The Bankrupt Creation of Carowinds: One Carolina Man's Dream

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  • Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
  • Join us on Expedition Carowinds to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary as we look back at the creation of the park, which stemmed from one man's dream. Inspired by Disneyland, the theme park located on a state border was not off to quite as smooth start as it would like.
    Find out podcast at www.expeditionenthused.com
    Join the Expedition at
    expthemepark
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    expeditionthemepark
    Credits -
    www.carowinds.com
    Uncle Walter Lee - • Carowinds - 1973
    Park Rovers - • Carolina Skytower at C...
    Matthew Mcswain - • Carowinds monorail
    Jim Hart - • Willie Hart's Super-8 ...
    PatGallegher - / @patgallegher
    Menachem Piekarski - • pov scooby doos ghoste...

Комментарии • 518

  • @ExpeditionThemePark
    @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +14

    First person to tag me in a picture of you wearing the new shirt to Carowinds wins! Get 10 percent off the new Expedition Carowinds shirt using code EXP10 - expeditionthemepark.creator-spring.com/listing/expedition-carowinds?product=2
    Check out our new podcast here www.expeditionenthused.com

    • @racheljackson4428
      @racheljackson4428 Год назад

      Wow 50 years of CaroWinds. they must do something special to celebrate.

    • @coreylineberry8557
      @coreylineberry8557 Год назад

      @@racheljackson4428 They're making the park a year-round park (They're actually open today) and opening up a new area of the park, with restaurants and new rides.

    • @MAGGOT_VOMIT
      @MAGGOT_VOMIT Год назад

      Wonderful vid!! Can't wait till ya cover Carowinds during Halloween when it's called, SCAROWINDS!! That has been me and my wife's favorite time to go since the kids are now grown.

    • @IamNiggler
      @IamNiggler 5 месяцев назад

      @@racheljackson4428I'm a big gay nigga ok lol

  • @jameshhenderson
    @jameshhenderson Год назад +165

    I was the “young boy” (mentioned at 10:41) who wrote Pat Hall 50 years ago asking to buy the first ticket. My daughters and I were invited to “cut the ribbon” last week for the 50th anniversary. Much has changed, and current ownership is making investments to keep it fun and relevant. The rollercoasters were great, even for a 61 year old.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +28

      Hey Jim! That’s amazing I saw you went and cut the ribbon for the new land. Wish I could have mentioned that in the video but was just after. I was going to include your name but wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate to. I hope you are doing well. Would love to chat to you more if you have time! Sam@expeditionthemepark.com

    • @livermush
      @livermush Год назад +2

      Neat

    • @joutoob9
      @joutoob9 Год назад +3

      hell ya that's awesome!!

    • @maxtirk7752
      @maxtirk7752 Год назад +4

      🎉😊 i love this You deserve it!!!

    • @StonedHunter
      @StonedHunter 3 месяца назад +1

      That's amazing!

  • @Cap-ku6ok
    @Cap-ku6ok Год назад +327

    This is by far the best telling of Carowind's history I have ever seen, and that is coming from a person who actually lived it from the planning stages until now. Thank you very much.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +30

      Thank you so much. I really appreciate it

    • @CardinalKaos
      @CardinalKaos Год назад +18

      The care this team/person puts into researching and producing these episodes js simply second to absolutely no one

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +27

      @@CardinalKaos thank you! And it’s just me 😀

    • @CardinalKaos
      @CardinalKaos Год назад +10

      ​@@ExpeditionThemePark honestly that makes it all the more impressive

    • @coreym162
      @coreym162 Год назад +10

      Exactly! The days of true capitalism. When people enjoyed making people's lives better above making a mere profit.

  • @April235E
    @April235E Год назад +40

    Park fans and Carolinians really felt it when Cedar Fair removed the beloved Thunder Road (and probably the log flumes just as much.) I love Carowinds history!

  • @Uncle-Jay
    @Uncle-Jay 7 месяцев назад +5

    The idea of an attached community is really cool. I'd love to live close to a place like that.

    • @Drummerchick2003
      @Drummerchick2003 Месяц назад

      It's q blessing lived 20 mon from there my entire life.

  • @triton6127
    @triton6127 Год назад +13

    My favorite memory of Carowinds was in the 80's when I went to see Patti LaBelle in concert and Whoopi Goldberg sat a few rows in front of me. I didn't think it was her until I remembered they were filming The Color Purple nearby at the time.

