(Myrtle Beach-AP) July 14, 2003 - Experts say a major theme park along South Carolina's Grand Strand is highly unlikely in the next few years.

Orlando amusement park planner Jon Binkowski and a group of investors have proposed transforming part of Fantasy Harbour off US Highway 501 into a family theme park with rides and shows.

Binkowski has asked Horry County to rezone 150 acres for a park. But, the plans could be hurt by the area's small year-round population, a plateau in the number of visitors to the area each year and an ever-shrinking season.

The proposal's first stop is the Horry County Planning Commission, which will consider a rezoning request August 6th. Horry County Council would have to approve the rezoning, which would take at least six weeks. Sketches of the proposed park will be presented at the August 6th meeting.

Binkowski says he thinks the Myrtle Beach area would be a good one for an amusement park. He says he thinks Myrtle Beach is where Orlando was 15 or 20 years ago.

updated 8:02am by Chris Rees