The opening of Aeronautica Landing has taken off at Carowinds. Construction continues in the Crossroads areas of the park, which will be completely renovated and renamed as Aeronautica Landing, a tribute to the Carolinas’ spirit of invention, exploration, and aviation, where guests can immerse themselves in the history and future of flight. The new area, when complete, will introduce five new themed attractions opening in 2023 as well as a retheming of an existing ride, for a total of six rides.

Air Racer

The first attraction cleared for take-off is Air Racer, installed on December 7, 2022. The propellers and bodies of the ride vehicles have yet to be installed, along with other theming elements. The operator booth has a frame, but there is still more work to be done. This thrill ride eagerly awaits the opportunity to race and roll through obstacles recreated from heroic tales of ace pilots high in the Carolina sky.

Gear Spin

Creating a ginormous, red-hot propulsion engine-normally used to thrust an aircraft through the atmosphere-takes time. Gear Spin has been recently installed, and is coming together nicely, along with an operating booth. Once the booth is complete, the fencing and area theming elements will be placed.

Air Walker

Recalling history at the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Air Walker’s wings will soon be able to soar. Footers have been placed for Air Walker to prepare the area for the installation of the attraction.

Gyro Force

The concrete pad for Gyro Force has been poured, with the next installation step awaiting the arrival of the special attraction designed to test the limits of an experimental aircraft engine. The operator booth has been framed, sitting beside the framing of the queue-area.

Frequent Fryers

Fry Shack has been rethemed to Frequent Fryers, complete with a fresh paint scheme and new signage. In front of Frequent Fryers, a special space is being prepared for the installation of the Aeronautica Landing marquee sign.

Terminal A

The exterior walls and framing of Terminal A, the new restaurant featuring a craft beer bar and patio, have been erected. Rebar has been laid to prepare for the placement of stairs to the upgraded dining venue.

Aeronautica Landing Game Zone

This family-friendly area, designed with immersive décor, will feature a game zone complete with four new midway games and includes an innovative acrobatic challenge. Framing has been introduced for the Aeronautica Landing game zone, nestled between Hover and Dodge and kickstarting the retheming of a classic basketball challenge.

Visit this season to join the "50 years of Carolina fun," a limited-time special event that brings plenty of new rides and attractions, exciting entertainment, enhanced food and beverage offerings, nighttime spectaculars, and other immersive experiences. New for 2023, Silver Season Passes are available and include unlimited visits to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark through the summer, fall daytime visits, and free parking.