39 replies to this topic

[Mike Strobel]

I don't have much to say about this park to begin this thread, but I do have two interesting points. First and probably not as interesting, Vortex is getting repainted, apparently something similar to Scorcher's paint job. Secondly and much more drastically, they are actually tearing down and rebuilding Thunder Road section by section. I wonder what else they have in store for it.

Here's some of the work they've been doing (this was from 2008, but they're still at it).

[Vater]

Wow, really? That's bizarre. I"m not sure I understand the purpose...

[Coasterholic14]

Carowinds is my home park, so let me weigh in here. Basically, the park has put Thunder Road under a 5-year retracking/rebuilding plan by Great Coasters International (GCI), where they are retracking the coaster and replacing much of the aging structure. When you ride now, you can definetly feel a difference between the "new" and "old" parts (relatively smooth vs. jackhammering). When finished, if they would just race the coaster more often (and fix the silver sides turn...which it is now slower on when they do try and race), it should restore Thunder Road somewhat back to its glory days. I believe this was to be GCIs final year working on Thunder Road, but I think they got delayed a year last year with Intimidator's arrival, as I don't believe anything was re-tracked last year...just some handrails replaced. Right now I believe they are working on the lift hill based on a pic someone posted on carowindsconnection.com the other day.

I think the biggest issues the park needs to fix right now are 1) lack of flat rides, 2) continue landscaping, 3) more unique coasters. For the flat rides, while the park has a few good ones, other than the Enterprise, there are no real "thrilling" flat rides, and the ones they do have are few and far between (swings, inverting ship, scrambler, flying scooters, kiddie rides in Planet Snoopy). They really need 1 or 2 high-caliber thrilling flat rides (a Huss Giant Frisbee could fit in well in the space in front of intimidator...theme it as a tire lol), and maybe 3-5 smaller flat rides likely in the County Fair area. Second, when Paramount left the park, it was a mess in terms of landscaping...or complete lack thereof. Much of the park is heavily paved over and poorly shaded, not a good mix in high southern heat and humidity. Cedar Fair has definetly been working to fix this, by replacing the asphalt with pavers in many areas (mostly Planet Snoopy right now), which has made the park look nicer, and those areas noticably "cooler". They've also added landscaping to areas that previously had none and area headed in the right direction...what they still really need more of though are trees for shade.

Last thing I mentioned was coasters. Now, Carowinds has a great number and solid variety of coasters, the problem is, most are not terribly unique or thrilling, most are clones. Intimidator and After Burn/Top Gun are by far the best coasters there, and are about the only ones that make a trip there worthwhile. Vortex is a pain, though I'm not a fan of stand-ups. Nighthawk is the most uncomfortable coaster ever, takes up a lot of real-estate, and has a not-so exciting layout, among the lowest ranked of the VEKOMA Flyers...and that's pretty low. Hurler and Cyclone are decent but not terribly unique, nor very long. Kiddie/family coaster clones, we have a plethora (Scooby Doo/Woodstocks Express, Flying Ace Aerial Chase, Lucy's Crabie Cabbies, Ricochet), and while Goldrusher is a fun little mine train, again, not terribly long. Even Thunder Road...if you've been on one of its "sister" coasters isn't all that different, and its fun but not a top woodie by any means. If there had been no Top Gun/After Burn, I would have stopped going years ago, if Intimidator hadn't come, I wouldn't be going much anymore, those are the parks saving graces.

But what they need most of all is those flat rides, something else besides a bunch of "meh" coasters and a few good ones...it's great if you've never been and you're looking to increase your coaster count, but not so much if you have to go back year after year to them, since it's the only park within about 5 hrs.

[GADVFREAK99]

I believe this park needs a GCI, like everyone is saying.

[steel-Rock]

Thunder Road and Vortex are "operating" on rcdb. They talk about "rebuilding" and "a makeover" on screamscape. On the official site, Carowinds has them listed with all the other rides but with no unusual comments. So will they be down for the year or up and running by the time that the park has weekly hours? I plan to go there in early June.

