Myrtle Beach’s iconic seaside landmark, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, has announced its largest expansion in decades. To celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026, the park will debut the Southeast’s first single-rail Raptor roller coaster alongside four brand-new thrill attractions.
Since opening in 1966, Family Kingdom has been a staple of the Grand Strand skyline. The 2026 investment marks a bold step forward, bringing modern, high-energy ride technology to the historic oceanfront site.
The Raptor Coaster: A New Seaside Legend
The centerpiece of the expansion is a custom-designed Raptor Coaster from the world-renowned coaster builders at Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC). This cutting-edge single-rail design features a thin strip of steel that riders straddle, offering an incredibly smooth and intense experience with "open-air" seating on both sides.
Fast Facts for the New Coaster:
- Height: 100 feet (towering nearly 30 feet over the historic Swamp Fox).
- Top Speed: 52 mph.
- Track Length: 1,920 feet.
- Inversions: Three "gravity-defying" flips.
- Airtime: Five unique "stomach-flipping" airtime moments.
While the official name remains a secret, park owners have teased fans to "use their imagination" given the ride’s prime location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Construction is officially underway, with track deliveries arriving this month for a scheduled Late Summer 2026 debut.
Four New Thrills for 2026
In addition to the landmark coaster, Family Kingdom is diversifying its flat-ride lineup with four attractions never before seen at the park. These additions are designed to offer a mix of high-speed rotation and family-friendly excitement:
- Inferno: A high-energy spinning attraction promised to be one of the park's most intense flat rides.
- Kraken: A nautically-themed thrill ride that fits perfectly with the seaside atmosphere.
- Colossus: A towering new addition that will offer guests a new perspective of the Myrtle Beach shoreline.
- Crazy Chopper: A family-friendly ride that brings a whimsical "flight" experience to younger guests.
The park has also confirmed the return of two fan-favorites, The Flip Side and The Lunartic, ensuring the 2026 season offers the most robust ride inventory in the park's history.
Celebrating 60 Years
The expansion arrives just as the park's legendary wooden coaster, the Swamp Fox, celebrates its own 60th anniversary. By pairing the classic 1966 wooden coaster with a 2026 RMC Raptor, Family Kingdom is positioning itself as a unique destination where "Golden Age" charm meets the future of thrill-ride engineering.
"As we approach our 60th Anniversary, this coaster represents our commitment to investing in the future while honoring our history," said Corky Powers, Owner of Family Kingdom. "This is a major investment in both Family Kingdom and Myrtle Beach."
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