Carowinds

[CLTProductions]

Anyone know when we can expect the "announcements" for the cool new stuff at the park?

[swampfox43]

Anyone know when we can expect the "announcements" for the cool new stuff at the park?

 

They've announced the new stuff for 2014 already. New waterslides in the waterpark. Also, new paint jobs on some of the coasters. 2015 will be the big year. A 300+ ft coaster. Should be a nice addition to the parks skyline.

[15895]

^ I think he meant new details on the 300 ft. Coaster

[CLTProductions]

^ I think he meant new details on the 300 ft. Coaster

Correct

[rugger62]

After getting gas at Carowinds Blvd today ($3.149/gallon btw), I snapped a picture of the Plaza Fiesta teardown. Imgur link

[CLTProductions]

Ah, that reminds me....Carowinds opens tomorrow

[swampfox43]

After getting gas at Carowinds Blvd today ($3.149/gallon btw), I snapped a picture of the Plaza Fiesta teardown. Imgur link

 

I took this one of the tear down last Saturday (March 22) from my radio controlled quadcopter. They've come a long way since then.

[Norm2]

I just wish that Plaza Fiesta wasn't being replaced by a giant hunting store. Carowinds should have bought the land for expansion.

[49er]

I wonder what became of the giant playground? That place was really neat. One would think it could be sold and moved. 

[cltbwimob]

I read a rumor on the C-D forum that the next coaster at Carowinds will be the tallest traditional coaster in the world.

Carowinds is becoming quite the park.

Edited July 8, 2014 by cltbwimob

[Matthew.Brendan]

Uhhhhh. I'll believe that when I can ride it. Off to go lookup what is currently the tallest!

edit: Kingda Ka @ Six Flags NJ, 456'

Edited July 8, 2014 by melk

[SouthEndCLT811]

Wouldn't surprise me.  Cedar Fair loves going after that record and space is limited at Cedar Point.  I was hoping with all the undeveloped land around Carowinds that they'd go for the record down here.  Hope to see it happen!

[CLTProductions]

To me, traditional coaster means something with a lift hill (rather than something that is launched), so if that is the case, i HIGHLY doubt it will rise to the level of Kingda Ka. The support structure needed for a lift hill that high is insane. That being said, if we get a 300'+ hypercoaster (please no inversions), something by Intamin or B&M that would be INCREDIBLE. My dad's friend is a super high up exec at Cedar Fair, I will see if I can get info (I doubt).

Edited July 8, 2014 by Jayvee

[MilZ]

Just to remind everyone, BizJournals did confirm plans for the expansion back in Sept for a "Gigacoaster" (300+ ft).  It was supposed to be 1/10 or so in the world

 

Edit: I think this was the article http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/outside_the_loop/2013/09/charlotte-council-wrestles-carowinds.html.

Edited July 8, 2014 by MilZ

[nonillogical]

To me, traditional coaster means something with a lift hill (rather than something that is launched), so if that is the case, i HIGHLY doubt it will rise to the level of Kingda Ka. The support structure needed for a lift hill that high is insane. That being said, if we get a 300'+ hypercoaster (please no inversions), something by Intamin or B&M that would be INCREDIBLE. My dad's friend is a super high up exec at Cedar Fair, I will see if I can get info (I doubt).

Why no inversions? I would love a gigacoaster with an inversion or two, and that would make it truly unique and a huge draw! A turn that banks beyond 90 degrees at least is likely. Anyway I am a B&M fan overall but since we already have a B&M Hypercoaster in Intimidator, I'd pull for something a little different by Intamin. Frankly I would love a launch coaster since we don't have one yet but from all the news so far it doesn't sound like that will be the case. 

[Urbanity]

With all the talk of zoos and CHarlotte people wanting one vs. unlikely to get state funding  - I  think there would be great opportunity for Carowinds to expand to include an animal safari area like Six Flags in New Jersey.

[tozmervo]

That's a good thought. I really enjoyed visiting Busch Gardens Tampa back in the day, which has some great coasters among some pretty nice animal habitat. (TIL that it used to be called "Busch Gardens: Dark Continent")

[InSouthPark]

Possible plans leaked here:  http://screamscape.com/html/carowinds2015_3.htm

Edited July 8, 2014 by InSouthPark

[CLTProductions]

Why no inversions? I would love a gigacoaster with an inversion or two, and that would make it truly unique and a huge draw! A turn that banks beyond 90 degrees at least is likely. Anyway I am a B&M fan overall but since we already have a B&M Hypercoaster in Intimidator, I'd pull for something a little different by Intamin. Frankly I would love a launch coaster since we don't have one yet but from all the news so far it doesn't sound like that will be the case. 

HA! I only speak of that because my dad for example, can't do inversions, and there really aren't that many incredible thrill rides for those who can't go upsidedown (really Intimidator is about it). We hail from Cleveland and we're totally spoiled by Cedar Point, King's Island and (now defunt) Geauga Lake. Just want something as accessable as possible. And I agree I would rather an Intamin even though B&M is my favorite.

[ah59396]

It this thing is legit, we are looking at something in the range of 325 feet.  Almost 100 feet taller than Intimidator, and likely hitting speeds close to 100mph.  Holy crap.

Uhhhhh. I'll believe that when I can ride it. Off to go lookup what is currently the tallest!

edit: Kingda Ka @ Six Flags NJ, 456'

 

FYI, Kingda Ka isn't a "traditional coaster" but a hypercoaster, shooting up then back down.  This would potentially be the world's tallest traditional, which is currently held by Steel Dragon at 318'.

[CLTProductions]

It this thing is legit, we are looking at something in the range of 325 feet.  Almost 100 feet taller than Intimidator, and likely hitting speeds close to 100mph.  Holy crap.

Id say thats probably a good guess. Let's hope Cedar Fair is still be bitter over Steel Dragon taking that crown from Millenium Force (an INFINITELY better coaster) and is finally taking that crown back.

[grodney]

POV simulation based on 2-dimensional leaked plans:

 

p.s. You may want to turn your sound off.  I take that back --- you WILL want to turn your sound off.

 

 

 

 

 

[CLTProductions]

It this thing is legit, we are looking at something in the range of 325 feet.  Almost 100 feet taller than Intimidator, and likely hitting speeds close to 100mph.  Holy crap.

 

FYI, Kingda Ka isn't a "traditional coaster" but a hypercoaster, shooting up then back down.  This would potentially be the world's tallest traditional, which is currently held by Steel Dragon at 318'.

Also, it is worth mentioning Cedar Fair trademarked the name "Fury 325" so I think 325ft is a good guess (also goes with the Intimidator 305 theme). It has been speculated (and probably good speculation) that this will be a companion coaster to Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland. Now, people will say it is too similar to Intimidator, and to that I will say, Canada's Wonderland has Leviathan and Behemoth, basically it would be the same scenario as Intimidator and Fury 325. Having been to Canada's Wonderland, I will say I am totally on board, both Leviathan and Behemoth are INCREDIBLE coasters regardless of how similar they are. I can almost guarantee this will be B&M.

 

For the record Leviathan is 306ft and 92mph

Edited July 8, 2014 by Jayvee

[Matthew.Brendan]

re: Roller coaster, Hyper coaster, Giga coaster...

You say tomato, I say tomato. Don't really see the difference in something you strap into and go high/fast.

[ah59396]

re: Roller coaster, Hyper coaster, Giga coaster...

You say tomato, I say tomato. Don't really see the difference in something you strap into and go high/fast.

 

I think it is kinda like skyscraper designations.  Supertall vs Megatall based on respective heights.  Or maybe it's just completely arbitrary, I'm actually not sure.