Imagine a Disney vacation at the Magic Kingdom, only without the original Mickey Mouse brand. That’s pretty much the story of Freestyle Music Park, also known as TAFKAHRTP (that would be “The Attraction Formerly Known as Hard Rock Theme Park”). But while Disney World would probably flop without the Mouse, Freestyle Music Park is enjoying a “happily ever after” with its re-branding. It’s still singing the same tune of its predecessor—marrying music with high-energy rides and interactive entertainment—but this location’s encore performance under new ownership is even more of a chart-topper than the original.
The rockin’ theme park is a nirvana for both music and thrill-ride enthusiasts of all ages, as well as families and pretty much anyone else in your motley crew. Some friends of ours recently attended the park and raved about it being the gem of Myrtle Beach with its innovative rides, friendly staff, fun entertainment, and high-tech operations. So if a Myrtle Beach vacation is in your future, make sure Freestyle Music Park is on your playlist.
Everywhere you look, you’ll witness shout-outs to some of the greatest music ever made. The park sections are divided by different musical genres, where rides, restaurants and stores riff on each of these themes. As you journey through them, you’ll experience the British Invasion in the Across the Pond section, kick up your boots in Country USA, and pick up good vibrations while making a splash in the island-themed Myrtle’s Beach.
There’s also Kids in America, where the youth of the nation can enjoy numerous kiddie-coaster and other fun rides as well as one of the greatest playgrounds around. And you can party like a rock star in the VIP Plaza that features a winery (appropriately named after a song that will drive you to drink after it gets stuck in your head), as well as numerous restaurants and shops, such as the Gibson guitar store, where sheet music, picks, shirts and other souvenirs are available.
The rides here are the star of the show though, where you can surf on the Hang Ten coaster, or rock out on the Round About that combines the thrills and excitement of two theme park favorites in Ferris wheels and roller coasters into an unforgettable duet experience–kind of like like that Aerosmith and Run DMC song (OK, maybe not quite like that). Then there’s the park’s signature, 150-foot tall coaster: the Time Machine, which covers all your favorite tunes with a soundtrack from the 60’s to today and a velocity of 65 mph.
You can also experience some widespread panic, or at least some fear, inside the Monstars of Rock ride that 
features a frightening reunion concert of all your favorite dearly departed rock stars. And for those Guitar Heroes and pinball wizards out there, The Arcade offers the chance to play gameroom classics as well as the latest titles. And while walking around the park, you might even find yourself on an album cover, such as the Beatles’s famous Abbey Road.
One of the live productions includes CSI: LIVE, where you can be just like the police by stepping into the world of crime scene investigation as a witness, suspect or CSI recruit to help uncover clues and solve the case. There’s also kid shows and other rock and country-themed acts involving high-energy singing, dancing and acrobatics.
Disney might corner the market when it comes to theme park princesses, but Freestyle Music Park has a Cinderella of a different kind. And when it comes to great getaways, you just can’t beat it.
Loading ...
[...] all that’s not enough for you, you can always branch out to the beach or other amusement parks and attractions. But you certainly won’t find a bigger collection of vacation memories to be [...]