[DiscoverMB]

Fans who were hoping for a miracle that 'Hard Rock Park' would reopen under a new owner are in for some sad news, at least in one perspective.

While this is not the official word from Hard Rock International, the company who is based in Orlando, Florida has removed the 'Hard Rock Park' link from their website. The website, www.HardRock.com, until recently included a link to the park's website in the center of their main navigation.

So say goodbye to the Magical Mystery Tour Bus, ciao to all the memorablia, which was on loan to the park. As for the Gibson Guitar baring the "Hard Rock Park' name, its seems it will be part of an 'Extreme Makeover - Park Edition', should the Myrtle Beach Attraction ever reopen.

The removal of the name doesn't mean the park will never reopen. A buyer could still purchase the park as a whole and reopen it under a different name. We've received reports of potential buyers still interested in buying the park. With a Chapter 7 filing, the price may be even lower than the original $35 million, which was initially set at auction, back in December 2008.

A complete revamp would be needed if the Rock & Roll theme were completely dropped from the park. So, names like Led Zeppelin, The Moody Blues and The Eagles would go the way of the 'Hard Rock Park' name as well.

What's your thoughts on reopening the park with a different theme?

[phroggy]

It might actually be beneficial for the potential new park. When something fails on an epic proportion like Hard Rock Park did, it's a good idea to cleanse it completely of its original conception. Many people didn't even realize this park was there, so opening it under a new name, new concept and new prices could lead to extensive advertising potential. Just my thoughts. Cheers!

[MyrtleFreak]

I agree. Changing the name and retheming would make a huge impact. But, I wish I had gotten down to Myrtle Beach last year to see it as it was intended. I've followed its progress and loved the concept. It was a lousy year to open. But I don't think 2009 will be any better for anyone new. The place would have to sit out the year and make a big impact in 2010.

[vnhalen]

news keeps getting worse.
man... i loved the "hard rock" concept. thought the park was put together beautifully. just need more "thrill rides".
i am just devastated over this. i followed this park since it was a mere thought. i had checked the myrtle beach newspapers regularly, the webcam almost daily.

it would be nice if someone kept the park, and even honored annual passholders. however it just wont be the same without the rock.

one of my favorite features was when at the taste of paradise grill, steel drum music was playing.... the same music that was playing throughout the park. that was very cool. we used to hang out there while my daughter played in the river falls. heck the tiki's in the restaurant were great too. the amount of detail wasted!! the designers have to be just miserable about this whole thing.

[shanks]

There's no way it could ope this year. It would be suicide. The economy is going to get wose. It would have to be 2010 before they do anything. I'm pretty confident that a new owner will take over the park and reopen it. I hope they take the time to do it right. The park needs something of a water attraction. Its too hot in the peak of summer. The park is completing with the beach for daytime visitors. You have to have something to get them there during the day.

The smartest thing would be to NOT retheme it at all. Just have an amusement park and rename the rides. They'd save millions in redevelopment costs compared to retheming the entire park.

[DiscoverMB]

I still have my candle lit for a reopening in 2010. I'll be passing out Kool-Aid to anyone who wants to join me. When it reopens will have to have a reunion party.

[phroggy]

I agree with shanks on not retheming the park. At least for right now. Open it up, get the people there, make some dough, then in a few years, try to do that.

[kevkage]

I'm from NJ but we went down to HRP in August - I had way more fun than I thought I would. I agree the thrill rides were lacking but the theming of that place was impeccable. Every last detail. I'm really sad to see it go. It's a shame too because it really could have succeeded if people knew about it. Every time I tell my friends or show them pictures, they all have the same response, "Wow, that looks awesome!"

I wonder, I know some of you are split about the place reopening with a different theme. Let me ask you - as park aficionados and as citizens of the area, what would you think about the place reopening as a Nickelodeon themed park? A proper park with lots of live slimings and games...Happy Happy Joy Joy playing as you ride a roller coaster...the Whammy Bar becoming the Nick at Nite lounge... do you think it could work?

