The fun of anticipating, then spinning and twirling in unnatural motions. From the rides to the shows, Carowinds focuses more on substance than a superficial environment. And the thrills only get better. New this year to the park's line-up is Scooby Doo's Haunted Mansion. On a recent spring day, the line was made up of young kids and their parents, those for whom the ride is intended.
Riders climb into a four-person cart with plastic guns at each seat.
The carts crawl along a route that offers illuminated targets to shoot at, and you can rack up points. You'll know you've made a hit when things pop out or move or sound at contact, though points are typically hard to come by. Another newbie this year is the 7th Portal, a film paired with the motion simulator ride. The theater seats are equipped with seat belts, and as soon as the film hits the screen you'll figure out why they're necessary. The seats lurch left, right, front and back.