[MarkD]

This really doesn't fit into any board but...

I am all for nostalgia but doesn't there come a time when you have to say out with the old and in with the new? Here is why I am asking.

Would it bother you to get rid of our Flume and Rapids and build NEW and Updated versions?

Would it bother you to loose Hurler and build a NEW woodie?

Would it bother you to loose Action Theater and replace it with maybe an Imax?

Would it bother you to loose the Lazy River and build a new groovy version?

Would you be satisfied if one or more of these got replaced instead of adding your NewSuper High, Super Fast, Super Long Coaster?

I just think a New Super High, Super Fast, Super long coaster would be awesome but I also think the above mentioned items would do alot more for the park and guests. With as fast as we are growing around Charlotte and with the way gas is going change is needed.

[Jonathan]

Sometimes. For rides where there's no point in having more than one in the park, and it isn't unique or historical, sure. The flume, rapids, and lazy river; absolutely. How bout an action theater with an IMAX screen?

I don't think I would ever support the removal of a wooden coaster. If there is space to build a new ride somewhere else (and Carowinds certainly has the space), then I would definitely be against the removal of a wooden coaster.

[RollerBee]

I would rather keep the flume and rapids we have. I have never seen anything wrong with flume, but rapids needs to be looked at for a major overhaul.
I can see Hurler being removed, but not for another wooden coaster.
AF/X, I would love to see leave but not for another theater. I say tear the whole buidling down, and expand County Fair.
Lazy river, I see nothing wrong with. As far as a new coaster, there are other rides we could use before a coaster. Carowinds needs a fourth water ride(not waterpark attraction). I think a mix between river battle, mansion, and rapids would be nice addition where the southern picnic area is. If they keep the nick themes, they could call it "SpongeBob's Boatmobile School".

[bgwfreak]

The rapids IMO are still quite good, compared to some parks versions I've been on. It doesn't get you wet, and I miss the tunnel, but overall I'd keep it.

All the other rides you mentioned, I wouldn't miss too much if they decided to remove for a new, better ride.

The flume though is as popular as ever, and probably won't ever be scrapped.

Hurler ran great, on ONE day 3 years ago at C3, since then it's only came close once to that greatness. Most days it's just so rough, it's not rideable anywhere but in the front.

If they would put a GCI in it's spot, I'd be more than willing to let it go.

[Dukeis#1]

I feel that there are a core group of rides around the park (Thunder Road, Goldrusher, Skytower, Flume) that should never be touched because they are part of the park's personality. If space is needed for expansion, there are other rides that are less vital to the image of the park that can go...leaving "the essentials" intact.

It all boils down to the ride's popularity though. If a reasonable # of people are still riding it annually then the park has no reason to replace it with something new. However when people stop riding it, it's just seen as waste of space in the park management's eyes.

As for the rides mentioned, I think the flume is fine. I mean, it's actually pretty good and lengthy compared to the log flumes at other parks. The last drop is fairly large as well when you look at the ones at SFoG, Kings Dominion, etc.

On the other hand, Rip Roarin Rapids is pathetic. Worst rapids ride ever. You didn't even get a drop of water on you until they worked on the waterfall a few years back. I wouldn't be sad to see it go at all.

I wouldn't miss Action FX either. Motion theaters were just a trend at parks in the 90s. The novelty has worn off. (That said, if this were to be removed, I'd like it replaced with a REAL ride, not another movie attraction like an IMAX theater. How about a Giant Frisbee?)

I think Hurler could go if it was going to be replaced by a GCI woodie.

[Jonathan]

Motion theaters were just a trend at parks in the 90s.

Cmon now didn't you watch the Discovery Channel? Motion theaters are the FUTURE of rides.

[Dukeis#1]

Cmon now didn't you watch the Discovery Channel?

Paul Ruben has been on 30,000 coasters. Each one was the best ever built!

[coasterbruh]

The thing with the log flume is that there isnt much nature around the last half of it. I remember reading some where that's because of a snake incident...is that right?

[RollerBee]

I have never heard of a snake problem on flume, but I have on rapids and whitewater. However, it wouldn't surprise me. I imagine snakes generally hide at Carowinds because of the noise. I have also heard of snakes around Afterburn.

[MarkD]

Well, we all seem to agree on a few things. As far as removing a woodie I really would not want that either, unless it becomes the Mean Streak of the south.

I also don't really look at a rides popularity. The only reason our flume and rapids are packed is that they are they only ones there. If they got replaced with new updated, and more fun versions, they'd be packed like nothing ever happened and I doubt you would hear anyone complain.

I like the Imax Action theater idea. Not that it would happen but it would beat ole' Sponge Bob.

[Footballteen58]

^I disagree. Ive ridden both,Mean Streak was a lot more tolerable than Hurler which actually hurt me. Hurler at Kings Dominion isn't anywhere near as bad as Carowinds. I'd let Hurler go but it would make the ratio of Steel:Wood coasters at Carowinds bigger but who cares about that nowadays? Also instead of GCI I'm begging to ride an Intamin Pre Fab woodie. Don't get me wrong GCIs are a lot of fun my #1 wooden is Lightning Racer.

[chargercrazy]

Mean Streak was a lot more tolerable than Hurler which actually hurt me.

You mean that wooden version of a monorail with no forces at all and actually slows down on the first drop? I'll hurt a bit for some decent airtime.

[Jetp]

I wouldn't be disappointed to see Hurler go. That ride tears me up. At 6'5", my knees hit that sign (Keep arms and hands inside the car) and one of my knees will come out bloody. In recent years I just don't ride it anymore.

The rest of the park is fine. I think the flume could be condensed at little to make room for another ride.

I'd say get rid of the Paladium. The charlotte metro area has several new concert venues popping up and the Paladium just can't compete anymore. Last concert I saw there was Duran Duran, the last time they played there.

[Footballteen58]

Mean Streak was a lot more tolerable than Hurler which actually hurt me.

You mean that wooden version of a monorail with no forces at all and actually slows down on the first drop? I'll hurt a bit for some decent airtime.

It doesnt stop Mean Streak from sucking. It shook a lot. But I'd take boredom over a lot of pain anyday(with the exception of the "Raptor Snap")

[Jay]

"It hurts so good." >>> "Holy crap this is boring."