Hard Rock Park Working With Amusement Industry's Top Ride Makers

Article written by:
Michael Willis & Eric Gieszl, Contributing Writers

Hard Rock Park announced on the show floor at IAAPA that they've signed on six of the world's top ride makers to design and built the park's attractions. + photo

Orlando, FL -- Hard Rock Park, the world's first Rock 'n' Roller theme park, today announced that it has signed agreements with the amusement industry's top ride manufacturers to design and build unique rides and attractions for its new theme park.

The manufacturers announced to be working with Hard Rock Park are: Bolliger & Mabillard, Premier Rides, Chance Morgan, Vekoma, Huss and Sally Corporation.

These leading ride manufacturers will be responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the major rides at the Hard Rock Park that is now under construction in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

According to Hard Rock Park, each of these manufacturers is being challenged to deliver innovative features to their attractions that will enhance the appeal and uniqueness of each ride experience. The types of rides and specifics about them is still a guarded secret.

In the future, Hard Rock Park plans to unveil the key intellectual properties, original creative & production elements and mechanical archetypes that start what they're calling the "next revolution" in themed entertainment.

The theme park scheduled to open in Spring 2008 is an extension of the successful Hard Rock brand of cafes, hotels and casinos. Hard Rock Park claims the theme park will immerse guests of all ages in the fun, culture and irreverence of rock music.

The announcement was made today on the tradeshow floor at the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) convention in Atlanta, Georgia with representatives from each of the manufacturers present.

Steven Goodwin, CEO of Hard Rock Park, met with each manufacturer to welcome them to the team. Hard Rock Park will be the first major theme park constructed in the US in nearly a decade.

"We are very impressed with the high quality of product these companies have to offer. The attractions they are creating compliment the other live shows, entertainment and interactive elements that we have planned for the Park," said Goodwin.

Hard Rock Park's new partners were excited as well. Swiss design firm Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) is world renowned builder of steel roller coasters. The announcement confirms that B&M is onboard to design what will likely be one of Hard Rock Park's flagship thrill rides.

"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" Walter Bolliger, President of Bolliger & Mabillard said.

"Premier Rides is honored and excited to have the opportunity to team with Hard Rock Park to introduce what will certainly be recognized as one of our most innovative attractions to date," Jim Seay, President Premier Rides, Inc. said.

"This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be involved in something so ground-breaking, these guys have encouraged us to think outside of the box to produce great rides," said Mike Chance, President of Chance Morgan. "With that in mind, we are combining forces with our strategic partners at Vekoma to deliver a series of great rides that will entertain visitors to Myrtle Beach for years".

The $400 million theme park is currently being built on 140-acres at Fantasy Harbour on the corner of US 501 and the Intracoastal Waterway.

"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," added Goodwin.

Sally Corporation well known for their interactive dark rides was equally excited about the Hard Rock Park.

"There's no doubt this is the coolest concept we have ever had the opportunity to work on," said John Wood, Chairman and CEO of Sally Corporation.

For more information about Hard Rock Park, visit www.hrpusa.com