TPR's first ever Hard Rock Park PhotoTR

It's not often now a day that a brand new theme park is constructed from conception. Heck, it;s even rare that a park adds a new section lately lol but I had the honor to be able to check out the worlds "first" rock and roll theme park yesterday. My initial reaction to the park is "WOW it's much smaller in person lol". I can say this park is like a mini IOA. Since this was the test run everything wasnt running, well lost in the 70's is still apparently lost, slippery when wet was testing, and maximum RPM must have had a flat or something. The atmosphere of the park was pretty good I really enjoyed it. Well i'm gonna give a brief description of each area then on to the pictures!

All Access Entry Plaza

Basically your central hub for shops and things. It has a very intimate feel to it insead of the typical entrance to a theme park. Didnt really go into all the shops in this area or any food venues but they all looked great! Also right next to the whammy bar there is a stage set up that provides live music. While there isnt any rides in this area, the large guitar has water jets that spurt up at random. There is also a building where I think they will showcase different things like new additions and other museum like attractions but right now it has the park model in it.

Cool Country

This section has a back home country feel to it. It is a rather open area but it has lots to do. It is home to one of the coolest looking wave swingers and another flat ride. While the ice show wasnt running the building was very nice looking! My first credit of the park was Midnight...err...Eagles-life in the fast lane. Here is where my impress level started to rise! Virtually the entire que is indoors and they even have flat screen tv's throughout the que showing various performances by the eagles. The crew was AMAZING both times I rode this coaster. While this was my first vekoma mine train coaster it was really fun and a family favorite. My first ride was w/o the sound system and was still fun. I liked how the coaster came back thru the station to get to the second lift hill. I dare call this coaster state-of-the-art since it utilizes magnetic braking and it is very smooth. The finale of the coaster is pretty "cool" also as it is obvious theming left from the original theme of the coaster. My second ride was with the very loud sound system. Not loud like you cannot hear anyone talking to you in the area but very noticable. The crew was dancing and having a great safe time. Once the greenery matures this will be a very nice looking coaster.

Now what took me by suprise is that the store the ride exits into has LIVE snakes and scorpions in it on display. Also outside of the entrance they have a motorcycle that you can actually rev up and a perfect picture spot, as you will see in a few heh heh. This section of the park also boast a water side stage that has a pretty cool band also playing live music. The graveyard was pretty fun and gives closer views of eagles. Didn't go into wheelhouse canteen but man o' man Rockabilly BarBQue hit the spot! That is the first place in HISTORY were I the white meat was a juicy as the dark meat and I have never been to a theme park w/ as good as side item options as they offered like onion rings, BAKED mac and cheese, and what looked to be potatoe something! Even the prices were reasonable. I got a half chicken and mac and onion rings for 9.99 and for a slice of pie it was only 3.99!

Born in the USA

This is where the majority of the kids attractions are, and suprisingly they werent ready for most of the kids attractions to be working. Slippery when wet looks like a fun coaster that actually goes faster than I anticipated. Alot of guest were complaining that after paying to get in they realize that virtually none of the small kids attractions werent operating. They were even constructing a carnie style coaster behind Shake, Rattle, and Rollercoaster. I thought it was something for employees but was told it is part of the park. To be honest, the entire kidsville area looks like it is very out of place from what little I saw of it. It looked to "fairish" to be in this park. Speaking of Shake, Rattle and Rollercoaster...It was a pretty fun little coaster. The coaster is constructed on sand as if it is on the beach and again the crew was very excited and got everyone on the train clapping and "woooo-ing". The Ampitheater was still under construction, and I was able to venture behind it to see what was going on behind the walls. Great Meals Diner has a "suprise" for ya on the sign. But thats pretty much all for that area.

British Invasion

This was by far the best themed are of the park. I guess because the themed surrounded you throughout the entire section. This area felt more like universal studios with alot of attractions being indoors in this section. This section of the park is well the majority of the attractions are located. Didnt do the punk pit but it looked like it would be heaven tweens as well as the ball pit. The taxi ride seemed to be a crowd pleaser and the cycles of pretty much all the rides were lenthy. Nights in White Satin was awesome! The ride virtually starts as soon as you enter the que building. Then you get your 3D glasses and put them on and walk thru a dark walk thru section. then you board your vehicles. The ride was AMAZING. Not spiderman amazing but very original and unique. The smoke ring scene scared the HELL outta me and caused me and the other people in the car to scream lol. It was totally unexpected. You exit thru a not even started gift shop.

Of course Maximum RPM was not operating and I was told it probably wont be operating till June. Just as expected it is having problems. And from looking at the layout it leaves alot to be desired. The mushroom ride would have much cooler if it were indoors but it was still nice to see it all black lit in the dark. I was able to pull out the guitar in the stone with much ease and they even have go-go girls walking around getting the party started!

