were walking back to get something to eat from the bumper cars, Borg was down and I think they only ran one train all day. We had to leave at 4:30 for the bus driver. The lines were terrible! Never go on a day when there are a bunch of band people. We got to ride 3 rides in about 5 hours. If only the water park was open, that would lower some lines. Sorry, I don’t have any pictures. Other people in the band tried the new panda express and said it was good. Why do they give out so many basketballs, it is all you here all day.

[swampfox43]

Why do they give out so many basketballs, it is all you here all day.

OK, don't get me started!

Neither Paramount or Cedar Fair realize the potential hazard of hundreds of bouncing basketballs all over the park. I have seen many close encounters where an innocent person almost tripped over a loose ball. Saw one guy actually chunk the ball at his girlfriend during an argument and she was bleeding. I personally have almost been hit by one. They aren't only annoying (noise wise) they can be a danger to park patrons.

If they must have basketballs as prizes - DEFLATE THEM!!

[njf]

One more thing...
On my way out there was a person on the ramp in a wheel chair leading to north gate and slid and ran into another person. Can't they be carefuller!

[TopGunUkno]

Yea. Borg is NOT my second fave. coaster anymore...it has to be THUNDER ROAD now...2 hour wait is ridiculous. 30 minute wait is pushing it!

[jmdarrall]

Neither Paramount or Cedar Fair realize the potential hazard of hundreds of bouncing basketballs all over the park.]

I totally agree with this one. If you read my TR, you'll notice that the Dodgems had to be stopped because someone threw a basketball onto the ride. I also rant about people who throw and bounce their newly-won sporting equipment. You're in a theme park. Save the new ball for the local park.

[TopGunUkno]

I have something worst than basketballs that have hit me.
A guy was like literally following me around the park.
Kept hitting me with his stuffed monkey [on purpose]
in my face and said "My monkey likes cute girls"

Freaky? I know...

[rjdunvance]

i see where you guess are sort of coming from when you say that the basketballs can some times be in the way, but you have too realize that people bouncing the balls is a way to advertise our product all over the park, and even though people sometimes lose control of their balls you cant blame it on carowinds because we are just doing our job

[TopGunUkno]

I don't need basketballs bouncing around to show me that you can win a ball in the park. It's an amusement park. I figure you can win lots of balls. Besides, I don't recall the Carowinds logo being on the balls. Lol.

[aseigler]

...you cant blame it on carowinds because we are just doing our job

Except we CAN blame it on Carowinds, because Carowinds is who is handing out the blasted basketballs all day. If they didn't hand them out, or if they handed them out deflated, there would be no problem. And like TopGunUkno said, the Carowinds logo isn't on the basketballs (at least the ones I've seen), I fail to see what is being advertised.

-aseigler

[Chris]

I fail to see what is being advertised.

I was bouncing my Clemson basketball (YES... I was bouncing a ball in the park... SHOOT ME!) and someone walked up to me asking where I got it. I hate Clemson but apparently they were huge fans and wanted to win a ball. Imagine how many UNC or Duke fans see those balls and think, "I HAVE to win me one".

Sports (especially basketball) are VERY popular in NC (maybe not quite as popular among the ACE members). I bet there are MANY people who waste $10.00 with the hopes of getting a basketball with their favorite ACC team on it.

[Thriller]

Yes the balls are nerve ripping, but the point is, when a person sees those balls bouncing around the park, they want to go and win one for themselves. Carowinds will not deflate the balls b/c the advertising for the basketball games will be finished. Carowinds is trying to bring in the most money as possible through the season and yes, games are a huge money maker. I feel that Carowinds employees and management need to remind and take action on guest misbehaving with the balls and take their prize if they can't act responsible with it.

[TopGunUkno]

bottom line is

CONTROL ur BALLS.


=]