How To Visit Carowinds On A Budget

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Continuing the Carowinds series–having ranked all 14 roller coasters and reviewed the top 5 hotels near the park–we’re now going through how to visit the Carolinian amusement park on a budget.

Because on the Carousel, we like riding roller coasters and saving money while doing so!

Theme parks can get expensive quickly when you’re shelling out $75 per ticket in addition to the $30 parking fee. We can be generous and say one meal will cost $15 (but can cost more than that). And, you’re looking at $120 for one person to visit the park.

Never mind the $20+ locker price if you didn’t pack light and want to ride rides… or where you’re sleeping… or gas price… And, just forget the merch.

So in short, here’s the ultimate guide on where to get discount Carowinds tickets, what the best and most affordable hotel by Carowinds is, how to save on dining expenses, and if you’ll really need to buy a fast lane (pro tip: skip it).

Let’s dive in!

Related Reading: Best Hotels Near Carowinds

Carowinds On A Budget Tips On Planning

Before you skip over this section, know that these trip planning tips will help you save money at both Carowinds and any amusement park you visit!

In planning the right day to go to the park, you won’t have to spend money on a fast lane (cut the line pass) because odds will be in your favor that there won’t be much if any lines to wait in.

So, humor me for a moment and skim through this before you get to the discounts.

What is the least crowded day to go to Carowinds?

The least crowded day to go to Carowinds is a weekday, namely Monday through Thursdays. Avoid weekends and major holidays if possible to minimize wait times and maximize ride times.

Rainy days can be a blessing in disguise too since many people will avoid going. The park will stay open during the rain and rides do still run in the rain as long as there’s not lightning in the area.

Going on these slow days will obliterate any need to buy a fast lane (skip the line pass) and will save you money that would’ve gone to waste otherwise.

How much time should I spend at Carowinds?

It’s recommended that you allocate at least one full day to visit Carowinds, especially if you want to ride all the attractions you’re interested in, enjoy shows and live entertainment, and partake in restaurants as well.

If you’re planning on combining your visit with the Carolina Harbor waterpark, plan for at least two days to ensure you have enough time to enjoy both parks. Likewise, if you’re visiting on a summer Saturday when kids are out of school and adults are off work, consider planning for a two-day visit.

Keep in mind that summer weekends and fall Saturdays are the busiest times to visit, so plan accordingly.

Carowinds Discount Tickets

The number one way you can save money visiting the park, snagging discount Carowinds tickets!

Carowinds ticket prices cost $75+ at the gate. If you purchase them online, a processing fee will be added to your total.

However, you can get $20 off of any day general admission tickets. This includes tax with no extra fees and comes with a best price guarantee.

Plus, if you need another reason to go on a less busy weekday, you can get $25 off of weekday tickets (also includes no extra fees & the best price guarantee).

Also, during certain times of the year, Carowinds may offer discounted group tickets for groups of 15+.

Military tickets up to $25 off are also available for active duty and retired veterans (6 tickets limit). 

Keep in mind, concerning all tickets, that as of currently, children under 3 are able to visit Carowinds for free!

Carowinds Parking

If you’re driving to Carowinds, be forewarned that parking at Carowinds costs $30 and preferred parking is $40.

If you’re staying at the nearby Carowinds Camp Wilderness campground, they run a complimentary shuttle to the park. This way, you can avoid driving to the park altogether and save on parking fees.

The SpringHill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds (the Carowinds Hotel) is located right outside of the park. It doesn’t have a shuttle, but it is within walking distance so you can avoid the parking prices going that route too.

Another option is to carpool with friends or family. If you split the cost of parking among several people, it can significantly reduce the cost per person.

If you’re carpooling with a season passholder, they’ll be able to get free parking for your group with their pass.

Best Hotels Near Carowinds

If you’re planning to stay overnight or aren’t local to the area, there are plenty of great hotels near Carowinds. As touched on with parking, choosing the right one of these can also help you save money and maximize value.

I’ve covered the top 5 hotels near Carowinds more in depth, but I’ll touch on the best two from that list that are budget friendly without sacrificing on quality (no horror story hotels).

Note: Be sure to utilize the links to each below as there are multiple locations of hotels by the same name in the area. (ie, SpringHill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds vs Charlotte Southwest)

The SpringHill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds is the best affordable Carowinds hotel, touching as low as $105 per night and averaging $154 per night. It’s the closest hotel to Carowinds, sitting right on the edge of its parking lot, and has spacious rooms.

The Carowinds Camp Wilderness, or Carowinds campground, is the runner up in price point at an average of $189 per night for a two-bedroom cabin. Camp Wilderness is the best in terms of value, as the cabins come with a galley kitchen, full bath, TV, A/C, and free toiletries. Plus, the campsite runs shuttles to Carowinds every 15 minutes and offers free parking.

So with both lodging options, you can enjoy the Carowinds quality while saving money on account of complimentary perks like shuttles and being within walking distance to the park.

Booking your stay at either the Carowinds campground or the Carowinds hotel comes with perks like free cancellation, a price match, and discounts on your stay. Your reservation will go towards the Booking rewards program that allows you to earn points towards future trips.

Food At Carowinds

Outside food and drinks are not allowed within Carowinds unless they’re for a medical necessity. However, you can pop back out to the car if you packed your own lunch or across the street to the hotel to do the same.

Packing Food For Carowinds

Packing food for your theme park day is a great way to save money! Just make sure you pack non-perishable bites or bring a cooler to keep your lunch from spoiling.

