The Charlotte, NC area has fared better than most. It was one of the last cities to go into the red in regard to home values and prices.  That doesn’t mean there aren’t many out of work though.

The last two weeks have seen huge numbers show up to apply for jobs at Carowinds and the soon-to-open Great Wolf Lodge just north of the city.

Saturday saw more than 500 applicants show up at Carowinds, a 133% increase since last year alone.

Since January, the theme park has received over 6,700 applications, last year they only had 800.

The scene was much the same over at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where for three days last week thousands showed up to interview for 500 jobs at the new Great Wolf Lodge, many standing in the freezing cold for hours.

Those who will be hired are expected to be very enthusiastic individuals. "We hire bubbles," sales manager Tina Jones told the people in line one afternoon.   She also told them that if they weren’t willing to howl when they got inside, they might as well turn around and leave. No one did.

For more information visit Charlotte Observer and WCNC.