Carowinds Unveils New Aeronautica Landing

Carowinds, the amusement park that straddles the North Carolina/South Carolina state line, has unveiled a new area called Aeronautica Landing.  It opens Friday, April 7.

Aeronautica Landing celebrates the Carolinas' rich aviation history, and, according to a news release, "sets the runway for curiosity and imagination to soar."

Visitors can expect new and reimagined rides aimed at mild to moderate thrill-seekers.  There will also be aviation-themed food and beverage selections.  Aeronautica Landing will also include a Game Zone that "upgrades classic carnival games with key skills for emerging pilots."

The folks at Carowinds shared this animated video flythrough of the new Aeronautica Landing:

Carowinds regulars may recognize "Hover and Dodge."  It's a retread of the longtime bumper car amusement.  The cars are upgraded to appear like hovercraft.  "Air Racers" and "Gear Spin" offer higher levels of spinning, turning and flying around.

The debut of Aeronautica Landing also coincides with Carowinds' 50th anniversary and was five years in the making.  Officials at Carowinds say it is their most detailed park upgrade in years.

Carowinds welcomed its first visitors in March 1973 and has since become one of the most popular theme parks in the Southeast.  It is owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, which operates several other amusement parks across the United States.