Carowinds Set To Reopen For 2021 Season This Weekend

CHARLOTTE, NC — Carowinds amusement park is set to reopen for the 2021 season this weekend. But after a shuttered season due to coronavirus, visitors to the 400-acre park will notice some changes, such as reservation requirements for some attractions and a health survey at the front gate.

"When Carowinds opens, we want you to have an amazing day and feel safe when visiting, so we developed an extensive coronavirus reopening plan – new processes and enhanced procedures throughout the park to help reduce the spread of germs," the park said.

On opening day on Saturday, May 22, the park will be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The park, including its Carolina Harbor water park, will open with limited capacity to help insure social distancing, which means advance purchase of tickets is required.

Here's what Carowinds says to expect for the 2021 season:

• Reservation requirements for season passholders before visiting Carowinds and Carolina Harbor. Single-day ticketholders will only need to make reservations before visiting Carolina Harbor.
• Temperature checks at the front gate have been discontinued.
• A health screen questionnaire will be conducted by associates at the front gate and will not be through the Carowinds mobile app.
• Face coverings are required indoors unless eating or drinking for guests who are not fully vaccinated.
• Hand sanitization stations are located throughout the park.
• The park also recommends that at least one member in your group have the Carowinds mobile app on their phone. Also, enabling the location services feature in the app will allow the park to send real-time updates.

More information about new protocols park visitors can expect this season may be found here.

Last month, the amusement park announced it was offering a $500 bonus for each of the 900 seasonal workers it expects to hire this season. Seasonal jobs available at the park include all operating areas including lifeguards, rides, merchandise, food and beverage and hospitality.

More information about job opportunities at Carowinds may be found here.

RELATED: Carowinds To Remain Closed For 2020 Due To COVID-19