http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/business/story/548034.html

Laying off 25 to 30 of what was 2,000 at it's peak of the season?

OK, and why is this major?

Well, considering that the 25-30 people that were let go were not just seasonal workers, I`d say that is pretty telling that the park itself is struggling. Yes, it is not a drastic lay off, but still shows that they are facing some financial difficulties, since they cut some full timers.

Well, considering that the 25-30 people that were let go were not just seasonal workers, I`d say that is pretty telling that the park itself is struggling. Yes, it is not a drastic lay off, but still shows that they are facing some financial difficulties, since they cut some full timers.

Both full- and part-time employees in various areas of the business were laid off, he said.

The odd thing is that at this time of the year most parks are very short staffed as they find it hard to find workers. As of this Monday most every school throughout the South will be back in session.

There is widespread speculation that this is just the tip of the iceberg...and far worse is coming.

There is widespread speculation that this is just the tip of the iceberg...and far worse is coming.

Well if that's the tip of the iceberg it wouldn't be enough to chill a big old glass of sweet tea!

Rumor I hear is that after the parks last concert and labor day weekend, they may shut down and not open up till next seasson. I have heard a lot of conflicting reports but I keep hearing this one over and over. Would not be a good sign if happens and the park may not reopen if it shuts down that early.

Rumor I hear is that after the parks last concert and labor day weekend, they may shut down and not open up till next seasson. I have heard a lot of conflicting reports but I keep hearing this one over and over. Would not be a good sign if happens and the park may not reopen if it shuts down that early.

That would not be a great sign. I'd bet that they would close then and rethink strategy before next year.

It's too bad that HRP isn't doing well...I actually had a very enjoyable day there. Yeah, there's not a lot to do at this point, but it's really no worse than what Disney-MGM was in its first season. (And, at least you don't have to wait on anything at HRP...D-MGM was packed in it's early days.)

I thought the park was well done...the layout and theming was sort of "IOA-light". And my customer service experience was very good.

As someone pointed out here before the demographic makeup of MBSC probably just isn't right for a park like that.

Well MBSC is a family destination. I think its failure stems from horrible location, lack of advertising, people just dont know about it, and its a little pricey for what you get

It's too bad that HRP isn't doing well...I actually had a very enjoyable day there. Yeah, there's not a lot to do at this point, but it's really no worse than what Disney-MGM was in its first season. (And, at least you don't have to wait on anything at HRP...D-MGM was packed in it's early days.)

I thought the park was well done...the layout and theming was sort of "IOA-light". And my customer service experience was very good.

As someone pointed out here before the demographic makeup of MBSC probably just isn't right for a park like that.

I had completely forgotten about MGM when it opened. That was horrible! Talk about a lot of nothing to do. Considering that when EPCOT opened, it was absolutely amazing from the start - MGM was equally a let down.

I had two friends who actually were planning to move from Cincinnati down to Myrtle Beach to take full time jobs down there, one as an electrician and one in the park's rides department, about 2 weeks before they made the move they were notified Hard Rock Park was going into a "hiring freeze," and would no longer be hired. Unfortunately now they are in a disagreement with the landlord down there about backing out of the apartment they lined up and had to do a lot of backpedaling to make sure they got to keep their jobs here.

It's a sham Hard Rock Park is epic failing, maybe like has been said. . . it will turn around like MGM.

I had two friends who actually were planning to move from Cincinnati down to Myrtle Beach to take full time jobs down there, one as an electrician and one in the park's rides department, about 2 weeks before they made the move they were notified Hard Rock Park was going into a "hiring freeze," and would no longer be hired. Unfortunately now they are in a disagreement with the landlord down there about backing out of the apartment they lined up and had to do a lot of backpedaling to make sure they got to keep their jobs here.

It's a sham Hard Rock Park is epic failing, maybe like has been said. . . it will turn around like MGM.

Well, the landlord should be understanding if the job fell through. The larger apartments usually have it written into the lease that if someone is transfered that they can break a lease. Having the job fall through would be a similar type situation.

But, things happen for a reason and it's probably good that your buddies found out about all this prior to making the move.

It seems to me that somebody had a good idea but implemented it poorly. I think the concept is cool, but looking at the HRP map, theres hardly anything to do. Add the High prices, and of course downtime of rides being its the rides first year as well... really kinda makes you wonder how does anyone get started in the Amusement Park business? Obviously you can't open a park with a world class waterpark, and 7 monster multi-million dollar coasters, not without any profit anyway. Guess these days you have to be Cedar Fair, or Six Flags to actually open a new park!

Neither Cedar Fair nor Six Flags (as currently constituted) has opened a new park.

I was just down in Myrtle Beach all of last week (I didn't go to Hard Rock Park). I agree that the location is horrible. Too many empty buildings between 501 and the park. Also, it is a little confusing how to get to it.

They have plenty of advertising in Myrtle Beach, but very little outside of it.

A friend of mine went there today. He reports that by his estimate, there were fewer than 500 guests in the park.

We drove by around 11-11:30 in the morning and the parking lot was virtually empty. It is so sad because I love Myrtle Beach so much.