Hard Rock / Freestyle Music Park Discussion Thread

I wonder if they only showed the Time Machine because that is one of the few rides that they didnt need to re-vamp (except for the Zepplin which isnt shown on the commercial) and were therefore able to shoot a commercial for it a few months ago. Giving them time to do the post production work/aquire air time/etc.

That spot isn't that complicated, and with the right person, could be shot in one day and edited in one or two. Buying airtime is actually very simple. Once a spot is made, usually only takes a day to hit the airwaves if a time slot is available and if my station is any example, there is plenty of slots). Animation at the end could be done in a day or two.

That being said, it is actually a very descent spot for a local park.

That commercial could be part of a "series" they're working on, each one promoting a different attraction or section of the park.

Just an idea. I'm glad to see they're making progress.

Having dealt with PR way too much, i can tell you the press release is beyond worthless to the general public. They want stories that are easy to read in familiar styles. They don't want a story before it is sent out to be edited by a news agency.

The press releases aren't for the potential visitors they're for the media outlets. That's why they're called 'press' releases. So the press can have a summary of the latest updates and write a story about them.

The new commercial's pretty good, but I agree that they need to show more. I recently saw an ancient kings dominion commercial with Dick Van Dyke prancing around KD. There were multiple versions of that commercial. I'm sure FSMP is doing the same thing.

Also, here's an online google ad NewsPlusNotes noticed:

i like that ad there using on the internat . . and i think the commercial is pretty good !

Having dealt with PR way too much, i can tell you the press release is beyond worthless to the general public. They want stories that are easy to read in familiar styles. They don't want a story before it is sent out to be edited by a news agency.

 

The press releases aren't for the potential visitors they're for the media outlets. That's why they're called 'press' releases. So the press can have a summary of the latest updates and write a story about them.

Except that is how they are releasing their news stories.

^Beat me to it. It's the only info they have on their official "website."

The park logo minus the three loops has made it's way to the giant guitar finally.

...And their ads have made their way to my e-mail pages (at least to Yahoo!/SBC).

If it matters for internet ads, I'm in southwestern Ohio.

There it is, still advertising a Memorial Day opening...!!!

Discover Myrtle Beach has released a summary of the changes made to the new Freestyle Music Park, comparing old names to the new.

Freestyle Music Park has released their new park map. Here are the changes in Place

 

ZONE: VIP Plaza - Previously All Access Entry Plaza

 

Dining:

Beale Street Theater - Renamed from Origins Theater

Rockaccino Coffee & Ice Cream - Renamed from Amp'd Up Coffee

Thunderin' Lighting - Renamed from The Whammy Bar

No Strings - Renamed from

 

Shopping:

Prelude / Reprise - Renamed from The In & Out Store

Red, Red Wine - Renamed from I Want Candy

Freestyle Mercantile - Renamed from All Access Merchandise

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Myrtle's Beach - Previously Rock & Roll Heaven

 

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

The Time Machine - Renamed from Led Zeppelin the Ride

Adrenaline Rush - Renamed from Malibu Beach Party

Polly Nesian’s Splash Bash - Renamed from Reggae Falls

 

DINING:

Bali Hai Burgers and Bites - Renamed from Paradise Grille

Paradise Pizza - Renamed from The Kitchen Below

 

SHOPPING:

Tiki Mart - Renamed from Irie Crafts Kiosks

Beary's Bears - Renamed from an unnamed shopping stand

Buying Time - Renamed from Cloud Nine Provisions

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Across the Pond - Previously British Invasion & Lost in the 70's

 

RIDE & ATTRACTIONS:

Round About - Renamed from Maximum RPM!

Faerie Glen - Renamed from Magic Mushroom Garden

Whirlygigs - Renamed from The English Faire

Carnaby Carousel - Renamed from All The Kings Horses

McGillivray Cab Company - Renamed from London Cab Ride

Jump - Renamed from The Pink Pit

A show replacing Roadies Stunt Show has not been announced.

A dark ride to replace Nights in White Satin has not been announced.

There is no sit down restaurant to replace Alice's according to the map.

 

DINING:

Pitmeddon Bar - Renamed from Queens Head Pub

Strawberry Fields and Cream - Renamed from Codpiece Fish & Chips

Penny Lane's Cafe - Carnaby Street Cafe

 

SHOPPING:

The Underground - Name Remains the Same

Ghouly Goods & Monster Treats - Renamed from King's Boutique

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Kids in America - Previously Born in the USA & Banana Splitsville

 

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

Soak'd - Renamed from Slippery When Wet

Hang Ten - Renamed from Shake Rattle ‘n’ Rollercoaster

Ring My Bell - Renamed from Funky Town Midway

Grunge Station - Renamed from Garage Jam

 

DINING:

Ice Cream You Scream - Renamed from Love Shack Snacks

Take 5 and Dine - Renamed from Great Meals Diner

 

SHOPPING:

Green Lady Gifts - Renamed from a Shop only Open During Concerts

Kids in America Shop - New

Catch a Wave Gas & Gifts - Renamed from Main Street Gas & Gifts

The Gibson Store - Name Remains the Same

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Country USA - Previously Cool Country

 

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

Iron Horse - Renamed from Eagles Life in the Last Lane

Cool as Ice - Renamed from Country on Ice

The Texas Swing - Renamed from Just A Swingin’

Big Ol’ Trucks - Renamed from Muddin’ Moster Race

RockCowBilly appears to have been removed according to the new park map.

