"A
Family Kingdom of Fun"
by Discover Myrtle Beach
It's hard to believe it's been sixteen years since the
purchase the old Grand Strand Amusement Park way back
in 1991. Along with the new owners came a new name, the
Family Kingdom Amusement Park. The location is perfect
for those who are staying at the beach since the park
resides in the center of Myrtle Beach, just across from
the ocean, and its a name locals and tourists have come
to know as a true main attraction in Myrtle Beach, with
rides for kids and adults to enjoy.
After the purchase, the legendary Swamp Fox Roller Coaster
underwent a complete refurbishing according to the original
specifications of the original design by John Allen in
1966. The totally refurbished wooden roller coaster boasts
2,800 feet of running track (which is a half-mile long),
and a 62 foot free fall drop. Originally built in 1966
by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it still remains
the largest and the only all-wooden roller coaster in
the area today.
Another famed attraction is the Antique Carousel. A little
known bit of history is attached to this ride. The carousel
built in 1932 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and
was moved to Myrtle Beach from Asbury Park, N.J. While
the carousel does not have the original animals, the outside
horses were made from the original cast.
Another
signature attraction at Family Kingdom is the largest
Ferris wheel in South Carolina. With a height of 100 feet,
riders of The Giant Wheel, can climb aboard for a awe-inspiring,
panoramic view of Myrtle Beach and look out over the Atlantic
Ocean.
When opening day under the new name rolled around, back
in 1992, Family Kingdom started out with a total of 21
rides. Today the amusement park is home to approximately
34 rides. Since it is a "family-oriented" park,
as the name suggests, its also home to many attractions
for the little ones. There are a total of 17 kiddie rides,
all of which, Family Kingdom says have been "kid
tested and family approved".
So
many rides at this park will easily fill your day with
fun and excitement. From the scenic ride on the mini locomotive
as it weaves it way throughout the park, to the dramatic
spin on the Hurricane and the Thunderbolt, to the high-flying
Yo-Yo swings. For an interactive, dark ride that gives
you a chance to check out your shooting skills you can
try your marksmanship on the great Pistolero Roundup.
Finally as one of the newer rides in recent years, the
Slingshot Drop Zone gets your adrenaline pumping with
a 100 foot freefall...straight down.
With all that much excitement you'd think you were finished.
However, you'd be completely wrong as the fun continues
right across the street at the oceanfront attraction known
as the Family Kingdom Water Park. This second park, which
was purchased in 1997, this is the only water park in
Myrtle Beach directly on the beach.
On a hot South Carolina day, the Family Kingdom Water
Park offers hours of wet fun with our all of their water
attractions. There are wet and wild flumes, one with a
185 foot drop, two exhilarating, high speed water slides,
two intermediate speed slides, kiddie pools, waterfalls,
rain trees, and a 400 square foot lazy river to enjoy
when you want to just relax and drift around..
A great feature of the Family Kingdom Water Park is that
if you feel the need, guests can leave the park and walk
out onto the beach to take a quick dip in the ocean, or
build a sandcastle on the beach. With the Family Kingdom
Water Park wristband, you can come as go as you please.
Last, but not least, there are always surprises to be
experienced. From performances by magicians, clowns, and
other fun entertainers including Elvis, yes we said Elvis,
and of course King Arthur, the King of Family Fun himself.
So when you come to Myrtle Beach the Family Kingdom Amusement
Park and Water Park should defiantly be on your list of
things to do. The Kingdom of Fun awaits, so enjoy.
Family Kingdom, 300 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
Amusement Park: 843-626-3447
Water Park: 843-916-0400
Groups Sales: 843-916-8378
Website: www.family-kingdom.com
