[RollerBee]

DA wasnt a major annoucement and it wasnt hard to figure out.

[njf]

Carowinds just tweeted

Heading into Charlotte chamber of commerce meeting for big announcement! pic.twitter.com/S7My0plgtE

Do we know what that is?

[egrigg]

I was googling Carowinds and announcements and stumbled upon this article. Looks like they are investing 50 million for additions.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/c ... nds/nZctj/

[RollerBee]

I just hope they dont kill the remaining original charm.

[tylerSC]

I just hope they dont kill the remaining original charm.

According to the Channel 9 Eyewitness News report, the word record breaking was used when questioning the Cedar Fair CEO about future rides as part of the expansion. Hopefully a big coaster is coming. But now we know what all of the dots and stakes are for. Major expansion. New rides yet to be announced.

[RollerBee]

Recording breaking can be relative....
Giga is most likely not on the table KI didnt get one so I doubt we will. We could get the world's longest waterslide or the worlds fastest ferris wheel or the southeast longest coaster or Carolina's tallest water ride. Dont get your hopes up for a bunch of coaster or a giga. There is more to Cedar Point than coasters and a great coaster is better than a bunch of mediocre ones (looking at you, Cedar Point). Our B&Ms is superior to theirs (minus Gatekeeper) and their Intamins (minus Maverick).
My opinion is based off 2005 so it is alittle dated, however WWL was my favorite flume ride.

[KingHippo1]

Its gonna be awesome. I don't need charm. I want rides. And good one's at that. Bottomless waterslides.

[Jarsh]

I don't need charm. I want rides.

Thus the problem with today's youth... One day you'll realize the error of your ways.

[Jay]

I don't need charm. I want rides.

I am somewhat confused by this way of thought. Sure rides bring pepole to the park, and I'm sure the expansion has planned to include 1 or 2 significant ones. But the overwhelming majority of your day at any amusement park, won't be physically on rides. Why wouldn't you want to make that time more enjoyable?

And Six Flags proved years ago that just focusing on rides, is bad for business. They are just coming out of the hole they dug for themselves in the late 90's early 2000's. Amusement parks are somewhat of a puzzle. You can't overload a park with one thing or take too many "basic" needs away or the whole park will be turned upside down (oh the things RollerCoaster Tycoon teaches you). And it rarely works out for the better.

[RollerBee]

A park with no charm is just a permanent fair or carnival and will not last. Trees, flowers, decor and buildings add to the experience.

[chknwing]

will the 2 threads be combined since they are basically the same discussion now?

[Jonathan]

This thread is specifically about next year. The other thread is about the long-term expansion that was announced. I'm sure there will be some overlap but there are only so many things to talk about on an entire forum dedicated to Carowinds so we might as well have separate threads.

[tylerSC]

Next year may be just redesigning infrastructure, entrances, and parking. New rides may wait until 2015. But I would still love to see something next year, but not sure until more details announced.

[RollerBee]

Start construction for a hotel/resort which was mentioned when they brought the land and I suspect that will a good chunk of the $50 million, they have already said that the entrance will stay where it is (didnt CP's move away from the Carousel when Gatekeeper was built?) The restrooms have been too small since atleast the addition of BORG and Planet Snoopy has the smallest restrooms in the whole park.
As far as changing the parking lot, removing more space I can see but adding on to a lot that hasnt been expanded ever, was built in 1973 and rarely fills up completely. I highly doubt it, I could see the administration and maintenance buildings being relocated first for a park expansion. That would also be an easy expansion for the waterpark.

[jay71400]

Next year may be just redesigning infrastructure, entrances, and parking. New rides may wait until 2015. But I would still love to see something next year, but not sure until more details announced.

I agree, And there is a lot of "small" things they could do around the park to improve it next year. I'm thinking restroom renovations, adding more rest areas (small shops, etc.), Redoing walkways, And upgraded food options. Its not a ride but I think at many theme parks little things like these can really improve the experience.