Hard Rock Park / Freestyle Music Park Thread

e_tapley0687 · Hard Rock Park / Freestyle Music Park Thread

Well the day is here, Hard Rock Park has closed for the rest of the season. All of the workers have been let go, but they did say that they will be back in 2009... Here's a link to Screamscape http://www.screamscape.com/html/hard_rock_park.htm

Links from the official HRP site with info on this problem.
http://www.hardrockpark.com/
http://www.hardrockpark.com/closinginformation.cfm

I do have to say that I'm surprised, but not to the point that I would've thought it was impossible. Sad to see this happen and hopefully they'll come back stronger than before.

Lee5

Ouch man! I can't believe how quickly that happened. I really really wanted to go experience the park and now this happens. Quite sad.

So any reasons you guys think this happened? I have a feeling if this park was in Orlando or California it might have done much better and prospered tremendously.

A real shame, no doubt.

e_tapley0687

^ Yea this was really quick. I think the main things were advertisement and the misconception of the park. When i first heard of the park, I was thinking of a themed out THRILL park... not an "entertainment" park.

Oh I can't forget how over priced it was!

I think if the park was built in Orlando or California it would've done way better! Especially in Orlando! I think Universal and Hard Rock would've had a great relationship lol no joke.

Wylder

Man, this stinks.
After reading that Maximum RPM was open again, I had planned a trip to Hard Rock Park in two weeks. I really wanted to see the park in its first year.
I don't expect to see anything new next season from them. I think we will be happy if they just open their gates again.
They could have done a much better job of marketing. I realize that I am 10 hours away, but none of my friends, except those I have mentioned it to, even realize there is a Hard Rock Park.
--hint to Hard Rock Park (Go on industry podcasts, The Season Pass is free and reaches many park fans)

e_tapley0687

dougscoastergirl

I think the reason is 2-fold......Firstly, horrible horrible marketing. I mean seriously, did any advertising -- real advertising -- make it past the Mississippi? How many people know about this park that don't listen to industry podcasts, etc. My parents, even though they live on literally the other side of the country would definitely be interested in this park and I can say with fair assuredness that they probably know absolutely nothing about this park.

In the day in age of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, there is no reason not to market the younger generation on channels like G4 regarding the park. They definitely did not advertise in hot theme park markets. I saw not 1 single ad here in California.

The second reason? The economy. A majority of folks who are going to be willing to take a transcontinental trip, heck even a local trip, are more willing to spend that $50 park fee on a place that they know is going to be worth their $$. I love DCA, but I wouldn't spend $50 for a day there NOW, and I know what it has and how far it's come. I would be opting for Disneyland, if I only had 1 day to spend there, etc. I would assume that most folks are opting for the Florida option for their trips because they are assured that there is going to be plenty of entertainment for their brood and their hard earned cash.

It's too new to be commanding a $50 entry fee. I understand that they have bills to pay, etc., but for their first season, with not a whole lot of attractions, that's a tall order for an average family of 4. That's $200 bucks alone just for admission, not even to count parking, at least 2 to 3 meals and maybe a snack (I like the fancy ice creams, what can I say).........your looking at a $400 day!

Hard Rock hasn't even given itself a chance to succeed. My hope is that they really put in a good effort for next year. Myrtle Beach is a HUGE destination and they are in some prime entertainment real estate, they should be able to draw a crowd, especially since they aren't in an obscure small town in middle America--no offense to any small towners in middle America!!! Very Happy

Kind of like that Bonfante Gardens they built here in California.....It's in Gilroy......the only thing that is in Gilroy is garlic, and the fact that it's the last city before you get to Monterey, which I would rather spend my time at than at a theme park in Gilroy that literally reeks of garlic. It's out of the way for main stream theme parkers and that place didn't really succeed as they wanted. Myrtle beach is not like that, Hard Rock should be able to get incidental vacation traffic and then become a destination after that.

e_tapley0687

^ Exactly how I feel.