  • @DrewberTravels
    @DrewberTravels Год назад +49

    I went to Carowinds with family as a kid. First day was like any other theme park trip with family and waiting in line. At the end of the day my parents asked if I wanted to come back tomorrow with the second day pass while they went to the mall. I jumped on it and went when it opened that day. There was literally nobody there. I just ran from one ride to another and got right on the line everytime. At some point I ran into some other kid that was there alone and we hung out together for the day. Best amusement park memory every and I visited a lot of them as a kid.

  • @coreylineberry8557
    @coreylineberry8557 Год назад +75

    As a former Carowinds employee who loved working there, I always love to hear more about Carowinds.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +3

      Yesss

    • @MM-ux7kp
      @MM-ux7kp Год назад +7

      Your hard work at Carowinds meant a whole lot to me as a kid! All the people who worked and kept the park operating deserve credit for the amazing memories we created :D

    • @Abcdefgx-u9g
      @Abcdefgx-u9g Год назад +1

      BTW douche Corey. Carowinds fuuuuuckinh sucks. Sorry not sorry
      MAGIC MOINTAIN 🐐

    • @coreylineberry8557
      @coreylineberry8557 9 месяцев назад +2

      ​@@MM-ux7kpOh, I worked there from 2018-2021. Not exactly a long time ago. But thank you!

  • @taylorstenhouse6168
    @taylorstenhouse6168 Год назад +130

    One of the theme park RUclipsrs I watch FINALLY did a video on my local park, thank you so much!!!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +17

      Thank you! I love Carowinds

    • @ryanahr2267
      @ryanahr2267 Год назад +2

      I always forget that there's a local park for the Carolinas. The first time I went was just a few years ago. 2017, maybe or 2018. Just a few months prior I went to Universal for the first time, so I wasn't terribly impressed with Carowinds. I feel like I need to revisit it, though.

    • @TimmehJay
      @TimmehJay Год назад +1

      Yes! What an unexpected surprise!

  • @ChairmanChico
    @ChairmanChico Год назад +26

    Brother you have no idea how it warms my heart that my home park FINALLY has an ETP badge.

  • @superd4611
    @superd4611 Год назад +78

    Thank you for doing this video.
    The original Carowinds was absolutely one of the best planned theme parks in existence. The overall Carolina theme tied everything together. It was a beautiful park full of water and interesting buildings and lots of things for everyone to do. This continue to exist through the Taft years.
    But then KECO came along And the park started seriously deteriorating because of their debtload. Then the park was absolutely devastated by paramount ownership. They ripped out every bit of Carolina charm from the park. Hardly any of the original park exist these days. They ripped out virtually every family, transportation ride, Theater, and almost all of the water.
    Cedar fair has done a wonderful job bringing Carolina theming and renovating the park. However. The park seriously lacks slow, moving family rides and entertainment venues. It’s still a thrill park aimed at teenagers instead of those with better incomes.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +4

      Thanks so much Doug

    • @ducatisti
      @ducatisti Год назад +6

      I agree that it's a thrill park, but I don't agree it's aimed at teenagers, plenty of older folks love big air and intensity. Case in point, the American Coaster Enthusiasts annual Coaster Con is being held there this summer, and although they do have some younger members they definitely skew much older than teens!

    • @williammurray8060
      @williammurray8060 Год назад +3

      Too many gangsters now. Stay away

    • @ChuckE.CheesesIllinois
      @ChuckE.CheesesIllinois 4 месяца назад +1

      I think the Great Americas were peak, but Carowinds isn't that bad

    • @fraudsarentfriends4717
      @fraudsarentfriends4717 3 месяца назад

      Agree, Many of those slow moving rides and theaters were great for accessibility, They didn't care about that. The park is probably the worst on the entire east coast for Family entertainment. Maybe the entire country. Of course, the same thing was done to Myrtle Beach, It's no longer family friendly either.

  • @mackpines
    @mackpines Год назад +50

    As someone who’s visited the park while visiting Charlotte, Carowinds is a great park to have in the area.
    One thing I’ve noticed is that Charlotte is devoid of a zoo or other amusements.
    Carowinds is a essential asset for the surrounding area.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +5

      That’s true!

    • @kevindavis900
      @kevindavis900 Год назад +22

      Actually, the zoo story is more complex than you would think. NC is historically a very progressive state, indeed the home of the oldest public university in the US (UNC). In the mid-20th century, North Carolina decided to create a state-supported public zoo along with some aquariums and a state art museum. The NC Zoo - considered one of the best in the US, and the first to use naturalistic settings - is in Asheboro, a 60-90 minute drive from the three largest metro areas: Charlotte, the Triad (Greensboro/WS/HP) and the Triangle (Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh) and also close for Fayetteville and Sanford residents. The Uwharrie Mountains in which the zoo is set are some of the oldest in the world and make great settings for the Africa exhibits and others.
      I’m glad that instead of each metro trying to build their own zoo we have one awesome state zoo. That’s the kind of planning NC is known for.

