originally posted on 5/30/2023 10:35:00 AM
As a lifelong roller coaster enthusiast from North Carolina (and more recently, the project manager for the Ride With Us podcast), I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Carowinds on April 21, 2023, with two of my fellow friends and ACE members,
Anthony Saporito of New Jersey and Andrew Pace of New York City. Our experience at the park was one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had, as we got to interview some of the park’s lead staff members for the podcast and take a backstage
tour of some of the most exciting attractions.
Carowinds' 50th Anniversary
Photo: Anthony Saporito. View full-sized image.
Carowinds is a park that has a special place in my heart; it is not only my home park, but one that I've been visiting for over 20 years. Located on the border between North and South Carolina, the park has an incredible collection of roller coasters,
thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. During our visit, we had the chance to ride some fan favorites, including Fury 325, the tallest and fastest gigacoaster in the world; Intimidator, a steel coaster inspired by NASCAR legend
Dale Earnhardt; Afterburn, an inverted coaster that that feels like flying in a fighter jet; and of course, Copperhead Strike, a wacky and twisted adventure packed with incredible launches and hangtime (and my personalfavorite
coaster in the park).
Copperhead Strike - Carowinds
Photo: Anthony Saporito. View full-sized image.
Our day at Carowinds kicked off with a podcast interview featuring Courtney Weber, the director of communications, and Chris, the brand activation manager. We discussed the park's 50th anniversary plans, the most popular attractions, the newly added Aeronautica Landing, various food options and some of their favorite things about the park. The conversation was lively and informative, and we learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes operations at one of the country's premier amusement parks.
Additionally, Chris was kind enough to do a side segment with Steve Jackson, the director of maintenance, who talked about his experience with building and maintaining some of the park's major attractions, such as Intimidator and Fury 325.
His passion for the rides and his career was palpable, and it was great to hear how much he cared about ensuring memorable experiences for park guests.
A signature highlight of the tour was being able to walk directly under the tracks of the three main coasters we visited: Copperhead Strike, Fury 325 and Intimidator. Chris was extremely hospitable and happy to take us around
the backstage portions of the park, and it was amazing to see the rides from angles that were new to me. It was Anthony’s and Andrew’s first visit to Carowinds, so it was extra special for them to have this unique experience as well.
Fury 325 - Carowinds
Photo: Anthony Saporito. View full-sized image.
Overall, our day at Carowinds was an unforgettable experience. From the exciting interviews with Courtney, Chris and Steve to the backstage tour and creative photos captured by Anthony and Andrew, it was an incredible opportunity for us to see Carowinds
in a new light. From a somewhat-biased perspective, I can say Carowinds is truly one of the best parks around, with some of the most thrilling and innovative rides in the industry.
Intimidator - Carowinds
Photo: Anthony Saporito. View full-sized image.
For anyone interested in experiencing Carowinds for themselves, there's no better time to do it than at Coaster Con 45, coming up June 18-23, 2023. It's an opportunity to ride some of the best coasters in the world, meet other enthusiasts and learn more
about the industry and its history. With Carowinds as one of the hosts for this year's Coaster Con, attendees will have the chance to explore the park and experience its thrilling rides, world-class entertainment and welcoming atmosphere.
Looking forward to seeing everyone who registered for Coaster Con at Dollywood and Carowinds June 18-23, 2023, for an unforgettable experience and the chance to connect with fellow ACE members!
— Corey Wooten
Project Manager, ACE — Ride With Us Podcast
#ACE360