Marketing wise here in TN I haven't seen any type of advertisement for the park.

About the appeal to the new generation. I'm not absolutely sure, but who exactly was the crowd they were focusing on? Obviously rock fans but is it only the young adult and older crowd or in some way the new generation of kids....

I don't see a possibility of anything new coming this 2nd season... nothing but better pricing and marketing... and that's only from the outside looking in. Rolling Eyes

e_tapley0687

Update:

The park will not be opening in 2009 unless someone buys it...

Not surprised and still won't be surprised if no one buys it lol.

wazomike

i have this feeling someone who's really cocky with a lot of money is gonna buy it and realize it's a lot harder to run a theme park than they thought and then sell it again lol

e_tapley0687

LOL, that would be a mess if that happened. Surely SF or CF aren't going to buy it.... or are they crazy enough to do so? hhhmmm??? Rolling Eyes

lol

Doug_Barnes

You Know... For $35 Million... I think it's crazy NOT to take a stab at it! Even with all the debt these Park Chains have $35 million is only 2 or 3 rides; Diamondback is $22 million itself!

e_tapley0687

^ But I think the debt this park holds is too much to add to a Park Chains overall debt. I can't dream of how much debt they have... I think it would be taking a risk for the companies who don't have the extra funds to support it.

Doug_Barnes

True... Can't argue with creating a bigger fire. Here's something to think about though... With the bankruptcy approved and if $35 million is the monies approved and accepted by consensus through the banks, investors, and any "other" lenders - then everything from the $400 million (outside of the $35 Million) is written off. There for the debts you will be left with is license fee, liens, claims and encumbrances. Over $350 million down the tubes through the "wonderful" laws of American financing.

For $35 million PLUS annual fees (probably around $5-6 million a year) the return on investment could literally keep you in "The Black" every year of operation... That is as long as it's properly Managed and Maintained. Smile

I understand completely where you're coming from E-Tapley, but the debt really isn't that bad compared to the probable return; Cash Flow Baby!

Coast

Well, I believe $35 million is the minimum.

Don't forget the new owners may have to pay all the manufacturers.

Well, anyway, who ever comes in, you need to do three things:
1.) Lower admission and have kid and senior discounts. Maybe a starlight admission?
2.) Add more resturants. I've heard, from all three people who went there this summer, the food is awful and expensive. Those two don't go well together.
3.) Waterpark. Waterparks are doing incredibly well right now and I bet tht will attract the crowds. It doesn't have to be a big one, maybe even a small one like the "Wild Water Kingdoms" or even one in the park like Hershey's Boardwalk.

wazomike

if they could just add maybe a smaller boardwalk type thing that might work
but (i haven't been to the park) how much space do they have. would they be able to fit it in with destroying a land or removing the lake

e_tapley0687

Well here's a question, if someone does buy it and ONLY does some price adjusting and more advertising, would any of yall go?

I would plan to go, but it would be on the bottom of my list of things to do next summer. The main reason being, there's not much about the park that interest me and if I do go I would probably spend more time in the Myrtle Beach tourist area rather than the park.

wazomike

i would have gone at the old price because im not a child or a senior lol
i guess one of the reasons i didnt have time to go was because i live in california and it opened almost 2 days after we came back from disney world so we werent about to travel back across the country just for some park that my parents hadn't even heard of

Doug_Barnes

Bottom line is that the real estate the park currently sits on needs to become a Resort Destination. It's one of the first questions we had about the park - Does it have a hotel? Does it have an entertainment complex (people love shopping, eating and movies)? Does it have access to the beach?

There has to be more than just the park in that particular area; if that's not the case, unfortunately Hard Rock Park isn't that attractive compared to other parts of Myrtle Beach. There needs to be reason for the public to stay within the area... the park is just a piece of the puzzle.

