Carowinds plans tall -- very tall -- new ride

If you're afraid of heights, you'll probably want to stay far, far away from WindSeeker -- the 30-story "swing ride" announced today and set to open at Carowinds amusement park next spring.

WindSeeker will boast a 301-foot tower, making it 69 feet taller than Intimidator, the big red coaster that cuts an imposing figure on the park's skyline.

The three-minute thrill ride is designed to give riders "the sensation of flying," and is described in Carowinds press materials: "The ride's carriage, featuring 32 two-passenger swings, slowly rotates while climbing to the top of a 301-foot tower. Riders will experience a sense of weightlessness as the swings reach speeds of up to 30 mph, and the arms extend outward at a 45-degree angle."

"The sense of soaring 30 stories in the air will be both exhilarating and breathtaking at the same time," said Bart Kinzel, Carowinds' vice president and general manager. "This new addition will give guests an unparalleled view, making it a must-ride attraction for both families and thrill-seekers alike. The immense scale of this ride alone will be truly stunning."

WindSeeker will be located near the entrance of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular. Construction will begin this fall, and is expected to continue through the winter. The $6.5 million ride will have a 52-inch minimum height requirement and is being designed and manufactured by Mondial, a Dutch-based amusement-ride company.

This will be the third new major thrill ride to be built at Carowinds since 2009. Carolina Cobra was added that year at a cost of $4 million; Intimidator, with a price tag of $23 million, opened in 2010.