[TheCoasterMan1]

There is something I must applaud Carowinds for. I don't know if it is the natural topography of the land or if during construction of the park they decided to make the land as flat as possible.

I got to thinking, I have never been to Disneyland but from all the images I have seen of Disneyland in Anaheim it looks to be flat, I could be wrong. On the other hand Magic Kingdom is a flat park, I have been there multiple times.

So, what if E.Pat Hall decided to make Carowinds as flat as possible during design? It is said that he got the vision for Carowinds on a trip to Disneyland.

Anyways, I pride Carowinds on being a flat park because other parks in the region (SFOG and Dollywood) have some atrocious hills. I am going to KD in the coming weeks, what is the topography of KD?

[RollerBee]

Kings Dominion is similar to Carowinds, Carowinds was a Plantation Before so most of the hills are man made.

[Jonathan]

Man we have some really different perspectives haha. I love the hilly parks.

[tarheel1231]

I agree. The hills make the park more natural as opposed to a flat, carnival space. Hilly parks also provide some incredible terrain coasters.

[TheCoasterMan1]

I do agree that hilly parks are great when it comes to terrain coasters, but with Fury I don't need any natural hills, the dive under the bridge is good enough haha.

Anyways I found this link, I would advise that you guys definitely take a look at it. I was at the park the day that this event was occurring but I had no idea what it was: http://www.slideshare.net/cedarfair/jun ... esentation

[RollerBee]

[tylerSC]

Cedar Fair wants to transform Carowinds from a backyard park into a destination park, according to that report. And the stats indeed reveal a need for more family rides and flats, when compared to the other parks. But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

[Capler]

Thanks for posting that presentation Coasterman, it is very telling. It appears the company will continue to invest heavily in the park until at least 2018 in order to reach their goals. If they continue getting a return on the investment it could last even longer. It goes to show they don't add attractions to a property haphazardly, there has to be growth occurring. They have a goal for Carowinds and they are pushing the park towards it. What is also positive is the fact that the park has seen steady growing since Intimidator was put in.

[TheCoasterMan1]

But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

You do realize that the other thread is not real!

[Capler]

Cedar Fair wants to transform Carowinds from a backyard park into a destination park, according to that report. And the stats indeed reveal a need for more family rides and flats, when compared to the other parks. But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

Not sure if flats, family, kiddie rides and even water parks will make you into a destination park. Those things keep the locals coming. This may exxplain why they are not focusing so much on those things right now. My gut tells me Carowinds may be looking at another big world class coaster before 2018 to replace Thunder Road.

[Capler]

But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

You do realize that the other thread is not real!

Vortex will eventually get a conversion since it is slightly bigger than the one out in Cali.

[tylerSC]

But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

You do realize that the other thread is not real!

Yes I see that now. But I actually would not mind them doing something with Vortex. Either replace or Rougerou conversion. But they have said they are not going to. At least for now.

[tylerSC]

Cedar Fair wants to transform Carowinds from a backyard park into a destination park, according to that report. And the stats indeed reveal a need for more family rides and flats, when compared to the other parks. But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

Not sure if flats, family, kiddie rides and even water parks will make you into a destination park. Those things keep the locals coming. This may exxplain why they are not focusing so much on those things right now. My gut tells me Carowinds may be looking at another big world class coaster before 2018 to replace Thunder Road.

That's what I would really like to see happen, Especially if they want to become the Cedar Point of the Southeast. Known for big rollercoasters. But I think the next big coaster should be Intamin or some other manufacturer, just to have a change from B&M. Perhaps a larger Skyrush type coaster from Intamin, or a Mack launch coaster. Although I am curious regarding a B&M launched wing coaster like Thunderbird. Could be something to think about. But I know others want a large woodie to replace Thunder Road.

[tarheel1231]

Personally, I don't want to see another B&M soon. It's not that I'm getting tired of them, it's just that they usually carry a height requirement of 54". I think it would be awesome if we got a Mack spinner similar to Cobra's Curse. While it seems that Carowinds is going down the Cedar Point path of record breaking coasters, but I'd rather see them go the Knott's route of being family focused with a few large thrill rides. There is also so much potential for theming! I still want to get awesome, top ten coasters, but not as often as flats, family coasters and a dark ride or two.

[fishels]

Cedar Fair wants to transform Carowinds from a backyard park into a destination park, according to that report. And the stats indeed reveal a need for more family rides and flats, when compared to the other parks. But I do hope Thunder Road and Vortex will both eventually be replaced with other coasters, to maintain the current count. Since Vortex' days may now be numbered, according to the latest tease from management. But in that case, perhaps a Rougarou treatment may be coming.

Realistically what can we expect from that statement do you think? Are more big coasters in the cards? And I'm not talking heights.