Hersheypark – 100 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033

Have a Hersheypark Happy kind of day filled with thrills, chills & all the sweetest treats in Hershey, Pennsylvania!

If you haven’t been before, there is so much to do at Hersheypark including over 70 attractions (15 being roller coasters!), a zoo, a waterpark & our favorite coaster – the Great Bear! If you find yourself vacationing in or even just driving through central Pennsylvania this year, this is one stop the whole family will absolutely adore.

Below are a few of our tips to help you maximize the fun & plan the best trip ever to the Sweetest Place on Earth. Thank you to Hershey Resorts & Entertainment for hosting our visits in exchange for this review!

Hersheypark History

Located in the heart of beautiful central Pennsylvania and along the banks of Spring Creek, Hersheypark is a family-friendly amusement park located about 15 minutes from the State Capital of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and just a few hours from both Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and it has been a family tradition since we were both very young. Growing up, we were lucky enough to call The Sweetest Place on Earth our home park.

We were season pass holders from very young ages, and we visited Hersheypark on school trips, with family and friends, and also for company picnics in the Park when our employers rented out areas of the park for work events – those were the best! Hersheypark is by far the park we’ve visited the most, next to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Hersheypark opened on Memorial Day in 1906 and it was founded by Milton S. Hershey as a perk for the employees (& their families) of The Hershey Chocolate Company. Milton Hershey wanted Hershey, PA to be more than just another industrial town, so he created this special place his employees could go with their families.

The Park became a formal “Amusement Park” as we know it today in the 1970’s with a major renovation laying out the various “Lands” that we came to know in our childhood like Tudor Square, Minetown and Tower Plaza. Over the years, new attractions were added to the park and its footprint was expanded many times, most notably in the 1980’s and 1990’s when we began going with our families, so we are proud to say we grew up with Hersheypark – as they grew, so did we!

In 2020, an entirely new entrance area was unveiled taking us from what was then a more Pennsylvania Dutch-themed Tudor Square to now Chocolatetown, and although we miss having meals at The Tudor Grill, a sit down table-service restaurant that is no longer in operation today, we absolutely love the new entrance and all the additions that came along with it!

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The Sweetest Attractions on Earth

With over 70 attractions and 38,000 feet of coaster track, there’s something for everyone at Hersheypark!

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Enjoy a fun & free family-friendly ride through The Hershey Company’s chocolate manufacturing history year-round at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Located just outside of the Park’s gates, the attraction is open year-round, even when the amusement park is closed, and the best part of this classic amusement dark ride, besides the adorable singing cows, is the free Hershey’s chocolate bar at the end of every ride!

In 2023, Hershey’s Chocolate World is celebrating 50 Years, and we can think of no better way to do so than with a 1,000 pound chocolate sculpture that smells insanely good but is just too beautiful to eat!

For us, it’s a family tradition to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World Christmas week to grab a few stocking stuffers (because who doesn’t want chocolate for Christmas?) and take a ride through Hershey’s Chocolate World. We always purchase the souvenir photo afterwards and hang them on the fridge as a collection of hilarious memories from over the years.

Candymonium

Known as the tallest, fastest, longest and sweetest roller coaster at Hersheypark, Candymonium is a B&M Coaster that was introduced in July of 2020 after a major reimagining of Hersheypark’s main gate area formerly known as Tudor Square.

This coaster is the first thing you will see when entering the park, and it’s impossible to miss. Featuring a 210 foot drop and reaching speeds of 75+ miles per hour, Candymonium provides not only an incredible ride, but also fantastic scenery as the trains travel along Spring Creek and of course the finishing touch is a beautiful banked turn by the Hershey Kiss Fountain. This ride features so many little touches that us long time Hershey fans can appreciate like the chocolate brown color of the ride track, and the three ride vehicles being named after Reeses, Kisses & Twizzlers.

Carrousel

Also just inside the parks’ main entrance, and immediately across from Candymonium, is Hersheypark’s Carrousel. At over 100 years old, this beautifully themed carrousel features 66 hand-carved stationary and moving wooden horses and it was manufactured by The Philadelphia Toboggan Company who also built Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Prior to finding its permanent home at Hersheypark, the Carrousel was also on display at two previous theme parks in Maryland and New York.

Shop Janine’s “Somewhere Warm” Sweatshirt: https://rstyle.me/+FTQD2rocVDnle-Uo7LGdhQ

The Carrousel is one of the most popular rides in the park, and for good reason. Aside from the standard circus themed-horses, there is also one horse painted chocolate brown in honor of the Milton Hershey School. Day or night, a trip to Hersheypark would not be complete without a ride with the whole family on the carrousel.

The Great Bear

Located in The Hollow and opened in 1998, this B&M inverted coaster was one of the first inverted coasters we ever rode & it was also the first inverted looping coaster in the State of Pennsylvania. At the time, The Great Bear was only the sixth coaster at Hersheypark.

With a total track length of 2,800 feet, a maximum height of 90 feet, a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour, and for us both – it was love at first sight. A ride on Great Bear weaves its track through several other major rides within the Park including Superdooperlooper and Coal Cracker.