All of us would go because we're Theme Park Fans, but there needs to be more entertainment for the "General" public.

Coast

traincrossing9

Isn't the auction on the 15th? If I heard right, one group wants to reopen it and another wants to buy and sell rides and stuff. Who wants a slightly used B&M coaster for there backyard?

wazomike

i have an idea why don't we all chip in and buy it for ourselves. we could figure out where everyone lives and build it in some abandoned lot that's close to all of us.
in my pocket right now i have 32 dollars and 11 cents so that's my contribution Smile

Wylder

count me in for $40

R.C.

I could pitch in in $60. That would be the best Christmas present to get all of my friends! lol.

Wylder

Well it looks like the most talked about park that no one has been to, may reopen. According to Screamscape, Hard Rock has a buyer. The news article that is links to, does not give many details. We don't know if the name will change or any of the theming. But, they hope to open by Memorial day.

Rock On!

http://www.screamscape.com/html/hard_rock_park.htm

Doug_Barnes

Great News! Of course, this Thursday's Show is now OUT DATED! Laughing

Rollerman87

I saw that they got a buyer from Thrillnetwork Very Happy

I hope the new company can do a better job. The only problem is that they are going to be rushing to reopen it. Maybe it'll last only another year before history repeats itself.

e_tapley0687

Well isn't this something?! Glad to see someone bought it! Right away while I was reading it questions started popping into my head...

Is Hard Rock not gonna be associated with this? (Probably not lol)

If not, what will they do with the theme existing in the park?

What about the Nights In White Satin ride? How can you re-theme that one?

Is rushing to open this park really a good idea?

What do yall think? Confused

lol

wazomike

i read on one of the three different news articles that i found that they would be keeping the hard rock name. im not sure about the theming of specific attractions (like moody blues) but the park will still be called hard rock park

Wylder

I think they need to rush. they need to be open for Memorial Day. If they don't have a full season and a good ad campaign, I think they will be doomed to suffer the same failure and the original owners. I guess it is good that they are keeping the Hark Rock name, but that is a lot of money to keep someone else's name on their park.

I wish them well and hope to get a chance to visit them this year.

Rollerman87

Maybe they are going to campaign heavy and get people in the park, and do like Cedar Fair did with the Paramount parks and slowly lose the "Hard Rock" identity. I wish this new company the best. Fro pics I saw of the park, it didn't seem all that great.

everythingdaniel

This is great news! Thiswas the god news I read about 30seconds after I woke up Laughing

.

About the name, I read Hard Rock is no longer associated with the park, that does not mean the park has to change the name, the park most likley still has the right to use the name, but it can no longer be referred to as part of the Hard Rock businesses.

--Daniel L

wazomike

they talked about what they were going to do with the park here:
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/business/story/785033.html

they are going to ditch the name and they are also going to do things like not charge for admission to the park but charge per ride

wazomike

it's official Very Happy

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/679/story/787109.html

e_tapley0687

Well look at that, Hard Rock is officially coming back. It won't be the same as before BUT at least it still has another chance to make a comeback. Not too long ago the park looked like it was going to be sold off in parts and a lot of people were bumbed they couldn't visit. Now that It has a chance, do ya'll think attendance will be up this go round? I know I was one of those bumbed people and wish I would've went, but now that it's coming back I still don't think I'm going to be able to make it out there.

Doug_Barnes

wazomike

lets just hope it can last more than 1 season this time

Darienlakerules · hard rock park

It's not a bad idea to make it a pay-per-ride park. Now that they droped the hard rock theme I would like to see a nice Woodie there. Maybe the worlds first REAL Woodie with a loop, not the son of beast steel loop a REAL all wood loop. IK that is not going to happen, but it would bring a lot of people to that park. It seemed to help Kings Island when son of beast had a loop. Just a thought though.

