[FamousAmos]

I offered to take the bet. If I lose would you like a money order or transfer from my bank account. Yes I'm being serious.
And Chris, in response to your post, I say no. I still talk to them almost every day. I would say what the topics have been recently, but no.

[arby]

I wasn't interested in the bet because I don't think they are moving the slide as there is plenty of space in that area and it doesn't seem to make sense. At least not with what I know.

However, I have no idea what their fluid 5-year plan is. In light of that, it might make perfect sense to move that slide this year. For all we know, it might have been in the cards to do last year but they ran out of budget so it got moved to this year.

This announcement seems to make clear that the significant extra capital investment in Carowinds is over. We are pretty much back on track with investments similar to their other parks.

[swampfox43]

Frankly, I am surprised the new County Fair did not include a relocation of the Dodgem's. It's a fairly large structure that would require some major shifting but it could be done. Maybe it is in the future plans.

[tarheel1231]

This announcement seems to make clear that the significant extra capital investment in Carowinds is over. We are pretty much back on track with investments similar to their other parks.

This was my thought as well. This expansion is much smaller than what we've seen compared to the last two years. But it is still a more substantial addition than what we've seen at the other parks.

[gabed]

Did they say specifically that the extra spending would come to an end in 2017?

[RollerBee]

Frankly, I am surprised the new County Fair did not include a relocation of the Dodgem's. It's a fairly large structure that would require some major shifting but it could be done. Maybe it is in the future plans.

If they are ever moved, or more likely a new building built I hope they keep the circular design instead of going to a square shaped like every other bumper cars.

[arby]

This announcement seems to make clear that the significant extra capital investment in Carowinds is over. We are pretty much back on track with investments similar to their other parks.

This was my thought as well. This expansion is much smaller than what we've seen compared to the last two years. But it is still a more substantial addition than what we've seen at the other parks.

Yeah, it is still substantial. I didn't mean to take away from that. It's just on a smaller scale than we've seen in the past few years. I do think we'll continue to get more than other parks for some time. That is, assuming NC tourism doesn't tank over the next few years....

[Edwardo]

I think it's definitely tapering down and that's to be expected. With fury and the front gate redo, Carolina Harbor, New County Fair with 4 new rides, all of the changes and additions in food service and infrastructure, the whole point of the large investment is to get the park where it needs to be in order to move forward.

I think over the next few years, we will see smaller yearly additions like a vortex conversion, perhaps a facelift to South Gate, finishing the facelift to the front plaza to get rid of the art deco and switch to something more like the new Starbucks, and sprucing up the Old County Fair section.

The park will be where it needs to be soon and then the plan will be to continue with maintaining current attendance and spending levels (with a focus on growing the business) with targeted attraction additions and upkeep of infrastructure.

[coasterbruh]

I dunno guys, This seems to be the biggest announcement, as far as quantity, in the chain this year. While most parks got one or two rides/attractions. Carowinds got an entire reworked area, 4 rides, reworked wings and winterfest. I wouldn't go as far to say the big investements are over because, to me, that seems like they invested a pretty penny and on par with carolina harbor.

[MarkD]

I dunno guys, This seems to be the biggest announcement, as far as quantity, in the chain this year. While most parks got one or two rides/attractions. Carowinds got an entire reworked area, 4 rides, reworked wings and winterfest. I wouldn't go as far to say the big investements are over because, to me, that seems like they invested a pretty penny and on par with carolina harbor.

I agree with that. Although they may not need to uproot the entire area and start from scratch it is still a shiny new penny for us. After all, how long have we been asking for flats?

As for the removal / relocation of the slide, if you look at the "renderings" which is just what they are, the overhead view shows the wave swinger by the slide but if you look at the perspective it appears to be where the putt - putt was in front of Wings.

[arby]

I still disagree. I am very happy with what we got. However, it seems to be relatively on par with what Dorney Park and Kings Island are both getting. The capital investment for all three seems to be about the same based on some rough guestimates.

[coasterbruh]

r the removal / relocation of the slide, if you look at the "renderings" which is just what they are, the overhead view shows the wave swinger by the slide but if you look at the perspective it appears to be where the putt - putt was in front of Wings.

Well! You dont say! So, which image is correct since, ya know, concept art is true to form?

And also, there is a sign that says air show today only . . . I wonder if the flying cobras are performing "today"!

[arby]

Great observation, MarkD! It took me awhile to see what you were talking about so here are the pictures for others to see. In this overhead view, check out the red circle of Wings and the signage in front of it.

pic1.JPG (121.07KiB)Viewed 3429 times

Now look at this perspective. In this one, the wave swinger is actually in the area circled in yellow in the first picture (the old mini golf location).

pic2.JPG (122.98KiB)Viewed 3429 times

[coasterbruh]

Hey roller, famous . . . where ya at?

[RollerBee]

Right here, I think the one showing Wave Swinger roughly where Mini-Golf was is just to make the image more interesting and show an overview of the entire area from ground level.