Theme Park Review visits Hard Rock Park!

[robbalvey]

Hey everyone!

 

We have just posted our giant report from Hard Rock Park including a video with POVs of both Led Zeppelin and Eagles: Life in the Fast Lane and footage of the most bizarre dark ride EVER!

 

Lots of good stuff on the park, information, and of course your usual silly TPR antics!

 

Check out the report and video here:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/parks/photo.php?pageid=278&linkid=3151

 

And then come back and tell us what you think!

 

--Robb

 

[jarmor]

and with me living only 1.5 hours away from the park...did you guys let anyone know you were going there?

[gisco]

Wow, so this was the secret mini trip. You do know you are leaving for Europe in 5 days, right?

 

Looks like it will be a nice park.

[jarmor]

Oh yeah, the last picture is posted 3 times!

[coasterdude5]

Great trip report, Robb and Elissa. I didn't realize how close the Christ Methodist Church was to the park! I hope the park adds another major attraction... maybe a true water ride.

[RIP Psyclone]

^I thought the church was theming!

 

Loved the 2001 (but actually 2010) reference. Just wish the park was better and had more to do, but hopefully it will in the years to come. Not to take away from the report, it was your usual excellence.

[ernierocker]

Wow, looks like the park made some interesting choices to start off with. Where it looks like there was a lot of thought put into certain parts of the park, you get the kiddie area that seems to just be an afterthought.

 

Also, the Nights in White Satin...are you kidding me?!? I'm scratching my head on that choice for one of the original rides.

[Meteornotes]

Knowing where the park is, and thinking that those in charge may have spent at least five minutes in the area before building it, I ama amazed at the lack of shade and water rides. This is quite the error on their part, and is something that really needs to be corrected quickly.

 

I like the idea of this place, and think that they have a good start. But it also seems like it's unfinished. I think they're going to have a hard time surviving without installing a "must see" attraction or two.

 

dt

[Scaparri]

Great TR, Robb! There were some really good pictures in there, and I really liked the sped up footage of Led Zeppelin!

 

I must say though, I'm fairly disappointed with quite a few things in the park. I just feel like there is so much more that could be done in certain places, the biggest of which is the Eagles coaster. As you said, they could have created some really cool theming, but instead, it just looks bland and almost trashy with the weeds and stuff growing underneath. And what's with the kids train just thrown on top of some concrete? That seems so bizarre for a park that did so much theming for Led Zeppelin and spent the extra money on a prototype ferris wheel lift for MaxRPM.

 

Led Zeppelin, ride-wise, is the biggest disappointment though. You can even hear the rattle in the off-ride footage. Is it just me, or were all B&Ms pre-21st century glass smooth with no rattle during their first few years of operation? What have they changed to make so many of the modern beemers rattle so much?

 

From an enthusiast stand point, the ride just doesn't look like it delivers. I don't think I've ever seen a B&M maneuver a zero-g roll that slowly. But yeah, I realize that's from an enthusiast stand point. It's more of criticism of B&M than Hard Rock. And as you said, I'm sure it's great for the public, just like rides such as Millennium Force and Kingda Ka are great for the public. I did really like the theming of Led Zeppelin and Maximum RPM, though. I'll give them that!

 

As a lot of you have said, the park looks like it has a lot of potential! They came up with some pretty cool ideas and I'm excited to see what they do in the future. However, judging by the pictures, there are so many smaller things that can be done... like adding shade or some theming to the ride experience on Eagles.

 

Ultimately though, the park has unlimited ride/theme ideas they could use for future rides, so if Hard Rock is willing to fork out the cash, I'm sure this could really grow to be an awesome park. I'm just not in a hurry to check it out right now.

[coasterdude5]

And what's with the kids train just thrown on top of some concrete? That seems so bizarre for a park that did so much theming for Led Zeppelin and spent the extra money on a prototype ferris wheel lift for MaxRPM.

Apparently that whole area with the carnival rides is only temporary.

 

Hey Robb, was that Racer coaster still there?

[SLUSHIE]

I bet going on the Moody Blues ride while actually on acid would be crazy!

 

I really think that this park is incredibly bland. I do like all the little touches though, like the fact that the motorcycle Joey is on makes engine sounds when you rev the throttle. I just hope when these things break they fix them.

[robbalvey]

and with me living only 1.5 hours away from the park...did you guys let anyone know you were going there?

No, we really didn't let anyone know. I always feel bad not announcing all of our plans, but every once in a while Elissa and I need a vacation to ourselves!

 

Wow, so this was the secret mini trip. You do know you are leaving for Europe in 5 days, right?

Yup! And we are at the Toy Story Mania media event today and tomorrow!

 

Oh yeah, the last picture is posted 3 times!

Fixed!

 

Loved the 2001 (but actually 2010) reference.

Yay! Someone got that!

 

I like the idea of this place, and think that they have a good start. But it also seems like it's unfinished. I think they're going to have a hard time surviving without installing a "must see" attraction or two.