If you’re familiar with Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey (our other home park), The Great Bear is nearly identical to Batman: The Ride as well as Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

SooperDooperLooper

This Anton Schwarzkopf steel roller coaster opened in 1977, and became an instant Hersheypark classic.

The ride features one 57-foot vertical loop right out of the gate & tops out at 45 miles per hour. It’s a great first coaster for young riders, and it’s a must ride on every visit.

Wildcat’s Revenge

The original Wildcat wooden roller coaster opened in 1996 as a part of Hersheypark’s Midway America, closing in 2022. In the Summer of 2023, Wildcat’s Revenge is officially open and ready to ride! We couldn’t wait to climb aboard the reimagining of the very first coaster we ever rode together when we used to visit Hershey in our younger years. This wood and steel hybrid coaster, crafted by RMC, features four inversions and the “World’s Largest Underflip” – an upward climb into a 270-degree roll made from a portion of the original Wildcat’s lift hill.

With a smooth and exhilarating ride time of over 150 seconds and a top speed of 62 mph, Wildcat’s Revenge is 10/10! Hershey really hit out of the Park.

Skyview

We’ve said it many times before and we’ll say it again, the best way to see a new place is from above. The best way to explore Hersheypark as a first timer is with a ride on Skyview, the park’s roundtrip aerial gondola ride through The Hollow and along beautiful Spring Creek.

We absolutely love this family-friendly ride for it’s laid back vibe and of course those up close and personal views of both The Superdooperlooper and The Great Bear as it roars through The Hollow.

The Kissing Tower

Another way to experience Hersheypark from above is on The Kissing Tower which revolves as it elevates riders in an enclosed cabin to over 250 feet offering 360 degree views of not only Hersheypark but also Hershey, PA. This is a classic Hersheypark attraction.

The Kissing Tower, manufactured by Intamin, opened in 1975 and it is the tallest attraction at Hersheypark. It is named after Hershey Kisses candy, and the windows that riders view through are shaped like giant glass-filled Hershey Kisses. We’ve shared some of our most memorable kisses a top The Kissing Tower, and we have our own belief that kissing high atop Kissing Tower is good luck.

Hershey Triple Tower

Located on Kissing Tower Hill, this set of three individual space shot drop tower rides manufactured by S&S features the Kisses Tower at 80 feet tall, the Reese’s Tower at 131 feet tall, and the Hershey’s Tower at 189 feet. Add to that height the fact that each of these three towers sits high atop Kissing Tower Hill and looks down over ZooAmerica, Trailblazer, and Pioneer Frontier.

Of the three, our favorite would be the Hershey’s Tower which features both a space shot & a turbo drop. This ride is very similar to one of our favorites, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall (also manufactured by S&S) at Universal Orlando’s Island’s of Adventure. There’s absolutely nothing more exhilarating than being rocketed to the top and then blasting back down to the bottom. This gives riders two cycles of both positive and negative G-Forces! Although it’s absolutely terrifying for Janine with her fear of heights, she cannot deny how amazing the views are.

Ferris Wheel

Located in Midway America, this family-friendly Ferris Wheel is an absolute must-ride on every single visit to Hersheypark. We’ve ridden at night, during the day, and during periods of heavy rain and each and every ride has been a memorable one.

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From high atop the Ferris Wheel, riders can take in the views of Midway America, The Boardwalk, and of course coasters like Lightning Racer and Wildcat’s Revenge. The Ferris Wheel has been open since 1997, and we’ve been riding it since opening day.

The Boardwalk

Did you know Hersheypark has a waterpark inside the Park and it, along with ZooAmerica, is included in your admission? Arrive early & head to The Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s very own water park.

Transport yourself to the boardwalks of the Northeast featuring 15 attractions over 11 acres and the most delicious Nathan’s Hot Dogs. Bring your swimsuit along to enjoy the water park which is also included in your admission & full of fun for the entire family – the best part is you never have to leave the park itself because The Boardwalk is located right next to Midway America.

We had an absolute blast splashing our way through East Coast Water Works and lounging along the Intercoastal Waterway. Those summer days in Pennsylvania can get HOT, so we came prepared and ready to spend a full day at Hersheypark’s Waterpark.

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The Sweetest Food on Earth

When it comes to the food, Hersheypark does it right. From perfectly popped amusement park popcorn to refreshing lemonade, freshly fried donuts, walking tacos & crab fries, the food at Hersheypark is way beyond basic. There truly is no shortage of good eats & sweet treats! Have a cheat day with our Guide to Hersheypark Eats – you’re at the Sweetest Place on Earth after all: https://bucation.com/2023/08/18/hersheypark-the-sweetest-food-on-earth-in-hershey-pennsylvania/

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Admission

The regular operating season for Hersheypark is April 1 through January 1st, and there are a variety of ticket options when visiting Hersheypark.

Below we share the general admission information and then we also share some of the most popular discounted tickets in our Sweetest Tips section as well.

