I'm from the area as well and last year was my first year. Not only did I go back a second time last year at the end of the event, but I plan on attending the opening weekend this fall and if the event is just as good this year and I have the money, you'll probably see me there on Halloween weekend as well.
Trust me, once you go there's no going back to Scarowinds!
If you make it down there for either weekend let me know and we can do a mini meet up of OU crew!