Season passes can provide sustainable savings compared to purchasing individual tickets, if used enough. And, Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark offers an excellent deal on season passes, along with a payment plan that facilitates budgeting and eases the financial burden. Plus, kids under 6 are free.
CAROWINDS
At Carowinds, discover over 60 world-class rides, the Carolinas’ premier waterpark, live entertainment, Camp Snoopy, and authentic Carolina cuisine. Family-friendly events ensure guests return for fresh ways to enjoy the season. Taking day trips to Carowinds and/or the waterpark can offer a fun and budget-friendly day. Alternatively, you can choose to stay at the on-site hotel or campground. The campground provides shuttle service to and from the park, and the hotel is just steps away. Another option is to stay at a location near the park. This choice makes for an affordable family vacation, particularly if you already have season passes. From the moment you arrive, you’ll realize that Carowinds is among the best places to visit in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Carowinds boasts a variety of rides suitable for all ages and thrill preferences. Even children below the height requirement can enjoy enough rides when accompanied by an adult. From Fury, boasting a 325-foot drop and a top speed of 95 mph, to the Woodstock Express kids' roller coaster and Boo Blasters, there is something for all ages.
When you want to rest for a while, children up to 54 inches tall can visit Beagle Scout Acres, the playground in Camp Snoopy. This 8,000-square-foot climb and play area has something special for everyone. The younger kids will enjoy the sandboxes, see-saws, and small slides, while the older kids can challenge themselves on the larger play structure, filled with fun and exciting interactive elements. Parents will appreciate all the shady spots available to rest and relax while their children play.
CAROLINA HARBOR WATERPARK
Carolina Harbor Waterpark, included in the season passes and open seasonally during the warmer months at Carowinds, offers a variety of attractions. From giant water slides and wave pools to large play structures and a three-acre children’s area, there’s something for everyone.
Experience the excitement of the Boogie Board Racer, the water park’s newest attraction. As the longest mat-racing slide in the Southeast, Boogie Board Racer provides a high-speed, high-thrill experience! Whether you prefer mild or intense thrills, Carolina Harbor Waterpark stands out as one of the best places in the Carolinas to slide, splash, chill, and dine.
FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS
Carowinds offers daily and seasonal dining plans, as well as daily and seasonal drink plans. Prices on some plans are yet to be announced, but this season’s seasonal dining plan is priced at $105-120, and the drink plans start at $34.99. These can be purchased with your Gold pass, with the option to make payments. It’s a great deal if you frequent Carowinds or Carolina Harbor Waterpark.
One of the best ways to save on food is to pack a cooler. While outside food is not permitted inside the park, you can obtain a hand stamp at the exit gate to return to your vehicle for a meal. Alternatively, you can choose to dine at one of the restaurants located outside the park or purchase an all-day dining plan, which includes one entree and one side item every 90 minutes. Last year the all-day dining plan was around $32/day.
You can bring empty water bottles into the park and fill them with complimentary water at any dining kiosk or restaurant, providing a cost-effective option. If you choose not to bring your own cup, paper cups are available for free water, although they are relatively small.
The popcorn souvenir bucket is also a good deal, priced at $9.99 last year, with $1 for each refill. It’s an affordable snack option for your family when you bring your bucket for refills on each visit. Consider bringing ziploc bags if you want to divide the popcorn among your party.
I prefer using a backpack with water bottle holders and attachments to hang carbine clips. This allows me to clip the popcorn bucket and extra water bottles, keeping my hands free for convenience.
Restaurants that accept the dining plan https://www.carowinds.com/blog/2017/carowinds-trip-tips-dining-plan
SEASON PASSES
Season passes are available in various options: Silver, Gold, and Prestige. The Gold Pass provides unlimited access to SCarowinds and WinterFest, early entry to Carolina Harbor Waterpark, and eligibility for 2 Free Pre-K passes. The Prestige Pass offers the same benefits and more. All passes include free parking, and Military discounts are available.
The Pre-K Pass is complimentary for ages 3-5, granting free admission to Carowinds, Carolina Harbor Waterpark, The Great PumpkinFest, and WinterFest. Gold or Prestige Pass holders can obtain two free Pre-K passes. Children aged 2 and under enter for free.
Current rates for the Silver Pass are $12/month plus an initial payment, while the Gold Pass is $15/month plus an initial payment. If purchased outright, the Silver Pass is available for a one-time payment of $95, and the Gold Pass can be obtained for a single payment of $120. Additional fees may apply if purchased outright.
As a passholder for six years now, I can attest that Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark offers a lot of fun and enjoyable memories. It’s worthwhile to take a drive to experience the park. The scheduled opening date for 2024 is March 9.
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