CHARLOTTE — We now know what’s replacing the four ride closures announced last week at Carowinds -- the amusement park is launching an aviation-themed area with new rides and restaurants in 2023.
Carowinds announced that the Crossroads area of the park will be completely renovated and renamed Aeronautica Landing, a nod to North Carolina’s history in aviation.
[ RELATED: Carowinds closes four long-time rides, set to make announcement on 2023 season ]
The park closed Yo-Yo, Dodgem, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare: 3Z Arena, and Southern Star on Aug. 1, and they’ll be replaced with several new rides. The Yo-Yo was made in 1981 and opened at Carowinds in 2008. The Dodgem premiered at Carowinds in 1979. The Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare: 3Z arena originally opened in 1993 and was re-themed in 2016, and the Southern Star was built in 1986.
Coming to the park are the Air Racer, Gear Spin, Gyro Force, and Air Walker. The Dodgem ride is being rethemed as a “hovercraft” version of bumper cars called Hover & Dodge. See pictures of them below.
Carowinds says the themed area will have two new food options and one upgraded dining area. There will also be four new midway games near the area.
The aviation-themed rides will also fit in nicely next to Afterburn, a fighter jet-themed inverted roller coaster that opened in 1999.
“We are constantly looking for new ways to provide immersive experiences for our guests that showcase the rich history and heritage of the Carolinas, while showcasing the rich legacy and original themes of Carowinds,” said Carowinds Vice President and General Manager Manny Gonzalez. “This region played such an integral role in the history of developing and testing the tools for aviation, and we believe Aeronautica Landing will help bring that to life for our guests for years to come.”
According to Carowinds, the Aeronautica Landing section will open in the spring of 2023. This will coincide with Carowinds’ 50th anniversary.
You can buy a 2023 season pass at this link.
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