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| - This is a great amusement park. It's grown a lot and new rides and attractions are added a lot more since Cedar Fair took it over a little while back. I'm a season pass holder and I also have the dining and drink plan, which I highly suggest if you live near Carowinds like I do. We've been guilty of just going in to eat and maybe to ride. Please note on the meal plan, there are limited healthy choices. Panda Express has a few, but Harmony Hall is your best bet. They have a salad station or bbq with some healthy sides. Also on the drink plan, I suggest the disposable option since rides like Fury don't allow you to store items. You will have to either rent a locker, have someone watch your stuff or throw it in a bush and hope no one steals it.
The rides: We're a couple in our 30s and enjoy thrill rides. The Fury is by far the most exciting ride in the park. Up until it opened, the Intimidator was our favorite. My husband doesn't enjoy some of the rides with loops because they can shake your head a little. These are things like the Flying Cobras. Afterburn and Nighthawk are a little smoother. But beware, Nighthawk is a blast but it is always slow to load and therefore has a line. We also enjoy the new County Fair section. I get a little sick on the smaller spinning rides, but Rock N' Roller I can handle and it is one of my favorites.
Shows: There are various shows. Our favorite is the Cirque Imagine which is indoors and very entertaining. The dance party near the front gate at night looks fun. One day I might actually sign up for the karaoke battle portion.
Carolina Harbor: This really is a great water park, but get there early to grab a chair especially if you want one in the shade. There are a variety of slides. I really enjoy the Blackbeard slides and the lazy river. I highly suggest water shoes. I wish I could keep them on during rides, but many slides require you to take them off before riding. I seem to get blisters every time but maybe my feet are sensitive. There are two wave pools, but I don't stay in them long because it's too crowded for my liking.
Food: Since I have a meal plan, I have tried most of the restaurants. My favorite is the BBQ place in Harmony Hall. The smoked wings and brisket are excellent! And if you ride Intimidator you can smell it from the ride. The water park also serves the wings. Chickie & Pete's makes a great cheesesteak. And the seasoning on the fries with cheese sauce makes a great companion to the sandwich. My least favorite is Wings. I had the pizza there and it reminded me of a low quality frozen pizza. My husband had the burger and was not impressed. Also, most of their food was under warming lamps like a cafeteria and I like my food fresh.
Additional Tips:
1. Go on a weekday. Weekends are going to be busy, with Saturday being the busiest day. Or go during the evening after some crowds have left for the day.
2. The gold pass will save you money on parking. Otherwise it's like $20. Or save money by buying parking in advance online.
3. Pack lightly. Especially if you want to avoid locker rentals. And who wants to keep track of a bag anyway. I use a wrist wallet so I don't have the fear of something falling out of a pocket. Also invest in cargo shorts/pants that have zipper pockets to secure loose items during rides.
4. Dress for the weather. Disposable ponchos are easy to carry if you think it will rain. The park will shut down rides if there's lightning in the area, but if you wait it out, lines are a lot shorter after it rains. If it's sunny, use sunscreen.
5. If you need a break from the heat, there are several options. Boo Blasters and Plants vs. Zombies are indoors. Shows like Cirque Imagine and Decades Live are indoors. And restaurants with AC include Harmony Hall, Chik-fil-a, Chickie and Pete's, Wings and Starbucks.
Overall, we enjoy our visits, but part of it is knowing when to go to avoid the crowds.
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