Rollerman87 · Re: hard rock park

Darienlakerules · looping woodie

I was just throwing out an idea. I was thinking it would be a gravity group coaster because on coasterradio they said they the could do a all wood loop so I wasn't kinda being serious. IK there were problem with the one at king's island but Gravity group could do a ride like this.

Doug_Barnes

^Actually, I remember Gravity Group saying that it would be easy to put a wooden loop on a coaster... in fact they went as far as saying that it was plausible to make a corkscrew on a wooden coaster. As crazy as it sounds Gravity Group said they can build it. Darienlakerules - I heard the same interview, I'm down! Wink

Darienlakerules

traincrossing9

Good luck Hard Rock Park! (or whatever they're going to call it now)
The saga continues...

Darienlakerules · hardrock park

The site they had is gone! The new owners seemed to have dropped the name along with the site. If you click on the link below it just takes you to the Hard Rock Company website.
http://www.hardrockpark.com/
Wonder What The New Website Is?

e_tapley0687

The park is definitely getting a new name and it should be announced soon. Here's a link to an article http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/845915.html

traincrossing9

Actually, they have a new name already.
HRP gets New Name
"Freestyle Music Park"
http://www.freestylemusicpark.com/
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., April 9 SC-FPI-MB-Freestyle

New Name Reflects Renewed Vision and Direction for Former Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- FPI MB Entertainment LLC (FPI MBE) today unveiled the new name for the former Hard Rock Park. "Freestyle Music Park" represents FPI MBE's renewed vision and direction for the Park in 2009 and beyond.

Freestyle Music Park is the destination for the celebration of that revolutionary phenomenon rock n' roll but also encompasses other genres of music including country, reggae, beach music, pop, R&B, alternative, Christian, and disco. At Freestyle Music Park, guests can indulge their inner "rock star" while enjoying the park's many rides, shows and other attractions.

In addition, Freestyle Music Park will be the prototype and launching point for the Freestyle Park brand throughout the world. FPI MBE plans to open additional attractions and entertainment venues in the coming years, under the Freestyle Park banner. The Myrtle Beach Park will be the first to feature a music theme.

"Choosing 'Freestyle Music' as the name of the Park is a strategic move that we see as a key benefit for the long-term success of the project while broadening its appeal to an infinitely larger number of guests," said Steve Baker, president of FPI MBE. "With Freestyle Music Park, we own the name, leaving us unencumbered by one specific brand. This will allow us, from a partnership perspective, to explore other opportunities and collaborate with national and international brands that will strengthen and extend the 'Freestyle' brand in Myrtle Beach and throughout the world."

In the weeks ahead, FPI MBE will be announcing several changes to its Freestyle Music Park. Many of the rides, restaurants and areas throughout the Park are being re-themed to better fit into the vision of Freestyle Music Park. Castings are also underway for talent to star in Freestyle Music Park's musical and live stage show acts, which are currently in development and will be announced at a later date.

About Freestyle Music Park

Freestyle Music Park is a 55-acre Park located in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and is owned and operated by FPI MB Entertainment LLC (FPI MBE). Freestyle Music Park has more than 50 attractions for music fans of all ages, including roller coasters, shows, children's play areas, restaurants, cafes and retail stores, a multi-purpose live music amphitheatre and an ultra-modern sound system, creating a totally immersive full day experience. For more information on Freestyle Music Park, call (843) 236-7625 or visit FreestyleMusicPark.com.

Wylder

Look for me in the Disco section of the park.

Doug_Barnes

Arthur Levine of About.com just sent me his interview with Steve Baker, President of Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle Beach.

http://themeparks.about.com/od/findusthemeparks/a/SteveBaker.htm

Check this out!! Great info on the park (I'm not sure about the name still). Also, if you haven't had the chance to read Arthur's work, this is an example of why he is one of the best in the Amusement Industry Media.

e_tapley0687

The prices are a lot better! I don't mind visiting the park if I'm near there sometime this coaster season.

traincrossing9

Current prices:
GENERAL ADMISSION
Adults: $39.95
Children: $24.95 (Ages: 3-9)

SEASON PASSES
Adults: $74.95
Children $44.95 (Ages: 3-9)

To me, this seems a little much for a park which really lacks rides. Hopefully there are lots of discounts for this place.

e_tapley0687

^ But don't they have a good amount of shows? And they're still adding the additional kiddie rides aren't they?

traincrossing9

That's very true. We'll just have to see what FMP will pull out to get people in! Is there a Season Pass trip planned to go?

