From Hard Rock to Hard Up
The 2008 Year in Review for Parks

Despite rising gas prices and worries about the economy, the year started with a lot of promise for theme parks and water parks. Hard Rock Park and Aquatica opened to great fanfare and anticipation; major new attractions at the Disney and Universal parks sparked renewed interest in the perennial favorites; and other parks rolled out new coasters, water slides, and other attractions to get their turnstiles clicking. By the end of the year however, Hard Rock Park succumbed to the hard times that cast a pall over the rest of the industry. Read about the lows and the highs--yes, there were some high points-- in the 2008 Year in Review for Parks

• What's New at Parks Overview
• Park Ride Guides by Year
• The Latest Indoor Water Park Resorts

Photo: Les no More: A giant Gibson Les Paul guitar serves (served?) as the central icon at Hard Rock Park. Arthur Levine 2008. Licensed to About.com.