Nickelodeon Central Coming To Paramount's Carowinds

Charlotte, N.C. -- A junior inverted coaster, an exotic river adventure, a dramatic free-fall ride, a place to greet everyone's favorite cartoon stars, and a Nickelodeon-based stage show are the main attractions in an imaginative new themed area opening next year at Paramount's Carowinds.

Carowinds officials today announced the details of a variety of new rides and attractions based on popular characters from Nickelodeon, the number one children's brand in the world. The Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys and Blue's Clues are just some of the popular Nickelodeon programs that will come to life in Nickelodeon™ Central.

"This area will give the entire family a chance to enjoy rides and attractions based on many of their favorite Nickelodeon characters and shows," said Watt Burris, the park's executive vice president and general manager. "We've had an outstanding relationship with Nickelodeon for many years now, so we decided to go one step further and provide a dynamic, one-of-a-kind Nickelodeon-themed area at Paramount's Carowinds."

Based on the popular Rugrats' television series, The Rugrats Runaway Reptar will take riders on a high-flying adventure in ski-lift style seats that are suspended below the coaster track. The giant green dinosaur known as Reptar looms 32 feet above the ground and beckons riders to climb aboard the green and yellow scream machine, with cars that feature his buggy dinosaur eyes. With their legs dangling below them, riders are whisked up, up and away to a height of more than 50 feet. Soaring over treetops like birds…swooping side to side…then hurtling into a scream-evoking nosedive…it's non-stop Rugrats-style action as riders race around the track and attempt to steer clear of the larger-than-life Reptar.

"Paramount's Carowinds is a terrific family destination and the perfect place for Nickelodeon- themed rides and attractions," said Howard Smith, Sr. Vice President, Nickelodeon Recreation. "This new attraction expands our long term partnership with Paramount Parks and gives kids the ability to interact with their favorite Nickelodeon characters through innovative rides and fun-filled experiences."

The park also will introduce The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure, a splash-filled water adventure based on one of the most watched kids' television shows, The Wild Thornberrys. The popular Nickelodeon show follows the adventures of 12-year-old Eliza Thornberry, a courageous girl with a big secret – she can talk with animals. Kids riding the Wild Thornberrys River Adventure are in for an amazing journey. Seated in dugouts, brave explorers cast off for a surprise-filled excursion through the wilderness.

A Nickelodeon-themed free fall ride also will become a part of the new Nickelodeon Central at Paramount's Carowinds. The ride swings in 360° loops with 33-feet-per-second, controlled free falls, all the while keeping riders upright in their seats. At the top of each loop, riders are treated to a 70-foot-high, panoramic view of the park before plunging into a series of several speed loops.

After conquering the rides, kids can rendezvous with their friends from Nickelodeon at an all-new, interactive meet-and-greet area. Tommy, Angelica and Chucky from Rugrats, Dora the Explorer, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and everyone's favorite puppy – Blue from Blue's Clues – will join new Nickelodeon characters to greet kids, give hugs and grin for photos.

In addition to three fun-filled attractions and the new character meet-and-greet area, Nickelodeon Central will feature other Nickelodeon-themed experiences including restaurants, merchandise locations and the Nickelodeon stage where a live show based on popular Nickelodeon properties will be performed.

Nickelodeon Central will open in March 2003, when the 105-acre water and theme park opens for its 31st season.

For more information about Paramount's Carowinds, visit www.carowinds.com.