News Carowinds Project 2023: Aeronautica Landing

​

On August 11th, 2022, Carowinds officially announced a new aviation-themed land called Aeronautica Landing. This immersive new area is slated to replace the former Crossroads section of the park between Afterburn and Copperhead Strike. Aeronautica Landing is planned to debut in 2023, Carowinds' 50th anniversary.

New Attractions​

Air Racer​

• Manufacturer: Zamperla
• Model: Air Race

Official Description:​

Do you have what it takes to maneuver these speedsters of the skies? Hop in a vehicle of your choice and race and roll through the obstacles recreated from heroic tales of ace pilots high in the Carolina sky. Air Racer delivers an exciting ride combined with impressive visuals due to its uniquely designed experience.​

Spoiler: Air Racer Concept Art

Air Walker​

• Manufacturer: Zamperla
• Model: Skater

Official Description:​

Our aviation experts are testing the limits of an experimental aircraft engine and need your help. New lift and propulsion technologies simulated in this rotating ride can make planes faster but sometimes unstable. Willing to take a spin and put the latest and greatest thrill machine to the test?​

Spoiler: Air Walker Concept Art

Gear Spin​

• Manufacturer: Zamperla
• Model: NebulaZ

Official Description:​

What if a ginormous, red-hot propulsion engine—normally used to thrust an aircraft through the atmosphere—was outfitted with seats for riders? What if the engine’s extreme power and force created a speeding, spinning adventure reserved for only the bravest riders? Say hello to Gear Spin.​

Spoiler: Gear Spin Concept Art

Gyro Force​

• Manufacturer:
• Model:

Official Description:​

Located inside secret testing grounds, the X-J1 is used to evaluate new lift and propulsion technologies. The wild experimental engine design on this experience is bigger and faster, and maybe a little unstable, and requires brave test pilots daily to help advance this exciting research.​

Spoiler: Gyro Force Concept Art

Rethemed Attractions​

Hover & Dodge​

• Manufacturer:
• Model:

Official Description:​

Aspiring hovercraft pilots can learn the ropes in the specially designed, cosmic training ground. But there is a wacky twist: In this futuristic version of bumper cars, these are transformed hot rods into hovercrafts—and they are prone to malfunction and bump into each for a high-larious time.​

Spoiler: Hover & Dive Concept Art

Food & Beverage Offerings​

Terminal A​

Official Description:​

Modeled after high-end and exclusive sky clubs, the new Terminal A restaurant and bar offers top-tier service, delicious eats, and craft beer on a stunning patio. Ask the friendly staff about the history of Carolina aviation and the flight jackets on display.​

Spoiler: Terminal A Concept Art

​

Air Drop Supply Co.​

Official Description:​

Drop in for delicious treats at Air Drop Supply Co., the new walk-up diner. A unique kitchen from a container simulating those that are filled with supplies and dropped from airplanes to people below. Give the “Sky-High Dog” a try!​

Additional Elements​

Aeronautica Landing Game Zone​

Official Description:​

Acrobatic challenges and prizes await as you walk a balance beam or hang as long as possible—all against a backdrop that simulates a high-altitude experience. Practice your accuracy by pushing your aircraft up a wall to win a race underneath a prized-filled canopy. Level-up your hoops game and score prizes with aeronautical clues to help with basketball trajectory and gravity. Try the balloon bust classic carnival game where everyone is a winner.​

Spoiler: Aeronautica Landing Game Zone Concept Art

Concept Video​

Spoiler: Area Concept Rendering Video

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Direct Link to Embedded Media Source

Official Links​

• 2023 Announcement Website​

• Aeronautica Landing Press Release​

• Aeronautica Landing Media Kit​

 

[October13]

Anybody been recently and gotten pics? This is the quietest discussion I've ever seen about a major park reconfiguration project.

There are a ton of recent pictures on the Carowinds Fans Only Facebook page. And while we’re here, does anyone know what is to come of the Action Theater? I think the new bar is going under the covered part, but what about the rest of the building? I guess they could add an attraction to it in the future, but I feel like they would want to take care of the old rapids and Dinosaurs Alive land before that. Maybe use it as an event space? I just hope the park doesn’t use it for storage…..

 

[Thriller]

They have the Air Racer installed. It’s right against the parking lot with no trees or berm between. I hope they do something to separate this detailed area from the parking lot!

There are a ton of recent pictures on the Carowinds Fans Only Facebook page. And while we’re here, does anyone know what is to come of the Action Theater? I think the new bar is going under the covered part, but what about the rest of the building? I guess they could add an attraction to it in the future, but I feel like they would want to take care of the old rapids and Dinosaurs Alive land before that. Maybe use it as an event space? I just hope the park doesn’t use it for storage…..

All the action theaters should be converted into live entertainment theaters. All the CF parks lack
Enough sit down theaters. Carowinds only has 2 plus the patio. and has removed 4 since the park opened (Heritage Theater, original Harmony Hall, Sound Circus, Troubadors Roost)

 

[outhikn]

I'm really digging the custom aeronautical theming of all the new flats, as well as a few of the other theming aspects across the new area.

Another interesting tidbit was the "gaming system upgrade" mentioned for Boo Blasters, in the fall. So would be nice if other installations, at like KD and KI, receive the same.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Direct Link to Embedded Media Source

 

[coasterfrk85]

Aeronautica Landing is coming along nicely!

The plants vs zombies building will be gutted and painted and will be used for future development. It will not be demolished.

 

[CoasterAuditor]

Does anyone know if the Air Race is the model like Dare Devil at SFFT or is it one of the more standard models that doesn’t rise?

 

[Nomrah]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Direct Link to Embedded Media Source

Looks like Aeronautica Landing will open on April 7th.

