When I went to Carowinds (www.carowinds.com) this year to check out our new Slingshot installation I not only enjoyed a thrilling experience, I saw a fresh take on some things make this industry great. Not a big surprise, but I still feel that the Slingshot is one of the best thrills out there. Going from ground level to nearly 300 feet in a matter of seconds is quite a rush. It is amazing to see the world unfold in front of you. Of course, when you ride the Slingshot the park now the world unfolds with something standing as tall as you- Fury 325. Carowinds and B&M hit a home run with this ride. It does everything a giga coaster should (and more). I know there are many devotees of the silver and blue Millennium Force at Cedar Fair’s flagship property, but to me Fury just does everything better.
The “out” run showcases the ride’s speed as it flies over some wonderfully-shaped curves and rises into the treble clef. This element, shaped like the musical note, dives through a tunnel and here the airtime begins. There are several great moments as-well-as a helix that threads the needle through the ride’s support structure.
But, Fury was not the only pleasant surprise. The park also was showcasing their Taste of the Carolinas. This food festival focused on regional food and beer. Not only was it a great alternative to the burgers and hot dog fare I am used to, it tasted fantastic. From main courses to dessert, everything was several steps above what I have come to expect from amusement park food. In addition, it was served in reasonable amounts, so I could sample different things as opposed to being committed to one dish served the size of a table.
The final touch was the new front gate, which was totally rebuilt for the 2015 season. Fury 325 wraps itself around and through the entrance plaza, offerings park-goers a tantalizing glimpse of the thrills that lie inside.
All-in-all our visit to Carowinds was a much different one than our last one in 2003. It has certainly re-defined itself in the market and we look forward to seeing what is ahead for this unique property that straddles a state line.
-AFS