• Children ages 2 and under are FREE
• 1-Day Ticket at the Gate $84.95 USD per person ages 9-61
• 1-Day Junior Ticket $54.99 USD per person ages 3-8 (same price online or at the gate)
• 1-Day Senior Citizen Ticket $54.99 USD per person ages 62 and up (same price online or at the gate)
• 1-Day Ticket Advanced Purchase Online $64.99 USD per person ages 9-61 *Save $20.00*

Parking:

Does preferred parking get you closer to the Gate? Sure, but no matter where you chose to Park, Hersheypark does a great job getting you to the gate via the complimentary parking tram.

• General Parking at the Gate is $25.00 USD per vehicle per day
• Advanced Purchase General Parking is available for a discount online at $20.00 USD per vehicle
• Preferred Parking ranges from $35.00 – $55.00 USD per vehicle per day. No discounts are offered.

Season Pass Information:

• Bite Size Season Pass – includes unlimited visits all year long and 50% off parking for $170.00 USD per person ages 3 and up
• Full Size Season Pass – includes unlimited visits, free parking & 1-hour early access to the park for $210.00 USD per person ages 3 and up
• King Size Season Pass – includes unlimited visits, free parking, early access & an all-year beverage package for $240.00 USD per person ages 3 and up

Read on to learn more about special discounts offered for 1-Day ticket purchases

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The Sweetest Tips on Earth

We want your trip to the Sweetest Place on Earth to be the best day ever, so below are a few tips to make your day as Hersheypark Happy as possible!

Leave the cash at home because Hersheypark is completely cash free. From food to games & vending machines, cash is not accepted.

Hersheypark Resort Perks

Book a stay at an official Hersheypark Resort to take advantage of amazing perks like complimentary shuttle service, & get a sweet sneak peek with 1-hour early access to select attractions with Sweet Start:

• The Hotel Hershey – This AAA Four-Diamond Award-Winning upscale hotel experience is an official resort of Hersheypark featuring free parking, shuttle service, onsite restaurants, a fitness center, pool, beautifully maintained resort grounds, and the famous spa. The Hotel Hershey is the closer of the three official hotels, so it makes it easier for you to maximize your time in the parks. Book your stay at The Hotel Hershey here: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/Ht2P5wKh
• The Hershey Lodge – Another official Hersheypark resort, The Hershey Lodge is the older and more affordable of the two official hotels. Reserve a room at The Hershey Lodge today: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/Pqqi1Fwx
• The Hersheypark Camping Resort – The official campground of Hersheypark is pet-friendly, clean, & offers free parking, free wifi, a pool, and a complimentary shuttle to the park. Book a cabin or campsite today: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/HTR2AqVx

Discounted Retail Tickets

There are a number of retailers who offer discounted Hersheypark tickets, but the one we have the most experience with is GIANT Food Stores. We have been purchasing our Hersheypark tickets at GIANT for many years (it used to be that they were only good for weekday use, but now they are good for a visit any day of the week!), and it’s by far our favorite of the deals available.

Save $25.00 USD per person when you purchase your Hersheypark tickets at GIANT Food Stores. That’s right! The gate price may be $84.95 USD per person and the online advance purchase price may be $64.99 USD per person, but at GIANT Food Stores, you can grab your Hersheypark tickets for $60.80 USD per person! This is by far the best deal there is.

You can purchase your discounted tickets at any GIANT Food Stores service desk in person or online using GIANT Direct with the link here: https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/discounted-hersheypark-tickets

Hersheypark Mid-Week Savings

Skip the weekends & plan a weekday visit to avoid the crowds. We visited on a Monday, but our pick for the best day is Wednesdays. During the summer months, Hersheypark offers a “Mid-Week Savings” ticket which allows discounted admission Mondays through Thursdays all summer long for $54.99 USD/per person.

Download the Hersheypark App for the most up to date Ride Wait Times

Hersheypark Preview Hours

Take advantage of “Preview Hours” which allow ticket holders to enter the Park up to 3 hours before park closing the day prior to your scheduled visit completely free of charge.

Hersheypark Happy Hours

Since we’re lucky enough to have Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, in our backyard (seriously we couldn’t be happier) there’s nothing we love more than popping over to the Park after work on a weeknight. This year, we’re taking advantage of the Hersheypark Happy Hours Ticket, a discounted ticket that allows admission to Hersheypark, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark and ZooAmerica any day and anytime after 4:00 p.m. through September for just $36.99.

Get their early to beat the crowds at park opening for the best way to build those coaster credits early with some of the Park’s best attractions like Lightning Racer, Wildcat’s Revenge, & Laff Trakk minus the crowds.

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A very big THANK YOU to Hershey Resorts & Entertainment for hosting our visits to Hersheypark. We collected all 15 coaster credits on over 38,000 feet of track, and we made memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you Hersheypark for hosting the sweetest amusement park visits ever & we can’t recommend Hersheypark enough – ESPECIALLY during the summer!

If you find yourself in central Pennsylvania this Summer, we hope our Guide has you riding all the rides and eating all the chocolate things at Hersheypark!

Are you planning a first or next visit to Hersheypark? Let us know in the comments below.

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