Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, isn’t just another beachside attraction; it’s a destination steeped in classic amusement park charm, and at its heart stands the Swamp Fox roller coaster. This wooden marvel isn’t the newest or tallest ride on the block, but it packs a punch of old-school thrills that keep riders coming back for more. I recently experienced the Swamp Fox firsthand, and what I discovered was a coaster that defies its age, offering a uniquely exciting experience that’s a must-do for any visitor to Myrtle Beach.
A Ride Back in Time: Classic Coaster Design
Swamp Fox immediately grabs your attention as the park’s largest ride, a prominent figure against the Myrtle Beach skyline. Its classic figure-eight layout might appear unassuming from a distance, but don’t let looks deceive you. Getting in line is straightforward – you can opt for individual ride tickets or take advantage of the all-day wristband, a great value at $23.50 for unlimited thrills across Family Kingdom. As you approach the queue, you might spot a sign proclaiming Swamp Fox as an “8th Best Roller Coaster in the U.S.” – a nod to past accolades, possibly from the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards, hinting at the ride’s esteemed history within the coaster community.
Stepping into the station is like stepping back in time. The slanted wooden platform, a hallmark of classic wooden coasters, immediately sets the nostalgic tone. The large, vintage levers, though no longer in primary use for dispatch, are a tangible reminder of roller coaster history. The station’s design, reminiscent of iconic coasters like the Dragon Coaster and Coney Island Cyclone, efficiently guides riders through the loading and unloading process, adding to the overall classic amusement park feel.
Front Seat Fun: Scenic Views and Gentle Thrills
For my first ride, I chose a seat towards the front of the train, specifically the front seat of the second car. The cars themselves are equipped with comfortable single-position lap bars and seatbelts, ensuring a secure yet unrestricted ride experience. As the train smoothly departs the station, there’s no dramatic launch – just a gentle creep into a turn and then the slow, anticipated climb up the lift hill.
This ascent is a highlight in itself, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, stretching out just beyond the park’s perimeter. It’s a moment to soak in the coastal scenery before the real excitement begins. Reaching the peak, the train makes a sharp U-turn and then plunges down the 65-foot first drop. Swamp Fox hits its stride here, delivering a perfect blend of exhilarating speed and a surprisingly smooth ride. Even for a coaster celebrating over four decades of operation, the ride is remarkably well-maintained, avoiding the jarring roughness sometimes associated with older wooden coasters.
Airtime Adventures: Floating and Ejector Thrills
The ride doesn’t let up after the initial drop. Ascending the second hill, I experienced a delightful “pop” of floater airtime, that sought-after sensation of being gently lifted from your seat. This was followed by a series of smaller hills and humps, each engineered to provide more airtime moments. These aren’t just gentle lifts; they offer a series of quick, fun bursts of airtime, keeping riders engaged and laughing. The train navigates these airtime hills with impressive momentum, leading into a series of turns before smoothly returning to the station brakes.
Swamp Fox’s 2,400-foot layout, while not excessively long, is cleverly designed to maximize thrills. The ride feels action-packed and satisfying, leaving you wanting just one more go. It’s a testament to classic coaster design where length isn’t everything; impactful and well-paced elements are key.
The Secret’s Out: Back Seat Thrills
Observing the longer queue for the back car sparked my curiosity. While some coaster enthusiasts naturally gravitate towards the back for heightened experiences, the wait for Swamp Fox’s last car seemed unusually long, even exceeding the front car line. Intrigued, and with time for just one more ride, I decided to investigate the back seat buzz.
And the buzz is real. The back seats of Swamp Fox are a hidden gem for thrill-seekers. Those moments of floater airtime experienced in the front are amplified into intense ejector airtime in the back. On every hill and drop, I was forcefully ejected from my seat, experiencing a level of airtime that rivals even some of the most extreme coasters. It became so intense that I instinctively held on, as the upward force lifted me so high that my legs raised the lap bar – a testament to the ride’s surprising intensity in the rear. For airtime aficionados, the back of the Swamp Fox is not just a ride; it’s an airtime challenge.
Why Swamp Fox and Family Kingdom are Worth a Visit
Swamp Fox is more than just a wooden roller coaster; it’s a well-preserved piece of amusement park history offering a genuinely thrilling experience. Set against the backdrop of Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom Amusement Park provides a charming, family-friendly alternative to the mega-parks. It’s a reminder that you don’t need towering heights or cutting-edge technology to deliver coaster thrills.
Family Kingdom offers a pay-per-ride or wristband system, making it flexible for families with varying ride preferences. Beyond Swamp Fox, the park features a range of classic amusement park rides, from carousels and Ferris wheels to spinning rides and kiddie attractions, ensuring there’s something for every age group. Its location right on the Myrtle Beach strip means you can easily combine a day at the beach with an evening of amusement park fun.
Final Verdict: 7.0 (Good)
Swamp Fox at Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts and families visiting Myrtle Beach. Whether you prefer a scenic and fun ride in the front or middle, or an extreme airtime experience in the back, Swamp Fox delivers. It’s a prime example of why smaller amusement parks can hold incredible roller coaster treasures. Don’t overlook Family Kingdom on your next Myrtle Beach vacation – Swamp Fox alone is worth the trip.
Share Your Experience!
Have you braved the Swamp Fox at Family Kingdom Amusement Park? What were your favorite moments? Share your ride experiences in the comments below!
Image 2 courtesy of CoasterImage.