Rock N' Roll Heaven

I have to say this is the most underwhelming area of the park. If it wasnt for Led Z this section would be pointless. Led Z is basically what everyone here expected . The first drop is Bad Ass and while there were some good forces throughout the coaster it wasnt like kumba or anything but it was VERY quiet and smooth...wait there was a little rattle here and there but very enjoyable ride. The ride actually has a preshow and all. They out did themselves with this coaster and it is the saving grace of the park. One thing alot of people were saying is that the music needs to be louder because over the screams you cannot hear it on the coaster. The reggae water play area seemed out of place but im sure it will be much needed in the summer since the park has no real water rides.

My overall of the park is that it is a very fun place to go to end a vacation at myrtle beach. Now will I be buying a season pass, no. It just didnt seem enough for me to do that. Now in a few years when the park adds more things it maybe justified but just not now. I think if the park had like one more dark ride, some flats in Rock N' Roll Heaven, a waterfalls boat water ride (probably in Cool Country), and trade RPM in for a different coaster, even a Italian Job stunt coaster clone could have worked better. Another thing that kinda killed the atmosphere is the fact that the park didnt work on the perimeter better than it did. Most notable in Cool Country, you can look to your right and see all kinda hotels and "reality" and I feel that ruins the whole feeling the park was going for.

Before I go I have to say the Bohemian Rhapsody show just HAS to be experience in person. The perfect song for the display and a great way to end the night!

Oh well on to the pictures!

Be right back with more pictures of the park!

Largest store in the park.

I do NOT wanna be stuck here on a busy day.

Candy store...

Since no one was using it I decided to make good use of the shot!

another ticket.

The tickets. (note the time on the receipt, ok, now I got to the ticket booth at like 4:27!!!)

HERE is where pictures should be taken!

Entrance gates.

Instead of taking pictures here the picture guys were having guest taking pictures with the PARKING LOT in the background!

The larger than...well...is really is map.

"sorry to inform you guys after waiting 15 mins but out system went down and we cant sell you any tickets...BUT here are some pamphlets on purchasing season passes you can read in the meantime"

Why am I on my phone and who am I calling?

...

Ah HA! There I go! Took more pictures than normal to showcase myself.

See what I mean.

Reminds me sooo much of universal studios...

Yep...the crowds were light!

This CANNOT be dollywood!

Looking over the cars.

still waiting to get in the parking lot...

different angle

Overview

waiting to get into the park

"Woooommmannn what you need is...loooooooooooooooooove"

I ended up on this side of the park. It was kinda confusing w/ no large signs pointing to the parking lot, but you do get good views of led z

Pulling up to the park is very intimidating...but then thats all you really see lol.

Ok as promised here are more pictures...bare with me for I have taken over 200 pictures that I am trying to resize for your enjoyment!

Why did I feel like goldie locks! but something was missing...

The 70's are still lost!

Crowd favorite.

I knew I heard something!

Punk Pit.

Theming

I thought I heard something back there...

Stop here, start here!

Mels...err I mean great meals diner lol.

I just demanded a ride by myself!

She won the auction to ride the coaster all by herself.

Uhh...yeah!

One of the MANY street performers

Surfs up dude! lol

The most people on that ride all day.

Looking up at slippery.

The real mascots of the park!

The crowd.

opposite of the sign!

Not operating...and i'm not upset since it was cold as hell is hot!

They fly those throughout the entire day.

Everything just runs in together. It's no solid borders between environ's.

Oops I must have came in the thru the end!

The grave yard.

Surfs up on Shake, Rattle and Roller coaster!

Life in the fast lane has never been slower...lol

The carnie style coaster going in the park. I guess the park realized there isnt much for kids to do so they got this last minute decision. I say just get a childrens based show!

I don't know what the hell that is!

see...

I thought it was larger based on the webcam and pictures I have seen online but it is pretty compact and fun!

Revs like a real one and vibrates like one too!

...and more snakes! Although I have never seen a boa in the country but oh well...

Snakes!!

Inside the exit store and what do I spot...

It doesn't get any better than this! They were waiting on my arrival. They got word when I pulled up in the parking lot that I was on the way to ride.

And nice que's at that!

It is true. Nearly all of the rides have indoor ques. I guess that makes up for the lack of large trees.

Exit store...

I'm soo happy i'm the first on this site to get this credit that I do my matrix back lean!

First credit of the day!

Wheelhouse Canteen...didnt go in it though.

"Cool" band in Cool Country.

Just a Swingin...not swingin.

