I used to live in South Charlotte and Carowinds was a 15 minute drive. Getting a seasons pass was well worth it. Especially the summer I spent working from home. In afternoons I would get my daughter and her friend to head over the the park.
We could spend a couple of hours riding every roller coaster. In many cases we could get off the coaster and then get right back on for another ride. Of course their was always a line for newest rollercoaster.
The water and the amusement park are combined so bring you bathing suit and cool down on one of the slides.
I have not been back since the new company took over last year.