Family Kingdom The next To Go?

CoasterGuy210 · #1 02-25-2007, 02:58 AM

It seems like all the smaller charming amusement parks that have dotted the SC coast are starting to all go out of business. With the shock of the Pavilion closing last season and then the surprise closing of the Grand Prix, do you think that Family Kingdom is the next one to go? Its pretty much the only beachside amusement park on the southern Atlantic Coast, and to see it go would be terrible, but I think it is only a matter of time the way that things keep rolling.

Johnny Upsidedown · #2 02-25-2007, 07:56 AM

I agree Family Kingdom is probably next to go. When I was there last year I got the feeling that it may close in the next year or so. It just seemed to be on the south end of town away from where the main public traffic is. The streets were lined with people north of the Pavillion but south of it seemed like a ghost town.

Its really hard to say as we dont know the financial situation of the park. It could be that its owned and all rides are owned so all they have is maintainance issues for expenses, which will keep them a float. All though with the Hard Rock opening next year it may help to keep the park alive as more customers will be in the Myrtle beach area but that may not mean toward the Family Kingdom area. HRP may actually be the nail in the coffin of FK. I would bet by end of this season we will know if Family Kingdom will be on the closeing list..

Now if they could just close down Pedroland.

Coaster_holic24 · #3 02-25-2007, 09:31 AM

I wish they would close Family Kingdom. I hate those generic parks like that, too overpriced and not nearly enough to do. From what I hear FK was pretty much a dump. I think Myrtle Beach would benefit from losing FK, especially with Hard Rock coming next year.

coasterman1234 · #4 02-25-2007, 11:14 AM

When I last visited Family Kingdom in June of 2006 I got the feeling that the park was just (financially) hanging on. Attendance is terrible at the park most of the time, with the only ride really drawing a crowd being Swamp Fox. So, yes, I do think Family Kingdom will close. When HRP opens in 2008, that will deliver the final blow to Family Kingdom's attendance and then I would say in 2009 they will announce their "Farewell Season", but it could be earlier than that. I can only hope that they do save Swamp Fox, it's a nice little wooden coaster that would fit in nicely at another small park.

**Wes** · #5 02-25-2007, 04:39 PM

I have been told that the park was planning on doing some revamping for 2007 and was hoping to improve the park a bit since they are the last park on the SC coast and won't have any competition until Hard Rock opens (whenever that is).

BGWfanatic · #6 02-25-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes

I have been told that the park was planning on doing some revamping for 2007 and was hoping to improve the park a bit since they are the last park on the SC coast and won't have any competition until Hard Rock opens (whenever that is).

I sure hope so.

You know, I really dont think HRP will bring the end of FK, the parks will offer completely differernt things and experiences, so whether or not FK stays a-float comes down to what FK does for tself.

I love DW · #7 02-25-2007, 04:45 PM

I have never been to Family Kingdom so I don't know what kind of condition it is in or what it is like but I think that even with the opening of Hard Rock they could still survive in the area with all of the tourist going there. And actually Hard Rock I think will help in a way because it will bring more people to the area. Because Family Kingdom doesn't sound like the kind of place people go to Myrtle Beach just to see where as Hard Rock Park will be something people go just for and while there there in Myrtle Beach they may venture over to the park.

CoasterGuy210 · #8 02-25-2007, 05:00 PM

You all bring up very interesting points. I think that revamping would hlep a lot with the park, but the park really needs to update their flat ride situation to stay alive. Those older flats jus aren't going to bcut it anymore when there are so many newer ones out there. Besides the flat ride situation I think getting rid of that log flume and possibly using its footprint for a twister style wooden coaster in the coming years would be smart to, since they operate a waterpark on the same property the need for actual water rides isn't really there. hopefully it will stay around for a few more seasons before it closes. I like the feel of the beachside amusement park. But like I said earlier with it being farther down the road and with the HRP opening up they might pull the plug on it.

BGWfanatic · #9 02-25-2007, 05:51 PM

^ Yes, lets rip out the log flume we just added 3 or 4 seasons ago, that would be a good move.

Zagreus · #10 02-25-2007, 06:54 PM

The park's not going anywhere. Don't start the death knell for it yet.

