[uscbandfan]

I think Carowinds would really benefit from something like Lightning Rod (New Dollywood RMC coaster for 2016). It doesn't have to be a record-breaker. But to have a lauched coaster and a TR replacement and a hybrid all in one? Heck, lets have a splashdown element as well so we can throw some water into the mix. The only regret here is that Carowinds doesn't have a hillside to build one of these into. Would love to see something like it through a forest with a lot of trees as well as switchbacks under itself. (Uh oh...Carowinds would have to plant a LOT of trees.)

[FamousAmos]

Thunder Road is already being replaced next year .
Just know that the park wouldn't get rid of a beloved coaster for something mediocre. (I'm not saying that what you're ^saying is mediocre. That's an awesome idea). I'm just saying that the park knows that they're losing a coaster...

[Jarsh]

How much are they paying you to be their spokesperson? LOL!

[Chris]

Haven't we already proven he doesn't know much and to take everything he says with a grain of salt? Remember, Thunder Road isn't going anywhere. They have something HUGE planned next year for its 40th.

[FamousAmos]

Um... yeah. right. If you say so

I've already said it several times and do not need to repeat myself.
Apparently, since I'm so young, I can't be trusted with information
Considering that was back in JANUARY. Yes it was just an assumption (which I held even until memorial day). But the day I finished the entrance model, everything came into light and flowed into place.

I'll just get back to work now...

[Jonathan]

You do know that everyone at the park reads this site and can see your gloating right?

[TheCoasterMan1]

Since this is a wishlist thread I am just going to make a few wishes/predictions (5 Year Plan)

I have seen several times where Matt Ouimet is apparently trying to bring back a "sense of place" to the parks in the Cedar Fair Chain. This can already be seen at Cedar Point with the redesigned Gemini Midway and at Knott's Berry Farm with the revitalization of Calico Mine Ride and the other.

So with everyone vouching that Carowinds is such a historic park because it has been around for a mere 42 years compared to Cedar Point's 145 years this is what I think will happen.

2016 - In 2016 I think Carowinds will receive a BIG water park expansion. I think it will be something similar to King's Dominion but Carowinds is going to PLUS it. Also I think we may see a revitalized County Fair section with some new flats. The water park expansion is definite.

2017- If I am correct, Planet Snoopy came to the park in 2007. I expect this year to be end of Dinosaurs and for the Planet Snoopy 10 year Anniversary we will see a BIGGER and BETTER Planet Snoopy. Also it is likely that we may see a Rougarou treatment on Vortex.

2018 - In 2018 I think Carowinds will revamp and revitalize the Carolina RFD section and top it off with a Triotech Dark Ride somewhere in that section of the park. I know that Boo Blasters is already in the RFD but it is a mediocre ride so who knows if it will still be there in 2018.
Also, we may see a small water park addition.
This will be Carowinds 45th year in operation. I think the park will announce an on-site Hotel that will open in 2020.

2019 - General park improvements and maybe a flat ride. With the void of Thunder Road still being there we may see a fairly inexpensive 8-10 million dollar GCI woodie.

2020 - This will have been 5 years since Fury 325 and 1 year since the new woodie. Also the on-site hotel is set to open this year. With the woodie being fairly inexpensive I think this will be the year for our next big coaster, although a park adding two new coasters in two years is rare. A new record-breaking coaster will help boost the bookings of the new hotel.

[carolinaman]

I think the theater could use some new touches. Something like a lighted marquee and maybe some mock ticket booths. The outside of the theater does no justice for how nice it is inside. Right now the outside looks light a building for storage with some signs on it. And add some more variety of shows too for kids and adults.

[aoriole19]

Well I really don't kn w as much about this industry as a lot of you, so my opinions are pretty basic.

I agree we should get a really good wooden coaster. Something like El Toro would be great in my opinion. (I don't mean exactly like it, I want something unique! I just mean something of about that caliber would fit what I've been wanting for several years). It doesn't have to be a huge record breaker and totally never-seen-before design, but I do think every park needs a solid wooden coaster in their lineup.

