The Coaster Critic / November 19, 2011
These lucky plastic dummies are often the first riders on the roller coasters that we’re itching to ride. I assume that they’re meant to simulate a weighted train packed with live riders. They’ve been featured in countless test videos on YouTube (like this one of the Battlestar Galactica coaster), but I never thought I’d get to meet them in person.
The Coaster Critic / October 1, 2011
The Family That Dries Together? Maybe you’ve noticed these nifty family-sized dryers at your local theme park. Maybe you’ve even used one. I think they’re a neat idea. Some people don’t want to walk around the park after they’ve been soaked by a log flume or some other water ride; especially if it happens to be a chilly day. Haystack
The Coaster Critic / August 30, 2011
For about a month now I’ve been seeing billboards in the Charlotte area that simply read “FURY”. The billboards have nothing but the four giant letters with a kind of steel-texturing to them. I figured that this had to be some type of viral marketing campaign as the sign didn’t mention any other details. No web address, phone number, P.O.
The Coaster Critic / August 24, 2011
Carowinds Announces WindSeeker Yesterday, Carowinds made their 2012 announcement as they unveiled WindSeeker. It will basically be a super-sized version of the old school amusement park swing rides. With a height of 301 feet, Carowinds has dubbed it “The Tallest Ride at Carowinds”. Park vice president, Bart Kinzel noted how cool it will be to be able to look down at Intimidator.
The Coaster Critic / July 22, 2011
Today Screamscape reported a survey marker sighting at Carowinds for a rumored 2012 ride near Intimidator, but no one had photos. So I went down to the park after work and saw a number of markers in the grassy field next to Intimidator. They have “HUSS GF” written on them which likely means the park is getting a Huss Giant
The Coaster Critic / June 29, 2011
This ho-hum looking ride found in the kiddie section at my home park, Carowinds has a wild alter-ego. I had always wondered about the interest hardcore theme park fans had in flying scooters or flyers as their called. Flyers can be flown with very little movement and taken as a nice, breezy ride. Or, riders can play the role of
The Coaster Critic / June 20, 2011
My wife was invited to Carowinds’ media event for the new Snoopy Starlight Spectacular. The new attraction features more than a million LED lights covering trees and buildings in the Planet Snoopy area. In order for guests to enjoy the beautiful lights, Carowinds is staying open later (until 10 PM). Our kids are pretty young (4 and 1), but we may try
The Coaster Critic / February 20, 2011
Today’s Daytona 500 marks the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash. With his enormous success and signature aggressive racing style, the legendary racer left an undeniable mark on one of America’s most popular sports, NASCAR. In 2010, Carowinds opened a new roller coaster with the aim of thrilling guests with its height and speed while also paying tribute to
The Coaster Critic / February 5, 2011
I took this photo of the Carolina Cyclone spiraling over the midway on my first trip to Carowinds back in 2004. Years later I used it as part of the header of the first version of my blog (seen here). And after that, I ended up moving my family down to Charlotte, making Carowinds my home park. Carolina Cyclone was
The Coaster Critic / October 5, 2010
Nighthawk & Batwing | Vekoma Flying Roller Coasters Flying roller coasters are about the closest thing to human flight that the amusement industry can offer. Riders are treated to a thrilling face down riding position with nothing between them and the ground, but the ride’s restraints. My first Vekoma flyer was Batwing at Six Flags America in Maryland. While I’m a
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