[thewinds]

You can thank NC House Bill 1464: School Calendar Changes, for making this season one of the longest in park history. In summary, this bill mandates that schools open no earlier than August 25 and end no later than June 10. If you’re completely bored, you can read it here:
<a href='http://www.ncleg.net/html2003/bills/currentversion/ratified/house/hbil1464.full.html' target='_blank'>http://www.ncleg.net/html2003/bills/curren...l1464.full.html</a>
Carowinds is a great example in the Carolinas why summer vacation should be as long as possible. Both for the opportunities it brings students as well as the economic value in the state.
Just look how PC will compare this season around the industry:
Carowinds: 150 operating days
Kings Island 127
Six Flags GA 143
Cedar Point 146
There’s no doubt this should be one of the best seasons ever financially and in attendance.

[CoasterChris]

Thats awsome, I forgot all about that bill. I heard about it months ago but never really thought it would benefit Carowinds. Very cool.

[MarkD]

It is great news. I hated the way schools went back at all different times of the year.

Maybe this will enable some employees the ability to stay employeed longer.

[carowindsfreak13]

Too bad I live in SC.

[bgwfreak]

I think they are starting the weekly schedule early too! (May 20)

[CoasterChris]

Thats is early. They never started it until mid june before. SWEET!!

[carowindsfreak13]

This is to be the best year ever. I hope.

[CoasterChris]

2004 was a pretty sweet year and not just because of the coaster. The park had hundreds of new things, special events & suprises for us all year long.

It's going to take alot this season to top last year.

[carowindsfreak13]

True, I hope Carowinds can create some nice shows and ride themes for everyones choice of a park. That is what will get us to the 2million mark.

[MarkD]

I look forward to seeing how many rabbits come out of the hat this year. Last year was pretty good untill towards the end of the year. Then it got real slack.

[coasterdude89]

Theres only one thing that I hate about that bill. U see, at my high school, were on a block schedule (4 class a day at and hour and a half each for 90 days (half ot the year or in simplier terms, 3 6 weeks.) Anyway, the people on the school board here in Union County, being as smart as they are (yeah right) made up the new schedule and decided not to dividr our semesters up like in the past. So now first semester will run into were 2nd semster used to start, which means we'll have a 2 week break for X-mas and then go back and have like 2 weeks to prepare for an exam, and then start a new semester. This will also shorten the sports seasons (my precious cross country and track seasons.) I am glad that PC is open longer, especially since I'll get my license in August!!!! U bet that after the 10th, I'll be hitting Carowinds alot untill school starts!

[RollerBee]

Theres only one thing that I hate about that bill. U see, at my high school, were on a block schedule (4 class a day at and hour and a half each for 90 days (half ot the year or in simplier terms, 3 6 weeks.) Anyway, the people on the school board here in Union County, being as smart as they are (yeah right) made up the new schedule and decided not to dividr our semesters up like in the past. So now first semester will run into were 2nd semster used to start, which means we'll have a 2 week break for X-mas and then go back and have like 2 weeks to prepare for an exam, and then start a new semester. This will also shorten the sports seasons (my precious cross country and track seasons.) I am glad that PC is open longer, especially since I'll get my license in August!!!! U bet that after the 10th, I'll be hitting Carowinds alot untill school starts!

Don't feel bad my high school is the same way. I am senior, so I don't to worry about it. I don't like the new calendar. The juniors don't like the new calendar. I go college around August 20th, 2005, Which I get less days spending my time without Carowinds until October.

[carowindsfreak13]

Well, Looks that the bill will not help people. And me neither. Too bad they didn't do this for SC.

[Dukeis#1]

I think the 2005 operating schedule is great. It's got to be one of the longest the park has had since 1973/74.

Now, if only they would bring back the late night hours in July...

[Cephas]

^Agreed, I miss those night rides.