I currently really really love floorless coasters. BUT I would not want Vortex to be converted. Why? Because I want a GOOD floorless coaster! And my expectation is that a converted Vortex would likely be my least favorite floorless coaster compared to those I've ridden. Again, I don't expect a huge record breaking thing, but my dream would be for Carowinds to get a solid floorless coaster soon.

I want to keep Vortex as is.

[TheCoasterMan1]

Honestly with Cedar Fair removing the older rides in the chain that have low ridership I think it is also safe to say that Vortex could possibly be out the door in the next couple of years. I think Cedar Fair will move it to one of its other parks as a floorless though rather than scrap it. A floorless would make a nice fit for one of their smaller parks. (Michigan's Adventure, Valleyfair!)

[aoriole19]

Well I do think that Vortex is more unique than Thunder Road, since as far as I know there are very few coasters like Vortex left, whereas racing woodies are more common. I'm also guessing there were other problems with TR we weren't told about (perhaps not serious problems, just maybe something making the maintenance too costly). I have no actual knowledge about this, but I'd imagine the maintenance costs for a wooden coaster are more than for a steel, and especially TR vs. Vortex since TR was so much longer.

Anyway I would not be greatly surprised (though greatly heartbroken) if Vortex is removed in a few years. But if it must go, I'd rather it leave altogether than be converted. Like I said I really really want a floorless, and I don't even care if it's used, I just know Vortex wouldn't make a good floorless coaster ):

(Edited for grammar. For some reason, whenever I type on my iPad I sound like an uneducated person.)

[coasterbruh]

I think we can all earmark the southwest corner of the park as water park area from hear on out. It seems the park is going for a more tranquil water park experience vs having coasters rip thru and around it. My wish now for the water park is more family raft slides. That's something I see the chain lacking as a whole. Still would like to see the lazy river expanded and yes . . . I still want that water coaster!

I don't understand why the current flat ride manufactures cannot make classic flats? I think if the park can get half the flat collection busch gardens va has, it would be amazing!

Would love to see another indoor theater added featuring a circus style/acrobatics show to counteract the musicals. As well as a formal sitdown, order from the menu restaurant.

As far as coasters, a nice wooden out and back. Not too thrilling but something to fill the gap.

[tarheel1231]

^ If action theater stays, I'd love to see it turned into a new live show venue. It would be nice to get one of those circus stunt shows Canada's Wonderland has. The park needs more indoor and air conditioned activities. I could not last the full day during the coaster classic, left at 6PM.

[redrunner97]

Since we've got specifics on the water park expansion, I'm hoping for these details:
- New paint... on everything. One of the most unattractive things about Boomerang Bay is that it just looks so dull.
- New ride names. Obviously this is a given, considering the change in theme. I just hope they're very cool and unique.
- Pirate stuff. Lots of pirate stuff. I feel like that is the hinge that will hold Carolina Harbor's theme together and I hope they go all out with it. In imagery, signage, names, props, etc.
- Palm trees. The Carolina Palmetto is the official tree of the beautiful state of South Carolina. Almost as iconic as their cheap gas and bumpy roads! I'm hoping they plant lots of them all over the place, upside, outside, inside out... like get freakin la vida loca with the trees! They look nice, provide some added shade, and are built-in theming.
- Renovated food areas. They could definitely use an update, even though the park's getting a new one, like the bath house.
- Focus on making it really look nice, the landscape should be a huge priority all over the park.

Slides I want.. no, NEED! in the coming years:
- Mat Racer!
- Proslide Tornado!
- Water Coaster!
- Speed Slide!
- Need I say more?

I really think 2016 is going to set Carowinds even further along the path to being a major tourist destination.
Can't wait to see what other tricks are up their sleeve for next season and beyond!

[Tosu97]

The next coaster should replace Vortex and Cyclone all in one massive layout (quality over quantity)

"Whyte Lightning"- Lightning has struck twice!

Intamin Accelerator similar to Formula Rossa, but faster. And without so much trims on the first hill.
LET THAT THING FLY! Large swooping turns with the transitions of I-305!

Want to make Carowinds a destination? This ride should be the next step after 325.

My last request: LET ME PICK WHERE I SIT!!!