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

How to Make a Long Road Trip With Kids Less Stressful

Anyone who has traveled with small children will likely agree that stress levels can increase with the mileage on the odometer. Even that middle of the night trip carefully planned during a child's normal sleeping hours could result in a child wide awake and wailing as you roll to your destination. Yes, I speak from experience!

Over the years, I have learned a few lessons and welcome readers to share lessons learned in the comment section at the bottom.

Tips for Traveling With Kids

© Katrena

Lesson #1: Plan Frequent Breaks

Don't wait until the car is running on fumes before stopping. A simple ten minute stop at a rest area can be invigorating for everyone. Many rest areas in the Southeast where I tend to travel offer picnic tables. Pack a snack and enjoy the fellowship. Bring age appropriate recreational items such as a small ball, jump rope, or Frisbee and interact with the kids. It is time well invested. County recreational parks are often free and offer a variety of physical challenges for children.

Practical Tips for Road Trips With Children

© Katrena

Lesson #2: Pack Travel Snacks

Nothing seems to make my kids hungrier than going on a trip. A few snack foods may lengthen the time between stops. Pretzels, dry cereal, and fresh fruit tend to work well. A good rule of thumb when packing travel snacks is to imagine it all over the back seat and on the kids. If it wipes up, brushes off, or vacuums fairly easily, it usually gets the green light from me. Cups with secure lids can also cause a lot less grief in the back seat.

What to Pack When Traveling With Kids

© Katrena

Lesson #3: Pack Plenty of Things to Do

A little prior planning goes a long way. Go to the local library and find age appropriate books that the kids have never read. While you are there, check out some music and books on CD that everyone can enjoy. If you have a portable DVD player, a couple of movies that nobody has seen can add suspense and help the sitting seem much less of a burden, especially if you end up in a traffic jam or if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The local Smart Start office is often brimming with fun activities for preschoolers.

Simple travel games like Punchbug or a Silly Guided Tour can entertain the kids for quite a while. The professor in me wants to add a bit of education to the trip. As you travel, you will be surrounded by shapes, colors, letters, words, man-made items, and the beauty of nature. Learning while on the move can be fun and engaging!

How to Avoid Problems When Traveling With Kids

© Katrena

Lesson #4: Prepare the Vehicle

Ensuring that the vehicle has been serviced, that the tires are in good shape, and that the air conditioner or heater are in good working order can make a huge difference. Repair known issues before the ride if possible. If you think a trip seems long while you are riding down the road, it can seem like an eternity without a/c or if you have to pull off the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck.

How to Keep From Getting Lost When Traveling With Kids

© Katrena

Lesson #5: Plan Your Route and a Backup Route

If you have another person who can help navigate, using a map or printing directions from a web site like MapQuest can work pretty well. Going solo on unfamiliar roads can certainly add to the stress. A working GPS system can be very helpful for those who are venturing to unknown places. Having a backup plan is also wise – I usually try to print directions to/from the destination and carry a map of the states where I plan to travel. My local Chamber of Commerce offers free state maps.

How to Have Fun When Traveling With Kids

© Katrena

Lesson #6: Be Flexible

Sometimes the favorite memories come from those unexpected stops, unplanned activities, and detours that you would have never planned. A tasty snack from a roadside fruit stand or family picnic by a beautiful trout stream might be savored more than the finest restaurant experience. Allow extra time in the schedule for the unexpected. Unplug, unwind, and discover the joy of connecting with the family. They won't be kids forever. Simply stated, enjoy the journey.

How to Make a Trip with Children More Fun

© Katrena

Lesson #7: Go for Comfort

Help the kids select comfortable clothing for the trip up and back. The beautiful, fancy clothes will likely be much more comfortable packed in the trunk. You might want to mention this before the children are selecting their travel attire. We usually pack an extra set of clothes and extra jackets for unexpected spills or weird weather.

How to Encourage Kids to Help With Planning a Trip

© Katrena

Lesson #8: Involve the Kids in the Planning

Children are often brimming with ideas about what they might like to do in and out of the vehicle on a road trip. Ask for their ideas. You might be surprised at how creative your little ones can be when helping to plan a trip. You might also give specific guidance before they collect all of their stuffed animals, dolls, and toys!

Tips for Traveling With Children

© Katrena

Simple Tips for Traveling with Children

Simplicity may become sublime on a long road trip with children. Many people lament the lack of quality time they have with the kids. Riding together in a vehicle can become unexpected quality time for everyone. Years later, you may miss those trips with the kids when they are grown and out on their own.

Readers may also wish to find scavenger hunts, printables, and more at Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets web site. Check out additional travel tips and travel reviews on Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.