The definitive* ranking of Carowinds’ 11 roller coasters
It’s summer, which means it’s Carowinds season. Many people are sure to be passing through the amusement park’s gates this holiday weekend, and when they’re not watching Daughtry perform (7 p.m. tonight at the Paladium Amphitheatre) many of them will want to ride roller coasters.
With that in mind, I present the definitive* ranking of Carowinds’ 11 roller coasters.
*By definitive I mean one person’s opinion. Mine.
(1) Fury 325
It’s the newest and the most fun, hands down. You go 325 feet up in the air, plunge down an 81-degree drop and reach speeds of 95 mph. And it’s so smooth. You feel like you’re gliding on air as you’re ripping through S-curves and diving beneath the pedestrian bridge near the entrance of the park.
(2) Nighthawk
About to ride on this monster. #Nighthawk #SaxtonsAtCarowinds
A photo posted by dan_saxton (@dan_saxton) on Jul 20, 2013 at 9:19am PDT
When I went to Carowinds earlier this summer this ride had the second longest line (after Fury), which didn’t make any sense to me until we got on the ride. It’s a flying coaster, which means you’re spending most of the ride horizontal and looking down at the ground. That first time you flip over … terrifying/exhilarating.
(3) Intimidator
The second-newest coaster in the park may be a little overlooked now with Fury, but it shouldn’t be. The Dale Earnhardt-inspired coaster gets up to 80 mph and has several hills and drops, which I love. My friend made a good point, though: Is it the best idea to have a coaster named after someone who died in a NASCAR wreck?
(4) Afterburn
The ride I still call “Top Gun” is an oldie (ish … 1999) but a goodie. It was one of the first roller coasters I ever rode and remains one of my favorites. Fun fact: Riders go through an “Immelmann,” an actual maneuver used by fighter pilots.
This is where y’all might start thinking I’m crazy, but bear with me. Goldrusher never fails to thrill me. Every time, I think “Oh, it’s that kiddie ride. Eh, might as well do it.” Then about halfway through the cars go flying around a corner and I find myself going “wooaaAHHGH!” So much fun.
Also, it’s the oldest roller coaster in the place, opening with the park on March 31, 1973. Respect your elders.
(6) Carolina Cobra
I just love this concept. The coaster sends you flying down a track that turns riders upside down six times, then you get to the end and it sends you right back through the same course backward. And you can’t beat the suspense right before the change of direction.
(7) Vortex
According to the Carowinds website, it’s the first stand-up roller coaster in the South and it’s a cool little ride. But, for reasons I won’t get into here, it’s always a little too uncomfortable for me. Just … yeah.
(8) Thunder Road
Some people might get mad at me for ranking this classic coaster so low. People love it. I’m sure that for many native Charlotteans — my wife included — it was the first roller coaster they ever rode. But let’s be honest: There’s a reason it’s being torn down. When I went this summer I enjoyed the first half of the ride, but during the second half I could feel my brain rattling around in my skull and I left with a headache.
(9) Carolina Cyclone
I rode this right after Fury during my last visit. Remember when I said how smooth Fury was? The Cyclone was not smooth. At all. Brain-rattler No. 2.
(10) Ricochet
I almost didn’t include this one, but I guess it’s a coaster. It’s one of those “Wild Mouse” ones where you twist around the track. It’s alright.
(11) Hurler
The wife and I refuse to ride this one anymore. So rough. Don’t need a brain-rattler No. 3. Nope. No thank you.
Photos: David T. Foster, III/Charlotte Observer; Todd Sumlin/Charlotte Observer; Andy Burriss/(Rock Hill) Herald; Charlotte Observer file
This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 12:58 AM with the headline "The definitive* ranking of Carowinds’ 11 roller coasters."