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Fasten your seatbelts: Carowinds’ opening weekend is here

The amusement park returns on a weekend-only spring schedule.

The image of people riding a roller coaster against a bright, blue sky.

Carowinds was honored by the amusement park-themed magazine “Amusement Today” in 2023.

Photo via WCNC

Get ready for the return of the thrills, spills, and chills. The wait for Carowinds’ return is finally over. The 400-acre amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line opens for the 2024 season Saturday, March 9.

Get your tickets:

  • Daily tickets — $39.99
  • Two-day tickets — $79.99
  • After 4 p.m. — $37.99
  • 2024 Silver Pass (unlimited visits through Labor Day) — $95
  • Group Admission (15-99) — $37.99 each
  • Military tickets — $34.99
A photo of people riding a roller coaster with their hands in the air.

Carowinds’ Fury 325 is the longest steel coaster in North America.

Photo via WCNC

When to visit:

  • Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Carowinds will operate on a Friday-Sunday spring schedule before opening seven days a week starting Friday, May 24 and running through Memorial Day weekend.

Carowinds will have a chaperone policy for the 2024 season. All guests aged 15 and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone at least 21 years old to be admitted or be in the park after 4 p.m.

Editor’s pick for top rides: When it comes to roller coasters, City Editor Jack needs the rides to be tall and fast. The second you swipe your ticket, I recommend sprinting to Fury 325 — it’ll be the highlight of your day. Other adrenaline-pumping rides I never miss:

The image of people walking into the entrance of Carowinds amusement park with flags and a logo against a blue sky.

Carowinds has been a site for adrenaline-filled rides for guests since opening in March 1973.

Photo via WCNC

In February, Carowinds announced the renaming of its iconic “Intimidator” roller coaster after carrying the nickname of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt for more than a decade. The coaster, which first opened in 2010, will now be known as “Thunder Striker.”

In November 2023, Cedar Fair, the company that owns Carowinds, announced a merger with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The merger will bring Six Flags’ headquarters to Charlotte and is expected to close in the first half of 2024. The combined company will be comprised of 42 amusement parks and nine resort properties across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

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