[Mike Strobel]

^As Coasterholic14 said, Thunder Road has been on a rehab program for 5 years. They only take out part of the track at a time, thus they have it ready by opening day. Vortex on the otherhand is only getting a new paint scheme, which is easily an off-season job.

[Ryan Shrout]

^Mike, a new paint scheme or just a fresh coat of paint? I can't picture that ride with any other colors than what it currently has and would almost be sad if Cedar Fair made it another McDonalds coaster.

[Mike Strobel]

I see new paint scheme. (thought that looks like primer, which I wouldn't think they'd do if they were just repainting it in old colors) There is a rumor it would be in gold and burgundy (Screamscape rumor), which would make it look similar to Scorcher's colors.

[Coasterholic14]

That is actually the "new" paint scheme according to Carowinds, and yes, it is EXACTLY the same as Intimidators. Yet another instance in which I swear they just used "leftover" paint from another ride to repaint another...look at Carolina Cyclone, I swear that they were going to repaint Cyclone its old color scheme and then they ran out of Blue, but they realized they had leftover paint from re-painting/theming Rugrats Runaway Reptar into Flying Ace Aerial Chase and decided to finish painting Cyclone with that and call it a "paint scheme"

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[drachenfirebgw]

Honestly, that sounds like something Cedar Fair would do in regarding to the Carolina Cyclone paint job from last year. I'm also glad to see that Vortex will remain red. In my opinion it was one of the park's signature attractions and is iconic. I know many will disagree, but because of it's placement at the front of the park, it served for many years as a statement attraction and the red track on black support (now grey like Intimidator) is a classic and great looking color scheme.

And the Thunder Road rehab is a genius investment in my opinion. I rode Thunder Road in 2009 and the turnaround, which had been rehabbed that offseason felt immensly smoother and better than the rest of the ride. GCI is also the best firm in my opinion to pull of this kind of job. They will do it right the first time and from what I've heard and seen this is going to work out nicely. I honestly hope Kings Dominion invests in Rebel Yell in this way as well as other Cedar Fair parks in general with some of their older wooden roller coasters.

Coasterholic14, I love your summery near the beginning of this thread. Carowinds in my opinion has a great atmosphere and really does well at making the park feel like a traditional amusement park. Nothing totally over the top. Landscaping could definitely be improved upon but it was a little better than I expected it to be honestly during my visit. The park could definitely use some flat rides as well. A couple classic flat rides marketed as new attraction would fit into nicely as well as maybe one signature flat ride such as a Huss Suspended Top Spin (basically a Crypt or Riptide clone, which is found at other Cedar Fair parks). In fact a Riptide themed attraction well go over well in the Carolina Boardwalk area in my opinion. A Zamperla Air Race or Disko Coaster as they are calling it would be good fits also.

And yes! Unique roller coasters are a need. It may be time to review the current selection of roller coasters determine whether or not certain ones fit into the lineup well anymore. Honestly, I would love to see Nighthawk shipped off elsewhere in favor of a more traditionally looking area like the park had previously with the old ferry boat, and such or even a GCI woodie. Just something besides that awful of a ride with that paint scheme shining brightly at the front of the park. Yes, it does provide a great atmosphere with the path weaving under and around the ride. Anyways, a GCI woodie or a more innovative steel roller coaster would be a great investment. Imagine an Intamin ZacSpin or another smaller, more modern steel roller coaster that would fit into a small area well and other some variety.

[Mike Strobel]

Uh....the white is definitely primer. I definitely see discoloration on the supports.

[Coasterholic14]

Uh....the white is definitely primer. I definitely see discoloration on the supports.

It is primer in that picture, but the park also announced in its "Caro-blog" that it would be sporting newly painted red track and grey supports like Intimidator.

