Hard Rock Theme Park
From LoveToKnow Themeparks
The Hard Rock park closed permanently in September, 2008. The information in this article is being left online for informational purposes only.
If the Hard Rock Cafe isn't enough to satisfy your rock 'n roll needs, then give the Hard Rock theme park a spin. Expected to open in May 2008, this Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, amusement park brings together the excitement of thrill rides with the ambiance of classic rock 'n roll.
History of the Hard Rock Cafe
The Hard Rock theme park, the first of its kind in the United States, is modeled after the ever-popular Hard Rock Cafe, a chain of international eateries featuring American cuisine and rock n' roll music and decor. Founded by music-loving entrepreneurs Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, the first cafe opened in 1971 in London, England. Almost four decades later, there are 134 venues in 36 countries including the United States, France, Germany, and Japan.
Because of the eclectic atmosphere and extraordinary memorabilia collection, the cafes draw crowds from all over the world including dignitaries, celebrities and tourists. Highlights from the eateries include:
- Jimi Hendrix's Flying V guitar
- John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to Help
- One of Madonna's infamous bustiers
- A pair of Sir Elton John's platform shoes
In 2006, the Seminole Tribe of Florida purchased Hard Rock International for more than $950 million. The Seminoles were the first tribe to pursue gambling establishments in the United States. The Hard Rock Cafe deal includes 124 eateries, four hotels, two casino hotels, two concert venues, and stakes in three unbranded hotels. The sale did not include the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and several venues in the United States and several other countries.
The new theme park will be owned by Hard Rock International, but will operate under a long-term lease with Hard Rock Park Myrtle Beach Operations, LLC, the group that designed, developed, and constructed the amusement park.
About Hard Rock Park
Set on 140 acres in beautiful South Carolina, the new theme park will feature a little bit of everything from a rock 'n roll thriller roller coaster to a children's play park. Other attractions include a live music amphitheater, shows, restaurants, cafes, rides, and retail stores, all adorned with various pieces of legendary rock memorabilia. The park will be broken down into "rock environs," each one highlighting the music industry's legends, lifestyles, culture and irreverence. The "rock environs" are:
- All Access Entry Plaza: A cluster of visitor-friendly public spaces and shopping venues
- Rock 'n Roll Heaven: Learn about the legends and influences of rock 'n roll
- British Invasion: Rock 'n roll London style
- Lost in the 70s: A large indoor mall decked out in punk, disco, and glam
- Born in the USA: Celebrates the birthplace of rock 'n roll
- Cool Country: Honors rock music -- Southern style
Hard Rock Theme Park Highlights
More than 40 rides and attractions will highlight this $400 million theme park. Patrons will have the choice of riding the thrill rides or sitting back and enjoying the music, while others will spend more than enough time shopping in one of the various stores. Whatever your taste is in rock 'n roll music, it should be satisfied at the Hard Rock park.
Roller Coasters and Other Thrill Rides
Who doesn't love roller coasters? At the same time, who doesn't love Led Zeppelin? Hard Rock Park combines these two icons into one fabulous thriller called Led Zeppelin - The Ride. This looping steel roller coaster stands 150 feet tall and treats patrons to an "unprecedented sensory experience" as they listen to the rock band's hit single Whole Lotta Love play throughout the ride. The coaster tops speeds at 65 mph.
Another rock legend, The Moody Blues, lent the name of one of their biggest hits to another roller coaster. Nights in White Satin - The Trip will dominate the Rock 'n Roll Heaven rock environ. A newly remastered version of this song will accompany the ride that will "incorporate sights, sounds, smells and tactile techniques." The four-and-one-half minute ride will take park visitors through interactive displays, memorabilia, laser light, and other "mind-blowing" effects.
Other attractions at the rock 'n roll park include:
- Slippery When Wet suspended roller coaster
- Bump-n-Slam Dodgem cars
- Muddin' Monster Race muddy car chase
- Pinball Wizard Arcade
- Funky Town Midway
- Garage Jam! foam ball pit
Memorabilia
Some of the memorabilia found at the new Hard Rock theme park includes:
- The Beatles' Magic Mystery tour bus
- Elvis Presley's white-studded cape
- A wall from the legendary New York City punk rock mecca CBGB’s
- A Mellotron synthesizer from The Moody Blues
Family Friendly Food and Fun
Besides the dozens of family friendly restaurants and shops, the theme park also have a variety of children's activities including a Jamaican-themed water play area, kids' rides and more. Even the littlest rocker will have a blast there. Eateries include:
- Carnaby Street Cafe
- Goth-inspired The Kitchen Below
- Rockabilly BBQ
There will not be a Hard Rock Cafe in the park, as there is one nearby in Myrtle Beach.
Contact Information
Hard Rock Park is expected to open its doors on May 9, 2008. Tickets are $50 each, with children under 3 free. Annual passes are $150 and parking is $10. The park is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, off U.S. Highway 501, about three miles from the beach. For updates and more information, check out the park's website, call (843) 236-ROCK or write:
Hard Rock Park
211 George Bishop Parkway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
For both thrill seekers and music fanatics, there is no better theme park getaway than a visit to the Hard Rock theme park in South Carolina. From wicked fun to rockin’ tunes, this is one party that will not stop.
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