You know instead of predicting if a park is going to bite the dust anytime soon, we need to be supporting the park. I don't understand all the hatred for the FK. Its just your standard beachside park. We don't have many of them left and we should be thankful we have them! A park like that is a nice change. Not every park has to be an IOA or a Cedar Fair themer.

Appreciate what you've got for once.

coasterdave · #11 02-25-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coaster_holic24

I wish they would close Family Kingdom. I hate those generic parks like that, too overpriced and not nearly enough to do. From what I hear FK was pretty much a dump. I think Myrtle Beach would benefit from losing FK, especially with Hard Rock coming next year.

So you have never been there but you do not like it. Maybe you should atleast go to the park before talking trash. Would enjoy hearing your views after you go.

CoasterGuy210 · #12 02-25-2007, 07:36 PM

Ummm....yeah that log flume has been there a lot longer than that. I rde that thinkg when I was like 10 and I am 19 now....

BGWfanatic · #13 02-25-2007, 07:48 PM

^ hahaha no. I've had a condo in myrtle beach for 16 years, and have been going at least twice a year every year, and I remember when they added that Log Flume, it was not over 9 years ago. Your probably either thinking of thelog flume at the Pavilion, or maybe even the Grand Prix. Or your completely overexaggerating by saying 10, when you were really maybe 13, 14, or 15 years old when you rode it. The earliest they added that log flume was 2000.

And besides that, the log flume is one of the few solid attractions at family kingdom, besides swamp fox. Its most likely the second most-expensive addition to the park, and its a big hit with familys, its not going anywhere soon.

CoasterGuy210 · #14 02-25-2007, 10:54 PM

Okay, well I am sure that it is more than 3 or 4 seasons, and yes I was exaggerating a bit and No I did not mean the log flume at anywere else....you people need to stop being so critical....I just want the park to stay as long as it can because I really like the swamp fox roller coaster and some of the other rides there. Any of you think it is possible that some of the old Pavilion rides show up there?

**Wes** · #15 02-26-2007, 08:34 AM

I think one thing working in the park's favor now is that it is the only water/amusement park on the coast now and in the downtown area.

All of the other stuff is up on the bypass.

Oh and Swampfox is a kickbutt little coaster. For it's age it's got a good punch. I'd ride it over Thunder Road any day.

**Leo C** · #16 02-26-2007, 09:17 AM

Before I got my enthusiast bug I remember Swamp Fox having a nice presence at the park when we drove by in Mrytle Beach. It does look like a good credit I want to get.

**Wes** · #17 02-26-2007, 09:51 AM

Yeah it's pretty similar to his designs though from that era. It's a lot like Cannon Ball.

My only complaint this past Sept. was that it was a bit rough in the back (bottoming out).

It's got a good little double-down too.

CoasterGuy210 · #18 02-26-2007, 12:39 PM

It's a really fun roller coaster. It isn't the biggest roller coaster but it is just plain fun. Which is sometimes more important than being a big thrill roller coaster. I think they take pretty good care of that roller coaster though, a lot better care than the Pavilion took care of HURRICANE. I wonder if any of the Pavilion's old flat rides will end up there. That coud help thed park a lot.

**Wes** · #19 02-26-2007, 01:43 PM

One of the articles I read said that B&C was going to reuse a lot of the rides at their other properties.

Too bad the haunted house won't be saved.

Coaster_holic24 · #20 02-26-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coasterdave

So you have never been there but you do not like it. Maybe you should atleast go to the park before talking trash. Would enjoy hearing your views after you go.

Nope I hadnt been, never had the interst to go there either. I rode by there and just the look of it from the road turned me off. Plus I was saying that I dont like little amusemant parks like that, they are too expensive and such little to do. BTW you'll never hear my views of FK, next time I hit up myrtle beach it will be for Hard Rock park,I'll let ya know my views on that

Sir Willow · #21 02-26-2007, 04:41 PM

I understand your views, but they'll also result in you missing a heck of a lot of some of the best parks out there, which is to bad. But then you'll never really realize what you're missing either, so I guess it won't be to bad for you.

