Review of Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds, opening in 1973, got its name from the Carolinas that it stretches across and the winds that swept across them. The ownership of the park has changed hands several times since it's opening but it remains one of Charlotte's finest attractions. With a little something for everyone, this park is special in it's unique devotion to the smaller children who can't ride the rough and tumble roller coasters. Aside from Disney World, the park truly is one of a kind in catering to the very young as well as the older kids and adults.

Most theme parks are known for their roller coasters and Carowinds in no exception. With Paramount as the last owners of the park, Carowinds has adopted a strong TV and movies theme. Star Trek's Borg Assimilator roller coaster is sure to make your head spin and Wayne's World's Hurler is still partying on to this day. The Top Gun Jet Coaster is unique in it's picture techniques. While most rides today give you a photograph of one particularly mind-bending dip, the Jet Coaster captures you on video for your entire ride.

But let's get back to those smaller rugrats. Nickelodeon Central is a piece of theme park straight off your TV. SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer have their own rides and even show up for guest appearances. Dora and Diego have their own show and when the singing is over you can meet and greet Dora and Boots. Rides in this area will keep your toddlers happy, as well as your early elementary kids. Even the youngest of toddlers can take a turn on the Carousel. A good deal of the rides in this area have no height restrictions and the ones that do are usually set to accommodate most 2-3 year olds. The kiddie coasters in this area are great for children as young as 4 but have enough room for an adult companion. A family with small children will not find it hard to spend most of their day in this area without getting bored. Every day, except Tuesdays, a big parade with all their favorite characters comes marching though.

Need to cool off? A water park inside the theme park, Boomerang Bay is all yours at no extra charge. Complete with a wave pool and a variety of water slides, this place has it all. There are multiple levels of kiddie pools to keep all the age groups appropriately separated. Lockers are available for a rental fee and there is a gift shop if you need anything from sunscreen to a new bathing suit. Most of the slides in this area are for children 48" and above but there are tons of water areas for the little ones to play in.

When your tummy starts to rumble just check into any number of the eateries and diners throughout the entire park. There is no reservation or table service dining in the park but there are a variety of places to eat. There are a few places with indoor seating but most are located outside under umbrella tables. The dining is very similar from one part of the park to the other so if you see a hamburger joint where you are, don't think the hamburger joint on the other side of the park will be serving anything different. Kids meals are only available in Nickelodeon Central but if you have more then one child who, like most kids, doesn't eat their entire meal, order an adult portion of chicken fingers and split it.

The borders of North and South Carolina cut straight through the park and there are two locations where you can get your picture taken with half of your party in the north and the other half in the south. Just like any theme park there are photographers as you come in the front gate to take your picture. If you forget to check out your picture before you leave just go to the website on the card they give you to look at your picture and order it from there if the mood strikes. Lather on the sunscreen and set yourself up for a great time at Carowinds!