 

DINING:

Acapulco Phil's Mexican Cafe - Renamed from Wheelhouse Canteen

The Big Q Smokehouse - Renamed from Rockabill BBQ

 

SHOPPING:

The Trading Post - Renamed from C&C Trading Co.

 

NIGHTTIME SHOW: Kiss the Sky - Renamed from Bohemian Rhapsody

It should also be known that the new dark ride that will replace Nights in White Satin will be known as Monstars of Rock. The ride description is as follows:

This dark ride weaves between reality and illusion with an onboard audio track that spill out ghoulish tunes. Masterfully blending sights, sounds, smells and techniques, riders of all ages are immersed in one of the park coolest (and spookiest) rides.

While I'm still on the fence about the park itself (I don't really understand adding CSI: Live to a music themed park), it does seem like they are getting their act together. That being said, I think it is still cutting things far too close to the opening to be releasing all of this information to such a limited audience.

I really wonder what would have happened if they pushed back the opening even a month later, giving them a little less reason to rush...

I actually do think the "Kids in America" name fits the kids land better.

At least that's something.

Discover Myrtle Beach has released a summary of the changes made to the new Freestyle Music Park, comparing old names to the new.

Freestyle Music Park has released their new park map. Here are the changes in Place

 

ZONE: VIP Plaza - Previously All Access Entry Plaza

 

Dining:

Beale Street Theater - Renamed from Origins Theater

Rockaccino Coffee & Ice Cream - Renamed from Amp'd Up Coffee

Thunderin' Lighting - Renamed from The Whammy Bar

No Strings - Renamed from

 

Shopping:

Prelude / Reprise - Renamed from The In & Out Store

Red, Red Wine - Renamed from I Want Candy

Freestyle Mercantile - Renamed from All Access Merchandise

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Myrtle's Beach - Previously Rock & Roll Heaven

 

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

The Time Machine - Renamed from Led Zeppelin the Ride

Adrenaline Rush - Renamed from Malibu Beach Party

Polly Nesian’s Splash Bash - Renamed from Reggae Falls

 

DINING:

Bali Hai Burgers and Bites - Renamed from Paradise Grille

Paradise Pizza - Renamed from The Kitchen Below

 

SHOPPING:

Tiki Mart - Renamed from Irie Crafts Kiosks

Beary's Bears - Renamed from an unnamed shopping stand

Buying Time - Renamed from Cloud Nine Provisions

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Across the Pond - Previously British Invasion & Lost in the 70's

 

RIDE & ATTRACTIONS:

Round About - Renamed from Maximum RPM!

Faerie Glen - Renamed from Magic Mushroom Garden

Whirlygigs - Renamed from The English Faire

Carnaby Carousel - Renamed from All The Kings Horses

McGillivray Cab Company - Renamed from London Cab Ride

Jump - Renamed from The Pink Pit

A show replacing Roadies Stunt Show has not been announced.

A dark ride to replace Nights in White Satin has not been announced.

There is no sit down restaurant to replace Alice's according to the map.

 

DINING:

Pitmeddon Bar - Renamed from Queens Head Pub

Strawberry Fields and Cream - Renamed from Codpiece Fish & Chips

Penny Lane's Cafe - Carnaby Street Cafe

 

SHOPPING:

The Underground - Name Remains the Same

Ghouly Goods & Monster Treats - Renamed from King's Boutique

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Kids in America - Previously Born in the USA & Banana Splitsville

 

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

Soak'd - Renamed from Slippery When Wet

Hang Ten - Renamed from Shake Rattle ‘n’ Rollercoaster

Ring My Bell - Renamed from Funky Town Midway

Grunge Station - Renamed from Garage Jam

 

DINING:

Ice Cream You Scream - Renamed from Love Shack Snacks

Take 5 and Dine - Renamed from Great Meals Diner

 

SHOPPING:

Green Lady Gifts - Renamed from a Shop only Open During Concerts

Kids in America Shop - New

Catch a Wave Gas & Gifts - Renamed from Main Street Gas & Gifts

The Gibson Store - Name Remains the Same

----------------------------

 

ZONE: Country USA - Previously Cool Country

 

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

Iron Horse - Renamed from Eagles Life in the Last Lane

Cool as Ice - Renamed from Country on Ice

The Texas Swing - Renamed from Just A Swingin’

Big Ol’ Trucks - Renamed from Muddin’ Moster Race

RockCowBilly appears to have been removed according to the new park map.

