South Carolina Smiles and Places 2008 Official Vacation Guide - (Page 76) By Hannah Rapport Towering 155 feet into the air, Led Zeppelin—The Ride is rocking and ready to greet millions of visitors entering the gateway to Myrtle Beach with visions of twisting steel, wild loops and power chords. Designed in concert with the legendary band itself, the Led Zeppelin roller coaster is one of more than 40 attractions of the new Hard Rock® Park, slated to open in May 2008 off US 501. With more than 140 acres of rides, live shows and other attractions, Hard Rock Park is the first theme park based on the international Hard Rock brand. At $400 million plus, it’s also considered perhaps the largest single investment in tourism in South Carolina’s history and the first major independent theme park built in the United States in a decade. The buzz has been building. “We’ve been dreaming up Hard Rock Park for the last few years, says Steven Goodwin, the park’s CEO. “We can’t wait to start showing people ” what they can experience. ” Goodwin has a lot to be excited about. With hundreds of acres to work with in a prime location and a diverse group of rides and attractions, the park plans to offer something for everyone. Hard Rock Park is centered on six distinct “rock environs,” each offering one-of-a-kind attractions for rockers of all ages: All Access Entry Way: Shopping and public areas incorporate simplistic styles in order to create a “people friendly” environment. Rock & Roll Heaven: A “behind the music” peek into what inspired the rock legends. British Invasion: A view from across the pond takes visitors to the London rock scene. Lost in the ’70s: Set in an indoor mall, Britannia and America collide to show off the best of punk, disco and glam rock of the ’70s. Born in the USA: A commemoration of the diverse culture that is America. Cool Country: A celebration of that markedly American music genre, with a special emphasis on Southern rock. Along with the six rock environs, Hard Rock Park is home to scores of attractions, including restaurants, cafés, roller coasters, stores, an amphitheater, and a sound system designed specifically for the park. Other rides include The Midnight Rider, a roller coaster that takes riders on a creepy trip through a sawmill, set to a soundtrack of Southern rock. For those who want something more interactive, Slippery When Wet, 76 South Carolina Smiles 2008
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