[swampfox43]

This week the members from the British rock group Moody Blues announced a new dark ride named for their 1967 hit "Nights in White Satin". See <a href='http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/236122.html' target='_blank'>article</a>

Also, the park has overhauled their <a href='http://www.hardrockpark.com/' target='_blank'>website</a> and released it today Nov, 1, 2007.

Official opening date for the public is May 9th, 2008.

[bgwfreak]

Including the coasters they'll only have 9 rides.

I guess $45 for Carowinds isn't so bad after all.

[RollerBee]

The Carousel and Magic Mushroom Gardens aren't listed. Wasn't there also supposed to be bumper cars? If so, that would bring the count to 12.

[KenB]

While I'm not really comparing HRP to it (not yet, anyways) - Islands of Adventure really has only around 15 rides - and that's counting the kiddie stuff. Most of extremely high quality, but still just 15 rides. Carowinds will have nearly that many coasters, if they can keep Saturator when they get the Boomerang.

Parks like this can get by with less rides since many are going for the theming, shopping and dining as much as they are for rides - and many won't even ride anything at all. With HRP being in a tourist destination not based around theme parks and not having any other competition besides Family Kingdom, I imagine they can do pretty good business with just a handful of rides. I also suspect that unlike IOA - which hasn't added much of note since it opened, HRP will probably add rides more often to flesh things out. Looking at the map it looks like they've left themselves some room to do that.

Since we're on the topic of Myrtle Beach, any news on how Family Kingdom did this year?

[bgwfreak]

Did anyone else notice that Midnight Rider is a duel/dueling coaster?

Pretty cool.

6 credits in a new park is awesome. B)

[coasterholic14]

Did anyone else notice that Midnight Rider is a duel/dueling coaster?

Pretty cool.

6 credits in a new park is awesome. B)

Actually it's one coaster, it just has 2 lifts. I believe it's going to be something similar to the model that Calamity Mine @ Walibi Belgium is (or perhaps even the same model)

[bgwfreak]

Well I'm still going to count it as 2 credits.

I've never been on a Vekoma mine train, so that will be interesting to see how theirs ride compared to Arrow.

[coasterbruh]

^ I think it can only go uphill from arrow! Those things are just painful! And while it will only have a small collection of rides I think the park will still have plenty to do, but hey a few more rides wouldnt hurt! But as long as the few rides are well themed im all in for it!

[swampfox43]

During the ACE event in Sept we asked about HRP expansion plans. The VP of Operations said they already have set aside 40 additional acres for future expansion. Heck that's almost half the size of Carowinds.

So, while the park may not be a hotbed of rides and coasters in 2008, what they are starting out with should be very nice and then we can always look forward to hearing about future plans.

Oh, my question to John (VP guy) was if HRP is considering the addition of a wooden coaster anytime soon. His answer, with a half-cocked grin, was...."not just yet, but anything is possible down the road".

What could be good Rock-N-Roll name for a woodie? Hmmmmmm......
Maybe "Shakin' All Over" by The Who .... "Voodoo Chile" by Jimi Hendrix ...."Sheer Heart Attack" by Queen...."Whiplash" by Metallica (that might not go over too well).....

[Jonathan]

Those things are just painful!

Hater.

<--- A fan of most Arrow mine trains.

[swampfox43]

Tonight, Jay Leno cracked a joke about the Hard Rock Park.

He said "In front of each ride, they will have a sign that says, You must be this high to ride this ride...."

[Edwardo]

not having any other competition besides Family Kingdom,

I wouldn't call Family Kingdom 'competition' any more than I would say that Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing or any other attraction is competition. It certainly isn't direct competition, even if they both offer rides.

But like you say, HRP is going to get away with less rides because they're banking on the experience. They'll have memorabilia, probably some incredible shows, shopping, dining, etc. Less is more, and less is okay when the quality of attractions is great .

[Thriller]

Family Kingdom is not a threat to HRP for the simple fact that FK is just horrible in every form and fashion. HRP is new, clean, and smell free unlike FK. When the pavilion left, FK did not seem to have no more than maybe a 10% increase b/c I never seen that many people there this summer! HRP is catering to thrill seekers and family's that are looking for a fun experience during their vacation and I believe that HRP is going to do really good!

[bgwfreak]

Um...that's a bit harsh calling FK HORRIBLE.

It's not the best park in the world, but it surely isn't as bad as some parks I've been to *cough SFA cough*

[Edwardo]

Family Kingdom is what it is, a small, well run amusement park with a killer woody (back seat, at nite), and a decent collection of rides. Was the Pavilion better? Yes. Are people going to still go to FK with HRP in MB? Of course

HRP is going to be billed as an all day experience, which it will be. Family Kingdom will still be the family amusement park good for an afternoon or evening (or for people that can't afford HRP).

I think and hope FK will grow and get better, but I like it like it is.