As readers know, RexandtheBeast.com purchased a seat on the first ride on Led Zeppelin - The Ride through a charity auction at the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C. On April 15, 2008, I (Rex) had the opportunity to take that ride (Row 8 Seat 1).

First, let me say the Hard Rock Park staff was unbelievably enthusiastic and helpful during the whoe process. From leading us into the park to helping take pictures and video, they were really amazing. Steve Goodwin, the CEO of Hard Rock Park and John ??? were great, shaking hands, giving autographs and taking pictures. I got a great picture with each of Steve and John, which you can see in the pictures section.

Now, the Ride. As you walk up to Led Zeppelin, you notice the great themeing that is in place. The load area is covered by a huge silver zeppelin and various statues surround the area. There is a signature double neck guitar that has music flowing from it (and water too) in front that is interactive...when you take certain actions around it Zeppelin tunes come from it.

As you walk through the queue, you have big screen tvs playing Zeppelin concert clips and great posters and other wall hangings (including a reproduction of the cover of The Song Remains the Same). Ultimately, when you get to the pre-load area, there is video playing of a pseudo-Wayne's World (without Myers or Carvey) and then a funny explanation of the safety systems comes on (at one point the characters scratch themselves and take other funny actions while the explanation is running). Then you enter a darkened room where short video interviews with the members of Led Zeppelin play before it breaks into a concert/video clip of "Whole Lotta Love" (the video includes a shot of Robert Plant on stage showing a little of where the title comes from). Then, in the middle of the playing of that..the doors open to the ride vehicles...

After some publicity shots and other media actions, we are off! The Ride has a lift hill into a great drop, maybe the best B&M coaster drop I have ever been on. Then you move into six inversions, including a 120' tall loop, 95' tall cobra roll, and a 75' tall zero-g roll, all while "Whole Lotta Love" blasts out of the speakers in front of each seat. Also, although they were not working, there will be video cameras set up to film you during the ride (in front of each seat). As befits a new coaster it was remarkably smooth and the inversions were some of the best I have been on for not knocking you around or causing "headaches." As we came into the unload area, we all started chanting "One More Time! One More Time!" and Steve and John gave the go-ahead to give it another go!

The only major issue I have with the coaster is it is fairly short...but it is a great time! Rex gives it a big thumbs up!

Look for Rex and the Beast's podcast coming soon on Rex's thoughts on Hard Rock Park as a whole. Until then, Join the Journey!