Carowinds Adds 301-Ft.-Tall WindSeeker Spinning Tower Ride

FORT MILL, S.C.,None — Carowinds' newest addition is WindSeeker, a 301- foot-tall tower that spins riders nearly 30 stories in the air. The new attraction is the tallest ride in the park's history, Carowinds officials announced today.

Opening in 2012, WindSeeker is a 3-minute that ride begins when the ride's carriage, featuring 32 two-passenger swings, slowly rotates while climbing to the top of a 301-foot tower.

WindSeeker will be the tallest ride in the park and is 69 feet taller than the Intimidator. Guests will sit down on one of 64 swings that will slowly spin around, picking up speed as it ascends the tower. Riders' feed will dangle over the edge of the swing.

"The sense of soaring 30 stories in the air will be both exhilarating and breathtaking at the same time," said Bart Kinzel, Carowinds' vice president and general manager. "This new addition will give guests an unparalleled view, making it a must-ride attraction for both families and thrill-seekers alike. The immense scale of this ride alone will be truly stunning."

WindSeeker will be located in the Carolina RFD section of the park near the entrance of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular. A portion of the lake near the Nighthawk roller coaster will be filled in to accommodate this massive tower ride.

"This is definitely a 'wow' moment for North and South Carolina, said Duane Parrish, the director of S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism division.

Bennish Brown, executive director for York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said York County will have "bragging rights" for the new attraction, which he called a catalyst for economic development and tourism.

WindSeeker has a ride capacity of 960 passengers per hour, a 52-inch minimum height requirement and is designed and manufactured by Mondial, a 24-year-old Dutch based company focused on developing unique and innovative amusement rides.

To complement the recently added Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular, WindSeeker will be built with an elaborate LED lighting system. Aside from the LED spotlights that will be located at the top and bottom of the tower, the carriage of the ride will be equipped with LED light strands that will run out from the tower and down each of the ride's steel arms. At night, as the ride ascends to the top of the tower, the light display will come to life with a kaleidoscope of colorful patterns and shapes. In addition, WindSeeker will be equipped with speakers located on the ride's carriage. This on-ride audio can play up to 18 different music tracks.

WSOC