[LocalYokel]

The front page of Carowinds.com says season pass prices are going up January 12. I think the prices they have now are the same as last year ($87 for a gold renewal) but I don't remember for sure.

Do they always raise prices around this time of year? I wonder if they'll change the packages or throw in a bonus like a fast pass.

[arby]

From what I've seen, they usually set their season pass prices in the fall for the following season. Sometimes it's the same as the previous year, sometimes it isn't. That's usually the best price they will offer for season passes until the following fall.

Season pass prices continue to increase occasionally throughout the year (I think they tend to cap the price around Memorial Day) until they reach the top amount that the park has set for them.

[Jonathan]

Looks like it only went up $6. I bought one yesterday after seeing this thread. Although I'll probably only be in the area two (maybe three) times this season, I figured it was worth it for the free parking, early rides on Fury, and the ability to go back again on the same weekend.

[HavenHamilton]

How will the early ride times for Fury work? If I have a season pass, but my friend doesn't, can I bring them along?

[Bigcoasterguy]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe early ride times allow you to enter the park and que line 15 minutes before opening but the ride does not start until after the national anthem. I can tell you that you cannot bring a friend who does not have a gold or platinum pass.

[Jonathan]

The website says that some rides will open 30 minutes early on certain days for season pass holders. Here is last year's schedule: https://www.carowinds.com/events/plan-a ... Ride-Times

[hikernut79]

So I've already purchased my pass but I'm guessing on opening day I will have to get it processed before being able to enter the park? How does this process work?

[Chris]

We can tell you how it's worked for the last decade but it will likely be different this year because it's all new buildings.

[Bigcoasterguy]

You don't have to re-process renewals correct?

[coasterfreak]

^Correct. Simply use your existing card to enter. Or at least that's what I understood when I renewed.

[Bigcoasterguy]

I renewed for the first time last year and got my picture retaken because I had changed so much but I don't think I'll need to do it this year.

[shane235]

I have been renewing my pass since 2010, and have not gotten a new picture!

[coasterbruh]

So I've already purchased my pass but I'm guessing on opening day I will have to get it processed before being able to enter the park? How does this process work?

It looks like you will be able to process it at the campground on sat. details are in the winter warm up thread...im being lazy.