[Brittkeb]

Hi All,

First time poster, long time lurker. Planning a trip to Great Wolf Lodge July 24-28 and will visit Carowinds one of the days were are in Charlotte. As a child, being from SC we were season pass holders and went to the park ALOT, so I am VERY fond of great memories there. This will be my first time, however, taking our daughters (7 and 9) and I want to plan our day to get the most out of it. We are planning to be there the entire day. So here are my ton of questions.

1. Our week is pretty flexible as to what day we can go to the park. I'm thinking Tuesday/Wednesday. With it being summer, I am expecting crowds, but I hope going during the week would alleviate it a little. Thoughts?

2. Husband, oldest daughter, and myself like coasters, and Fury 325 is a must do. We are planning to be there at park opening. Should we go there first? Any other coasters we should do first? Based on what I read here, Nighthawk & Intimidator? After we hit the major coasters, our plan is to head over to the smaller rides to accommodate the 7 year old or the water park (see question below). Youngest is partial to coasters as well, but I'm sure she won't be able to ride due to height.

3. Speaking of coasters, are they modest with weight/height restrictions? Have any of you had any issues with riding due to size?

4. Carolina Harbor. Since we are really staying at a water park, this isn't really at the top of my list, but I would like to do if time permits. Would you suggest we do this first (after the coasters), like within the first few hours of park opening? How is seating in this area? Should we rent a cabana?

Any shows, food, or other attractions you recommend for our family?

Thanks in Advance for any feedback you can share!

[cwgator]

1. Our week is pretty flexible as to what day we can go to the park. I'm thinking Tuesday/Wednesday. With it being summer, I am expecting crowds, but I hope going during the week would alleviate it a little. Thoughts?

Weekdays are generally manageable, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Wait times for many rides will be short. The water park tends to be most crowded any day of the week.

2. Husband, oldest daughter, and myself like coasters, and Fury 325 is a must do. We are planning to be there at park opening. Should we go there first? Any other coasters we should do first? Based on what I read here, Nighthawk & Intimidator? After we hit the major coasters, our plan is to head over to the smaller rides to accommodate the 7 year old or the water park (see question below). Youngest is partial to coasters as well, but I'm sure she won't be able to ride due to height.

Fury 325 is a people eater so you can wait to ride it later in the day. Nighthawk however has the longest waits generally because of it's slow load times. I would ride it first thing at opening and if you like it re-ride right away as it's line gets to an hour or more even on slow days.

3. Speaking of coasters, are they modest with weight/height restrictions? Have any of you had any issues with riding due to size?

It really depends on body shape versus height weight proportions. With rides with over the shoulder harnesses, it's more about chest dimensions/waist size. Rides with lapbars tend to be more an issue with people with larger thighs (esp Intimidator & Fury 325). Like I have a friend who is a bit larger and can usually ride something like Afterburn, but won't fit in Intimidator due to their thighs.

4. Carolina Harbor. Since we are really staying at a water park, this isn't really at the top of my list, but I would like to do if time permits. Would you suggest we do this first (after the coasters), like within the first few hours of park opening? How is seating in this area? Should we rent a cabana?

The water park is generally much busier than the dry side on weekdays. You would likely want to do it earlier in the day. I do know seats get taken really quick, esp with season pass early entry. Not sure you'd need a cabana if it's not high on your priority list. If you plan on 2 days at the park, then perhaps.

Any shows, food, or other attractions you recommend for our family?

Harmony Hall is pretty good and offers quote a variety of cuisine for differing tastes. Also be sure to ride the recently added flats in the new County Fair area. The flyers (Woodstock Gliders) are great in Planet Snoopy.

[uscbandfan]

Never waited longer than about 10 minutes on a non-Friday weekday for Fury.
Waterpark is gonna be nuts no matter when you're there.

I haven't been to the waterpark yet THIS year but we went several weekdays last year and the waterpark was packed and the dry side was as casual as you please.

That said, as was stated before... if you're interested in Nighthawk, get it out of the way first thing. Weirdest thing I've ever seen. Line takes forever even if there is nobody in the entire park. Ride was NOT made for speed of service.

Be sure and try and get front row for one of your rides on Fury. Nothing like getting the full brunt of a 95mph wind in your face. I like front row left personally. Though the back is awesome as well.

[Brittkeb]

Thank you both for your suggestions!