Subscribe to our RSS FeedBlog

• 

  WILD REPORT: HARD ROCK PARK: April 22nd, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  You know, when I was a young girl, I always looked forward to my visits at a place in Hershey, PA. It was a place where I could get lost in my own little slice of chocolate heaven. Back then, in the days of innocence past, my idea of “heaven” was jumping in and touring the chocolate factory, sweet waves of delight teasing my nostrils until the end of the ride where we were rewarded with a little bar of chocolate. Well, we’ve come a long way, baby!! As I grew older, my idea of Heaven on Earth always, always has revolved around my undying passion for MUSIC…so what better place to be submersed in the angelic vibe of heaven…then the Grand Opening of Hard Rock Park" The 55 acre first-ever rock-n-roll themed amusement park celebrated its “soft opening” and I was there to bring a little preview to you…. It was truly kinda creepy-cool….that the creators and I were on the same wave-length…As I was thinking, “I have died and gone to Rock & Roll Heaven”, one of the first things I saw there was the pearly Gates themselves. No lie….I had made it inside!!! My halo was a bit a-kilter, but I had finally earned my wings. First established in London circa 1971, Hard Rock Cafe’ (with now several locations in 17 countries) has developed a place where Rock TRULY comes to play. Now, I want you to know, there will be very few spoilers here….I want to be your tour guide to this place that EVERY music-lovin", rocker should not miss…but I am just laying the framework. The REST is up to you. As you enter the park, you are immediately swallowed up in good vibes of music past and present, yummy foods, cold adult beverages, games, rides, live entertainment galore, as well as awesome architecturally divine eye-candy to any passionate lover of music…It is an all-ages good time. Hard Rock Park follows the Cafe’s dedication to great customer service and it is not hard to see they are serious about making your trip unforgettable. Our journey began when my friend and excellent photographer, Diana insisted hopping on the first roller coaster we saw. I came prepared with my bottle of Pepto Bismo! With a belly full of burgers and Miller Lights, we bravely stepped in line for Led Zeppelin The Ride. It should be called Led Zep the Experience…...because of all the coasters I have taken on in my life, this one was truly different. I am a thrill-seeking lover of life indeed but out of friendship, I broke my own Rule-io Uno: NO rides that go upside down over even the smallest body of water. Now, I am talkin’—-a fish pond, a port-a-potties, a rain puddle, that"s just where I normally draw the line!! I am so glad I made the exception. Excited and nervous, we reached the front of the line too quickly to even think of backing out (like I would"). The man asked us where we wanted to ride and he said, “If you’re fearless, you go in the front”....Not one to ever back down to a challenge, I took the bait (even though Diana wasn’t nearly as trusting of this stranger who dared us our very lives)....but what the hell, we already passed through the gates of heaven so why not"""" Once inside the studio, it was not difficult to relax to the smooth sounds of Led Zep…to be lost in the Land of Zoso, to be distracted by the video of Mr. Plant gyrating on stage in those painted on jeans…Not to mention the lights show inside the studio. I am not telling you much about the ride itself…but when you see our photo album, you’ll JUST KNOW! I will say this: We were both shaking with pure adrenaline when it ended and the man in front of us, turned to share this with me, “Will you please check my pants"” Hilarious but true. All I am saying is the whole time, loop-to-ever-lovin" loop; I kept looking to my friend and screaming “Ohhhhh hellllll yeahhhh!! Rock On!”...as “Whole Lotta Love” chimed in from our in-ride speakers. Not long after that, we stumbled upon a building with demons taunting us to step inside. Were we still in heaven""" We were clueless to what we were getting ourselves into. You could not see the indoor ride, so it was like the blind leading the blind as we entered the dark tunnel of Moody Blues Knights in White Satin ride. The band specially re-recorded the tune for the ride….and all I am going to say was it is a must-see, especially calming after Led Zep…The ride trips the light fantastic with a very unique psychedelic mind-trip set to (what else") MUSIC. Moving right along, we encountered a most fantastical sight!! We were stopped dead in our tracks as we spotted John, the Dagger-juggling, Unicycle-riding pirate….and ladies, let me tell you, he was HOT! I had no choice but to be his “victim”...Check out the photos of his knives (in the AIR) just-missing my jugular by mere inches (but not really)...Now THAT is what I call talent!! The Ultimate Game of Trust.  Especially because he was forced to juggle with one hand, as out of reflex, I white-knuckled his arm…“Girl please let go of that arm”...and he was so good that I lived to tell the story. There were true entertainers like this all over the park: Whether it be our new friends Stephanie and Brian at the Carnaby St Cafe Pub….or The Peavy Roadies Stunt Show, complete with trapezes, high-wires and the fittest of the fit, set to the sounds of Rock & Roll. Strolling right along, The Endeavor did some rockin on the lawn overlooking the water on a picture-perfect day. Willhite rockers (a combo of bands Hand Grenade and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) kept us on our feet at the Whammy Bar…most especially when they played one of my Alice in Chains faves. They played before and after the finale, a perfect ending to a wonderful day. The finale was a fireworks show to Bohemian Rhapsody….As the colorful explosions lit up the night over the water, I was thinking one thing: The heck with chocolate bars, my trip to THIS little slice of Heaven was a piece of history I was destined to experience and share with you…and surely a one of a kind Rock & Roll Dream. The park is only just beginning and I cannot wait to come back. What do you say; I’ll meet you at the Pearly Gates""" This is Jaden Wylder…and that"s your Wild Report for what’s cool in the Carolina Nightlife….Enjoy! For tickets and more info on this great new amusement park check them out at www.hardrockpark.com

  • Filed Under:
  • Other
  • 
  • Post a Comment
  • 0 Comments
  

  Hunter Wilson

  Owner, CarolinaNightlife.com1 Posts

  Charles is the Executive Director of Carolina Nightlife and very involved in the nightlife industry in NC and SC. He has been working with venues of all sizes, different brands and products, and countless events across NC and SC for over 8 years.

Post a Comment