    • @coreylineberry8557
      @coreylineberry8557 9 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@kevindavis900One of the largest zoos in the world, too. Might take the crown as _the_ largest once the Australia and Asia pavilions open up.

    • @Amped4Life
      @Amped4Life 25 дней назад

      Charlotte sucks and I live here and have for a long time. Such a void of culture or activities other than expensive overpriced food and housing. I cannot wait to move to the beach and never return. A city with no personality or persona that is made up of almost entirely mean transplants whoncomplain about it here. Compared to the triad or triangle, this place sucks and was only created for business / banking. Otherwise no one would live here.

  • @data-_-
    @data-_- Год назад +11

    since Carowinds is my home park (and I've been going since I was little) it always feels like I got a personal shoutout when someone says something about Carowinds in a video, let alone an entire video about it! I know know my way around Carowinds better than I do my house! lol

  • @guardianofcreativity4860
    @guardianofcreativity4860 Год назад +45

    I’ve been watching these RUclips theme park documentaries for years and it’s so exciting seeing my home park getting a video! I remember as a kid (and honestly still as an adult) we would jump back and forth over the state line in the park and put one foot on each side for fun.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +7

      It has to be done!

    • @Faded-Tales-PreviouslyHarley
      @Faded-Tales-PreviouslyHarley Год назад +2

      I’d totally do that too. I went on a road trip last year to move my best friend back home, so we went from LA to NY. I’m still grumpy I forgot about the Four Corners Monument. I, a 32 year old adult, wanted to run in a circle chanting which of the 4 states I was in each time I went around. Damn memory making me forget to go and embarrass myself.

  • @emilybenge_
    @emilybenge_ Год назад +69

    Oh my god its my Home Park!! I never thought I’d ever see Carowinds on the channel, this is so cool! Your videos are always so well done and I love looking at all the different rides and stories of these parks. Never have I clicked faster on a video.

    • @hopejordan2997
      @hopejordan2997 Год назад +2

      My home park too!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +3

      Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy!

    • @marissam6595
      @marissam6595 Год назад

      It’s mine too!! I’ve never been so excited! 🎉

    • @MrCamzdad
      @MrCamzdad Год назад

      Mine too

    • @williamgibson9291
      @williamgibson9291 Год назад

      I worked there 9 seasons. My brother did 10 i think. So much has changed but i still love the park.

  • @tufab3494
    @tufab3494 Год назад +72

    Guys, I think it's safe to say that ETP is indeed back! After a 4 month break we already got 4 videos in the course of 2 months! Glad to see this! Big shoutout from Brazil my G, keep up the great work!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +16

      I am indeed! Thank you so much

    • @tufab3494
      @tufab3494 Год назад +2

      @@ExpeditionThemePark I'm glad to hear that! And if you don't mind a suggestion, I think it would be very cool to go a different route and make a video on Monte Makaya - The record holder coaster that was cloned to build Colossus at Thorpe Park. It's Intamin's 10 inversion coaster prototype, which held the record for most inversions alongside Dragon Khan from 98 to 2002 (as a prototype it had 8 inversions, unlike Colossus which broke the record with 10), and surprinsilly it was built in Rio de Janeiro, here in Brazil! It is planned to reopen at Mirabilandia (not the italian one), in the state of Pernambuco, in the next 2 or 3 years. It would be very nice to see a 10 min long video about it, as it's been forgot and is almost unkown between the CE community. If you decide to make a video on it, you can contact the guys from HapFun Brasil who can help you with all the info needed!

  • @kennedymcgovern5413
    @kennedymcgovern5413 Год назад +11

    Every kid that grew up in Carolina has a childhood story about standing on the state line at Carowinds and jumping from state to state.
    And it did continue to get better. By the time I moved here as a 10 year old in 1980, they had "White Lightning," which was a one loop coaster, and "The Carolina Cyclone" which had four loops. Hell, I am 53 and I almost want to go back this weekend!

    • @mindwarp42
      @mindwarp42 Год назад +1

      It's not just kids who grew up in SC who have that memory. I grew up in NY, but half of my family is Southern, and I remember going to Carowinds as a teen visiting my mom in Rock Hill after my parents divorced and she moved back to SC. You better believe my sister and I had fun crossiing the state line.

