How Tall Do You Have to Be to Ride the Intimidator at Carowinds?

Height Requirement for Intimidator Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena

The burning question at my house since my husband sprang for Carowinds season passes for a Christmas present is: Mom, how tall do I have to be to ride the Intimidator? When we visited the doctor for a check-up, my 9-year-old wanted to know if her height was sufficient to ride the longest, fastest, highest roller coaster in the Southeast, and I hear they get the question at the doctor's office a lot in these parts. The huge question has been looming since December.

View of Intimidator from Planet Snoopy © Katrena

Folks traveling down I-77 near the North Carolina and South Carolina border can easily see the Intimidator from the interstate, it's the huge up and down line beside the Sky Tower and WindSeeker. Any Carowinds guest can take a peek at the number 3 Monte Carlo replica and Wall of Fame positioned in front of the ride's entrance. You can even check out one of the seats from the famous coaster named for racing legend Dale Earnhardt.

Intimidator View from GR8 SK8 Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

You can find an awesome view of the ride as you wait to ride the Pirate Ships in Planet Snoopy while hearing the screams of the passengers who are zooming down that first huge hill. Those who are riding Lucy's Crabby Cabby or the Woodstock Express (previously called the Scooby Doo Roller Coaster and then the Fairly Odd Coaster) If you decide to take a swing on Gr8 Sc8, you can get an awesome view of the coaster, especially if you sit on the left. The Intimidator looks especially cool lit up with red lights at night. But looking from the side isn't the same as looking from the ride.

Height Requirements at Carowinds © Katrena

Those who want to take the plunge and ride the 3 minute and 33 second ride must be at least 54 inches tall. Unfortunately, my 9-year-old stands 53 inches above ground at her peak and is rapidly eating as much yogurt as her belly will hold. She is not alone. Those poor souls at the Carowinds gates and in the Baby Care Center at Carowinds have the arduous task of giving out the armbands and consoling the many little people that they can, in fact, ride lots of cool rides at the amusement park even if they can't ride the Intimidator.

Intimidator at Night: Yea...It's Pretty Cool © Katrena

But for some people, height is not an amusing matter. I am hoping that riding the towering WindSeeker will be some sort of consolation to my 53 inch tall 9-year-old who insists that green armbands are good and red is bad, almost end of the world bad. Fifty-four inches (and a green armband) will earn you a spot on all those coolest rides, like the Afterburn (previously Top Gun and one of my personal favs), Drop Tower, Scream Weaver, Night Hawk (former called Borg), and the stand-up red coaster called Vortex (make sure to have a slight bend in your knees when they lock those seats on the Vortex!).

Vintage View of Intimidator Roller Coaster from Carowinds Little Cars Ride © Katrena

If you don't have an armband, each ride has a height requirement posted, if applicable. The people who are running the rides will gladly measure folks before boarding. Forget about platform shoes. No dice if you aren't tall enough. However, you can get a taste of the ride by watching POV video of the Intimidator from the front seat. If you and/or your short one has not reached the magic number, don't be intimidated if the line for the ride is long. They are super efficient and get people through that line much quicker than I expected.

Check out all the height requirements for thrill rides at Carowinds at their official web site. Please note that a few rides also have maximum height requirements.

Other Carowinds articles by Katrena:
Carowinds 2013 Dates and What's New
2013 Carowinds Bring a Friend Dates
Carowinds – Practical Tips for Enjoying NC/SC Amusement Park with Kids
Favorite Family Rides at Carowinds – Top 5 Picks
Roller Coasters for Kids at Planet Snoopy

Carowinds Intimidator Roller Coaster © Katrena

Find more travel articles on Katrena's travel blogs: Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids.

My second oldest child was absolutely determined to grow tall enough to make it to green so she could ride the Intimidator like her big sister in 2013. Well...the picture says it all. She loved it and wanted to ride it again.

Height Requirement for Intimidator Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena