It’s crazy to think how much the park has changed since this recording. Afterburn, Nighthawk, Flying Cobras and Intimidator don’t exist yet and even funnier is Hurler being mentioned as the best ride at the time when fast forward 18 years, the best ride Carowinds has ever had was built right next to Hurler. The additions of Afterburn, Intimidator, Copperhead Strike, and Fury 325 really makes you forget just how small the park used to be. It was a nice little park for locals to spend a day at on the weekend, but it was never a national destination. You have to give props to Cedar Fair for putting Carowinds on the map as a destination park. This footage is fascinating btw.
UNBELIEVABLE. Seriously this is like stepping into a time machine. My first job when I was a kid was at Carowinds - and this video was taken only a year or two before that. So this is EXACTLY how I remember the park. I feel like I can almost SMELL this video. It’s crazy. Lol
Thanks for this footage. Back when Carowinds actually had its own, unique charm. I can remember my first visit back in the mid 90s and the magic you felt. Nowadays, the lake filling, tree removals and excessive concrete leaves ALOT to be desired.
This park has changed so much it’s insane. I remember going back in 2005 for the first time when it was still paramount. When I came back years later, that’s when cedar point took over. Paramount theme was so fun, I’ll never forget it
Great video! We love Carowinds and the Carolinas in general. The crowds looked perfect; not crowded and definitely not deserted. Very relaxing and enjoyable. It still feels that way today and is my favorite regional park in America. Thanks for posting.
WOW, GREAT VIDEO!! It is really great to see how much the park has changed. there was a lot of stuff in this video I had forgotten about and brough a smile to my face to see it again.
Hurler as the best in the park?!?!? I'd take Thunder Road or Top Gun (not 100% sure if that was built yet) for rides that existed in the Paramount era. That said I can see it being pretty good without that damn trim.
@@JakeSmith-zr5df probably so! My SO paid for two meals, one for himself and one for my sister, at what used to be Stan Mikita’s (Happy Days now?) Diner and the total he paid at the register was a staggering $60+. Fried food baskets should never cost that much.
This can’t be in 1998… Top Gun/Afterburn didn’t open until March 20, 1999. Not unless that was just testing or something but you even say ‘new for 99’ so I’m confused
I've been to both parks and they're both very good. But I've got to go with Carowinds. Just a better feel, atmosphere overall. With you calling it crapowinds, you definitely aren't being objective, so your opinion has to be taken with a grain of salt. Must have some sort of weird axe to grind, lol smh.
@@yesorlando05 without fury what does Carowinds have? I'll wait. Ki is better kept, more historic, more eateries, better food, more rides, bigger and better atmosphere
It’s crazy to think how much the park has changed since this recording. Afterburn, Nighthawk, Flying Cobras and Intimidator don’t exist yet and even funnier is Hurler being mentioned as the best ride at the time when fast forward 18 years, the best ride Carowinds has ever had was built right next to Hurler.
The additions of Afterburn, Intimidator, Copperhead Strike, and Fury 325 really makes you forget just how small the park used to be. It was a nice little park for locals to spend a day at on the weekend, but it was never a national destination. You have to give props to Cedar Fair for putting Carowinds on the map as a destination park.
This footage is fascinating btw.
UNBELIEVABLE. Seriously this is like stepping into a time machine. My first job when I was a kid was at Carowinds - and this video was taken only a year or two before that. So this is EXACTLY how I remember the park.
I feel like I can almost SMELL this video. It’s crazy. Lol
Thanks for this footage. Back when Carowinds actually had its own, unique charm. I can remember my first visit back in the mid 90s and the magic you felt. Nowadays, the lake filling, tree removals and excessive concrete leaves ALOT to be desired.
This park has changed so much it’s insane. I remember going back in 2005 for the first time when it was still paramount. When I came back years later, that’s when cedar point took over. Paramount theme was so fun, I’ll never forget it
Great video! We love Carowinds and the Carolinas in general. The crowds looked perfect; not crowded and definitely not deserted. Very relaxing and enjoyable. It still feels that way today and is my favorite regional park in America. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for this, brings back loads of memories!!!
I went in October 2024 for scarowinds and it was fantastic. Love this place.
WOW, GREAT VIDEO!! It is really great to see how much the park has changed. there was a lot of stuff in this video I had forgotten about and brough a smile to my face to see it again.
Very good quality for late 90’s!
And shot using a VHS-C camera too!
This channel is gold
I missed that log flume ride.
Hurler as the best in the park?!?!? I'd take Thunder Road or Top Gun (not 100% sure if that was built yet) for rides that existed in the Paramount era. That said I can see it being pretty good without that damn trim.
It didn’t open until March of 99
I Loved Thunder Road and am still upset that it was demolished!
Top Gun came out in 1996
This was 2 days after I was born
Oh man Days Of Thunder. Even older than the Bond and SpongeBob shows lol
Imagine a 7 $ cheeseburger at a park today...
That $7 cheeseburger is probably an $18 cheeseburger now.
$18 is probably generous 😂
@@JakeSmith-zr5df probably so! My SO paid for two meals, one for himself and one for my sister, at what used to be Stan Mikita’s (Happy Days now?) Diner and the total he paid at the register was a staggering $60+. Fried food baskets should never cost that much.
This guy has to be from Pittsburgh!
I mean..... the demographics... it's nothing like this today... I have very font memories of what carowinds was in the 80s and 90s as a child and teen
This can’t be in 1998… Top Gun/Afterburn didn’t open until March 20, 1999. Not unless that was just testing or something but you even say ‘new for 99’ so I’m confused
Make sure to read the description when you look at these types of videos, it says that one of the clips from here is from 99
Don't down kings island by comparing it to this park. Ki trumps anything crapowinds can ever offer
I've been to both parks and they're both very good. But I've got to go with Carowinds. Just a better feel, atmosphere overall. With you calling it crapowinds, you definitely aren't being objective, so your opinion has to be taken with a grain of salt. Must have some sort of weird axe to grind, lol smh.
@@yesorlando05 without fury what does Carowinds have? I'll wait. Ki is better kept, more historic, more eateries, better food, more rides, bigger and better atmosphere
Carowinds>KI