Here We Are — Now, Entertain Us — ALL OF US

How Hard Rock is changing the face of theme parks and rock n' roll at the same time.

By Katelyn K. Williams

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As you’re slowly clicking and climbing up the metal hill to a roller coaster’s big plunge, it’s hard to deny that with amusement parks, it’s usually the bigger the better. The higher the drop, the bigger the thrill; the faster the coaster, the better the ride; the more stunts in the stunt show, the more mindblowing the experience. Subtlety isn’t often an amusement park’s strong suit. But with Hard Rock Park—the still-gleaming, 55-acre, music-themed amusement park that just opened in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—it’s all about the details. 

Don’t get me wrong, with over 50 different rides and attractions, Hard Rock Park certainly offers its share of big thrills. But it’s the little things—or the “discoveries,” as the park’s creators lovingly refer to them—that make this park a true gem in the midst of a family-fun destination.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You probably don’t know how “hard” you want your kids (or elderly loved ones, for that matter ) rocking. Well don’t worry, Hard Rock Park rocks, but in a softer, more family-friendly kind of way. The creative minds behind the park have thought of everything. Or, should I say, everyone. “Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular family vacation destinations, and we wanted the park to cater to the whole family in a cool way,” explained Jon Binkowski, the Chief Creative Officer for the park. Perhaps that’s why they chose a leather-jacketwearing, heavy-metal-loving family of bears to be their mascots.

But the park does more than just reflect family friendliness. From the moment guests enter , their needs ( whether they realize them or not ) are met. For instance, the park was specifically designed to cultivate quality family-time by allowing the various members of a clan to stay together ( or at least as close as possible ) while still experiencing everything they want to individually. This is possible because the park is made up of five “rock environs” situated around a central lagoon, each with a different musical genre theme, and each of which was made to include something for everyone.

After a family makes it through the gift shops, coffee bars and photo opportunities ( including a great view of the 70-foot Gibson guitar—the biggest in the world—that towers over the lagoon ) of the park’s All Access Entry Plaza, they can go one of two ways: left or right. Most families choose the former, most likely because the gates of heaven itself beckon them. Rock & Roll Heaven, that is, and it’s complete with celestial fog rolling in around their ankles.

Rock & Roll Heaven is dedicated to those music greats who have passed on from this earth, but it isn’t just for those park-goers old or wise enough to really appreciate the legacies these musicians left behind. Anyone can enjoy this environ, even those who haven’t shed a tear for the likes of John Lennon or Buddy Holly.

How, you ask? Well, within a few hundred yards of heaven’s gates, there is Led Zeppelin–The Ride, a high-speed, high-volume roller coaster set to the band’s rock anthem “Whole Lotta Love” for the thrill seekers; Malibu Beach Party, for those who want to sit back and enjoy an entertaining, if incredibly campy, diving stunt show; the Irie Crafts Kiosks for the shopper in the family; and Reggae River Falls, a wet-and-wild Caribbean-themed child play-area that is situated right in front of the Taste of Paradise restaurant, from where hungry parents can keep an eye on their adventurous child while enjoying tropical island inspired cuisine.