Seriously, I learned a long time ago that a lot of those places that I might have driven by because they didn't look like much ended up being many of my favorite places to go. Now hopefully I can get up to Family Kingdom next time I'm in the area.

addict2sobe728 · #22 02-26-2007, 05:58 PM

Gosh! I've been to Myrtle Beach so many times and never went to Family Kingdom. Only Pavilion. I wish they closed FK instead

RollerNut · #23 02-26-2007, 06:54 PM

I went to Family Kingdom both in 2005 and 2006. In 2005, I stay a mere 10 minutes then left after only one ride on Swamp Fox. The Pavilion had already shut down for a hurricane so I drove 3 hours for nothing that year. In 2006, I went back for the last season of Pavilion. Me and my wife made a side trip to Fk only to stay a mere 30 minutes riding the dark ride and Swamp Fox. I am amazed FK didn't burn down during the period that the park was closed to the public as there is NO fence around the park. I say tear it down!

CoasterGuy210 · #24 02-26-2007, 11:14 PM

I don't think the park should be torn down, It is the bascially the last seaside park in the south. I think they could use that to their advantage. I think they do need to add more thrilling attractions though. They are basically land-locked too because of where it sits, but I hope it hangs around a while. If it does get torn down though, I hope that someone would save the Swamp Fox.

PINK FLOYD FANA · #25 02-27-2007, 04:53 AM

I would like to add that those small parks like Family Kingdom are MUCH cheaper than those corporate theme parks. I believe a POP is only around $20 or $25 at the most while the big corpoate parks usually charges twice that or mor plus parking overpriced food. I will bet that the food while not dirt cheap is still a lot less than Six Flags or Carowinds. And parking it either free or dirt cheap ($5 or less is my guess and only because it would be the city who charges for parking). Also Six Flags often have hour long wait while a 10 min wait for Swamp Fox would be really long for that ride and I believe Swamp Fox is better than most woodies at corporate parks.

CoasterGuy210 · #26 02-27-2007, 11:01 PM

yes and thats only if you bought wristbands....the park also offers ticket options so if you only wanted to ride two rides you don't have to pay the full wrist band price which is nice. You can come in and out of the park as much as you would like without having to be stamped and things so if food was an issue you could go down the road to a fast food place.

Michael C · #27 02-27-2007, 11:59 PM

For starters i want to state I have never been to this park. I am an outsider who after reading these posts looked at the parks web site and the Areal.

Looking at the park It looks nice. The wood coaster looks well worth it and it has a good selection of traditional rides. I did see that they have only a Tower ride for modern rides though. that is a down fall. But the park still looks like it would be worth visiting while in the area. I just wish I new about it when I was living in Augusta, GA.

The Flume - It looks like a Hopkins giving the Areal and the Photo on the web site. That alone is a draw for me. The layout looks enjoyable and the 2 drops is always a nice touch. I would hate too see them remove it for a coaster.

Were they could put new rides. Why not remove the Go Carts. The Oval track on the coaster side could easily hold 2 flats. The Larger on behind the Flume could hold a very large ride or a compact coaster.

A coaster addition. Remove the Bumper boats. maybe even the Go carts. Use that Grassed area by the Flume I'm sure you could construct one hell of a coaster in that section. Keep in mind the boardwalk in TX has there coaster on only 1 acres.

overall the park looks nice. With proper marketing and perhaps some better upkeep they should be fine. The hark rock park and the MageQuest additions should only make the park stronger is marketed right.

CoasterGuy210 · #28 02-28-2007, 01:09 AM

Thats true about the boardwalk in Texas. I think that A good twisting coaster like that would be an excellent addition for Family Kingdom, I don't know if it will happen though. Family Kingdom does seem to be decent about adding new attractions for its size though. They don't get something new everyear but I do remember when they got the Drop Tower it wasn't that long ago, but a new flat ride would work well. Thats true what you said about the land as well. Excellent planning and they could fit another good coaster in.

**Leo C** · #29 02-28-2007, 09:14 AM

Family Kingdom always seemed like an underdog of a place compared to the Pavilion. Now I'm pulling for it.

**Wes** · #30 02-28-2007, 09:29 AM

The only ride that is a dissapointment really is the Chance drop tower.

It's one of those cheapo kinds that shoots you up and then you sit up top forever before it finally lets you down.

The coaster is good for 40 years old.

The yo yo swings were very fun. I forgot about the dark ride and didn't ride it.

I'll be sure and go back whenever the Hark Rock is built.

Myrtle Beach just doesn't have that much that interests me anymore. It's more a place for families with kids and elderly people that like to see shows and eat out.

I don't care for the beach and all the tacky tourist stuff just doesn't interest me anymore.

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