    • @kennedymcgovern5413
      @kennedymcgovern5413 Год назад

      @@mindwarp42 awesome, brother

  • @Phostings1
    @Phostings1 Год назад +13

    Carowinds also host symphonic band competitions.
    I truly missed hanging out with my band mates, breaking into small groups, and walking around aimlessly just having fun without a care in the world. We would also run into seniors who choose Carowinds as their senior trip on the same day!
    We truly had a great time at carowinds. If you haven't been there, please do visit!
    We Carolinians are big on hospitality!

    • @Melancholy-hill
      @Melancholy-hill 2 месяца назад

      Omg yes! I went to a band competition there with my high-school band and had a great time! We were a small school and didn't do the best but it was so fun and getting to go to the park I had been to since I was a kid afterwards just made everything so much better

  • @linnearyan7750
    @linnearyan7750 Год назад +8

    Carowinds was my first theme park; my family had annual passes in the late 90s. It was great to see you cover it's history!

  • @obliograce3551
    @obliograce3551 11 месяцев назад +2

    Growing up in Virginia and vacationing in the Outer Banks every summer when school let out, later coming to love many places in North Carolina, I am both embarrassed and pleased to now be hearing about this place for the first time. Thank you.

  • @tybrady1935
    @tybrady1935 Год назад +7

    Kudos to Pat Hall for creating a theme park that brings lots of fun to many people!

  • @yesorlando05
    @yesorlando05 Месяц назад +1

    My family and I went to Carowinds on my 8th birthday the year it opened, August 25, 1973. I'll never forget it. Brought our kids there and bringing our granddaughters now. We still get annual passes. i just love the place.

  • @alphie333
    @alphie333 Год назад +5

    Carowinds is soo charming and honestly massive! We spent a few days there a couple years ago and I’m itching to go back! Fury is one of my top 5 and copper head strike’s shed beats mystic Timbers any day of the week!

  • @timfromnc645
    @timfromnc645 Год назад +5

    Loved your report on Carowinds - very comprehensive! As a Charlotte native worked there 3 summers in mid 70s. Had a blast. They would have beer parties for us - made so many friends from other schools. And the girls - so much fun! One friend that started working there when we were 16, stayed for 30 years.

  • @pproteinc
    @pproteinc Год назад +9

    I’m so stoked to see my homepark on this channel. I grew up there during the Hana Barba days. I remember the monorail, train and chairlift. Wish those were still around. Well maybe not the monorail. Family moved to NYC for a time and moved back to SC during the Paramount days. To my dismay I noticed all the water was almost gone and certain areas were gone like Smurf Island. Worked there from 99-07. Still love my park. I’m there almost everyday it’s opened. 😂

  • @louannchipman1749
    @louannchipman1749 Год назад +1

    My Dee (Daddy) took me to Carowinds when I was little. Thunder Road had just been opened. I remember getting a little stuffed dog with an engineer hat on it - I think it was from playing some arcade games - and Dee bought me a pretty tissue paper flower that a "true Southern Belle" had made for me. It was such a magical experience and one I will never forget. We both rode the Goldrusher, the Oaken Bucket and drove the little cars around. Back when I was little, there were other options that were somewhat close to our home - Circle M Zoo near Stuart, VA, Dan River Queen in Meadows of Dan, VA and The Land of Oz near Banner Elk, VA - by far, Carowinds was the biggest and best, though. So happy we still have this landmark park! Even went to my first concert there - on my 14th birthday, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were there performing and I still have the t-shirt to prove it - Damn the Torpedoes tour 1979 - 1980!

  • @GCJACK83
    @GCJACK83 Год назад +2

    Seeing this reminds me of one of the last times I saw one of my uncles before he passed away. He took me to Carowind's for the day, and it was a blast even during the late 1990s. I also recall there was an A&W Restaurant in there, and you could buy the glass mug you used as a souvenir. I still think of this specific uncle whenever I use my A&W mug.

  • @megaascension2748
    @megaascension2748 Год назад +14

    Carowinds has a bunch of fun coasters. Fury 325 is one of the best coasters, if not the best, I've ever ridden. If you go in the summer, pack a bunch of sunscreen, the heat and humidity is like going to Disneyworld in the Summer, except you don't get as many afternoon thunderstorms.

  • @nielgregory108
    @nielgregory108 4 месяца назад +2

    Brings back lots of memories. I never knew about the western theme and now it makes sense with some of the left-over bits that they left. Hanna-Barbera Land was AWESOME as a kid. They had all kinds of HB characters roaming the park. I had been to Disney, and thought it was just too big. Carowinds was perfect!! You could do everything in one day. I was there in the late 70's as a kid and LOVED it. The Goldrusher is still my all time favorite coaster. It's not much really but the old wooden coaster will shake you out of your boots! REMEMBER, the very 1st gold rush in the US was in NC!! The other old coasters that are not there anymore are still my favorites, Thunder Road and White Lightning - Lightning strikes.......NOW!!!!

