Carowinds Tips and Tricks: What Should You Pack, Wear, and Skip for the Best Day Ever?

Planning a day at Carowinds can feel like prepping for a marathon, but with the right Carowinds tips, you’ll walk in ready to win. Sitting right on the North Carolina and South Carolina border, this park brings together the best of two states in one epic destination.

Known as one of the top amusement parks in the Southeast, Carowinds mixes massive coasters with family-friendly fun and everything in between. It’s no wonder both casual visitors and hardcore thrill seekers flock here year after year.

But here’s the catch: what you pack, wear, and skip can make or break your experience. That’s why we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of Carowinds tips and tricks to keep your day running smoother than Copperhead Strike—read on and don’t miss a single one!

Before Your Visit: Your Pre-Game Strategy

Plan Your Time Wisely

If you want to dodge long wait times, aim for a weekday trip. Weekends, especially in summer, are basically the Coachella of amusement parks—crowds everywhere, vibes slightly chaotic.

Giving yourself one to two full days is the sweet spot; that way, you can bounce between roller coasters, Carolina Harbor, and Camp Snoopy without feeling rushed. Plus, weekday visits usually mean less parking lot chaos and shorter lines at your favorite thrill rides.

Book Tickets and Parking in Advance

Don’t play the rookie card by buying Carowinds tickets at the gate. Online purchases not only save you money, but also time you’d rather spend running to Fury 325.

Download the Carowinds App

The official app is basically your theme park BFF. It tracks Carowinds rides wait times, shows you kid friendly areas like Camp Snoopy, and helps you find dining spots when hunger hits. It even has a car finder, so you don’t end the night wandering the lot in an exhausted daze.

Think of it as your all-in-one guide to navigating one of the top amusement parks in the Southeast.

What Is the Carowinds Bag Policy?

Planning your day at the park starts with packing smart. The Carowinds bag policy allows guests to bring bags, but size and convenience matter. All bags—no matter how small—are subject to a security check at the entrance. To keep the lines moving quickly, aim for compact crossbody bags, fanny packs, or small drawstring backpacks.

Large backpacks and oversized totes aren’t prohibited outright, but they can slow you down. They’re cumbersome on rides and may require you to rent a locker.

Carowinds offers all-day and single-use lockers near the park entrance and in key ride areas, making it easy to stash bulky items or extra clothing while you enjoy thrill rides like Fury 325 or Copperhead Strike.

How Does Carowinds Parking Work?

Driving to the park? Save time and money by prepaying for Carowinds parking online. General parking typically costs about $30, while preferred parking—closer to the entrance—usually runs $40. Prepaying not only locks in your spot but also lets you breeze past the payment booths and head straight for the fun.

Whether you choose general or preferred, budgeting $30–$40 is a smart move. Keep your digital pass handy for a quick scan at the gate, and follow the signs to your chosen lot. With your parking settled ahead of time, you’ll start the day feeling like a theme park pro.

During Your Day: Surviving (and Thriving) Once You’re In

Arrive Early for the Best Rides

Get there about an hour before the gates open. This gives you time to clear security, find your Carowinds parking spot, and be among the first in line for Fury 325 or Copperhead Strike.

Early arrival also lets you grab a locker before they fill up and sets the tone for a stress-free day. It’s the ultimate trick for beating those dreaded wait times.

Dress and Pack Smart

Wondering what to wear to Carowinds? Go for comfort: sneakers for the miles of walking, breathable clothes for the South Carolina heat, and a poncho or umbrella for surprise rain.

As for what to bring to Carowinds, think sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, portable charger, and maybe a swimsuit if you’re heading to Carolina Harbor. Trust us, nothing kills the fun like wet denim on a coaster.

Food and Drink Game Plan

Carowinds food isn’t cheap, but you can hack it with timing. Eat at off-hours—like 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.—to skip long lines.

If you plan to sip all day, the drink plans with refillable cups or wristbands are lifesavers in the Carolina heat. And remember: outside meals aren’t allowed, so either budget for dining inside or make the parking lot picnic part of your strategy.

Use Lockers for Freedom

Most roller coasters don’t have storage, and nothing ruins a ride faster than worrying about your phone flying into oblivion. Like we’ve mentioned earlier, lockers at Carowinds are scattered throughout the park and sized for everything from a fanny pack to a whole family backpack.

If you’re hopping between dry rides and the water park, a locker near Carolina Harbor makes life much easier. Reserving a locker in advance can help ensure convenient access and peace of mind during your visit.

Carowinds Food: What’s Allowed and What’s Not?

Planning to pack lunch for the park? The Carowinds food policy does not allow outside meals or drinks, with exceptions only for baby formula, special diets, or medical needs. Sealed water bottles are welcome, and refill stations plus souvenir cups make it easy to stay hydrated under the Carolina sun.

Many families keep a cooler in the car for a budget-friendly picnic and use the park’s re-entry option for a quick break.

