The Middleton's Take Carowinds - Spring 2022

Spending time with my family is always the best and enjoying a trip to Carowinds was the perfect idea to end the kid's spring break - they were totally surprised. For over 45 years, Carowinds has been right at the heart of where the Carolinas come together. Located off I-77 (Exit 90) at the NC/SC border, offers a full day of fun for everyone. Kids love to let loose at Camp Snoopy. Thrill-seekers flock to our astounding collection of world-class rides, including the new Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas’ first double-launch coaster. During the Summer months, you’re able to splash, slide, and chill at Carolina Harbor Waterpark is included with admission. 

Lodging 

This year, we opted to stay on-site at the SpringHill Suites Charlotte and it was the best decision ever. We were within walking distance of the park and we could easily drive over as well. This made it easy for members of our group to take a car back to the hotel while the remainder of us stayed at the park. 

We opted for 2-rooms with double beds and a trundle bed in each room. The rooms are laid out with families in mind. The shower/tub combo is separated from the restroom allowing showers to continue without interruption! Each room can sleep 6-7 people comfortably. They even offer a complementarity breakfast #MomWin

State Line Celebration

All-new for 2022, Carowinds introduced the State Line Celebration and it was a hit. There was live music and when you purchase a tasting card you had the opportunity to try Carolina cuisine from both North and South Carolina. The tasting sizes were filling and I was pleased with every selection. I really hope they bring this back next year!

Park 

Friendly Tip: Purchase all of your items needed for a successful visit ahead of time. You can typically find discounts online. (i.e. souvenir cups, Fun Pix, food passes, etc.)

Splitting the park into two visits proved to be great for us. We head straight for Camp Snoopy to allow the younger kids to ride before heading to the bigger rides. They were able to ride as many times as they wanted without a long wait. They really enjoyed the Flying Ace Balloon Race and Woodstock Express! We were able to take a quick break to eat and allow them to ride for a while longer before they tired out. 

The younger kids went back to the hotel with my mom (she’s always a lifesaver while traveling) and the rest of us headed back to the park for round 2. Maneuvering without the littles was a breeze and we were able to enjoy rides that I have never ridden in all of my visits past! Afterburn, Intimidator, and the Hurler were some of our favorites, we can’t wait to go back and ride again. There were a few rides that will be opening later this year and I can’t wait to go back and ride.

Downloading their mobile app was extremely helpful in navigating the park. I was able to find rides that I didn’t know were there and see projected wait times. 

Friendly Tip: When traveling as a large family coordinate outfits for easy finding. If possible, have 2-3 children per adult.

If you’re planning a trip to the Carolinas, I highly recommend taking a visit to Carowinds. The ticket pricing is the best I’ve seen for what you get to enjoy at the park. In the summer, you really are getting the most bang for your buck by being able to visit both parks. Be sure to follow Carowinds on social media and visit their website for frequent updates. 

Carolina Harbor (waterpark) opens on May 27, 2022, for the season!