  • @jimprice9703
    @jimprice9703 Год назад +19

    What a trip down memory lane. I worked at Carowinds one summer in the early 80s. It was my first job after graduating college in Chapel Hill while I decided my next steps. It was more fun than work and I enjoyed it greatly. I made redwood signs in the Country section and remember Rocky Raccoon and Carol Lion well. Looking forward to what comes with 'to be continued'. I have a feeling you'll be covering the year I was there.😹

  • @edwardc4453
    @edwardc4453 Год назад +5

    glad you're back! if you ever wanna go to carowinds i live just around the corner :D

  • @TimmehJay
    @TimmehJay Год назад +3

    I had a friend who ran all the arcades at Carowinds in the early 2000s. He was a 3rd party contractor and had access to the park in the off season so we used to head down there at night in the winter and ride around the park in his car, smoking a joint. Driving down the Wayne's World section was always the best part. Then he'd open up one of the arcades and we'd game the night away. Good times.

  • @jkn8705
    @jkn8705 Год назад +1

    My 1st memory of Carowinds is almost flying out of the Wayne's World coaster as a kid. 🤣🤣🤣 I can still see the Garth-mobile sitting out front. Ahhh nostalgia.

  • @RollinBones
    @RollinBones Год назад +1

    As a theme park enthusiast whose first park was Carowinds, I'm excited that someone is finally doing some episodes on it.

  • @tfromcleveland3741
    @tfromcleveland3741 Год назад +1

    “The name is a combination of Carolina and Winds”. It’s deadpan humor like that that brings me back every time!

  • @robindeera8060
    @robindeera8060 9 месяцев назад +2

    As a fellow Carolinian this was great to watch !

  • @loriharmon1474
    @loriharmon1474 Год назад +1

    My daughter work here during her senior year at high school back in 2008, every day at 10 when they opened they played their opening jingle.

  • @TheMuni777
    @TheMuni777 Год назад +2

    That intro Carowinds song sounds just like the Carousel song from the Great America parks.

  • @amymorand5723
    @amymorand5723 Год назад +4

    Love this video! As a Carowinds passholder for many years, I'd love to see more history of the park. I'm excited about celebrating 50 years!!

  • @ComradeMarlow
    @ComradeMarlow Год назад +2

    Pretty cool to see all the other people in the comments who grew up with the park.
    When I was a kid, it was a Paramount park, and had a bunch of Star Trek stuff, like klingons and ferengi wandering around. My first concert was there, I think, when I was like 2 or 3--Moody Blues.

  • @JP-rf7px
    @JP-rf7px 2 месяца назад +1

    Gene Partrick, the first general manager of CW was also a musician and show producer. He wrote and recorded the opening theme song and he and his show manager, John Moehring produced the shows with emphasis on the magic show. We also did a media show with 20 slide projectors and 5 synchronized 16mm film projectors called Carolina Heritage about the history of the Carolinas.
    Fun fact. There were over 200 loudspeakers around the park for themed music in the various areas, and we used over 32 miles of wire to connect them all! Most of it underground.

  • @245lilman
    @245lilman Год назад +1

    Growing up here in North Carolina its great to see Carowinds on this channel always love going their

  • @jimmiles9144
    @jimmiles9144 Год назад +3

    Thank you so much for the research. The photos and pictures bring back many memories. I live in Columbia (1.5 hours away). First visit was 1974. It really changed around 77’. Also, they held concerts there. I saw Ray Stevens and Crystal Gale as a child in the amphitheater. Later, as a young man, I saw Depeche Mode! I never knew Mr Hall until your research. He’s now a great hero to this grown man child! Thank you

    • @karenstoddard8278
      @karenstoddard8278 Год назад

      Those Palladium concerts were awesome! I saw The Bay City Rollers there when I was 14 😊 Frankie Valli, Rick Springfield, America. So many memories. I had season passes for our kids for years-still love that park ♥️. So happy to see this! I’d forgotten or never knew some of this history.

  • @coreyhiggins3475
    @coreyhiggins3475 Год назад +6

    I just have to say, that during the Pandemic I discovered channels dedicated to amusement parks and ride histories. I fell in love with them! Your channel has been the most balanced and consistent and it means so much to me you have added Carowinds to your expedition line up! Great work and what a fun podcast you two have as well!