[jdmacfam]

I'm from NJ but we went down to HRP in August - I had way more fun than I thought I would. I agree the thrill rides were lacking but the theming of that place was impeccable. Every last detail. I'm really sad to see it go. It's a shame too because it really could have succeeded if people knew about it. Every time I tell my friends or show them pictures, they all have the same response, "Wow, that looks awesome!"

I wonder, I know some of you are split about the place reopening with a different theme. Let me ask you - as park aficionados and as citizens of the area, what would you think about the place reopening as a Nickelodeon themed park? A proper park with lots of live slimings and games...Happy Happy Joy Joy playing as you ride a roller coaster...the Whammy Bar becoming the Nick at Nite lounge... do you think it could work?

Sounds like a bit of Orlando in MB - could be good especially for those of us with families where flying isn't economical so the Florida amusement parks are not an option! Hhhmmmmm....

[RANGERMAN]

I'm from NJ but we went down to HRP in August - I had way more fun than I thought I would. I agree the thrill rides were lacking but the theming of that place was impeccable. Every last detail. I'm really sad to see it go. It's a shame too because it really could have succeeded if people knew about it. Every time I tell my friends or show them pictures, they all have the same response, "Wow, that looks awesome!"

I wonder, I know some of you are split about the place reopening with a different theme. Let me ask you - as park aficionados and as citizens of the area, what would you think about the place reopening as a Nickelodeon themed park? A proper park with lots of live slimings and games...Happy Happy Joy Joy playing as you ride a roller coaster...the Whammy Bar becoming the Nick at Nite lounge... do you think it could work?

HEY KEVKAGE your right that does sound good at nick theme park..... i hope that people read this and get good idea....

[DiscoverMB]

Just remember, theming like that costs money in the form of licensing fees. I definately think a water attraction is a must. You need something to beat the heat since most attractions are outdoors. Nights in White Satin & Country on Ice were the only indoor attractions (aside from the Origins movie & the arcade).

I would have liked to see Life in the Fast Lane have a hanger around it and make it an indoor coaster like The Mummy in Universal. Yes, it would be slower, but it would have a greater "Mine Car" effect indoors, give it more intensity. Plus, it would be indoors and cooler than outside and not dependent on the weather.

More kids stuff like kevkage suggested would be very good.

[phroggy]

Who owns Nickelodeon?

[jarmor]

^ I do...

[shanks]

Thy spent millions on royalties. I still say save the money, reopen as a general amusement park.

[jarmor]

They can theme it after obama if they want to get the "ethinic" groups thru the doors lol lol

[chill]

Thy spent millions on royalties. I still say save the money, reopen as a general amusement park.

I have to agree with you shanks. An amusement park... or a more generic theme park... Just so long as it re-opens!
In it's infancy (around 2002), it was going to have four different sections based on the four seasons of the year at a cost of about 8 million. It quickly snowballed to 400 million with the Hard Rock name and all of the royalties that go along with it. That "four seasons" is not looking too bad right now from the stand point of at least it might still be open.

[DiscoverMB]

The original concept was a small theme park for about $40 million. Then it became a Movie Theme Park idea, but since there are so many movie themed places, they decided to to Music. Thus, contact with Hard Rock was made.

[chill]

The original concept was a small theme park for about $40 million. Then it became a Movie Theme Park idea, but since there are so many movie themed places, they decided to to Music. Thus, contact with Hard Rock was made.

Absolutely. The four seasons thing as I remember was nothing more than a thought. Then came the idea of "branding". Not only were there so many movie themed places as you mentioned, but MGM had a very high price tag to use their name and were offering very little for the park to use as drawing cards such as memorabilia from movies ect..... But what a great place. Would love to see someone resurrect it.

[DiscoverMB]

Chill, did you see the drawings of the park as a Movie Theme Park? It was kinda cool. I think I have a picture somewhere.

[chill]

Chill, did you see the drawings of the park as a Movie Theme Park? It was kinda cool. I think I have a picture somewhere.

Yes I did. And you could still see the MGM lion logo behind the Hard Rock logo which had been pasted on. I don't know if it will show up in the picture cause you had to look hard to see it, but you could definitely see it on the original!