Family Kingdom is Leveling Up in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is known for many things, including mini golf courses, tourist traps, and, of course, the 60 miles of coastline known as the Grand Strand. One mainstay is the seaside amusement park Family Kingdom, formerly known as the Grand Strand Amusement Park.
A Change in Ownership
My first visit to Family Kingdom was in 2020. I went back in April 2022 to spend more time there and visit the now-defunct FunPlex amusement park. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed many rides on the historic Swamp Fox wooden coaster, some of which I posted on our YouTube channel. Every time I have the chance to ride, the coaster seems smoother – especially in the front.
In September 2022, Family Kingdom was purchased by local investors, including Bill Prescott (who manages Pavilion Park at Broadway at the Beach) and Les and Debbie Powers of Powers Great American Midways. I was very familiar with Powers from their operation of the midway at the NC State Fair. Powers had never operated a permanent location, so the partnership with Prescott makes a lot of sense.
Classic and New Attractions
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I returned to Family Kingdom in June 2026. The park had invited me out for a celebration of Swamp Fox’s 60th Anniversary, and I was looking forward to seeing what had changed.
My first impression was that the main attractions I enjoyed from my previous visits were still there: The Great Pistolero Roundup dark ride, the train, the Twist ‘n Shout coaster, the log flume, and of course, The Swamp Fox roller coaster.
What impressed me most was that the new owners seem to have added quite a few flat rides around the classic attractions. The park feels like a permanent state or county fair midway with both high-thrill and kid-friendly flat rides, which makes sense given the owner’s experience acquiring, maintaining, and operating portable rides for fair midways. Wait times seemed very reasonable on a holiday in June; my longest wait was perhaps 10-15 minutes to ride Swamp Fox in the front row. The coaster was only running one train, but two trains didn’t seem to be entirely necessary.
There are carnival-style food stands around the park offering a variety of fried foods and sweet treats. Since I rarely visit the area, I decided to try a local restaurant after my visit rather than eat at the park. For adults, a tiki bar is open in front of Swamp Fox, offering frozen drinks, beer, prosecco, non-alcoholic drinks, and more. Admittedly, the tiki bar is a strange juxtaposition to the classic coaster behind it. I think the placement makes sense, since the Swamp Fox is the park's premier attraction. However, it could have a Swamp Fox theme and a fun name, such as the Foxhole or the Swamp Fox Saloon.
I really like that the park is admission-free, and you only need to pay for on-site parking and rides. Finding a spot can sometimes be a hassle on the Grand Strand, so it’s great that the park has its own lot (shared with a Friendly’s restaurant) and there are also a few public lots surrounding the park. All of that parking will certainly be needed for the new addition in 2027!
Speaking of…
The New Single-Rail Coaster
When addressing the attendees of the Swamp Fox celebration, Dean Corl of Family Kingdom was very aware that everyone wanted to know the details of the park’s planned 2027 addition. The announcement of the Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) Raptor single-rail coaster was one of the few surprises from the IAAPA 2025 tradeshow.
Dean, who recently sat down with the Coaster101 Podcast, has been the face of Family Kingdom. He’s been very transparent with the status of the coaster and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
The new coaster was originally planned for 2026, but it is now scheduled for 2027. The good news is that the land is cleared and ready for the RMC track arrival and coaster assembly.
A Bright Future Ahead
After my recent visit, I feel like the park is in very good hands. I chatted with a few different employees, and they all seem to genuinely care about the park and what it means to Myrtle Beach. During the Swamp Fox celebration, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark Kruea addressed the crowd and expressed the community's gratitude for the preservation of the historic coaster.
After the official event, I enjoyed a few rides on various attractions, a local draft beer from the tiki bar, and bought a new T-shirt and a Family Kingdom magnet. I learned that it’s the first year that Family Kingdom is offering park merchandise.
It’s going to be fun watching the coaster rise up on Ocean Boulevard. I’m hoping to stop by again this year! If not, I’ll certainly be back for 2027.
Watch the Video
Check out our video from Family Kingdom to see the Swamp Fox party and more sights from the park.
Visit Family Kingdom’s website for park tickets and more information.
