Carowinds' Season Pass: Everything You Need to Know
A Season Pass is one of the most popular passes in Carowinds.
In this guide, we'll go over what a Carowinds Season Pass is, the differences between the various season passes, how you can pay for it, and even the upgrades that you can make.
What is a Carowinds Season Pass?
A Season Pass allows a Pass Holder to visit Carowinds an unlimited number of times throughout the season, on all days that are open to the public.
Benefits vary depending on which type of Season Pass you decide to purchase.
However, they all typically include unlimited admission, free parking, Bring-a-Friend discount tickets, and discounts on food & merchandise, which we will cover below.
All Types of Carowinds Season Passes
There are three types of Season Passes including:
- Silver Pass (Least Expensive)
- Gold Pass
- Prestige Pass (Most Expensive But Offers the Most Benefits)
The Silver Pass is perfect for visitors only interested in visiting Carowinds during regular days (not including during limited-time events such as SCarowinds and WinterFest).
The Gold Pass offers everything that the Silver Pass does but also allows access to the park during limited-time events.
The Prestige Pass is popular with visitors who want to receive VIP treatment while visiting the park and take advantage of all of the benefits offered such as Preferred Parking, a single-use Fast Lane Pass on every visit, and Bring-A-Friend tickets to name a few.
1. Silver Pass
The Silver Pass is for those mainly interested in just attending Carowinds throughout the season during regular days.
Benefits include:
- Unlimited Summer & Fall Daytime Visits
- Free General Parking
- 10% Discount on Food & Merchandise
- Bring-A-Friend Discount Tickets
- Pass Perks Rewards
- Discounts on Cedar Fair Hotels
2. Gold Pass
The Gold Pass provides unlimited visits to Carowinds throughout the season, including limited-time events and other benefits such as early entry to the parks.
- Early Entry to Park and Carolina Harbor
- Eligible for 2 Pre-K Passes
- Admission to Scarowinds & WinterFest
- Unlimited Summer & Fall Daytime Visits
- Free General Parking
- 10% Discount on Food & Merchandise
- Bring-A-Friend Discount Tickets
- Pass Perks Rewards
3. Prestige Pass
The Prestige Pass is perfect for visitors who want to maximize every perk that Carowinds offers.
Some of the most notable perks offered during every visit include Preferred Parking, access to VIP areas, and the park's Preferred Entrance.
Benefits include:
- Preferred Parking (Closer to the Entrance)
- Access to the Preferred Entrance (2 hours daily)
- 1 Single Use Fast Lane Pass Every Visit
- 2 Free Bring a Friend Tickets Every Year
- Access to the Carowinds VIP Area
- Access to Carolina Harbor's VIP Area
- 15% Discount on Food & Merchandise
- Enhanced Pass Perks Rewards
- Unlimited Summer & Fall Daytime Visits
- Early Entry to Park and Carolina Harbor
- Eligible for 2 Pre-K Passes
- Admission to Scarowinds & WinterFest
- Free General Parking
- Bring-A-Friend Discount Tickets
- Enhanced Pass Perks Rewards
How to Purchase a Carowinds Season Pass
You can purchase directly from the Carowinds site, the Carowinds app, or at the park in person.
Pay For a Season Pass With a Payment Plan
Carowinds allows visitors to pay for their Season Pass over several months, providing the flexibility to avoid needing to pay all at once.
When purchasing a Season Pass, you'll pay a one-time initial payment, and for the next 11 consecutive months, you'll pay a fixed amount every month.
How it Works
- Select which Carowinds Season Pass you want to purchase
- Input your billing information
- Upload a picture of yourself for your Season Pass or opt to take a picture at the park
- Check out
When Should I Get a Carowinds Season Pass?
If you're planning on visiting the park at least 2 times in a season, a Season Pass may be a good option for you.
A Gold Pass, in particular, pays for itself in under 2 visits and includes free Single-Day Parking.
When Should I Not Get a Season Pass?
If you're only planning on visiting the park once for the entire season, it most likely will not be worth the investment.
Season Passes normally make sense for guests who will visit the park several times in a season.
Season Pass Upgrades
During checkout, you will be given the option to upgrade your pass with a variety of options (that will also last for the entire season) including:
- All Season Dining Plan
- All Season Pass Drink Plan
- All Season Drink Bottle
- All Season FunPix
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