Posted on Jun 09, 2008 - 09:06 PM
Hard Rock Park: Early Observations
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2566961688_741b401e26.jpgOur family has been to Hard Rock Park twice already, and I went back myself Memorial Day weekend to check out George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. Some things we've discovered along the way:
- Maybe it's pure rationalization for spending $150 plus tax a pop, maybe not ... but I've met dozens of annual pass holders already, and every single one of them is convinced it was a sound investment. The party line from the company is that the pass "pays for itself in less than three visits." If nothing else, pass holders are making darn sure they get their money's worth.
- Not including the Grand Opening event with the Eagles & Moody Blues, Hard Rock has booked five headline concert events so far (Kid Rock, Volunteer Jam with Charlie Daniels & .38 Special, George Clinton, Sister Hazel and KC and the Sunshine Band). Pretty good cross-section of music genres, but I wouldn't mind seeing another headline show or two added along the way.
- It's still way too early to draw many conclusions from the smallish attendance figures to date, but this coming weekend will be the first true test as the summer tourist season begins in earnest. Will the curiosity factor for our returning summer vacationers outweigh concerns over a weak economy?
- Response to Most Common Hard Rock Complaint #1: "There aren't enough thrill rides." - Let's not forget that this is a theme park, first and foremost, paying tribute to rock legends much in the same way that Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) pays tribute to the legends of the big screen. Number of true "thrill rides" there? Two, by my count (Tower of Terror and Rock 'n Roller Coaster) - same as Hard Rock (Led Zeppelin the Ride and the soon-to-open Maximum RPM).
- Response to Most Common Hard Rock Complaint #1A: "There aren't any deals for locals." - No longer true. Carolinas residents can now save $11 per daily admission ticket by showing a valid I.D. at the gate. Hard Rock has also rolled out a slew of additional discount ticketing options seemingly geared toward the week-long tourists, including $65 week-long tickets when you buy four or more.
- I've been on several roller coasters in my day, but my first experience with Led Zeppelin left me greener around the gills than I ever expected. Awesome ride; just be prepared to get your equilibrium thrown for a loop in ways you might not expect. You should also have fun deciding for yourself whether you prefer riding it in daylight or at night, and whether you prefer the front or the back (cool thing about riding in the back is that on the first drop, you can feel it before you even see it).
What's been your experience so far, Beach Bloggers? Let us know!
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