[Rosko97]

Could anyone give a round-up of everything they learned about the expansion/coaster/etc project this weekend?

[Jay]

Most of the stuff has been covered in other threads, but I'll attempt a small recap, maybe some other people can add things or correct anything I have wrong.

Afterburn is getting repainted to Patriot at Worlds of Fun style colors. Ricochet is getting repainted. Some waterslides are getting repainted. They have been wanting to do these for a while but it always seems to get cut from the budget last minute.

The field next to Intimidator is getting a large food building. I think I heard seating for up to 500 people?

The Skycoaster will be either MOVED or REMOVED to make way for 2015. There is still some debate on which it is, but Julie the PR girl stopped him before he could he could elaborate further. Regardless, the Skycoaster will not be in it's current location in 2 years. Bart said "we would not be disappointed."

At some point in time the south gate will be completely removed. Bart said he can see the park expanding into that parking area near the south gate.

Thunder Road's last few hills into the brake run are getting redone. Hurler's first turn is getting redone.

He also talked about some stuff in his long term plans including, a launch coaster, and continuing to expand the waterpark into the parking lot behind Thunder Road.

[Chris]

Wow. These next 10 years are going to change Carowinds forever.

[Mountain3307]

That about summed it up. And to add to the budget quip. We were quoted a cost of $250,000 to repaint a coaster. The paint alone is right at $300 a gallon. The majority of that price is labor.
Ricochet's new color is already being applied in some places.

Had a good time yesterday. Too bad we didn't get to stay for much of the Haunt.

[jsz1002]

That about summed it up. And to add to the budget quip. We were quoted a cost of $250,000 to repaint a coaster. The paint alone is right at $300 a gallon. The majority of that price is labor.
Ricochet's new color is already being applied in some places.

Had a good time yesterday. Too bad we didn't get to stay for much of the Haunt.

I wonder why type of paint they use. The company I work for sells coatings to lots of waterslide companies as well as Six Flags and it's nowhere near that expensive.

[arby]

He said that they've used cheaper paint in the past and have found the coasters just need repainted sooner. With labor being the biggest cost, it's better for them to use the highest quality paint, which is the most expensive.

[LemondsHead]

wait, what color is ricochet getting painted?

[Jay]

Same colors I suspect. They already painted the top of the supports an aqua sort of blue, so that color will carry on to the rest of the supports.

[RiDeWaRrIoR]

I had a great time Saturday and it was awesome meeting some of you! I think that did pretty much sum it all up. Even with the rain, the event was nice, just glad there was no thunder and lightning. I heard people riding drop tower all the way up until midnight from the campground, so just goes to show a little rain doesn't stop most people

[Rosko97]

Well thanks. That was all I needed, and more!

[Jonathan]

Any word on events and dates for 2014 yet? Will C3 be back again? Any park sponsored events?

[Jarsh]

I have every intention of bringing C3 back during SCarowinds again (SCarolina Coaster Classic) in the fall. I was kinda waiting for the madness that is opening weekend and such to die down before I started trying to set it up, lol.

No word on a park event although I don't think they had as many people as they hoped the last time they tried it hence it going away.

[Jay]

Finally.. C3 2014 is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2014.

http://www.acesoutheast.org/site/events.php

[Jarsh]

Thanks for posting that Jay.

I guess with all the giga talk, it slipped my mind, lol.

[arby]

Yes, thanks for posting that, Jay. I did a good job of requesting the day off of work when I found out about it at Coasting For Kids. I forgot to relay that to Carowinds Connection, though. :s