To throw a bit more into the discussion, IMO the parks waterpark leaves much to be desired. Within the past few years, it's seen the addition of 1) a bigger kiddie pool, which is hidden and rarely has many people at it, pluse we already had one and a play structure that suited kids and families well...a simple expansion of those would have sufficed, 2) a second wave pool, which is bigger and better than the first (much nicer waves), but who needs TWO wave pools? 3) kiddie slides from Kings Island I believe. They haven't seen the addition of any new tube slides in...10 years? I can't even remember how long. No Bowls, Funnels, or any new waterslides to speak of...I'd settle for any of the newer modern slides, but they really do need something.

Overall, Carowinds is definetly a solid park, but it needs a lot more variety for those of us who are repeat visitors...which would be most of their park visitors. Intimidator is a big stepping stone, especially if it can help bring the park into the spotlight enough to bring in more revenue for new rides. There are definetly some downsides to the Cedar Fair management, such as the very "repetetive" paint schemes, and their decreased ride operation at non-peak times and "adverse weather" (which can make an otherwise short line long and slow-moving), but I definetly feel they are doing a lot better job than Paramount ever did. I know some from KI/KD preferred Paramount, but most people here are happier with the change. The park is cleaner, more efficient, friendlier, and better maintained (new paint, TR rehab, landscaping, etc). Like anyone's home park, their are things I love about the park and hate about the park, but all-in-all, I'm satisfied with it as my home park (though I wasn't a few years ago after countless "family" upgrades with no thrill upgrades...other than Nighthawk...eww).

[GADVFREAK99]

not much room left but an idea would be to get rid of carolina cyclone and build a good B&M Floorless coaster

[Ryan Shrout]

Carolina Cyclone doesn't have a large enough footprint for that. The only coaster B&M has ever made that I think might be able to fit in that spot is Daemonen at Tivoli. If/When Carolina Cyclone gets the ax, it will most likely be replaced by a small footprint thriller the likes of a Euro-fighter.

[Devin Olson]

If you look at the footprint of the Le Mans at BGW and then Griffon and see how creative the park was in utilizing not just the footprint but also the surroundings of the antique car ride, I think that Carowinds could definitely fit a B&M Dive Machine on the Carolina Cyclone plot of land, especially due to the steepness of the lift and drop, and the lack of a footprint due to that. In addition, there aren't too many tall attractions around the Cyclone, so it would be easy to build sections of track over or around just about any attraction between Vortex and Hurler.

Here's what I mean (make sure you use the angled view):

http://www.bing.com/...y=b&FORM=LMLTCC

[Mike Strobel]

If CF wanted to go small scale, something like Heide Park's Krake could easily fit in Cyclone's spot.

[Vater]

Here's what I mean (make sure you use the angled view):

http://www.bing.com/...y=b&FORM=LMLTCC

On a somewhat unrelated note, this is the coolest thing. Go here and then slide the map to the right just a bit, and watch BORG Assimilator change color (to half primer, half yellow/blue).

[BJ KoasterKooK]

Hey everyone, ya'all must have heard about the recent rumors/news about Carowinds possible new ride for next year, right?

Looks like a HUSS Giant Frisbee is going in the lawn right in front of Intimidator. It still may be only a rumor, but with the pic from "The Coaster Critics Blog" below, and other information i've read, i think it's the real deal.

Whatcha think Brandon (or anyone else), have you seen this?



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HUSS Giant Frisbee's have always intrigued me...good addition Carowinds! (If true, of course )

[Coasterholic14]

Well, to throw in my thoughts...non-coaster flat and thrill rides has long been Carowinds biggest weakness (other than mostly compensating for lower quality coasters with a higher quantity), and it's been something I've been waiting for for a long time. Anyway, after Intimidator being added, I knew we'd not get much/anything this year, as parks often have to save up for a year after such a big expenditure. Given the location of Intimidator, and the fact that all those trees were "conveniently" cleared out and the land leveled, my prediction since I first saw that plot of land was "perfect size, space, and location for a HUSS Frisbee" (I believe I discussed that with you when you came to Carowinds Brian). I mean, they could have left the lake in there, and a lot of the trees, but instead it was all cleared out and leveled save a few small trees they planted, but they didn't...like they were leaving it for a future project they already had in mind.

