New Adults-Only Section Opens This Month at Carowinds

Charlotte, NC – May 2025 — Carowinds, the iconic amusement park straddling the North Carolina-South Carolina border, is making waves this spring with the grand opening of its new adults-only section, “Elysium Shores.” Designed to give thrill-seeking grown-ups a place to unwind, party, and indulge, the 21-and-up zone marks a bold expansion of Carowinds’ offerings—and is unlike anything the park has ever unveiled.

Set to open Memorial Day weekend, Elysium Shores will feature a combination of upscale experiences and adrenaline-pumping attractions, all wrapped in an exclusive, child-free environment. The announcement has sparked a mix of excitement and curiosity among Carowinds fans and industry insiders alike.

A Sophisticated Escape

Carowinds spokesperson Trina Wallace described Elysium Shores as “a complete escape within the park,” tailored for adult guests seeking more refined entertainment.

“We love families, and we’ll always be a destination for them,” Wallace said. “But we also recognize that a huge portion of our guests are adults who want their own space to relax, socialize, and experience the park in a different way. Elysium Shores is our answer to that.”

The new area covers approximately 7 acres on the park’s southeast edge, previously home to a portion of the park’s old water attractions that were retired in 2022. Guests entering Elysium Shores will do so through a dedicated entrance equipped with age verification and security screening to ensure the 21+ requirement is enforced.

Attractions and Amenities

The adults-only section boasts a curated mix of entertainment, blending thrill rides with luxury. Highlights include:

• Midnight Typhoon – A state-of-the-art roller coaster with a sleek design and an inverted launch. With top speeds of 70 mph and three full inversions, it’s billed as Carowinds’ most intense ride yet.
• Velvet Wave Pool – A resort-style pool and lounge area featuring private cabanas, swim-up bars, and DJ sets on weekend evenings.
• The Cellar – An upscale wine and whiskey lounge offering tastings, mixology classes, and live acoustic performances.
• Lush Grove Spa & Sauna – A wellness zone with massage services, steam rooms, and aromatherapy experiences—available by reservation only.
• Artisan Street Market – A walking street lined with local food trucks, craft vendors, and pop-up art installations from regional creators.

The section will also offer themed events including silent disco nights, 80s retro parties, and chef-hosted culinary weekends, ensuring a new reason to return each visit.

Food & Drink, Elevated

Unlike the rest of the park, Elysium Shores embraces a more sophisticated culinary scene. Signature cocktails, curated by local mixologists, are served at multiple bars throughout the area. Food options range from gourmet flatbreads and sushi rolls to Southern fusion tapas.

“We’ve partnered with top chefs from Charlotte and Columbia to create menus that reflect the modern adult palate,” said park food & beverage director Carla Monroe. “You can grab a beer and a burger, sure, but you can also sip a lavender martini while trying bourbon-glazed duck skewers.”

Daytime Relaxation, Nightlife Vibes

Carowinds has also adjusted its operating schedule to reflect the dual nature of Elysium Shores. By day, the section caters to couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends seeking downtime or a spa visit. After 6 p.m., the energy ramps up as DJs take over the main stage and the entire area transforms into an outdoor nightlife hub.

“We’re basically creating a theme park within a theme park,” said Wallace. “And yes, you can party in your swimsuit at the pool bar while a DJ spins from a floating stage.”

Security and Accessibility

Elysium Shores will operate with increased security and strict ID checks to maintain its 21+ policy. Carowinds has also introduced a reservation system for certain amenities like the spa, cabanas, and high-demand evening events to ensure smooth guest flow and minimize wait times.

The section is ADA-compliant and offers a dedicated shuttle service from the main entrance for those who prefer not to walk across the park.

A New Trend in Theme Parks?

Carowinds isn’t the first amusement park to try age-specific experiences, but Elysium Shores is one of the most ambitious examples of a permanent adults-only zone. Theme park analysts are watching closely to see how it performs.

“It’s an interesting evolution,” said Maria Jacobs, editor of Amusement Insider. “We’ve seen adult nights and after-hours events, but building a full-on separate space is a big bet. If it succeeds, you can expect other parks to follow suit.”

Looking Ahead

Elysium Shores is expected to be a major draw this summer, and Carowinds is already planning seasonal updates. Halloween will bring a horror-themed masquerade party, while winter promises a cozy après-ski lodge experience with spiked cider, fire pits, and snow-themed light shows.

Wallace hinted that this could be just the beginning. “We think there’s a lot of room for innovation here. Adults deserve some magic, too.”