 

[CoasterAuditor]

Can’t wait to see how this turns out. I used to think Carowinds had one of the worst flat ride lineups out there but County Fair and Aeronautica Landing later and they have a few I’d like to hit each time with Electro-Spin, Scream Weaver, and Air Race. I’ve never done a Nebulaz but I’m intrigued by them. I still need to ride Electro Spin it always breaks when I get there. Never done a Top Scan either.

If anything please install approximately 1 air race in Jungle X

 

[coasterfrk85]

Air Walker Testing!

Air Racers Testing!

Pictures of some rides testing, steps are removed from the action theater and new concrete was poured. The building will be used for future expansion. A bar is not going here.

 

[mtpelepele]

Gyro Force was testing today.

 

[CoasterAuditor]

I've always thought Carowinds was a flat desert a long time ago, now it has an abundance of flats but zero water rides and it used to have four including Flying Super Saturator. Not sure if I prefer a large selection of cool flats or a solid lineup of water rides, either way a severe weakness in both makes a megapark feel "incomplete" to me.

Either way the most encouraging development out of this is Cedar Fair being open to large Zamperla flat packages when they really haven't just bought flat packages of new rides like this before. County Fair was a lot of relocated used rides. I really would like a bunch of cool Jungle X themed Zamperla flats, or they could bring some in whenever they renovate CAG at KD.

 

[Jonesta6]

Just judging by the picture since I haven't been, looks like this area will need a lot of shade structures...

 

[Coasternerd]

Also worth noting that the Rapids ride at Carowinds is still there, just inaccessible to guests. You can see it from the sky tower. If you’re on it, you can see it just behind their scrambler. I wonder why they closed it?

EDIT:
Looks like it’s last operating season was 2018, and has been sitting SBNO since.

 

[Thriller]

I've always thought Carowinds was a flat desert a long time ago, now it has an abundance of flats but zero water rides and it used to have four including Flying Super Saturator. Not sure if I prefer a large selection of cool flats or a solid lineup of water rides, either way a severe weakness in both makes a megapark feel "incomplete" to me.

Either way the most encouraging development out of this is Cedar Fair being open to large Zamperla flat packages when they really haven't just bought flat packages of new rides like this before. County Fair was a lot of relocated used rides. I really would like a bunch of cool Jungle X themed Zamperla flats, or they could bring some in whenever they renovate CAG at KD.

Carowinds is also a transportation ride desert. It used to have 4 major transport rides. Carolina Railroad, Sternwheeler, Monorail and Cable Skyway. All removed. It’s really not a very well rounded park.

I’ll take those used quality Huss Mondial Mack and Zierer flat rides any day over the lower quality (both in appearance and experience) Zamperla rides. IMO Zamoerla rides are probably lower price and that’s why there is a package of them.

The trabant doesn’t seem to be lifting too high.

 

[outhikn]

I took my first visit down to the new Aeronautica Landing this past Memorial Day weekend. And as I haven't seen too many pictures of all the new theming elements, thought some would enjoy seeing these.

The new entryways into the area, and center plaza



Gear Spin - the NebulaZ model, which unfortunately is still just as horrific load times as all other installations I've ridden - but cool theming


On Airwalker I like the sandy dunes out front, paying homage to the Wright brothers and the Kitty Hawk area


I must say that Air Racers is quite the fun ride, and is now one of my favorite Zamperla flats


Gyro Force is still unfortunately closed/testing


My kids are already missing Plants vs Zombies. But I was impressed how the new bar came out



And the refresh of the bumper cars, along with all the new lighting and sound effects, were very cool; where I hope Cedar Fair eventually does similar refreshes at parks like KD


So altogether a fairly nice new area - which of note is still waiting on installation of the fifth new flat (Windstar) - where the area is worth checking out if you find yourself at Carowinds needing a 'Fury-fix'

 

[Coasternerd]

I took my first visit down to the new Aeronautica Landing this past Memorial Day weekend. And as I haven't seen too many pictures of all the new theming elements, thought some would enjoy seeing these.

The new entryways into the area, and center plaza
View attachment 29039View attachment 29040
View attachment 29041

Gear Spin - the NebulaZ model, which unfortunately is still just as horrific load times as all other installations I've ridden - but cool theming
View attachment 29042

On Airwalker I like the sandy dunes out front, paying homage to the Wright brothers and the Kitty Hawk area
View attachment 29043

I must say that Air Racers is quite the fun ride, and is now one of my favorite Zamperla flats
View attachment 29044View attachment 29045

Gyro Force is still unfortunately closed/testing
View attachment 29046View attachment 29047

My kids are already missing Plants vs Zombies. But I was impressed how the new bar came out
View attachment 29048
View attachment 29050View attachment 29051

And the refresh of the bumper cars, along with all the new lighting and sound effects, were very cool; where I hope Cedar Fair eventually does similar refreshes at parks like KD
View attachment 29052View attachment 29053

So altogether a fairly nice new area - which of note is still waiting on installation of the fifth new flat (Windstar) - where the area is worth checking out if you find yourself at Carowinds needing a 'Fury-fix'

I love the container that says “Southern Star” referencing the former attraction. Great Easter egg.

 

[Mojosdad]

I love the container that says “Southern Star” referencing the former attraction. Great Easter egg.

So first visit since January and very underwhelmed. Theming is fantastic, but the rides are all very small and move slowly. I did ride the Windstar attraction and was very pleased with this. Now for the negative, the employees throughout the park seem to not care about being there. So slow to do anything and constantly talking about behind the scenes drama. I am glad you mentioned the Easter egg as I completely missed this. Again, didn’t love the rides, but the atmosphere is spot on.