If you’re aiming for something substantial, sandwiches or wraps are easy to pack and won’t spoil if left in a cooler or insulated bag. Opt for protein-rich fillings like turkey or peanut butter to keep you satisfied throughout the day.

Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day and consider packing sports drinks or drink mixes that can easily be added to water bottles.

Non-perishable snacks, such as granola bars, trail mix, or fruit snacks are a nifty option too. These snacks won’t spoil if left in a hot car until you’re ready to eat.

Eating In Carowinds

Carowinds has a wide variety of culinary offerings and has dabbled in special event and anniversary treats. Just note that their cuisine comes at a cost ranging between $15-$20 on average.

The most popular restaurants at Carowinds are Harmony Hall, Blue Ridge Country Kitchen, and Terminal A. Respectively, these dines serve smoked barbecue, southern classics, and various slider sandwiches.

To save on costs, one plate can be split between two people. Going this route, it’s cheaper to split an order for lunch and dinner than to buy two individual plates for both meals that don’t get fully eaten. Alternatively, you can always order from the kid’s menu.

Most people don’t tend to eat full, heavy meals when visiting the park (especially in the heat of summer) and instead eat a few light “meals” or snacks.

Of which tangent, there are options to graze around the park at eateries like Boathouse Bites (fried carnival fare) in Carolina Boardwalk and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels (hot soft pretzels) in Celebration Plaza.

If you do anticipate purchasing at least two $17+ meals for you or your group throughout the day, Carowinds offers a full-day dining plan for $31.99. They also have a single-meal plan that costs $16.99. Just make sure you’re ordering meals that justify the cost of the plans!

If you’re unsure about trying one of the plans out, you can always grab a single-meal plan for yourself (or to split between two) and then snack on loaded pork fries or cinnamon pretzels later.

Note: Free water cups are available at any restaurant or concessions areas within the park.

Medicinal Snacks & Drinks

If you or anyone in your group has a medical condition that requires specific snacks or drinks, be sure to pack those! For example, if someone in your group has low blood sugar, bring a juice box to prevent hypoglycemia.

It’s important to note that while Carowinds does not allow outside food to be brought into the park, snacks and drinks for medical purposes are allowed, so don’t hesitate to pack those!

Carowinds FAQs

Lastly (but not least), here are some quick answers for the most frequently asked questions regarding Carowinds:

What is Carowinds known for?

Carowinds is known for being located in both North Carolina and South Carolina, featuring a popular photo op spot at the park’s entrance, symbolizing the state boundary.

Additionally, Carowinds boasts 14 exciting roller coasters and the Carolina Harbor water park, which adds an extra splash of fun and excitement to visitors’ experiences.

Is Carowinds worth the money?

Absolutely! Carowinds offers a great experience with its 14 roller coasters, water park, special events, shows, rides, and entertainment. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a fan of family-friendly attractions, Carowinds will keep you entertained.

Does Carowinds take cash?

No, Carowinds has transitioned to a cashless system. They provide machines within the park where guests can convert their cash into prepaid cards, which can be conveniently used for all purchases throughout the park.

What happens if it rains all day at Carowinds?

The park will stay open during the rain and rides do still run in the rain as long as there’s not lightning in the area. So if anything, all rides just become temporary water rides with little to no lines!

What age is free at Carowinds?

As noted above (but mentioned again so no one accidentally pays for an unnecessary ticket), children 2 and under can enter the park for free. However, children aged 3 and above need to have tickets.

Can I bring food into Carowinds?

Carowinds does not allow outside food to be brought in unless it is needed due to a medical necessity. They have a variety of food options available within the park that you can enjoy. Alternatively, you can pack food to eat outside the park.

What is the slowest day at Carowinds?

The slowest day at Carowinds is typically a weekday when most adults are at work and some kids are in school (depending on the time of year). During these times, lines are shorter, making it unnecessary to pay for a Fast Lane pass.

How long does it take to ride every ride at Carowinds?

If you visit Carowinds on a slow day, it may only take a couple of hours to ride every attraction in the park. However, on busier days, it could take the entire day to experience all the rides.

Should I bring a bag to Carowinds?

Bringing a bag to Carowinds can be convenient, particularly if you have numerous items you want to bring into the park. It is especially useful if your outfit lacks closed pockets.

You can read more on this subject, along with bag recommendations and tips for going bag free, in my post on what to bring to an amusement park.

Summary

And with that, we wrap up our money saving guide on how to visit Carowinds on a budget!

Visiting Carowinds without killing your wallet is definitely doable with a little planning and preparation. Just remember these few pointers:

• Purchase Carowinds discount tickets for $20 off.
• Choose an affordable Carowinds hotel or campground near the park.
• Visit on weekdays, rainy days, and during off-peak hours for shorter lines (no fast lane needed).
• Consider sharing a plate at the park’s restaurants or packing a lunch to eat in the picnic area outside.
• Enjoy free shows, attractions, and special events included with the price of admission.

Remember, planning ahead is key to saving money on your trip. So, be sure to take advantage of discounts and book your hotel before demand causes price hikes!

If you have any Carowinds questions I missed in this post, drop them in the comments below and I’ll circle back around to you.

Enjoy your time at Carowinds!

What’s your favorite money saving hack for when you visit Carowinds?

For more Carowinds travel guides, you can also check out:

All 14 Carowinds Roller Coasters Ranked

Top 5 Hotels Near Carowinds

What To Bring To An Amusement Park

Thanks for reading!