Why You Should Buy a Season Pass to Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, North Carolina

Thinking about visiting Carowinds this summer? If so, consider purchasing a Season Pass at the 122-acre amusement park that sets on the border between North and South Carolina. That's right, part of Carowinds is in Charlotte, North Carolina and the other in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The two Carolinas came together to produce a good thing.

I was a Carowinds Season Pass holder for at least five consecutive years when my children were small, and experience taught me that one visit just scratches the surface of all there is to see and do, especially if you go on the weekend. Naturally, it's more crowded then and precious time is wasted standing in line for popular rides, food and even the restroom.

As of this writing, a one day pass to Carowinds for ages 3-61 is $39.99 and a two day pass is $54.99. Parking is $10 daily, which is another good reason to go for the season pass-you get to park for free.

Other benefits of the season pass (excluding Silver) are unlimited admission to Carowinds on any public operating day, admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt, a parking lot for just season pass holders, early entry to Boomerang Bay Waterpark, early line access to Intimidator and Nighthawk, in-park discounts and Carowinds Camp Wilderness discounts year round. The Junior/Senior passes limit the season pass holder to 16 days of admission for the season.

The cost and benefits of Carowinds Season Passes vary:

• Silver Season Pass--Ages 3-61 and 48" or taller in shoes: $59.99. This does not include benefits, free parking, or admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt.

• Gold Season Pass with purchase of 1 to 3 passes--Ages 3-61 and 48" or taller in shoes: $89.99. This includes benefits, free parking and admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt.

• Gold Season Pass with purchase of 4 or more passes in a single transaction-Ages 3-61 and 48 "or taller in shoes: $79.99-includes benefits, free parking, and admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt.

• Gold Junior/Senior Season Pass-Ages 3-61 and 48" or taller in shoes: $61.99. The Junior/Senior option limits pass holders to 16 days of entry during the season, but benefits still apply as well as free parking and admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt.

• Platinum Regular Season Pass Ages 3-61 & 48 "or taller in shoes: $160.00-Includes benefits, free parking, admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt and to all Cedar Fair amusement and outdoor waterparks. For other Cedar Fair parks click here.

• Platinum Junior/Senior Season Pass-Ages 3-61 & 48 "or taller in shoes: $90.00-The Junior/Senior option limits pass holders to 16 days of entry during the season, but benefits still apply as well as free parking, admission to Scarowinds Halloween Haunt and admission to all Cedar Fair amusement and outdoor waterparks. For names of other Cedar Fair parks click here.

Take it Easy at Carowinds with a Season Pass

My mother, my two children and I, all had season passes and found we preferred going to Carowinds during the week because it was the best way to avoid crowds and lines. During the years we had season passes, the majority of our trips were made on weekdays, and the thoughts of going on weekends became unbearable.

There was simply more space on weekdays and finding an unoccupied bench for a quick rest was easy, and a rest every now and then is a must at Carowinds. Also, not waiting in line means more time for fun and if you're having fun that season pass was not only a good idea, but a good deal.

The season ticket pays for itself in just two trips to Carowinds, while providing flexibility in scheduling. If a child gets sick while at Carowinds, or a thunderstorm pops up simply leave and return another day. There's no need to try and pack everything in at once; if it's a particularly hot day, go early in the morning and leave early or wait until late afternoon to go. There will still be a couple of hours to enjoy the park.

A Carowinds Season Pass Makes for a Flexible Summer

Like most amusement parks, the food is expensive, but since you can waltz right in the gate with your season pass, you'll have more money to spend on food. Pepperoni pizza was one of the best deals we found at Carowinds, but sometimes we ate at home or grabbed a burger somewhere else before going to Carowinds.

Several times a year Gold or Platinum season pass holders can bring a friend for $19.99. One of the most memorable days we had at Carowinds was when my cousin, her son and two grandchildren came along. For the 2010 season those days are July 4, the week of August 16-20, Labor Day (September 6), and the weekend of September 11-12.

Holiday and Birthday Gifts

Season passes also make good Christmas or birthday gifts since they can be bought online almost year round, which allows plenty of time for planning.

www.carowinds.com