One of the biggest pieces of news that we’re still processing from last year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando was the announcement that Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach (of all places) would be the recipients of Rocky Mountain Construction’s latest single-rail “Raptor” model.
Someone else who is still processing the attention that the announcement received? Family Kingdom’s Dean Corl, whose family, owners of Powers Great American Midways on the east coast fair circuit, took over co-ownership and operations of the seaside Myrtle Beach seaside amusement park in 2022, and in 2026, the park celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Joined by park superfan Michael Dutterer (coasters.haunts.darkrides on TikTok and YouTube), Andrew talks to things about all things Family Kingdom – from history, to how the family makes decisions on attractions, to Michael’s visit during opening weekend, the love for (and almost-demise of) the historic Swamp Fox wooden coaster, and yes, there’s a good bit of conversation about that still-to-be named RMC Raptor as well.
If you’re looking for a candid look behind the scenes at one of the southeast’s amusement park “hidden gems,” look no further than this episode of the Coaster101 Podcast.
Listen to the podcast in the player below, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode! And please give us a rating and review wherever you listen, it helps new listeners find us!
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Thanks to JM Entertainment for providing our theme song. For more on them, check out jmentgrp.com
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