Birth of a Myrtle Beach Landmark
"If I shoot at the sun I may hit a star." -P.T. Barnum
Even more than its sheer size, the signature attraction at Hard Rock Park has already given Myrtle Beach a visual landmark to define a new amusement era on the Grand Strand. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1047/1119693345_0bb0c9fd93.jpg
Drive north on U.S. 501, reach the peak of the Intracoastal Waterway overpass and look past the southbound side of the highway. With no other surrounding structures anywhere close in verticality, you can't miss it. Neither will the kids in the back seat.
"Look, Dad, up in the sky! It's the Loch Ness Monster!"
"It's a super-duper ramen noodle!"
"No, it's Led Zeppelin the Ride!"
With the park's 2008 opening and numerous other attractions still months away from reality, HRP showed impeccable timing and Barnum-esque intent in getting the bulk of this ride built now. It's buzz-building formula is pretty simple, but very effective: it catches your eye, and gives you a chance to exit to George Bishop Parkway, drive right next to it to get an up-close view, and pull into the next-door Backstage Tour building to see what else is in store.
Set to the music of Led Zeppelin's 1969 hit "Whole Lotta Love," the coaster looks to be an outdoor version of Aerosmith's Rock 'n Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando - and if you've ever been on that ride, anything resembling it should be a real treat and a thrill a second.
"But all those loops? That looks just sick," my wife protests.
Our friend Mike begs to differ. "No, Sue," he replies. "This is sick."
I'm with Mike on this one, and can't wait to give the Hard Rock ride a shot. Where do you think this one will rank among your all-time amusement park attractions?
that Six Flags coaster is ABSOLUTELY sick. This one just looks like it will be FUN. Just dont eat too much at the concession before you get on it!