I am going to Carowinds for the first time Monday June 30th. Any tips about anything with the park those who have gone are willing to share? We have one day to get everything in. Also are there any events going on that day that might make it crowded? We don't have Fast Lane in the budget this trip.

Do not miss the Flying Scooters.

And pay a lot of attention to the front gate area.

Terp, not known for spilling beans, in this or the last century.

Ah...I am the person to ask; this is the fourth straight year I've gotten a season pass.

Monday is usually a good day to go.

As far as I know, no events.

I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Will I need to plan my way around the park to get everything in and avoid crowds or will I be good to just kind of ride whatever is in front of me as I go through the park?

Will I need to plan my way around the park to get everything in and avoid crowds or will I be good to just kind of ride whatever is in front of me as I go through the park?

No, not really; you most people just go clockwise through the park and hit the main rides.

The must-rides are Intimidator and Afterburn. Ride those at all cost.

And Flying Scooters....

The must-rides are Intimidator

You misspelled "Hurler".

FTW, only half-teasing and who picked an exceptionally unmemorable 150th coaster... Then again, I've never been THAT into B&M. Afterburn, however...

The must-rides are Intimidator

You misspelled "Hurler".

FTW, only half-teasing and who picked an exceptionally unmemorable 150th coaster... Then again, I've never been THAT into B&M. Afterburn, however...

Hurler's actually not that bad this season since they rebuilt the first turn after the drop.

The trip is on the rocks right now. It can be annoying trying please the entire group.

^ Just another reason I prefer to travel solo.

Transmitted from Wild Space via my datapad's DROID brain

Its family. We are going to Charleston to visit my brother. I'd rather be able to do things with my family.

We got here a bit ago. Stupid place isn't doing ERT today.

Did they let you in with a Platinum Pass?

Be thankful.

I'll be thankful when I don't have to stand in the sun for a half hour because they neglect to inform ahead of time anywhere that there is no ERT.

Either way we just rode Intimidator and we are now waiting for Nighthawk. Intimidator was alright.

At least they let you in. Which is more than they did me on a summer Sunday at 9:30 AM a few years back.

"Sir, we can't let you in, you've already been in the park today."

Really.

You should have started throwing haymakers.

I'll be thankful when I don't have to stand in the sun for a half hour because they neglect to inform ahead of time anywhere that there is no ERT.

According to carowinds.com, ERT is only offered on select weekend dates: https://www.carowinds.com/events/plan-a-visit/special-events/Early-Ride-Times

At least they let you in. Which is more than they did me on a summer Sunday at 9:30 AM a few years back.

"Sir, we can't let you in, you've already been in the park today."

If your picture did not appear in that situation, how would the front gate employees have known that a duplicate season pass hadn't shown up? (Unless you were first in line)

The problem was with their system. I had been there...the day before. They acknowledged this...three days later...after I had been denied entry and made the eight hour trip home.

And the picture CLEARLY displayed at the gate.

Like Terp I have had problems with entry. I also seem to have a run in with park security with every visit. This happened two times in the same day at coaster stock while doing what I was told to do and where to go.

These are the things I will always remember about my visits to Carowinds.