Visitors Be Warned: Carowinds Annual Passholders To Be Closed If The Following Conditions Are Met…
Charlotte, NC – June 2025
Carowinds, the popular amusement park straddling the North Carolina–South Carolina border, has long been a favorite destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. With its array of roller coasters, water rides, and family attractions, the park’s annual pass program has offered guests unlimited access and exclusive perks throughout the season. However, a recent update from park management has left some passholders feeling uneasy — and it comes with a warning.
A New Policy for 2025: Annual Pass Access May Be Restricted
Starting this summer, Carowinds has announced a policy that could result in temporary suspension or closure of access for annual passholders under certain conditions. The decision stems from increasing challenges in managing overcrowding, safety protocols, and guest behavior.
According to an official statement from the park, passholder access may be restricted or revoked if the following circumstances are met:
1. Park Reaches Maximum Capacity
To comply with safety regulations and ensure a quality guest experience, Carowinds reserves the right to temporarily block entry to passholders when the park is at or near capacity — particularly on holidays, weekends, and during major events like Scarowinds or WinterFest. On such days, priority may be given to single-day ticket holders who have pre-booked admission.
What this means: Even with a valid pass, you may be turned away if the park fills up. Carowinds recommends using the official app to check real-time capacity updates before arriving.
2. Repeated Violations of Park Policies
Passholders who violate park rules — including line jumping, harassment, use of prohibited items, or disorderly conduct — may face suspension or permanent termination of their passes.
Carowinds has emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy in 2025, especially in light of recent viral incidents involving disruptive behavior captured on social media. Security patrols and surveillance have been increased to enforce this crackdown.
3. Abuse of Passholder Perks
Annual passholders who share their pass with non-paying guests or attempt to exploit perks (such as meal plans, fast lane access, or discounts) in a fraudulent manner will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including pass cancellation without refund.
The park uses digital verification systems and photo identification to monitor and prevent such abuses.
4. Failure to Reserve on High-Demand Days (If Required)
In an effort to better manage crowd levels, Carowinds may reinstate a reservation system for passholders on peak attendance days. If this system is activated and a passholder fails to make a reservation, entry will be denied regardless of pass status.
Details about which dates will require reservations will be communicated through official park channels, including email and the Carowinds mobile app.
How to Stay Informed and Avoid Issues
To prevent disruption to your visit, Carowinds urges all annual passholders to:
Download and regularly check the Carowinds app
Sign up for passholder alerts via email and SMS
Read and understand the passholder terms and conditions
Arrive early on busy days or choose mid-week visits for a better experience
Passholder Reactions and Final Thoughts
The announcement has received mixed reactions. Some guests appreciate the park’s efforts to enhance safety and crowd control, while others feel the restrictions undermine the value of their investment in annual passes.
“I understand the need to manage crowds, but if I pay for a full year, I expect to get in,” said Emily Reyes, a Charlotte resident and long-time passholder. Others see it differently. “Honestly, if it helps reduce the chaos on those packed days, I’m all for it,” said Marcus King of Rock Hill.
As Carowinds navigates the challenges of growing attendance and heightened expectations, the park insists these measures are temporary and will be continually evaluated. For now, passholders are advised: Be informed. Be early. And above all — follow the rules
