Despite the surprise snowfall, one of the highlights of my weekend in #HersheyPA was definitely visiting Hersheypark! Milton S. Hershey opened the park back in 1907 as picnic grounds for his employees. Today, the property serves a family friendly amusement park covering 121 acres! Hersheypark features 13 roller coasters, over 25 other rides, live entertainment, a water park, games, food, and shops.
The Rides
As I mentioned in previous posts, I loved how the park is so family-friendly AND how well it is suited for multi-generation families. Being a single mom, with my son’s dad based out of State, it is often that we take vacations with my parents. Hersheypark has entertainment and rides for my 5 year old, as well as for his grandparents!
Luckily, there are also rides for thrill seekers like me! For instance check out Fahrenheit below. This vertical lift looping roller coaster ascends a 90 degree, 121 foot lift before plummeting down a 97-degree drop! Unfortunately the snow prevented the roller coasters from running that day. Though I know what I’m riding when I return…
Oh! By the way! Don’t forget to tag your photos on social media using the hashtag #Hersheyparkhappy. One of your photos may just end up on the Hersheypark website!
I was excited to see that Hersheypark actually has an indoor roller coaster! Laff Trakk is one of their newest rides, in a family friendly fun house.
The coaster spins riders on a track (where you can face forward or backwards) through glow in the dark colorful characters, a dizzying hall of mirrors, and more. Check out a POV video below!
My fellow bloggers and I had a blast exploring all the rides Hersheypark has to offer! Hopefully you noticed that we found time to update you all the happenings, even while we were enjoying the rides!
I should mention that while we visited the park, we were able to chat with the amusement park staff about this amazing property. I love that Hersheypark makes safety a priority, as well as accessibility so that they can appeal to not only multi-generations, but also families with disabilities, both visible and nonvisible. For more information, be sure to check out their Rider Safety and Park Accessibility section of their website.
Chocolate World
Sitting right outside the gates to Hersheypark is Chocolate World! Inside you’ll find attractions, shopping, and of course… chocolate. I should mention that while The Hershey’s Chocolate Making Tour is currently open, