World Record-Breaking Coaster and New Attractions Catapult Carowinds to New Heights

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Carowinds, the premier entertainment destination of the Carolinas, is gearing up for the most exciting season ever, with the debut of the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, Fury 325 on Saturday, March 28.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7477451-carowinds-fury-325/

Fury 325 will simulate the wild, daring and spontaneous flight of the hornet. Riders will board one of three 32-passenger open air trains and begin their ascent to the top of a 325-foot tall hill (over 30 stories) followed by an initial 81-degree first drop. The train then races through a series of hills, curves and quick transitions while reaching speeds of up to 95 miles per hour along 6,602 feet of track.

"We are making history here at Carowinds, and creating another reason people can be proud to live in the Carolinas. The opening of Fury 325 gives Carowinds two of the 10 tallest rollercoasters in North America," says Mike Fehnel, Carowinds vice president and general manager. "We want to be the destination for families near and far, and the debut of Fury 325 coupled with the other exciting experiences for the 2015 season puts us in the driver's seat."

Fury 325 is part of a planned $50 million multi-year investment to bring new life to founder Pat Hall's original vision for Carowinds. The park is being revitalized from top to bottom to celebrate Carolina culture, including:

• A new guest arrival experience – A new parking toll entrance with 900 additional parking spaces will improve traffic flow and complement a new 8.2-acre main entrance plaza. 
• The SlingShot – This ride will catapult thrill-seekers nearly 300-feet into the air, providing them brief weightlessness, then rotating them head over heels.
• New Dining Options – Carowinds new executive chef and culinary team have completely revamped dining options throughout the park with all-time Carolina favorites adding over 45 new menu items this season.
• Taste of the Carolinas – This event is sure to get your mouth watering. Guests will be able to eat, drink and experience the best of what the Carolinas have to offer in this signature new food festival on Saturdays & Sundays, April 18 – May 17.

More information about Carowinds can be found at www.carowinds.com. Guests can experience the most exciting season ever with a 2015 gold season pass that provides unlimited visits to Carowinds, as well as free parking, free admission to SCarowinds, early ride time on Fury 325 and more. They're available for as low as six easy payments of $16 at www.carowinds.com.

Fury 325 is designed and manufactured by Bolliger and Mabillard (B&M) of Monthey, Switzerland, a recognized industry leader in roller coaster development and the same firm that brought Vortex to Carowinds in 1992, Afterburn in 1999, and The Intimidator™ in 2010.

Carowinds is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN."  In addition to Carowinds, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks including Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH, three water parks, one indoor water park, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract.

Laresa Thompson
Public Relations Manager
(704) 587-9050
[email protected]

SOURCE Carowinds