Now the big question: do I recommend Hard Rock Park?
Almost.
If you’re already planning on visiting Myrtle Beach (but please see my opening paragraph before you do), or are within a day’s drive, then yes, at least once Maximum RPM and Slippery When Wet are open or if there’s a concert playing that you really want to see.
However, if you’re like me and you have to spend a lot of money to fly in and out, and aren’t otherwise charmed by ‘vacation destinations’ like Myrtle Beach, then I suggest waiting for it to grow or making it a stop on a larger trip, since at this point in its life it is better thought of as a smaller regional park rather than an Islands of Adventure substitute. (Unless of course you’re really like me and have to check out the century’s first new major theme park regardless of cost, time, risks of bodily harm, etc.)
So what’s in the future for Hard Rock Park? For one it’s already been made public that the park hopes to expand their children’s section with better, more permanent rides, possibly before the end of this season. It also seems like a very good probability that those plans for Bump ‘n’ Slam are still waiting to be realized for next season, hopefully giving Lost in the 70’s their first actual attraction. And there seems to be signs of possible construction for more 2009 projects already, like a rumored flume/water ride in the mystery spot at the end of the Heavy Metal Graveyard.
Beyond that, it’s all speculation at this point, not just for us but also for the general managers as they wait, breath abated as they see if their fledgling park has the wings to take off or not. Bearing in mind that this is all speculation (and maybe suggestion 😉 ), I think there is still a large chunk of land in the middle of the park behind Slippery When Wet that might make a good home for another flat ride for British Invasion, or possibly something like a central tower ride. There is also still plenty of unused room in the old mall structure; possibly a second, interactive dark ride to give Lost in the 70’s a signature attraction? They’re relatively cheap, highly themed and great for riders of all ages.
Looking ahead a few more years, while the family element is always vital, I do think the park could use another major thrill ride in the area behind Born in the USA to help diffuse the current polarity Led Zeppelin has, give that environ an anchoring e-ticket attraction, and give the park as a whole a much needed boost when popularity will inevitably begin to lag after several years of operation, as was the case with Jazzland, VisionLand, et al. How about a nice, airtime focused wooden coaster (since their other coasters are more curved based)? A big, headlining attraction for an affordable price and a quality ride experience that could offer the perfect balance to Led Zeppelin. And for whatever reason I’m hearing Like a Rolling Stone as the perfect accompaniment to such an attraction…
And just dreaming now, but Rock and Roll Heaven could use a bit more company since right now it’s pretty much a one ride show. Wouldn’t an inverting Intamin Accelerator coaster be great set to U2’s Vertigo? I thought so.
Whatever their future has in store for them (so long as it’s not bankruptcy) I think Hard Rock Park has tremendous potential to be one of the nation’s better theme parks. When you think about, music and roller coasters go together quite naturally that it’s amazing more parks haven’t tried fusing the two more often. After all, both are inherently illogical pleasures, as series of meaningless sound waves beating against our eardrums that when arranged in certain patterns, due to whatever evolutional anomaly, translate to pleasure and, later, an art form. Same with roller coasters, only replace sound with track and G-forces and you’re on your way to becoming a fine art as well…
…I can only hope…
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