Dinosaurs Migrate South

From Coaster-Net:  Dinosaurs Migrate South

Charlotte, North Carolina -

© Carowinds

Dinosaurs have been on the move throughout the Cedar Fair chain the past few years, and now it looks like they’ll finally be migrating to a warmer climate a bit further south. Carowinds, located near Charlotte, NC, is to become the next recipient of a Dinosaurs Alive exhibit.

Set to debut in spring 2013, Dinosaurs Alive will be the “largest animatronic dinosaur park in the Southeast!” according to the park’s website. Stretched out over 5 acres of land, Carowinds’ version of the attraction will feature 32 life-sized animatronic and animated dinosaurs in a multi-sensory and interactive environment. Moving and roaring along the trail, kids will also have the chance to uncover fossils at their own dig site.

Amongst the 32 dinosaurs will be represented 25 species from 5 different continents. Thirteen scenes and over 1000+ yards of trails throughout the five acres will feature such dinosaurs as Tyrannosaurus Rex who battles with Triceratops, Carosaurus, and Ruyangosaurus, the largest of the bunch at 40 ft high and 60 ft long. The new attraction will take the place of the underused picnic area by the “south gate” and Afterburn roller coasters.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Valleyfair announced they would be getting their own version of Dinosaurs Alive as well, with a similar lineup of dinosaurs. While Carowinds didn’t announce an exact price other than “multi-million-dollar,” according to the Herald Online, it is likely that this one will be around the same as Valleyfair’s $3.5 million price tag.

Chris Kirby, the park’s marketing director, told the Herald Online, “There is a fascination with these ancient creatures that captures the imagination. With their advanced robotics and life-sized scale, we know that Dinosaurs Alive is going to thrill kids young and old.” The addition at Carowinds will be the newest amongst Cedar Fairs six Dinosaurs Alive exhibits. Like those others, it will be a $5 upcharge attraction, and will take an estimated 30 min to walk through the attraction.

In 2013, guests visiting Carowinds need to “Prepare to take a step back…..wayyy back!”