This is why I made the MGM Grand Adventure comparison. Granded Hard Rock Park does have a couple bigger rides that MGM did when they first opened, but I still felt as though if they were keeping the park open from 10am to 1am there should be enough to do to occupy those hours.

 

A really nicely themed log ride or rapids, like what you'd find at IOA I think would have made the park feel a bit more "complete."

 

Led Zeppelin, ride-wise, is the biggest disappointment though. You can even here the rattle in the off-ride footage. Is it just me, or were all B&Ms pre-21st century glass smooth with no rattle during their first few years of operation? What have they changed to make so many of the modern beemers rattle so much?

 

From an enthusiast stand point, the ride just doesn't look like it delivers. I don't think I've ever seen a B&M maneuver a zero-g roll that slowly. But yeah, I realize that's from an enthusiast stand point. It's more of criticism of B&M than Hard Rock. And as you said, I'm sure it's great for the public,

Yeah, the public seemed to really eat it up, which is what is most important, but I don't think you'll see this B&M crack many people's top 10 or 20 steel list. At least not anyone that has done a fair bit of traveling. The ride from a coaster enthusiast perspective was just very "meh", so much so that Joey and I didn't bother riding it again later in the day.

 

Those are some responses! Hope you guys like the update and the video!

 

--Robb

[cfc]

I enjoyed the video and photos. Your question "What was that?" pretty much sums up my feelings on the music of the Moody Blues in general (especially the unintentionally hilarious "poetic" interludes). I did catch them in concert in Norfolk back in the 1980s, and it was a fun show--and I'm always up for a "trippy" dark ride.

[downunder]

In my mind, definitely not a destination park (yet).

 

The coaster line up looks very limp, I think they could have put in much better coasters which would have cost the same as the one's they actually did put in, and had the same theming.

 

It looks like an adult aimed park with mostly junior coasters.

[Gav]

^See, that's the exact thought I was having...No doubt it's great to have plenty on offer for families, but in a place where the theme seems so adult oriented it's odd that there aren't more rides catering to this market.

 

I have noticed a few people around saying "OMG this place is awesome", but i just don't really 'get' the place yet, the theming seems a bit sparse, and the park seems a bit bland, the a lot rides themselves seem to have been done better elsewhere, and some of the rides seem to have really tenuous links to the hard rock theme (And IMO, the WTF factor doesn't make a ride good)

Yeah, the place is nice, but not really a must do place for me yet.

I'd also agree on the fact that opening without a water ride is a big oversight.

 

You had your standard model Vekoma Roller Skater...

I thought it was a custom layout?

[thrillgeek]

In my mind, definitely not a destination park (yet).

 

The coaster line up looks very limp, I think they could have put in much better coasters which would have cost the same as the one's they actually did put in, and had the same theming.

 

It looks like an adult aimed park with mostly junior coasters.

 

I agree with you. The Led Zeppelin coaster looks just alright. From what I've heard it's like Silver Bullet at Knotts in terms of the forces during the ride. Other than that the theming looks amazing! Also that mind trip dark ride looks crazy. Do they actually let little kids in there? It seems kind of pg-13 to me. Anyway the photos and the video were awesome. Thanks for the PTR Rob.

[Jew]

It seems like they half-assed it from the photos and put some little touches here and there, but didn't put the effort to make the whole park immersive like IOA.

 

IoA cost 2.5 billion (someone correct me if I am wrong...that number stands out for some reason). Hard Rock Park cost $400 million. To put that in perspective, OLC is spending $85-90 million JUST on the new Monsters Inc. ride. The designers did a GREAT job with Hard Rock park for the budget they had. It looks awesome for a new non Disney or Universal park!

[sccoasterfan]

Ok this is my home park. That racer coaster was there just in case they couldnt get slippery when wet open in time. The park had to have so many operational coasters to open. Nobody ever got o ride it. Moody Blues is a must ride if you are in the area. They change it every day inside to see something new everytime you ride it. I like this park and it is open 9 months out of the year. And they are not putting a Hard Rock Cafe here bc there is already one at Broadway at the Beach. They are planning to put a Hard Rock Hotel here though. From what I have heard from Steve Goodwin they are planning a huge blowout from October thru new years. And there is a big attraction coming next year.

 

Oh and before I forget Maximum RPM is now open.

[thomas2]

LMAO at that cow that insults children. I would love to see that!

 

Thanks for the TR!

[cgodsey]

Wow.. I hope they have multiple attractions planned for next year or they might have some trouble staying afloat for more than 2 years. I still cannot believe they didn't put a true water ride in a park in South Carolina! July and August are going to be simply brutal with little or no shade. Perhaps they can rent a portable log flume to help ease some pain???

 

Its a pretty bad sign when your crowds on a Saturday in June are non-existant. My advice... get to the park as soon as possible!

[BeemerBoy]

Nice report, Robb. Thanks for the POVs!

 

You know, when HRP was in its first stages, I was pretty gung ho about the whole idea. A mix of classic rock and coasters....how could you go wrong? However, after seeing all the reports up to now, I can't help but start to feel a bit underwhelmed and confused.