Inside the gates, you’ll find plenty of options—from Carolina barbecue and pizza to funnel cakes and vegetarian meals. Check the Carowinds app for menus and wait times so you can spend less time deciding and more time riding. Understanding the Carowinds food rules keeps your day smooth and your group well-fed.

Rides and Extras: Where the Real Action Happens

Tackle the Thrill Rides First

For true thrill seekers, the holy trinity is Fury 325, Copperhead Strike, and Afterburn. These thrill rides get the longest lines first, so hit them right at rope drop or save them for the last hour before closing.

After you’ve checked those off, you can relax and enjoy the smaller Carowinds rides without feeling like you missed the stars of the show. These include the family-friendly Woodstock Express, the classic Carolina Goldrusher mine train coaster, and the fun Ricochet wild mouse coaster.

Don’t Skip Kid-Friendly Fun

Traveling with little ones? Camp Snoopy is a whole world designed for them, with pint-sized kid friendly coasters and rides that let parents catch their breath. It’s a great break spot, especially in the middle of the day when crowds are peaking. Moreover, there is plenty of shade for tired grown-ups.

Cool Off at Carolina Harbor

Admission includes access to Carolina Harbor, so definitely bring swimwear. It’s perfect for cooling down midday or giving everyone a break from the adrenaline.

Between wave pools, slides, and lazy rivers, it’s basically a vacation inside your vacation. A locker near the water park means you won’t be juggling wet towels while running to the next roller coaster.

Consider Fast Passes

If the wait times are looking more like a Taylor Swift ticket queue than a theme park line, splurge on a Fast Lane pass. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it on packed summer days.

Fast Lane passes at Carowinds allow you to skip regular lines on over 20 popular rides and attractions, making your day much smoother and more enjoyable. Think of it as buying back hours of your life you’d otherwise spend standing around in the South Carolina sun.

Save Souvenirs for the End

One final pro move: shop at the end of the day. Carrying a giant Snoopy plush around Camp Snoopy all afternoon is not the flex you think it is.

Hit the stores just before closing, when crowds thin out and you don’t have to babysit your shopping bags on every ride. Many stores offer special deals or restock popular items toward closing time, giving you the best chance at snagging that perfect keepsake.

What’s New at Carowinds in 2025?

Carowinds is going big in 2025 with fresh attractions that blend family fun, adult escapes, and nostalgia-worthy celebrations. The spotlight shines on Camp Snoopy, which now features two brand-new rides designed to keep both kids and parents smiling.

First up is Snoopy’s Racing Railway, a family-friendly multi-launch coaster that sends riders on a quirky mission to deliver pizza and root beer to the Camp Snoopy mess hall. It’s fast enough to thrill the little ones but smooth and playful enough that parents will want to ride again.

The second new addition is Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast, an interactive raft ride equipped with water cannons for a splash-filled battle. Expect giggles, some soaked T-shirts, and plenty of playful chaos perfect for hot Carolina afternoons.

Adults aren’t left out either—Carowinds has debuted the Carolina Shore Club, a 21+ area inside the Carolina Harbor water park. Complete with Charlotte’s first swim-up bar and luxury cabanas, it’s a resort-style retreat that brings vacation vibes to a day at the park.

Big changes also mean goodbyes: the park has officially removed the Nighthawk flying coaster. While longtime fans may be sentimental, the removal clears space for a highly anticipated, record-breaking log flume ride slated for 2026.

Finally, 2025 also brings an expanded lineup of seasonal festivals, including Spring Break Days, the brand-new Viva La Fiesta, and the 25th anniversary of SCarowinds. Add in the 10th birthday of Fury 325, complete with exclusive events and merch, and it’s clear this year is packed with reasons to visit again and again.

Carowinds Reviews

Curious if the park lives up to the hype? Carowinds reviews from visitors rave about the world-class coasters—especially Fury 325—and praise the family-friendly fun at Camp Snoopy.

Guests also call out tasty food, clean grounds, and seasonal events like SCarowinds and WinterFest. Skimming reviews gives you insider tips on everything from best arrival times to parking hacks so you can plan a smooth, exciting day.

Ready to Plan Your Own Carowinds Adventure?

Carowinds in 2025 is bigger, bolder, and packed with new reasons to visit, from family rides at Camp Snoopy to the Carolina Shore Club for adults. Armed with these Carowinds tips and a few insider secrets, you’ll be ready to maximize every moment.

Planning your Charlotte trip is even easier when you bundle Charlotte attractions and hotels together for convenience and savings. With vacation packages through Tripster, you can secure the best deals on tickets, stays, and must-do activities all in one place.

These Carowinds tips and tricks aren’t just about what to do inside the park—they’re about making the whole getaway seamless. Start planning now, because your best Carowinds adventure is waiting for you!

What Are The Carowinds Tips FAQs?