CoasterBuzz Podcast

I'm a Myrtle Beach resident and Theme Park Fan. I am writing in regards to Coaster Buzz Podcast and the negative attitude regarding FreeStyle Music Park.
I was indeed a Huge fan of Hard Rock Park but I recall others who claimed it was too "hard edged" for familys with small children regarding some adult themeing. Atleast this park is reopening instead of being torn down like the old pavilion which was basicly a carnival by the sea in my opinion. With all the parks in the U.S. that have sadly closed for good, I would hope that some support & greatfullness would be givin that this new company atleast steped up to the plate to save Hard Rock Park from the same fate, yes they may have had to go a little generic but if that means getting them through untill the economy picks back up and they can start adding more rides then perhaps they could get a few bands to jump in with themes for new rides,this may just be a temporary transition period for this park for the moment. bad mouthing it is partly what ruined Hard Rock Park.
Yes It's not as big as other theme parks but as you all know those parks started off small as well,Carowinds only started with 2 roller coasters and they sure were'nt to the scale of Bolliger & Mablliard (Time Machine). I ask that you take in mind that these new people (FPI-MB) are tring to get the park on a better footing so it can survive and "Grow" with time.

Thanks
Ken McMichael
[url="mailto:kmcoaster@aol.com" target="_blank">kmcoaster@aol.com

Yeah, I'm the friggin' devil. \m/

It's an opinion and I stand by it. I think I was more than fair in presenting it as such.

The 'adult theme' thing holds no water. Hard Rock Park was PG at worst.

And yes, I do recall the negativity towards HRP - which is why I find the lack of it in the current situation a little odd given the changes being made.

I don't doubt a lot of it is necessary change and we even discussed the idea that scaling back may help them survive in the long term.

In the end though, my entirely non-professional opinion is that they're changing exactly what worked for the park. While my day at Hard Rock Park was one of the best days I've ever spent at a park (and the word-of-mouth from my family to anyone who'd listen backs that), I can say with no hesitation that the park in its current form as Freestyle Music Park holds absolutely no interest to me.

I don't think the changes they're focusing on make the in-park experience any better. In fact, it looks to be a lot worse. Again, in my entirely non-professional opinion as nothing more than someone who follows the industry and happened to visit and enjoy the park last year, I think the new owners are making all the wrong moves in terms of what they're focusing on, changing and doing since buying the park.

With that said, I get the concept of cutting costs to weather the lack of customers that killed the original HRP and perhaps that's indeed the case and is a necessary step. More power to them.

Still doesn't make my take on the subject any less valid.

I'm of the personal belief that Hard Rock Park could have worked with better marketing, planning and timing and don't personally care for the changes the new owners are making in the transformation to becoming Fresstyle Music Park.

Who knows, maybe in 5 years we'll be looking back and laughing at how wrong I was.

Gonch,

We'll have to wait and see what happens, I do know that Baker Leisure is running it and Steve Baker has spent 25 or more years with Disney,even had a hand in developing World showcase at Epcot from articles I've read. They have stated today that they have also oppointed a general manager who has managed other Theme parks that were also in the same situtation as HRP and were also located at beach tourist towns,even lead some Park out of bankruptcy so lets all hope this new park has the leadership to take it forward, as far as some of the changes,mabie as time goes and thier able to expand they can theme certain areas to cater to more of an adult audiance. Lets just hope they can make it through this season
Otherwise Myrtle Beach will just have the carney family Kingdom and anyone who wants anything more (themepark quality) will have travel go elsewhere.

I work in a grocery store, and our private label has a version of Dippin' Dots. Quite a good seller, too.

And the echo was sweet!