Doug_Barnes

^Not this year most likely, but who knows. Laughing

e_tapley0687

So..... what do yall think about the new paint job??? lol

The pics were taken from DiscoverMyrtleBeach.com and here's the link if you want to read what they're saying on the boards over there: http://discovermyrtlebeachforum.com/index.php?showtopic=2174

Personally.... I don't think it matches too much. I think it MIGHT look better if they repaint some of the track.... I really just don't know lol. I don't like it.

traincrossing9

And why did they repaint it?

Doug_Barnes

That is frickin ridiculous!!! What the Hell! Wylder was right with the Air Supply Blimp Coaster suggestion. I imagine everyone operating the ride will be suited up in their Strawberry Shortcake uniforms.

They should have changed the theme of the park to "Retro Park." This could be "My Little Pony -The Ride!"

traincrossing9

Led Zeppelin: The Ride is now Metal Blimp: The Ride
Also, FMP has a website up right now. It seems to be more of a blog than a awebsite. It mentions no rides that they have except for the new "Kids in America" area. Not a good move for families wanting to pan a vacation there. http://freestylemusicpark.com/blog/

e_tapley0687

Darienlakerules

could have chosen a better cooler, like red

Doug_Barnes

Darienlakerules

traincrossing9

Doug_Barnes

traincrossing9

No prob Doug, I just noticed 2 in a row. Anyways, why pink? Doesn't that kill half of your market? (almost all guys) I just don't see where Freestyle is coming from with this.

Doug_Barnes

traincrossing9

Maybe HGTV can come and intervene. Curb Appeal? Designed to Sell? Property Virgins?

Rollerman87

Here's to hoping they aren't done painting then Very Happy

Perhaps they are gonna go back in with black outline and red pinstripes. Or just plain black outline and pinstripes Smile

They need to sit down with some reps from Disney, Busch parks reps, and maybe even Cedar fair and Six Flags reps (all freelancers of course Razz

) and see how they can get as much excitement into that park as possible Very Happy

Doug_Barnes

traincrossing9

^Oh, i wasn't bombing on HGTV. I watch it all the time along with Food Network. how do you think I knew all of their tv shows? Wink

I personally think that "Property Virgins" would work the best here.

Doug_Barnes

e_tapley0687

^ I love that channel!!! lol

So I'm like Rollerman87, I hope they come back in and do a black outline or something! I'm sure that'll catch a lot of attention while ppl drive by.... not good attention though lol.

dougscoastergirl

I don't know, I think that Candace Olson from Divine Design could do something nice with that ride. Her use of fabrics and textiles would fit perfectly with the giant pink blimp.

In fact, instead of freestyle music park (or whatever lame name they are calling it now) it could be the HGTV/Food Network park and you could have the Guy's Big coaster, the Teacups and Crumpets ride, House Hunters Haunted House......And then you could have lunch at the Iron Chef (preferably Japanese edition, I'm not much for the American one). And don't forget to go see the Dinner:Impossible stage show and a stop at the Ace of Cakes dessert shop to close out your day.......I'm seeing a trend here.

traincrossing9

^Great idea! I'd go to HGTV/Food Network park over Freestyle Music park any day!