A HUSS Frisbee would be a perfect addition, giving the park another badly needed non-coaster thrill ride, and right next to Intimidator it would make a perfect 1-2 combo at the front of the park and quite a big draw. I actually called that prediction the first time I saw that open plot of land, would be great to see that come true (predicting 2 years in advance...that's some bragging rights!). I'll have to see more evidence though before I get my hopes up too much, as someone could have put that there (it's right next to the path) just to stir the pot and get people speculating...but I sure hope it's legit, and my prediction comes to fruition!

[BJ KoasterKooK]

^ Ya know, you probably did Brandon, I vaguely remember a "what's next for Carowinds" discussion.

But really, i was more than likely staring at Intimidator and self-absorbed in the anticipation of one of our front/rear row rides we had on her .

Still, I fully agree on the fit and need for an exceptional flat like this at Carowinds, it would be just about perfect there.

[Vater]

Anyway, after Intimidator being added, I knew we'd not get much/anything this year, as parks often have to save up for a year after such a big expenditure.

I think it has less to do with saving up and more to do with being completely unnecessary (I'd even argue disadvantageous) to follow up one large attraction with another a year later, since the park will still be reaping the benefits in attendance from the previous year's attraction.

[BJ KoasterKooK]

Ha...now it looks like there was a "GCI" stake in the same general area too.

And the latest reports state that the stakes have been removed today (yesterday?), so this all may be a grand joke of sorts to get all us crazed, enthusiast types all stoked up for grins and giggles.

As always, time...and patience, will tell all .

[Coasterholic14]

^^ Agreed Vater, that was another reason I didn't see us getting anything this year, and probably no new coaster until maybe 2013/14, as Intimidators popularity can carry the parks coasters for a while

^ It wouldn't be the first time there Brian. Last year a "White Lightnin'" logo was "leaked" as was something about "Lightning Strikes Twice" making everyone think the new coaster would be called White Lightnin'. That's why I'd take it with a grain of salt for now, as it could be a hoax by guests or the park (they also had the Coaster Stock event this past weekend when these magically appeared...you know us enthusiasts). I also saw about the GCI stakes, but I believe there is something with power generation as well that GCI stands for, so it could just be marking out something with a power grid/supply.

[Coasterholic14]

Just wanted to update here, it looks like the Huss GF may have sadly just been a hoax (be it by the park or park-goers) during the Coaster Stock event. That said, the park is now droppping clues to what we are getting next year, and right now, all clules point to....a WindSeeker. Rumor has it, CF bought 3 more, so Carowinds would likely be getting one. Here's the "banner" that is compiled from their clues (if this doesn't scream windseeker I don't know what does):
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Ok, now for my 2 cents on this, I have kind of a "meh" overall feeling. I'd love to give a WindSeeker a try, though I do have a bit of a fear of heights...not on roller coasters, but buildings or taller rides like this where you're not really strapped/held in (like on a drop tower or coaster), which will limit how much/often I ride. Honestly though, the reason my reaction is "meh" is because: 1) The main point of the ride is the view at tall heights + a little thrill, but we have the SkyTower which already covers the view, and the thrill will only be moderate, 2) The SkyTower is an icon for the park, if you put something in much higher than it, it losses that iconic status (assuming they put it in the Intimidator field...if they put it in, it needs to be back in the County Fair area or by Hurler/Drop Tower. 3) It still doesn't address Carowinds BIGGEST need, which is higher-caliber, non-coaster thrill rides, which as I mentioned, the park is severely lacking. It just feels to me that it doesn't fit Carowinds needs as much as other rides might, and that's something the park's been struggling with for the most part the past decade, and it's beginning to wear pretty thin on me at this point.

But we'll see, the announcement will be August 24th (yes, the same day the WindSeeker's were announced last year).

[biZarRo]

Another day to look forward too. Windseeker is probably going to go in there, since it's probably going to be a CF thing. Dorney removed their Monster ride last I was there. Windseeker could easily go in there along with Invertigo in Laser's old lot.