We were there the week of the big heat wave hitting the east coast at the end of July 2011. On our way home from our week long trip from Orlando we decided to stop in NC and visit Carowinds. Very glad we did. I would have to say the kids enjoyed the day we spent at Carowinds as much (if not more) than our trip to the Magic Kingdom. It was a work day, so the park was not very crowded, lines were very short for rides and the place to be that day was the water park...and still the crowds were minimal. Compared to the the Magic Kingdom which is inundated with tour groups. We felt more relaxed here...didn't feel like we were having to step over people and race to get to the next ride before the mob of tour groups.