[coasterbruh]

Hey guys!

I've noticed lately the words "destination park" and "multi-day park" has been popping up lately so lets expand on it further. We all have examples and opinions on what makes a park a destination/multi-day park and it can be debated on what is and what isn't. For example, we can all agree parks like Universal Orlando, Disneyland/World, Knoebels and (arguably) Port Adventura. Now, when it comes to Carowinds, what do YOU think would make it a destination/multi-day park? Now this isn't another "wish list" thread but one that would be more realistic in its approach.

Lets discuss . . .

[chknwing]

Carowinds, for the most part, is pretty generic. The ride names are generic, basically "Carolina ...." Many on here will cringe if I mention paramount, but the movie tie ins did make the rides a little more exciting. I think Carowinds is lacking in the theme department. Some of the major parks have elaborate theming, rock/mountain structures, water, etc.

[coasterbruh]

I was thinking that too. A lot of destination/multi-day parks are pretty immersive. Knott's, for instance, has really immersive areas that really provides the ideal "theme" park experience. Now, while I dont look at knott's as a destination/multi-day park (personally) I look at it as a road map to what one should be.

[cadi40]

You are right about them lacking in the theme department but within the past expansions I have noticed that they have added more theme. For Example County Fair added quite a bit of Theme that is most times unusual for Cedar Fair. I think Cedar Fair is trying to make Carowinds more like Knott's Berry Farm, In the way of Theme. Knott's is easily one of Cedar Fairs best Themed parks, And I think Carowinds is following in the foot steps of it.

[coasterbruh]

When it comes down to theming and cedar fair parks, I think the flume at Knott's has more theming in it than the entire cedar fair chain . But I think the theming being added to the park is "ok" at best when it comes to being a destination/multi-day park. I also realized the best theme environment, outside of disney and universal, came back in the day when parks realized the total experience was based on an overall theme. It is also evident with the prior Paramount parks (especially KI and KD) that theming was a pivotal part of their design.

I think the theming aspect of Carowinds could come back as you can draw from many distinct time periods and styles. But with the "modern" entrance and plaza, I don't know (as far as theme) what could be done.

[gabed]

Say what you want but I really think the park needs more world class attractions, both family and thrilling. The park has made massive leaps forward since 2008, but a lot of progress needs to be made imo.

Theming is another must, and the Ouimet era Cedar Fair has not shyed away from going big on theming, at least compared to what the Kinzel era was willing to do. Given how great of a job they did on Carolina Harbor and County Fair, I have faith the whole park will look that good before long

[tarheel1231]

I'll also say theming. It's one thing to have several world class attractions, but if those attractions are surrounded by areas that you can really get immersed in, you'll spend more time at the park. County Fair is a step in that direction. Sure, it's not Disney theming by any measure (unless you're comparing County Fair to Dino-Rama), but for a regional park, it's very well done. I think that section alone has doubled the quality of the park's ride lineup and the quality of the park in general. I'm excited to see how Camp Snoopy measures up.

And I still stand by my Go Kart idea as far as making the park a multi-day destination goes. If you disagree, you can fight me.

[coasterbruh]

I think what would make the park a destination/multi-day park is a mixture of things to keep me busy physically and mentally. One thing I like about Disney parks is a good bit of the things to do doesn't involve actually riding stuff. A nice walk through to kill 15-45 minutes will help. I think the playground area will be a big hit because kids will run around and before you know it, an hour or so has passed.

[Atombomb]

I think more interactive line ques like Cobras Curse at BGT or Manta at SWO would be a great start. Shows featuring some "Carolina" culture. Better landscaping... think BGW. Maybe some animal exhibits. And of course more rides that goes without saying!!

[RollerBee]

I can’t do all of Carowinds in one visit, I am including shows, rides, food and waterpark on a 12 hour day. Unless the waterpark is closed, weather is bad and/or the lines aren’t long.

[cadi40]

Better Theming, More shopping/dining outside of the park and some more family friendly water slides would make Carowinds a 2 to 3 day Park. Not including adding more world class attractions.

[tarheel1231]

Better Theming, More shopping/dining outside of the park and some more family friendly water slides would make Carowinds a 2 to 3 day Park. Not including adding more world class attractions.

That plot of land next to Cabela's is going to see a shopping center go up this year including a Moe's, Smokey Bones, Famous Dave's BBQ, a Boot Barn, and some other store.

[FamousAmos]

After going to Winterfest several times, I realized that the park could definitely use more and better live entertainment for the main season. I loved the live shows and loved the theming that went into the decorations. It would be nice to have another theater somewhere in the park. That way you could have more than one show type during the day. I loved the brass brigade, and I loved the "Townies" in county Fair. It would be cool if each section of the park had it's own group of live costumed characters. and the brass brigade could free-roam the entire park.

[chknwing]

I think what would make the park a destination/multi-day park is a mixture of things to keep me busy physically and mentally. One thing I like about Disney parks is a good bit of the things to do doesn't involve actually riding stuff. A nice walk through to kill 15-45 minutes will help. I think the playground area will be a big hit because kids will run around and before you know it, an hour or so has passed.

not sure I understood. why are you looking to kill time in a theme park you just paid to get into?

[uscbandfan]

I can’t do all of Carowinds in one visit, I am including shows, rides, food and waterpark on a 12 hour day. Unless the waterpark is closed, weather is bad and/or the lines aren’t long.

Not sure what you mean here. A couple of years ago, I went on a weekday, got there at 9:30 and had ridden EVERY RIDE IN THE PARK by noon (obviously, except the kids rides) . The weather that day was FANTASTIC. We then went and did the show at the theater, ate too much food, and watched some of the stuff along the midways (another reason to have another theater show). After which we went back and rode some more stuff and then left early. Of course, that's not involving the water park. We always go to the waterpark as a destination in itself and spend the day there only venturing over to take a ride or two on Fury before heading home. The only way Carowinds is a multi-day park RIGHT NOW is by including the waterpark as a separate destination. As it stands now, as we're less than 90 minutes away, I wouldn't pay for a hotel to stay the night. I'd make two separate trips. I hope that changes in the future.