[AMartin777]

I love the way the new entrance plaza is so, "Epcotish"

[RollerBee]

Hey we go from history to future.
Fu....true!

[tylerSC]

My concern with the new entrance is that it lacks some sort of big signature structure. Such as a Plantation House, castle, or that big dome like at Epcot. Perhaps they should have rebuilt a new Plantation House, or some other sort of modern building to signify the new entrance. It just seems like one big open area. But I do hope they have a nice big water fountain, as I assume the old one has been torn down.

[Jonathan]

It has a $30 million signature structure.

[RollerBee]

Almost seems to me that the new toll plaza was designed to take the place of the Plantation House. Compare our new entrance to Tweetsie Railroad...
There are other structures that should make a statement than roller coasters or rides. Much like music, it seems the amusement park industry would rather be blunt and to the point than tell a story.

[Edwardo]

Nice one Jonathan!

I'd much rather have a big open space that's easy to navigate and gets me into the park than a whatever it is yall still want.

I'm not there for a story, that's why I go to Orlando.

[MarkD]

Yep, I guess a $30 mil big signature structure just ain't enough.

I am seriously liking the new entrance. I just the feeling of being open and not corralled like livestock.

I guess after I pass the non descript big signature structure, I'll just look up at the sky tower and go WOW, almost at EPCOT.

[tylerSC]

It has a $30 million signature structure.

Yes, Fury will apparently dominate the new front entrance. I just think it would be nice to have a Plantation House or a castle or something. Even PTL had a castle but I believe they tore it down. And I still think they should do something with Heritage USA. It was a great park and such a shame they let it go down. But I don't want to venture off topic. The new Carowinds entrance plaza should be very nice, and the layout does indeed have some similarities to Epcot in terms of space and the open design.

[AMartin777]

Carowinds is no longer meant to be a "theme park", not any more. Originally it had a "Carolinas" theme at opening but that theme is all but lost now. Cedar fair is taking the park in a new, more grandiose direction which will serve it well for the future. If the new coaster diving through a tunnel at the entrance of the park with amazing speed and with unbridled voracity is not enough to capture your attention, then you're missing the whole statement it's intended to make; I am the monster of a new kind of Carowinds park! Hear me roar!

[Edwardo]

They have done plenty with the old Heritage USA site. It isnt sitting and rotting away anymore.

[Jonathan]

Heritage USA is now a subdivision.

[Edwardo]

And a golf course. A camp ground. A hotel. Office space. Broadcast space. And several ministries...

Can't really put a theme park there now.

[Tawny71]

Are there any remnants of the theme park or water park at Heritage USA still standing?

Back on topic...
I don't think there's a need for a big building at the entrance of Carowinds. The flow of the new entrance appears to be much more efficient.

[bigdave1050]

I believe this new entrance really shows that Carowinds is becoming more of a "Thrill" park then a "Theme" park. I like it and can't wait to see it in person.

[tylerSC]

Are there any remnants of the theme park or water park at Heritage USA still standing?

Back on topic...
I don't think there's a need for a big building at the entrance of Carowinds. The flow of the new entrance appears to be much more efficient.

The Heritage waterpark was unfortunately torn down, along with the castle. The original Grand Hotel has been converted for Morningstar ministry use, but the taller hotel tower remains unfinished. The large soundstage and TV studio has been restored, but I am not sure if it gets much use. And the Upper Room has been renovated, and there is a housing subdivision as mentioned. But the old theme park of the Jim and Tammy days is sadly long gone. Back in the day, Heritage was a destination park, and only trailed the 2 Disney parks in terms of attendance. But now with Fury, it looks like Carowinds may be well on the way to becoming the new destination park for the Charlotte area.