Carowinds opens for the season with new Carolina Cobra

Posted on 5 Apr 2009 by Melissa Fortune

Although rain was in the forecast and in the air, the good folks at Carowinds ensured their 2009 Media Preview went off without a hiss hitch. Upon entering via red carpet, guests were welcomed by Steve Hughes & Friends of Wildlife Lectures (some of those ‘friends’ were of the reptilian persuasion) in celebration for this years piece de résistance: the Carolina Cobra. Checking in with an impressive 125 ft lift, 120 ft drop and delivering a 65 degree descent, three inversions, a cobra roll and a 360 degree loop. Just when you begin to catch your breathe– the trip is repeated. Except In reverse. Words can’t describe it. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Video, however, can at least help.

video: SGreene509; watch this video on YouTube

But roller coasters aren’t the only hott ticket on the 2009 Carowinds agenda: music lovers will be delighted with the return of Contemporary Christian music with SonFest 2009 (tobyMac & Third Day) and a Gospel Explosion with JoyFest (Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbett and Smokie Norful).

This seasons opening day paired Carowinds with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to host Ride For Wishes during which Carowinds will granted wishes for Make-A-Wish children with life threatening illnesses by donating the first public ride on the new Carolina Cobra as an auction item for the charity. The bidding started at $50 per seat with 28 seats available for auction.

The park also responds to the economy by introducing a budget friendly New WOW PASS for only 59.99 per person (that’s only $13 more than regular one day admission). No reason for anyone to miss out on the fun!

photos: Melissa Fortune; view these photos on Flickr