  • @DavidKing-ut9wr
    @DavidKing-ut9wr Год назад +1

    My brother and I helped build Carowinds and I knew Pat Hall. Pat would walk around the area while work was going on and if he thought you were doing a good job he’d give you $20 bill or stick
    It in your shirt pocket. We had the train that circled the entire park that had to stay polished, we dug out for the riverboat after the center track had been laid, we painted Harmony Hall, we sandblasted the towers for the monorail and we all loved the baby elephant that they went and got for the petting zoo area. I remember it got out once through an unlatched gate and we had to get it corralled back. So very many other things we did that slips my memory but we had a good time working for Pat Hall.

  • @sirqe6791
    @sirqe6791 Год назад +3

    Thanks for covering the history of my local theme park. Scooby Doo is long gone along with the water log flume. I wish we could bring back the admissions prices from the 70s 😂

  • @johnpatterson4272
    @johnpatterson4272 Год назад +1

    In my first year at CWL we were taught the unison of Carowinds, Kings Dominion, Kings Island and Canada's Wonderland, as of 1983 they were all owned by the same corporation. There were mutual free admission offerings, reduced accommodation costs and an opportunity to work side-by-side with our cohorts at these sister parks of CWL. My future sister-in-law took advantage of these opportunities, and she enjoyed the camaraderie she was showed by our American cousins at Kings Dominion and Carowinds. It's interesting to note Carowinds featured a coaster called 'the GoldRusher' which was an attraction to be included (yet never developed) in a planned section of CWL known as 'Canada's Frontier Now'. The Mine Buster roller coaster was the only installation for that conception before CWL was taken over by other corporate entities.

  • @Happy32153
    @Happy32153 Год назад +1

    I’ve been very happy several times as a Carolina native. The new coaster is awesome and look forward to visiting again.

  • @OddOneOut665
    @OddOneOut665 Год назад +3

    For me, the Paramount years were one of its' best, and I'll gladly die on that hill...

  • @RichardinNC1
    @RichardinNC1 Год назад +2

    I’ve lived in Charlotte for 40 years. Sadly as an adult I’ve only been there 4 times if I recall correctly. The last 2 were for a charity walk and staying the day at a discount. The big problem is the admission fee of $55 now for summer season or $75 at the gate!

  • @MosesJD86
    @MosesJD86 Год назад +1

    I remember going to Carowinds as kid and thinking it had so much atmosphere. You could feel the difference when visiting the different zones but all of it vanished in the early 2000s…. around the addition of Borg. It’s sad, but glad it’s still a good park.

  • @eth39232
    @eth39232 Год назад +1

    My parents took me there in 1973 when I was 9, and I loved Carowinds the way it was then. I don't think I would care for it the way it is now with one roller coaster after another.

  • @astroguster5522
    @astroguster5522 Год назад

    My brother has a season pass and he took me one visit. We had an awesome time. I work at Disney in Orlando so to be able to actually enjoy a day at a theme park without crazy prices, overcomplicated parking and neverending lines was a pure delight.

  • @BrandonTWills
    @BrandonTWills Год назад +1

    Thunder Road, the Scooby Doo & the Dale Earnhardt roller coaster will always be my favorites.

  • @BarryGGould
    @BarryGGould Год назад +1

    i live 3 hrs away so i dont go as much as i would like but i do try to go at least once a yr. i love this park. fury 325 is awesome so is afterburn and copperhead strike so many fun rides. i was born and raised 40 from six flags great adventure even worked there for 7 yrs. so when i moved to nc i was like gotta check out the park here. its absolutely beautiful 😍

  • @JJacobs803
    @JJacobs803 Год назад

    Carowinds is my home park. My family has been going there for generations. Always have a place in my heart. Planning a trip there soon

  • @knicholsch
    @knicholsch Год назад +2

    I can’t believe how much it resembles Six Flags of Georgia. You can def tell the same creators were involved.

  • @mistertaffy6720
    @mistertaffy6720 Год назад +2

    As a North Carolinian, Carowinds is truly the only theme park we have. Sure, we got the little tiny parks like tweesie railroad, but a true theme park.

  • @darkgreen9098
    @darkgreen9098 Год назад +1

    The cost of a dream, thank you and rest easy Mr. Hall.

  • @scronx
    @scronx Год назад +2

    Very interesting, even inspiring -- in an expressive British accent no less. I live in South Carolina but have only ever heard the name of the park. It's a shame more innovators aren't thinking along such wholesome family-oriented lines. Love the idea of treating the Carolinas as an entity -- almost a country, which in a way they are.

  • @ofclshn
    @ofclshn Год назад +5

    Working in rides leadership at Carowinds was the best job I’ve ever had. There’s a reason Cedar Fair has all but moved their HQ down the street.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад

      Love Carowinds!