Really...REALLY good food!

Mud Slingers wasn't working initially.

Sign against a "cool" blue sky

Cool Country first.

Where to go...

The entrance guitar.

As you can see the entire lagoon isnt fenced in.

Looking across the lagoon.

I always thought it was more to do in heaven...

Didnt get a chance to go in here because if I did I knew I wasnt gonna make it back home that night.

Your TR's are always awesome, Jarmor! Can't wait for more of this cool park!

Great PTR so far! Can't wait to see the rest of the pics! I'm really glad that the company went through with this. I think this park is up to Universal standards!

Really enjoying seeing all of this Jarvis!!!!

For us credit whores out there can you say exactly which rides were operating with people, testing, dead? And any more rumors you heard from employees as to when stuff would open?

Thanks!

That park map looks very bare. I can't wait to see what the park will add in the future.

Even though the park didn't fully open up, you guys need to keep in mind that WDW and DL all had similar problems when they opened up. I'd give them a season to get the kinks out.

Great TR.

Nice job, Jarvis! A few things:

-It's nice to see covered queues.

- I actually did see a good amount of trees in the park...they just haven't grown in yet.

- It's also nice to see that Snake, Rattle, and Rollercoaster has a wheelchair seat.

Great Trip Report so far! Thanks for posting and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the pictures.

John

Damn those bears at the end were scary looking! Awesome trip report, I can't wait to get to the park (or that side of the country really) and check it out for myself.

I am in awe with this park. Can't wait to see how this park progresses over the years to come.

Awesome TR!

Looks like a nice park. While I will not be going to the park this year, I am really looking foward to seeing everyone's Photo TR's. Thanks for posting this. Now they just need to add KISS: The Ride.

Awesome TR so far! I can definitely see the issue of not having a real water attraction, but I'm sure something like that is in the growth plan. Message in a Bottle maybe? Can't wait for more.

Awesome TR so far! I can definitely see the issue of not having a real water attraction, but I'm sure something like that is in the growth plan. Message in a Bottle maybe? Can't wait for more.

They should build a waterpark themed to Andrew W.K. called "I Get Wet".

I just figured it out...it looks A LOT like Jazzland!

Kind of cheap but nice theming, decent rides and crappy portable rides, setting on the lake, music themed. Yup.

IMO it actually looks kinda nice. Not super heavily themed, but still pretty nice. Save for the Flitzer. Why the heck is a FLITZER in HRP? They could have put in an old Schiff/Molina and Sons/whoever kiddie coaster and made that nice instead.

Looks nice I guess. I'll wait a decade or so until the park "fills out". Right now it seems like jailbait to be.

When he captioned a pic saying something about how good the food was, sadly my first thought was "it's just downhill from here." Looks like a fun little park, though, and if it doesn't fail in its first few years it'll be nice to see it properly filled out. Looking forward to the Led Zep pics!

-1 for being a Pepsi park

WOW!! Great TR! The park looks amazing! For some reason though it reminds me a lot of Universal Orlando. I don't know why, but it does. Like the big metal gates that say "Hard Rock Park" it reminds me of the gates at Universal that they open at night when the park is closing! You took some great pictures!! I hope you had fun!!

~Matthew

Great shot!! You managed to get a picture of a yellow Hummer

Thank you for this TR.

I have a weekend in August on my calendar which has Hard Rock listed with a question mark. I was waiting for someone to create a TR to determine if I was going to head down south this year or wait until 2009.

As a result of your write up I've made that decision. Thanks again

The park looks fun, and in a few years could turn out to be a great park. It depends on what choices the management makes though. I hope they don't let things get run down like the old Six Flags did.

Oh no, PLEASE tell me that they are going to do something special with that carnie coaster! If they don't I'll be really mad with just a big metal eyesore in an okay kids area.

It's nice to hear that the food is delicious yet afordable too. Was it as good as the food at Hard Rock Cafe?

Right now the park looks like a fun little park, but I think that if management makes the right decisions the park could turn out to be a fun park for familys and thrill seekers.

Fun TR, and nice to see some pictures of a much anticipated park. Just when I thought I only had a couple parks east of the Mississippi left to visit, I'll have to add this to the list. Oh, and thanks for the Mel's Diner caption, even if it wasn't meant for me!

~ Melanie

Really enjoying seeing all of this Jarvis!!!!

 

For us credit whores out there can you say exactly which rides were operating with people, testing, dead? And any more rumors you heard from employees as to when stuff would open?

 

Thanks!

The employees, while the nicest around, didn't seem to know much of anything lol. One did tell me that RPM won't probably open until june. He went on by saying it's a prototype and it has some kinks and stuff. No one knew anything about 70's section. I'm sure slippery will open soon since it was testing all day. Everything else was running and didnt have any downtime.

