While there’s lots of things to do in Anaheim and Orlando and all the Disney theme parks and resorts, I have this feeling that people are getting tired of being left with no choice except Mickey & Friends. Into this void comes Hard Rock Park (www.hardrockpark.com), the new $400 million, 140 acre rock n’ roll theme park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which is almost famous already. For a rock n’roll theme park, there’s no higher compliment you could possibly give.

It’s not just about the rides and amusements. There’s this gut feeling which says that Hard Rock Park ‘gets’ it - They want you to take a trip across the edge - And that’s what it’s all about. Consider ‘Led Zepplin - The Ride’, with a lift height of 155 feet, six inversions, on-baord audio with 64 speakers and 1200 watts per train, a maximum speed of 65 mph, and - this is the kicker - the Coaster is just 13 inches below what the FAA will allow, because the zone comes under the flight path of the Myrtle Beach International Airport. Planes roaring above, water looming below (part of the ride is over water), and you’re barrelling along at 65 mph (well..maybe a bit less). Now that’s what you call a thrill ride - One that you’re most certainly not going to get at Disneyland.

I totally dig the 70 foot tall Gibson guitar icon, but that’s not all HRP offers to hardcore rock n’roll fans. There’s all sorts of shows and concerts and festivals going on all over the Park. One show called the ‘Malibu Beach Party’ celebrates the California beach scene with aerial acrobatics, springboard diving, motorcycle stunts, and off-the-wall comedy. There’s a  ’Live Ampitheater’ with a 10,000 standing capacity for outdoor concerts and shows. The ‘Origins Theater’ features multimedia presentations chronicling the history of Rock n’Roll.

You can dine at ‘Alice’s Restaurant’, where Arlo Guthrie himself might stop by, mixing counter-culture comfort food with leisurely hospitality, to create the ultimate folk rock inspired dining experience. “Alice’s Restaurant is an attraction it it’s own right,” said Steven Goodwin, CEO of Hard Rock Park. “The award winning New England clam chowder alone will delight the taste buds of visitors from all over the world.” Featuring acoustic and folk music that spans the 60’s to today, Alice’s Restaurant has that “walk right in” feel offering sanctified entrees and desserts so good they are criminal. Read the full press release here.

Like I said, Hard Rock Park is not just about rides and amusements. It’s about paying homage to Rock n’Roll, not just in name, but also in the way you are treated, the thrills you get, and the kind of people you’ll probably meet up with. Bring your own reefers. Just kidding. You’ll probably find some there. Kidding. Kidding. Ease up…It’s a family place.

Photo credit: scmikeburton via Flickr; Info: Hard Rock Park - 211 George Bishop Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (off US 501, less than 3 miles from the beach); (843)  236-ROCK; $10 parking, $50 tickets ($150 for an annual pass with free parking thrown in); www.hardrockpark.com  

Posted on May 10th, 2008 by PLing
Filed under: Travel News