Hard Rock Park announces some plans for rides - Myrtle Beach Online - 11-15-06

[sir clinksalot]

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld...e/16021342.htm

The Hard Rock Park announced Wednesday it has picked six companies to build the rides in the music-themed park but kept quiet on the rides' details.


The lineup of builders includes big names in the industry that specialize in roller coasters, dark rides and other gadgets that have found homes in places such as Carowinds, Six Flags theme parks, malls, Universal Studios and other attractions around the world.

Hard Rock Park officials announced the relationship with the ride builders in Atlanta at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' annual expo, a gathering attended by thousands of suppliers and industry leaders.

Hard Rock Park officials declined to give more information about which rides would be a part of the 140-acre park under construction off U.S. 501 in Fantasy Harbour.

The $400 million park plans to open in spring 2008 and have 40 attractions in six zones, including a roller coaster, restaurants, stores and an amphitheater.

"The attractions they [the six companies] are creating complement the other live shows, entertainment and interactive elements that we have planned for the park," said Steven Goodwin, Hard Rock Park's CEO. "We are spreading the spirit of rock and roll throughout the park and have encouraged our design teams to find new, fun and innovative ways to bring that essence into each attraction."

Memorabilia from Hard Rock Cafe also will decorate the park, including the Beatles' 1967 Magical Mystery Tour Bus.

Rock n' roll will have a prominent place in the ride produced by Bolliger & Mabillard, the company's president said in a news release.

"Bolliger & Mabillard is joining with Hard Rock Park to introduce an attraction that takes the audio experience to the next level by truly choreographing the entire ride experience to an incredible hard rock classic," president Walter Bolliger said.

The companies:

Bolliger & Mabillard, a Switzerland-based company that makes six different kinds of steel roller coasters, including the standard sitting, floorless and stand-up models. The company also produces diving machines that drop carts of riders down tracks at a 90-degree angle.

Premier Rides, a company headquartered in Millersville, Md., that has made rides for Six Flags parks. One of its latest creations is a ``Liquid Coaster'' that mixes a traditional roller coaster with water.

Chance Morgan, a Wichita, Kansas-based company that makes giant ferris wheels, coasters, double-decker carousels, locomotives and other rides.

Vekoma, a Dutch company that designs coasters and is known for the Boomerang, Invertigo, Suspended Looping Coaster and Junior Coaster.

Huss Park Attractions, a German-based company formed in 1919 that makes a variety of rides, including the Frisbee and Shot n Drop.

Sally Corp. of Jacksonville, Fla., which specializes in dark rides and animatronics. Its customers include large entities such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., as well as smaller attractions such as Broadway at the Beach.

[figment1986]

B&M with audio?? wow...

wonder can Busch get one of those

[Ride Warrior]

This east coast park shows promises and potential. It may well prove to be as welll themed and immersive as Disneyland...with the variety of interactive ride adventures that we have come to expect from top of the line parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Sea World. I for one am gearing up to be rocked...Hard Rocked!