 

DINING:

Acapulco Phil's Mexican Cafe - Renamed from Wheelhouse Canteen

The Big Q Smokehouse - Renamed from Rockabill BBQ

 

SHOPPING:

The Trading Post - Renamed from C&C Trading Co.

 

NIGHTTIME SHOW: Kiss the Sky - Renamed from Bohemian Rhapsody

It should also be known that the new dark ride that will replace Nights in White Satin will be known as Monstars of Rock. The ride description is as follows:

This dark ride weaves between reality and illusion with an onboard audio track that spill out ghoulish tunes. Masterfully blending sights, sounds, smells and techniques, riders of all ages are immersed in one of the park coolest (and spookiest) rides.

 

While I'm still on the fence about the park itself (I don't really understand adding CSI: Live to a music themed park), it does seem like they are getting their act together. That being said, I think it is still cutting things far too close to the opening to be releasing all of this information to such a limited audience.

 

I really wonder what would have happened if they pushed back the opening even a month later, giving them a little less reason to rush...

Also on the Discover Myrtle Beach website is this helpful link: http://www.discovermyrtlebeach.com/freestylemusicpark/hours.cfm

Which finally reveals their planned hours of operation. Looks like they will only be open in the afternoon for the first two weeks excluding weekends.

They also have the list of what you get when you buy an annual pass, which costs 65 dollars roughly. But hey, complimentary parking is always nice. As is 10% off merchandise and food and beverage excluding alcohol. Which I'm sure plenty of parents are gonna need if they take their kids to FMP. There's a reason Chuck E Cheese sells beer...

The new names are much better than I expected. Although I'm not a big fan of the Myrtle Beach themed area, but this park IS in Myrtle Beach so I'm not gonna complain too much.

HRP Creative Services filed suit against FMP saying they didn't do enough to distinguish themselves. What Bull once again. They want to threaten the park's opening. Bull.

Jeez, what a bunch of whiners!

Sorry guys, you screwed up, so step back and let somebody else have a chance to.. Duplicate your fate .

K, thanks!

With that kind of vibe I'm still planning my get in and get out move.

Robb I was able to look back on your PTR. Was the Ice House an original part of the old outlet mall/entertainment center that converted into the park's new use for the Country Ice Show?

It was an existing building which contained an ice show, yes.

HRP Creative Services filed suit against FMP saying they didn't do enough to distinguish themselves. What Bull once again. They want to threaten the park's opening. Bull.

Well, thats just stupid. What is FMP supposed to do with the existing theme that HRP built? Yes, it looks like you are in a music themed park but we are calling it Tropical Land/Jungle Land (or something generic like that).

Yeah I am not sure what HRP Creative wants Freestyle to do besides tear down all the buildings and rides and re-build them from scratch. Plus how can they claim they own the designs to rides? Don't the manufactures own that? They must really want money any way they can get it.

^Hard to say without knowing all the legal history here. But this does look like an attempt to squeeze more money out of the new owners by threatening a suit and settling at the 11th hour.

We shall see.

You can see some new pictures of the park here.

You can say what you want about the owners, the name, etc., but you've at least got to give them credit - they've gotten alot accomplished in a little amount of time.

Robb I was able to look back on your Photo TR. Was the Ice House an original part of the old outlet mall/entertainment center that converted into the park's new use for the Country Ice Show?

Yes. We actually talked to the former owner turned creative director for the Ice House when we were there. It sounded like his theater was failing, as were owners of the other attractions (I think the Malibu Beach show was already there too) and the mall...so they came together to findinvestors to save their asses for HRP.

I know the guy is either part of the new management team or one of the guys in control of HRP Creative. Can't remember which.

^^ I just looked at the pictures. The park looks almost EXACTLY the same to me.

Here's the thing, the park looked fine before. That's not the issue. The question really is "Can they get people to show up?"

When they can accomplish that, I'll say "job well done."

But this:

Pretty much looks exactly as it did a year ago:

New signage is not difficult to create. But getting people to come to your park is the REAL challenge!

--Robb

Park looks interesting...especially the painted pots.

Time machine plays Cyndi Lauper (I hope its Goonies R Good Enough)!!!

I don't know, but I think the Freestyle Music Park name is starting to grow on me. Even though is doesn't sound cool or detailed, it is easy to remember. As for the progress the new management has made, the cut the price down and made it almost as cheap as $10 for admission with the savings involved. FMP is also advertising more it seems with the commercial, web ads, and hopefully local ads. IMO I wonder if they can make the park a success (right now it seems very possible)? I also wonder what can happen with the future expansion plans.

I do have a feeling that the former HRP owners are going to be extra weight added to the new ownership.

EDIT: The Rock Garden is the only thing cheesey in my opinion.