    • @JCBro-yg8vd
      @JCBro-yg8vd Год назад +1

      Well, from what I've read in a book about Kings Island, this park was originally the flagship park of the Kings Entertainment parks, and that remained true until Cedar Fair took over. So Cedar Fair probably realized the previous owners were onto something prioritizing this park.

  • @ceciliafetters7622
    @ceciliafetters7622 Год назад +1

    My home park!! I never see anything about it on these channels. Thank you for telling its story!

  • @FamousAtticusJS
    @FamousAtticusJS Год назад

    I loved going to Carowinds! I had family living in the area and we would visit every summer through the 90's, great times! Can't beat a park that has both amusement rides and a waterpark. Great insightful video!

  • @jazzbo13
    @jazzbo13 Год назад +1

    9:57 Love that chuckle in your voice as if you couldn't believe what you were saying.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +1

      Aha I forgot to redo it oops

    • @jazzbo13
      @jazzbo13 Год назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark Don’t change it. It was perfect!

  • @savahbejin7511
    @savahbejin7511 Год назад +1

    Have visited several times with our daughter many years ago. Lots of fun at that time.

  • @connor_patrick
    @connor_patrick Год назад +2

    gonna start crying over the loss of thunder road rip to the legend

  • @HangingwiththeCrazyCrew
    @HangingwiththeCrazyCrew Год назад +10

    Carowinds is our home park and it has been through many changes over the years and has such an interesting history! I really enjoyed this video, Thank You!!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +1

      Thank you so much! I can’t wait to get some food from your food truck btw

  • @Wdm58
    @Wdm58 3 месяца назад

    I will never forget going to Carowinds the first summer it was open. We had a blast even though the coasters were very limited at that time. Great memories!

  • @charliehanscome6456
    @charliehanscome6456 Год назад +1

    I drove up and down the east coast my whole life and my Dad lives in myrtle Beach. I never heard of this place I’m 45.I’ll have to check it out someday. great video!

  • @disneydarling7573
    @disneydarling7573 Год назад +1

    This is my home park. Carowinds is one of my favorite places in the entire world. It was hard not to sob during your video, the memories I’ve had here are some of the best of my life.

  • @weirsgarage
    @weirsgarage Год назад +1

    I live about 5 miles from this park now and can't wait to check it out.

  • @justinknight1209
    @justinknight1209 Год назад +1

    YAY MY HOME PARK!!! IM SO GLAD YOU MADE THIS CAISE MOST CHANNELS DONT MAKE MANY VIDS ABOUT CAROWINDS!!!!!

  • @aaliyahmc6734
    @aaliyahmc6734 Год назад +1

    Wow I’m from Charlotte Nc I would’ve never thought I’d see a video on Carowinds. So cool….
    🙌🏽😄

  • @hamletsprincess
    @hamletsprincess Год назад +1

    I was able to visit carowinds o 3/31/2023 and ride the gold rusher on its 50th birthday! It was amazing!

  • @mormor8871
    @mormor8871 Год назад +1

    I never thought I'd see the day a popular rollercoaster channel do a documentary on my local park!!!! My family has grown up with the Park sense it's first creation me seeing it rise from 2003-today and my mom growing up with it in the early days so it's so nice to see this;-;

  • @topherervin7731
    @topherervin7731 Год назад +1

    This was really cool. Brought back some many childhood memories!

  • @DemureCrowd
    @DemureCrowd Год назад +1

    YES EXPEDITION CAROWINDS!!!! I Got to ride Thunder road the last week it was open. It was a bittersweet moment. So glad you are going through the history of my local park!

  • @SweetestHoney86
    @SweetestHoney86 Год назад +1

    This park is what made my mom fall in love with coasters and is why my parents took us to Orlando so much. Though I live in Charlotte, I still visit Universal & Disney more than Carowinds. Carowinds is still amazing after all this time.

  • @Digglesisdead
    @Digglesisdead Год назад +1

    I spent my childhood at this park and had one of the first season passes!

  • @lynlyhickey
    @lynlyhickey Год назад +1

    My first job was on the Vortex!!! I love this park.

  • @tiacheek8156
    @tiacheek8156 Год назад +1

    Carowinds is my favorite amusement park I went there two times three times during my middle school years

  • @carlyandfriends1547
    @carlyandfriends1547 Год назад +1

    We went here as a family in the mid 90's. Nice park!

  • @bug5258
    @bug5258 Год назад +1

    Thanks, brother. I live 15 min from here and will always get season tickets.. great job and content.... been watching your for years... carowinds is where the Carolinas come to meet!!!

