There are four things I'd like to touch on and speculate a bit about, for 2015:
1)
The E. Pat Hall Plaque:Surely they are keeping this piece of the front entrance, I'd say its pretty much a given. The question is where will it's new placement be? I think it would look great put inside the park where the current Carowinds signage is, when you cross the bridge, along the state-line. For some reason I just think it'd fit well there.
2)
The Fountain:
I hope they keep the fountain that is encountered after entering the park. Its such an iconic piece of Carowinds, it's be a shame to lose that as well. If they feel the need to move it from that exact spot, it might look nice in the soon-to-be-constructed circle area in the pathway you walk along to get to the new entrance plaza. (To be more specific, the one on the right, adjacent to the bridge that Fury will fly under.) Any alternative to losing it would be fantastic.
3)
The NC/SC Sign:Another Carowinds icon is the sign on the bridge. I think it would be beyond cool if they created a brand new sign in the same style, just more modern, sleeker, and aesthetically pleasing. I hope families that visit Carowinds get the chance to take those pictures next to a sign while they stand in two states at once. Its so special and unique to our park.
4)
The Dreaded Dino:Not may people care what happens to the Dino form the old front gate, and admittedly I don't either. But contrary to most opinions, I think it's be interesting to see him return to the outskirts of the new entrance plaza to advertise for Dinosaurs Alive, again. Its not something I'm championing, I just personally like the dino's presence. But honestly, compared to the three things listed above, I couldn't care less what happens to the Dino. Plus I don't really think Dinos fit the whole "modern entrance" vibe all that well.
I'm really curious to see how everything looks when all is said and done. I can picture green grass and trees over the new plaza, and I hop everything goes well for the impending construction.