 

And I think the overall thing I'm most confused about is the location. It seemed good in theory, but with an "incomplete" park to start out, I'm just not sure this was really well thought out. Anytime someone mentions Myrtle Beach, I'm still thinking great golf courses first.

 

Robb, is there any chance you got pics of the ampitheater? I'm curious as to hold many people it holds? I can't seem to find the number anywhere. I'm wondering about it because I thought maybe their concert lineup would help draw people for the combo of a day at the park/ concert at night. After looking at the line up for the near future, I have serious doubts though.

 

As for the coasters, LZ still *looks* great, but after closer inspection (of course, without actually riding it), I'm thinking I might fall asleep after the MCBR. And after seeing the POV, I stand firm in my belief that the wrong song was used. It clearly should've been "Rock 'n Roll." It wouldn't eliminate a lackluster ride, or even the B&M rattle, but at least the soundtrack would've made more sense to me.

 

On a positive note, I LOVE all the clever touches around the park, and I still have high hopes for a well functioning RPM.

 

 

With all that said, I pose this question to all the SoCalers out there. With a theme like Rock 'n Roll, it only makes sense to me to put the park in an area known for....well, rock. Would HRP have a better chance somewhere in SoCal?

[RIP Psyclone]

^That's a very good question, Scott. I think the same question would work with Florida, and possibly the same answer--enough theme park saturation as it is. That begs the question, is HRP in a bad location, or was it just a bad idea? One thing did occur to me, if that piece of real estate couldn't survive as an outlet mall, what made them think a theme park would work out?

 

As for So Cal, I would guess it would be doing better just due to the large population base and level of tourism, despite fierce competion.

[cgodsey]

I think part of the problem with the location is the difficulty to get to the Myrtle Beach area. Due to the "small town influence", interstate construction to the area hasn't advanced one bit. To get to the area, you have to drive through numerous small towns that rely on that traffic to survive financially. Amusement park attendance and revenue relies heavily on their interstate accessibility and I just don't see HRP really exploding attendance wise without an interstate nearby.

 

If you think about it.. what successful amusement park is more than 30 miles from an interstate? When I mean successful, I mean attendance of at least 1 million per year. I bet you can count them on one hand...

 

I really want this park to succeed to help prove the point that you don't have to be in Florida or SoCal to have a successful amusement park. But it seems that parks not in this area hit an attendance ceiling, especially in these tough economic times.

[BeemerBoy]

Well, here's what I'm thinking. Florida wouldn't work. They already had a park themed to one singular thing that millions of Americans have a great passion for (baseball), and that didn't last. It even played host to a minor league team that you could watch after a day at the park.

 

Florida also has the Hard Rock venue at City Walk. It seems to work pretty well at bringing music fans into the parks, if not for the day before the show, it still encourages them to spend money at City Walk before after the show. Win/win. HRP would get lost in the Orlando shuffle, and the company already has a theme park presense there, IMO.

 

I actually love the concept of a combined ticket. A great half or full day at the park before wandering over to catch a concert is gold in my eyes. The problem being for HRP, how many cities or surrounding locations are you drawing from? I can think of a handful of other great cities that are well known for their music that would suit a park like this.

 

Off the top of my head....Austin, Atlanta, Seattle, Nashville, and SoCal all have thriving music scenes. And if you're gonna have a park which will only feature musical themes, then why not one of these places? The more and more I think of it, the more and more intrigued I am by the decision to go with Myrtle Beach.

[Scaparri]

^I never really thought about it like that.

 

I always figured it made perfect sense, seeing how Myrtle Beach is such a major tourist destination, and Hark Rock Cafes thrive off of tourism. On top off all of that, the only major amusement park within a 300 mile radius is Carowinds over in Charlotte. Given the popularity that Pavilion seemed to have, the location made perfect sense.

 

I still think that they have potential to be very successful, but it's going to require them to stay afloat for a few years. For instance, the only people that are going to really know about the park are the locals, and the annual vacationers who happened to notice construction last year.

 

I am fully aware that Hard Rock is nowhere near a power like Universal, however, I still expected a company of this caliber to do some more nationwide advertising, like Universal did with IOA back in '99. I still remember seeing commercials for the park in Indiana when I was in junior high. It is obvious that Hard Rock fully intends to rely on tourism as their major crowd draw, because Myrtle Beach is not a very populous town when the tourists are gone, and South Carolina is not a populous state. Unless the incoming tourists are aware that this brand new park exists, how can they expect them to budget the $250-$300 it is going to cost for a family of four to spend a day there? They just seem to be going about the process all wrong.

 

So yeah, with that in mind, would it not have made more sense to pick a different location that has a larger market as you pointed out? Maybe they are expecting Myrtle Beach to take off like the next Orlando? Who knows. I get the feeling it would have had greater short term success had it been built in a place like Nashville or San Diego. Hopefully Hard Rock has more of a long term outlook.