Manny Gonzalez, the General Manager and Vice President of Carowinds, took to social media recently with an unexpected and curious message that has left both guests and fans scratching their heads. In a post that spanned over 600 words, Gonzalez ventured beyond typical theme park updates, choosing instead to reflect on the essence of the Carowinds experience, the nature of family, and the shifting landscape of entertainment. But his musings were anything but conventional.

In the message, Gonzalez began by thanking guests for their continued support, acknowledging the incredible loyalty that visitors have shown Carowinds over the years. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his leadership role, highlighting the privilege it has been to create memories and bring joy to millions. But then, he transitioned into more abstract territory.

“At Carowinds, we are often seen as just a place where people come to ride roller coasters, eat cotton candy, and enjoy the simple thrill of the amusement park experience,” Gonzalez wrote. “And yes, while those things are central to what we do, there is something deeper at play. Something that ties us all together, from the very first time a guest walks through our gates to the moment they leave with a smile, maybe a souvenir, and a story to tell.”

It was here that the tone began to shift. Gonzalez spoke of a “collective journey”—an idea that the experiences at Carowinds are not just personal, but part of a broader, shared narrative. He evoked the metaphor of a family, suggesting that each guest is like a member of a vast, extended family. The park, in his eyes, was a place where people from different walks of life could come together and create something special—shared memories, laughter, and moments of joy.

Then, Gonzalez made an intriguing point: “I believe we are witnessing a new era of entertainment. One where it’s not enough to simply deliver thrills. People are looking for meaning, connection, and, dare I say, magic.” This statement caught many off guard. Was the general manager suggesting that Carowinds, traditionally seen as an amusement park centered on fun and adrenaline, was evolving into something more profound?

For the next several paragraphs, Gonzalez delved into a philosophical reflection about the nature of amusement parks in the modern age. He pointed out the vast changes in entertainment that have occurred over the past few decades—digital experiences, virtual reality, immersive storytelling—and how Carowinds is striving to adapt and remain relevant. But he also raised the question of what might be lost in this rapid evolution.

“Sometimes, in the pursuit of bigger and better, we forget what makes these experiences truly unforgettable. It’s not the size of the coaster or the advanced technology that defines joy. It’s the moments when you feel connected—when you share that fleeting moment with someone else, when the world around you falls away, and you’re simply… present.”

The message then veered into what many perceived as a challenge. Gonzalez urged guests not just to come to Carowinds for the thrills, but to “slow down” and “be present.” He encouraged them to engage more deeply with the park, the people around them, and even the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the experience. “Look around you,” he wrote. “Notice the faces of the families laughing together. See the joy in the eyes of a child on their first roller coaster ride. That’s where the magic is.”

This tone of deep introspection and call for mindfulness was unexpected for a theme park executive known primarily for overseeing operations and ensuring guests had a great time. Gonzalez wasn’t just speaking to the typical visitors; he was appealing to the broader human experience of connection and joy. It was almost as though he was asking for a return to the fundamental, emotional core of why people visit theme parks in the first place: not just for the thrill, but for the memories and bonds created along the way.

“People often ask me,” Gonzalez concluded, “what makes Carowinds different from other parks? I’ll tell you—it’s not the roller coasters or the attractions. It’s the sense of belonging, the shared laughter, and the human moments that unfold when we least expect it. That’s what we’re working to preserve and enhance.”

In the end, the message left more questions than answers. Was Manny Gonzalez hinting at upcoming changes or developments at Carowinds? What did he mean by a new era of entertainment, and how might it manifest within the park? Only time will tell. But one thing was clear: Gonzalez’s social media post was a reminder that even in the fast-paced, thrill-driven world of theme parks, there is space for reflection, connection, and the simple joy of being present in the moment.