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад

      A great place to be! Thank you so much. I’m a big fan of Carowinds

  • @christiwright3604
    @christiwright3604 Год назад +1

    Carowinds will always be a staple for the area ❤ The success has been amazing!

  • @TK4052
    @TK4052 Год назад +2

    Having grown up 30 minutes from this park but not having been born until 1980, it's a real treat to learn more about its history. Very much looking forward to part 2 - the era that comes next will have lots to dive into, like when the park was acquired by Paramount and many of the rides converted to IPs owned by that company.

  • @thefergyfilms
    @thefergyfilms Год назад

    This is one of your best videos. Earl Patterson Hall sounded like a wonderful man, forever thankful for his gift that keeps on giving- Carowinds!

  • @dariahill
    @dariahill Год назад +1

    I moved to Fort Mill when I was 21, so I didn't grow up with carowinds and don't have childhood nostalgia associated with it, but the first year I lived here I had a pass and we would go in the evening (especially if it had rained) and it was friggin magical man. Barely any lines, there was alwayssomething different or fun we could find to eat, it was the most fun and I'm so glad we got our passes that year. This video was great, and I'm glad you did our small home town park justice.

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад

      That’s awesome those are the best times

    • @dariahill
      @dariahill Год назад

      ​@@ExpeditionThemePark it really was! It was the year fury opened and I managed to ride it almost every time without having to wait!!

  • @jacobciccolella5801
    @jacobciccolella5801 Год назад +1

    Agreed that this was superb! Looking forward to Episode 2!! 😃

  • @mylabower
    @mylabower Год назад +1

    I grew up 5 minutes from Carowinds. This video was SO fascinating to watch!!

  • @cathyhaz
    @cathyhaz Год назад +1

    My home park! I've had the pleasure of riding the monorail, Thunder Road, white lightening, Oken Bucket, the log ride all the rides through my current fave - Copperhead strike 😀 I can't wait to experience the new Aeronautical Landings flat rides. Mr Hall is a legend and thank you for telling his/Carowinds history- Well done!

  • @JayAlfordElementJMusic
    @JayAlfordElementJMusic Год назад +1

    As an NC native, seeing this really warms my heart. I've loved Carowinds ever since I was a kid (I'm 31 now, #90sBaby) and I still love it just as much now. Looking forward to seeing the next part!

  • @royshirley7222
    @royshirley7222 8 месяцев назад +1

    The memories of seeing the paddle boat man I miss the old days

  • @marcusmoore7600
    @marcusmoore7600 Год назад +1

    El Toro posted recently now this. Roller coaster RUclips popping this week. I shall never miss you guys videos

  • @redwolfcorprevamped8266
    @redwolfcorprevamped8266 Год назад +2

    Literally visiting Carowinds right now. Having a great time!

  • @austinwilliams87
    @austinwilliams87 Год назад +2

    I never would’ve thought you’d do a video on my home park. Thank you so much! I can’t wait for part 2!

  • @HamiltonMechanical
    @HamiltonMechanical Год назад +1

    man, I have never ever been as sunburnt as the day I went to Carowinds. As a native of outside Dollywood, I couldn't believe there was NO SHADE anywhere in that park! Spent a whole day there to ride 3 coasters, that's it. Each line was like 3 hours wait. I got sunburnt through the weave of the threads of my shirt. Talk about a disaster! Would never even consider going back to that hellhole

    • @ExpeditionThemePark
      @ExpeditionThemePark  Год назад +1

      Can get busy

    • @HamiltonMechanical
      @HamiltonMechanical Год назад

      @@ExpeditionThemePark I can do busy, but there was literally nowhere to hide. There was no shade in that park, anywhere. Dollywood can have long wait times too, but at least there's places to hide and cool off! Lol, but they did have some kick ass coasters, wish I could have rode more that day.

  • @janicewright6375
    @janicewright6375 Год назад +2

    I was there the first year it opened. It has really changed over the years. The log flume ride was the best, but unfortunately it's gone now. Thank you Sam!

  • @jway-o1u
    @jway-o1u Месяц назад

    The Scooby Doo Rollercoaster is still my favorite roller coaster ever. Riding it with my dad is still one of my best childhood memories so I would say Pat Halls dream came true

  • @nicholasestes4299
    @nicholasestes4299 Год назад

    Ive went to Carowinds since i was a child so about 30 years. Its awesome to see what it looked like years before i was born. I've never seen some of these videos of the original Carowinds. Very cool video!

  • @kiera_rdh6697
    @kiera_rdh6697 Год назад +1

    I’ll be visiting Carowinds for the first time soon, I love all of this history! Can’t wait for more parts to come!