I really hope that the pink is just a primer for an awesome paint job. Anyone know what's going on with Nights In White Satin?

e_tapley0687

^ My understanding is, it will definitely be changed. As for this season, it will remain closed until it's finished.

e_tapley0687

Newest info I've heard now, Led Zeppelin is now called The Time Machine and it will feature 5 tracks. http://freestylemusicpark.com/blog/?p=95

My reply Rolling Eyes

wazomike

and in case anyone missed this sally corp has uploaded a vid of nights in white satin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TapjUhu6l74

e_tapley0687

The Time Machine update:
http://discovermyrtlebeachforum.c...mp;st=0&p=8345&#entry8345

So I guess we got our wishes lol. Its not going to be what we previously saw.

Rollerman87

That definitely helps offset the pink a little bit Very Happy

traincrossing9

^^^Great video! But nothing seemed innapropriate about it. If I rode it I wouldn't have guessed it was an acid trip.
A pink time machine, still don't know what their plan is.

e_tapley0687

^ yea me neither. When the park first opened, I didn't know it was based on an acid trip until someone said it. I guess, the fact that it's based upon that is the main reason it's leaving.

e_tapley0687

Now the full website is up and you can check that out here: http://freestylemusicpark.com/blog/

All the park info is on there, the new commercial, and the park map with all the ride names on it.

As for Nights In White Satin, it's labled as "Coming Soon!" I figured they would've left it off the map completely.

traincrossing9

They butchered Nights In White Satin for Monstars of Rock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB8j6e1zFkk
I'll leave everyone to their own opinion.

e_tapley0687

^ woooooow.... [speechless]

wazomike

thats horrible
that better be just temporary

e_tapley0687

Well just as a mini update, the last thing I've heard about this park is the attendance is better than expected... not say that there is a really high attendance though.

Anybody making a trip out there soon?

Doug_Barnes

MarkE

Yeah. So far it's not so good...

It's still pretty early in the season so we'll see. My reason for wanting to go there (Nights in White Satin) isn't there anymore.

I'm hearing that while it's virtually empty during the day, the "Twilight special" discounts are bringing in some people during the evening hours. It's something to do after hitting the beaches.

Links:

"A Myrtle Beach theme park opens with a splash, makes big plans for the future and then sees attendance fall short of expectations. Sounds like Hard Rock Park last year, but it's Freestyle Music Park this year."

http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=314661

"The Song Remains the Same in Myrtle Beach -About.com

http://themeparks.about.com/b/200...ains-the-same-in-myrtle-beach.htm

ChanceWMitchell

I'll be out there for the fourth of July, so I'll be sure to let everyone know my thoughts on it. I wish I could've gotten the opportunity to pay homage to my favorite band, being Led Zeppelin, but now I seem doomed to being in a phone booth with a young Keanu Reeves. *sighs*...

Wylder

I look forward to hearing about your trip. Let us know if that Monsters of Rock show is a cheesy as the videos make it look.

Have fun

CoastinCam

ChanceWMitchell

I figure if nothing else I'd rather spend an uber crowded 4th at FMP than BGE or Carowinds.

Plus, if its anything like HRP its supposed to have an amazing night production show, which should be extra spectacular on the 4th.

And yes, I'll have to let you guys know about Monsters of Rock (which makes me think of Fraggle Rock every time I read it...)

CoastinCam

Yeah, the fourth would be especially terrible at any CF park...

Doug_Barnes

ChanceWMitchell

Unfortunately I know little to nothing about what the ride is supposed to be, so I am going in blind. Maybe because my expectations are so horrifically low (thanks to you guys Wink

) I will have a decent experience!

And if not, who cares? I'm a coaster junkie and honestly spend very little time on anything else. Sure, I may miss out on the park's nice shows and food and what not, but I can deal with that stuff when I'm too old to marathon rides for 16 hours in a day.

p.s. Those 16 hours were at Holiwood Nights when I got in 109 rides on Voyage! woo!

Hard Rock Park / Freestyle Music Park Thread

hard rock park

Re: hard rock park

looping woodie

hardrock park