Rock Around the Park

The Hard Rock Park, a 140-acre, $400-million rock-themed park that is under construction, just released more details about what to expect when it opens next spring in Myrtle Beach, SC. Six zones, including Rock & Roll Heaven (which, I guess will be dedicated to Jimi Hendrix and other rock legends who are no longer cranking it up to 11), British Invasion, and Lost in the 70s (which will use the decade's dubious mix of disco, punk, and glam music as its backdrop) will offer unique rides, shows, restaurants, and other music-infused fun. Visitors can look forward to five roller coasters, including Maximum RPM!, billed as a test drive in a British sports car (sounds like a variation of the launched, The Italian Job Stunt Coaster), Midnight Rider, which will take place in an abandoned sawmill and feature country rock (and sounds like it might be similar to the highly themed Mystery Mine), and Slippery When Wet, a suspended coaster that will allow riders to drop water bombs on guests (and maybe scream along to Jon Bon Jovi songs?). The first two coasters will offer onboard audio. A wild sounding dark ride, Magic Mushroom Garden, will take guests on a (legal) psychedelic trip. The park has set an admission fee of $46 for "children of all ages." (Children 3 and under will be free.) While the Hard Rock Park sounds like it will be a step up from a typical seasonal amusement park, the steep fee is approaching Disney-level prices. I'd imagine the park would rethink its policy and offer discounts for seniors and young children (which is the norm at most theme parks, including ones run by Disney). Using the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour bus, the Hard Rock Park is taking its show on the road and promoting the park in Pittsburgh (tomorrow), Memphis (April 14), and other cities, before arriving on April 18 at the Myrtle Beach site to officially open The Hard Rock Park Backstage Tour, a free preview center. Read more about the Hard Rock Park.

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