In celebration of Carowinds’ 50th anniversary this year, Aeronautica Landing replaces an area of the park that had become nondescript in recent years. The new land is stylish and contemporary with a flare of nostalgia. A blend of rides, food and beverage locations, midway games, landscaping, and artistic touches make Aeronautica Landing a well-balanced, immersive experience.
As a company, Cedar Fair is leaning into storytelling elements, Ken Parks, corporate director of creative development explains. Parks shares planners looked for a Carolina connection when redeveloping the new area. “The Carolinas are known for first in flight with Kitty Hawk, and so we wanted to pay tribute to that. We wanted to be authentic to the history of flight; we also wanted to create our own unique, interesting area of the park that relates to discovery, and the ingenuity, and the bravery of flight,” Parks says.
Similar to the commercial aircraft of different colors, makes, and styles from multiple airlines that come together at an airport, Aeronautic Landing brings together many different styles of design. Each area maintains a personality of its own that exists in an exciting and cohesive way. The entrance portal to the new land captures an intentional, patchwork charm, blending old and new together for a perfect indication of what lies beyond.
Nearby, Terminal A promises “elevated brews and bites.” The new food and beverage location overlooks the land and offers more than traditional typical park fare. Creative food items such as smoked heirloom cauliflower, charcuterie, blue cheese wedge salads, and balsamic grilled chicken sliders are some of the savory options offered, in addition to signature cocktails. Cheesecake is on the menu for dessert. Guests are encouraged to make their selections on the mobile app and then have a seat on Terminal A’s patio and await convenient delivery.
Little easter eggs—such as nods to another land at Carowinds and other parks within the Cedar Fair family—do not go unnoticed by guests taking in the clever details that are generously peppered around the land.
Offering bursts of kinetic energy to Aeronautica Landing are the four new attractions and an existing bumper car ride that was reskinned for the area. A newly-introduced Chance Trabant that was completely rebuilt and re-themed joins four new rides from Zamperla—Air Racers, The Airwalker, Gear Spin, and Windstar.
In the back corner of the land, a repurposed theater structure, that already looks like an airplane hangar, now offers additional food and beverage space with the addition of some new food trucks, shade, and seating.
The whole area feels like it is an airport, with the midways being lined with lines and complementary signage that one would see on a runway.
Games of skill are cleverly themed in a way that they not only fit the area, but enhance it. The area in front of the midway games was opened up, making them more inviting and visible to those passing by. From an operations perspective, by bundling the games together, Carowinds’ seasonal associates can share staffing positions that can lead to exceeding previous revenue goals.
The guest and employee experience are elevated in Aeronautica Landing. In addition to preserving mature trees, the queues and dining areas feature shade structures with canopies and umbrellas. Associates are shielded from the elements and unnecessary environmental distraction by comfortable, climate-controlled operator booths that were added to each of the new rides, providing a respite from the summer heat.
The ingenuity and creativity of what Cedar Fair accomplishes with the Aeronautica Landing makeover can offer the global attractions industry insight to what can be done with existing facilities to keep them fresh, relevant, and marketable for repeat visitation.
