Goodwin said he believes that Hard Rock may be more attractive to visitors than continuing south to Florida theme parks.

"We're 500 miles closer to the major population centers of the Northeast," he said. "At $3.50 a gallon, that's a big amount of money when you add it up. Plus there are a lot more affordable motels in Myrtle Beach."

Hard Rock opens about a year and a half after Myrtle Beach's oceanfront Pavilion amusement park closed. The roller coasters and arcades there were part of the fabric of this beach community for more than half a century.

Unlike the Pavilion, which usually closed around Labor Day, Hard Rock plans to open its gates during the spring and fall shoulder seasons.

"We'll do Rocktoberfest, we'll do Halloween and we're looking to do Christmas," Goodwin said. "I think between us working with Myrtle Beach and selling ourselves that time of year, we'll be able to bring people in."

Back at the Statue of Liberty, there's another attraction, one of the park employees. Brian Glenn with his purple-streaked shock of hair, seems to be having as much fun as the visitors.

"I can wear my tattoos out. I can wear my piercings. I just get to run around and be myself," he said. "I tell them why I'm here, they start getting into it and we have a blast."

If you go ...

HARD ROCK PARK: 211 George Bishop Parkway, Myrtle Beach, S.C., www.hardrockpark.com or 843-236-7625. Soft opening hours through May 8, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Beginning May 9, open daily 10 a.m.-1 a.m., $50 per person (free for children under 3). Annual pass, $150. For grand opening June 3, park will close at 6 p.m. and reopen at 7 p.m. for a 9 p.m. Eagles concert, for which separate tickets must be purchased at $284.88.