Heading north and rounding off our amazing trip, we would roll into Charlotte for our last park of the trip, Carowinds. Finishing off such a large trip with Luke, Josh, and Abi at the place where the Carolinas Come Together, and seeing Josh getting his 200th credit, we had a great time.
Getting to Carowinds, we would get there right in time for Early Entry. We only had a few hours, before we had to head towards Dayton, Ohio. With it being Abi and Josh's first time at Carowinds, we needed to make sure we carefully picked what we rode to maximize our day. Carowinds Early Entry was rather lame compared to Cedar Point's, with it only being Thunder Striker and Snoopy's Racing Railway.
Knocking out the two EE rides first thing was the right call. SRR was down for most of it, but we didn't mind waiting since it only has one train. We made the decision while waiting to knock out all of Camp Snoopy before it got too busy. We practically walked on Woodstock's Express and Wilderness Run, quickly completing the Camp Snoopy area. Josh wanted to knock out Kitty Hawk, since the line was short. Luke and I agreed it was the worst ride of the morning.
Vortex was next, and it was the 3rd B&M standup coaster of our trip. Interesting fact, in the US there are only 4 standup coasters, and during this trip we rode 3 of them. We followed with Ricochet and Carolina Cyclone. Both were ok, but I am not a fan of either. We also did hurler while we were in the area, and it was not as bad as I remembered.
Vortex was next, and it was the 3rd B&M standup coaster of our trip. Interesting fact, in the US there are only 4 standup coasters, and during this trip we rode 3 of them. We followed with Ricochet and Carolina Cyclone. Both were ok, but I am not a fan of either. We also did hurler while we were in the area, and it was not as bad as I remembered.
Entering the County Fair section, we got to take laps on Carolina Gold Rusher, Electro Spin, and 2 amazing laps on Copperhead Strike. Despite the fact we just rode an equally good Mack multi launch at Epic, Copperhead holds its own at Carowinds. Josh even mentioned his concerns about Stardust overshadowing Copperhead, but they're two different rides. Stardust tries to be an extreme airtime machine that duels through the stars, Copperhead tries to outrun the law smuggling moonshine.
We followed with lunch, then Flying Cobras. I was very excited to ride the ex-Geauga Lake boomerang, Luke, Josh, and Abi were not. They all said it wasn't very good, but I have a softspot for the ride. We also took spins on Gear Spin, Air Racers, and Afterburn. Afterburn was like a mini-montu, which riding both in the same trip was such a thrill.
We followed with lunch, then Flying Cobras. I was very excited to ride the ex-Geauga Lake boomerang, Luke, Josh, and Abi were not. They all said it wasn't very good, but I have a softspot for the ride. We also took spins on Gear Spin, Air Racers, and Afterburn. Afterburn was like a mini-montu, which riding both in the same trip was such a thrill.
With Afterburn being Josh's 199th coaster, and with only Fury 325 left to ride that day, we made our way over. I hadn't ridden Fury in a year, and we got front row for Josh's 200. It was so cool riding in the front. We took a reride in the back row, to really seal the deal. It was getting close to when we had to leave, so we made a quick ride on the Sky Tower before we left for the day.
Carowinds was a strong end to the biggest rollercoaster trip of my life. 8 parks, 10 days, over 50 coasters. I got to spend it was amazing people, and got to make so many memories at so many great parks. Fury was a highlight of the trip, along with the many thrilling rides we encountered throughout our trip. I got to see so many unique things, and learn so much to help my career. I can't wait for IAAPA 2026.