Carowinds is set to introduce Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas’ first double launch coaster, for the 2019 season.
Copperhead Strike will put riders in getaway cars racing through farmland. It will feature two launches through a winding ride over half a mile of coaster.
The ride’s dynamics have been specially designed to be low-to-the-ground and increase intensity.
Three 16-passenger trains will be fashioned after 1930s coupes.
The ride will feature five inversions, near-miss twists, turns and flips.
The coaster is just one part of Carowinds’ largest investment to date. It will sit in a new themed area called Blue Ridge Junction. The new area is inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Carolinas.
The seven-acre area will also feature a new dining outlet: the Blue Ridge Country Kitchen restaurant in the former Wings restaurant location.
New hotel
The park will also open a 130-room hotel. The new SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds will open guests late in the year. There will also be a new dormitory to house students from across the region and the world. This will allow the park to develop new programs such as a full internship for travel and tourism students.
Pat Jones, Carowinds’ vice president and general manager, said: “This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to being the premier entertainment destination of the Carolinas for families and thrill seekers alike. Copperhead Strike adds a completely different experience than our other world-class coasters, giving our guests a diverse park-wide experience that satisfies like never before. Blue Ridge Junction, the restaurant and our new hotel are additions we know our guests will enjoy, ensuring Carowinds continues to be the place where the Carolinas come together to create lasting memories for generations to come.”
Carowinds is a 161-hectare theme park owned and operated by Cedar Fair. It is located on the border of North and South Carolina and features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, including 13 roller coasters. It is also home to the 10-hectare water park, Carolina Harbor. This year, the park opened a new Camp Snoopy area.
Image courtesy Carowinds
