Jaunted

They would have gotten away with it, if it hadn't been for that meddling global economic downturn. It looks like American families just couldn't stomach the thought of paying $50 a ticket this summer, and fewer than 3,000 visitors a day came to the park, far lower than optimistic projections. Furthermore, analysts cite insufficient marketing of the park beyond South Carolina, which would have been essential in luring a few cars off the highway that would otherwise continue to Orlando.

Still, the park's owners say they'll make a few tweaks and give it another try in 2009. If the economy bounces back, there's every reason to be hopeful. We'd be willing to check it out, but not unless ticket prices are lowered. After all, the Hard Rock brand might have plenty of recognition as far as its restaurants are concerned, but extending it to a theme park is uncharted territory. If it's as good as they say it is, maybe it would be worth providing discounts and incentives to get a critical mass of visitors and word-of-mouth going. Dee Snider can't be the only person who wants to rock.

[Photo: charleston.net]

Related Stories:
· S.C.'s Hard Rock Park Files for Bankruptcy After Inaugural Season [USA Today]
· Hard Rock Park [Official Site]
· Theme Park Coverage [Jaunted]