CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carowinds’ 2023 New Year’s resolution will likely be to keep roller coasters warm as it opens year round, for the first time ever, starting in January.
As the park celebrates its 50th anniversary, Carowinds announced 18 extra days in the 2023 season, making it the first time the park will remain open every calendar month.
The park added dates for every weekend of January, February and March, according to its updated 2023 operating calendar.
What You Need To Know
Carowinds adds 18 days, several winter weekends to early 2023 calendar
First time Carowinds will stay open for every calendar month of the year
Park also turns 50 in 2023 and previously announced new themed area to open next year
Traditionally, the park closes in early January and does not reopen until mid-March.
“Expanding the Carowinds’ calendar to year-round operation will enhance the local tourism and travel industries, create jobs to support economic growth for the entire region and reinforce the park’s commitment to the local community,” a Carowinds spokesperson said in a statement this week.
Earlier this year, Carowinds announced other changes coming to the park for its 50th anniversary, including a new themed-area based on aviation.
Nearby, businesses said the change is a welcome opportunity to gain new customers and change the Fort Mill area’s reputation as a seasonal tourist destination.
Less than two miles from the gates, Whoopie Pies Ice Cream manager Destiny Kiser said the change was welcome.
“We’re a full, year-round theater company, and so, Carowinds joining us in being a full, year-round business, you know that’s awesome,” Kiser said about his parent company.
The ice cream business, owned by NarroWay Productions, is already open year round, which Kiser said can get lost when tourists and locals assume the area closes seasonally like Carowinds.
NarroWay Productions, which operates a year-round theater near the ice cream shop, expressed a similar sentiment.
“We opened up the shops here to be something that could help service the community, and with Carowinds being open year round now, we’re just — more of an opportunity to help serve more people with COVID being gone,” Kiser added.
At another business another mile or so down the road, operations director James Delongos said his family’s business, Carmella’s Pizza, was also happy to hear the news.
“Carowinds, it kills me sometimes when they’re closed during the wintertime, even before WinterFest, and just to see such a big park that drove so much revenue to the area closed for a few months. But, I think we’re all excited, as should everyone be in the neighborhood,” Delongos said during a lull in the lunch rush.
Delongos said the business benefits from Carowinds’ close proximity, and even attracts regulars from other states who visit the theme park every summer.
“Tenish percent, 20%, depends on the season, summertime you see them come right after Carowinds. They’re all wet and hot and red, ready to eat and drink. Wintertime, with WinterFest open, is exciting for us during the winter now too,” Delongos added.
Other businesses expressed optimism about the increase in potential visitors in the winter months. However, some said they were skeptical about how many new tourists would be interested in the outdoor park in cold January and February temperatures.
Carowinds will continue its two seasonal festivals to end the year, SCarowinds and WinterFest, before turning the page on the new 2023 calendar.
However, the theme park did warn customers to be prepared for seasonal maintenance, weather-related closures and other seasonal disruptions. For example, the Nighthawk roller coaster is temperature-sensitive and cannot operate under 52-54 degree conditions, according to a company spokesperson.