Amusement Park News

Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is preparing to deliver new thrills in 2026, according to park co-owner Les “Corky” Powers. Powers purchased the iconic seaside attraction in 2022 with his wife Debbie and partner Bill Prescott, saving it from closure or serious decline.

“The park is in a prime location,” Powers says. “The previous owners never really made it come alive. There wasn't much maintenance and there was no real marketing. We bought it three years ago, and as we head into our fourth season, we're excited to bring in another new ride.”

Since taking ownership, Powers and his team have made substantial improvements throughout the park. “We added shade umbrellas, seating, and a lot of overall enhancements,” he explains. “We removed 13 antiquated rides and replaced them with 13 newer, more diverse attractions. We also rotate rides regularly to keep the experience fresh, while some attractions remain permanent fixtures.”

Today, Family Kingdom features 30 rides, including a popular log flume water ride and the classic Sally dark ride Pistolero Round Up, one of the few of its kind ever built. “Pistolero is a true classic,” Powers says. “It was one of the first interactive rides of its type and has 92 working pop-up laser targets. Each car has two fully functioning guns, all the effects work, and the theming is strong. It's a Mexican cowboy scene that still surprises guests.”

Powers notes that his ownership of Great American Midway gives him flexibility when it comes to ride inventory. “We have so many rides,” he says with a laugh. “That allows us to move attractions in and out and keep things interesting.”

Additional changes have improved access and value for guests. “We have 500 feet of oceanfront property along Ocean Boulevard that we're converting into a parking lot,” Powers explains. “Beachgoers can park there, and if they arrive within the first hour of park opening, they can ride for $30 instead of $40.”

Powers has stepped back from much of his traveling carnival route, turning day-to-day operations over to his family. “Running the park isn't as demanding as being on the road,” he says. “I spend much of my day in the shop and then head into the park. There are no fair committees and no constant travel.”

He and his wife Debbie have a blended family, and responsibilities are divided accordingly. “My children, Tracy Thomas and Eddie Powers and their families, handle most of the carnival route, while my two stepsons run Family Kingdom,” he explains. “They really operate the park. I just pay the bills,” he adds jokingly.

Because many guests spend their days at the beach, Family Kingdom operates on a later schedule. On weekdays, the park opens at 5 p.m. and remains open until midnight. Weekend hours begin at 3 p.m. The operating season runs from May through September 7 next year.

One of the park's most significant investments has been its iconic wooden coaster, Swamp Fox, which turns 60 this year. “We've invested about a million dollars a year into it since we took over,” Powers says. “We're now in the final phase of work. The coaster is such an important part of the park that we almost renamed the property ‘Swamp Fox Park.' It's been here since 1966.”



Addressing infrastructure challenges was also a priority. “The park was really on its last legs when we acquired it,” Powers says. “Right after we bought it, we experienced three flooding events. We cleaned up, recovered, and made significant improvements.”

The flooding is tied to a city-owned swash that runs through the property. “A swash is a swamp-like waterway where ocean water and debris collect,” Powers explains. “When it isn't maintained, sand and seaweed build up and cause overflow. We clean it regularly, but it's an ongoing challenge. The city has committed to helping maintain it, and we're working together on that.”



Powers emphasizes Family Kingdom's importance to the Myrtle Beach tourism economy. “The area sees 18 to 20 million visitors during the season,” he says. “They come for the beach, but they also need affordable entertainment. Many families come to Myrtle Beach specifically to visit Family Kingdom.”

He adds that the park appeals to families seeking value. “Not everyone can afford Disney or Universal, but they still want a quality amusement park experience. Here, they can have a great time without spending $200 per person just to walk through the gate.”

For 2026, Family Kingdom is offering a season pass that includes unlimited visits, discounted guest wristbands for up to six guests, 15% off birthday parties, two bring-a-friend-free days in May and August, and $2 souvenir cup refills. The pass wasavailable for presale through Christmas Day at $89.99, with regular pricing set at $159.

Daily park admission is free. Guests can purchase unlimited ride wristbands or individual ride credits. An all-day wristband costs $45, or $30 if purchased within the first hour of operation or for groups of 15 or more. Military members and local residents can purchase discounted wristbands for $25. Individual ride credits cost $1 each, with attractions requiring between four and 18 credits.

“Balancing operating costs with affordable pricing has been a learning curve,” Powers says. “But this year has been incredibly successful.”

Despite that success, Powers identified a gap in regional thrill offerings. “There really haven't been any major coasters along the coast until you reach Florida,” he says.

That is about to change. Family Kingdom plans to debut a new Rocky Mountain Construction single-rail coaster in July 2026. The Raptor-style ride will rise more than 100 feet, feature open single-seat cars, reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, and include multiple high-thrill elements and inversions.



“We'll retheme the ride to reflect the area, likely with an ocean-inspired concept,” Powers says. “Our goal is to have it running by the July 4 weekend. We're already surveying the site and installing pilings. Track components are arriving now. It's going to be something special.”
If early enthusiasm is any indication, Family Kingdom guests are likely to agree.