- I actually did see a good amount of trees in the park...they just haven't grown in yet.

 

- It's also nice to see that Snake, Rattle, and Rollercoaster has a wheelchair seat.

I was telling my coaster flunkie who I went with how last week it was no trees and today it's covered in them lol. I think once they grow in it will be really nice...

And Eagles also has that wheel chair platform, however I would be scared to challange it lol!

Damn those bears at the end were scary looking!

All the little kids were RUNNING from them lol. Some thought they were lions.

When he captioned a pic saying something about how good the food was, sadly my first thought was "it's just downhill from here."

Hey! I'm a eater so I have to check out the food as equally as the coasters lol!

It's nice to hear that the food is delicious yet afordable too. Was it as good as the food at Hard Rock Cafe?

Never really ate at the cafe but the offerings I saw were very good!

Ok round 3! This set covers alot of the attractions and leads up into getting some night shots! Enjoy and thanks for the comments!

HAHA suckers!

Can you believe people were actually playing on that thing...in the freezing weather!

HRP's answer to a water ride...

Ya know what...alot of people wasnt expecting this section of the coaster since they went to the right when they walked into the park and didnt get to see it lol. there is also a pop of air going into the MCBR.

Cool shot

The unloading/loading area.

Then the pre show that has some really cool effects on the wall!

You actually stand on alpha-numerical stickers which basically tells you which seat you will be in.

Lets ride!

Not too many people were interested in that thing.

Ahhhh...

Not operating...but then again they would have froze anyway.

Spicy food...

Take that Hulk!

We're now entering the last Rock Environ...don't worry, this wont take long at all lol.

Back to Led Z...

I can just imagine this shot when all the trees grow in.

Looking across the lagoon shots...

Can you spot the train...(if you could then you are good beacause there is no train! lol)

More Led Z love...

At this point I dont know what was playing on the speakers lol.

"looooooooooooooooooooooveeeeeee"

Exiting British invasion but this is the entrance...

Looking across the lagoon.

Worlds largest black lit poster my ASS!!!

You can basically see the entire layout.

I'm taken over as to how this lift will work!

Ha ha ha ha...

Not so good shot...

"looks" cool

Lots of photo ops around the park!

...Still testing.

Coolness

POS!!!11!1!1!!

All the employees were this friendly! But they were the most photogenic lol.

Rounding the corner of this section...

Didnt get a chance to check out the show...but didnt hear anything about it in the park either so I guess it was ok.

As you see the sun was winding down.

Closer view.

All the king horses.

This will be the store the ride exits into once it is finished.

Looking back into the spinning tunne.

The station...

Entering the spinning tunnel!

And the "trip" begins lol. This is the pre ride walk thru section!

I don't know what this is!

The first cool thing you see when entering the que! It changes colors and everything!

Are you sure you're ready...ok, but dont let anyone know I showed you this!

Are you ready to get an exclusive look into the ride...

NOW I feel like Goldie Locks! lol

Nice trip report, not what I would personally consider a destination park but a nice place to check if you're in the area. It will be interesting to see how this park develops.

Final set of photos. Overall I had a great time at the park and will go back atleast one more time this year to check out what wasnt open! I think the park is a great addition to the many offerings the beach has and will continue to be a huge success!

FInal shot of the night. Thanks for reading!

Not the best shots of the show but it gives you an idea...

Pretty good band playing the night away.

HHN???

Closer view

Across the lake

I do admit it does look good at night.

"meh" shot w/ a crappy camera

Well, atleast we know the lights work.

yeahhh baby!

Taxi ride...

Punk Pit at night

Very bright shop...

WTF!!!

awww how sweet...

Oh yeeaaaahhh baby! Thats what life in the fast lane will do to ya!

Food...looks kinda crispy but it wasnt!

Very nice looking...

Midnight is settling on eagles...

Let the rumor mill begin for 2010! Although this would be a good spot for a water ride...hummm.

Another shot...too bad they wont be used much lol lol!

WORLDS FIRST LOOK at the cars for RPM, blurry, but hey you see them good enough!

Nicely done!

heh heh...

Dead end...

The only real games section in the park! The first in ANY theme park I have been to. the only other games I saw was in Rockn' Roll heaven and that was one stand!

Up skirt shot!

Still working on it...

AHHH there it is!

Hummm...something's missing...

Decided to make my way around the park again to take another go at everything.

I was too ashamed to pee pee...

WTF!!!!

The lights are starting to come on but time for a restroom break...

Without!

With the kites...

Hummm...Let the 2009 speculation begin!

Now...where were we.