Carowinds
Carowinds, located on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, is a unique park that blends Southern charm with massive thrill rides. Known for record-breaking coasters, high-energy festivals, and its cross-state location, Carowinds is a cornerstone of Cedar Fair’s portfolio and a must-visit for coaster fans in the Southeast.
History & Background
The park opened in 1973 and originally aimed to be the “Disneyland of the Carolinas.” It was later purchased by Paramount, then by Cedar Fair in 2006, which led to major coaster investments and themed expansions. Carowinds now offers a powerful mix of thrill rides, family attractions, a large water park, and seasonal events like Scarowinds and WinterFest.
Ticket Prices & Packages
One-day tickets typically range from $49 to $75, with online discounts.
Package options include:
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Season Passes (Gold, Prestige, All Park Passport)
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Fast Lane & Fast Lane Plus
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Combo tickets with Carolina Harbor Water Park (included in general admission)
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Dining Plans and Drink Passes
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Open from March through December, including Halloween and Christmas events.
Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, longer in summer.
Best times to visit:
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Weekdays in May or September
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Early June or late August for light crowds
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Evenings during Scarowinds or WinterFest for atmosphere
Top Rides & Attractions
Fury 325 – One of the world’s tallest and fastest giga coasters
Intimidator – Tribute to Dale Earnhardt; big drops, smooth speed
Copperhead Strike – Multi-launch coaster with immersive theming
Afterburn – High-speed inverted coaster with underground dives
Hurler – Classic wooden coaster
Carolina Cyclone – First looping coaster with four inversions
Ricochet – Compact, wild mouse-style coaster
Family & Kids Rides
Kiddy Hawk – Suspended family coaster
Snoopy’s Junction – Train ride through Planet Snoopy
Flying Ace Balloon Race – Spinning balloon ride
Character meet-and-greets with Snoopy and Peanuts’ friends
Skytower – Observation tower with views across both Carolinas
Carolina Harbor Water Park
Included with admission, Carolina Harbor features:
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Blackbeard’s Revenge – Six-story slide complex
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Surf Club Harbor – Giant wave pool
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Barracuda Blasters – Tube slides
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Kiddy Hawk Cove & Myrtle Turtle Beach – Water play zones for kids
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Lazy River and cabana rentals are available
Open late May through Labor Day.
Dining Options
Harmony Hall Marketplace – Indoor food court with BBQ, burgers, and more
Blue Ridge Country Kitchen – Rotisserie chicken and Southern sides
Juke Box Diner – Classic burgers and shakes
Papa Luigi’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A, and Panda Express – located around the park
Snack stands offer funnel cakes, cotton candy, and beer carts
Dining Plans and mobile ordering are available via the app.
Hotels & Accommodation
Carowinds offers on-site lodging and plenty of nearby options:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds – Direct access and early entry benefits
Comfort Inn at the Park – Affordable and close to the entrance
Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood – Popular for families
KOA Campground – RV and tent camping next to the park
Some hotels include shuttle service and parking packages.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Right off I-77, about 15 minutes from downtown Charlotte.
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General parking: $25
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Preferred parking: $35
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EV charging and bus drop-off available
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Season Pass includes free parking
Tips for Visiting
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Ride Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike early or late in the day
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Bring swimsuits if visiting Carolina Harbor — it’s big and busy
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Use the Carowinds app for wait times, food ordering, and show schedules
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Scarowinds (Fall) and WinterFest (Winter) are worth visiting even without rides
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Early spring and late fall are best for lighter crowds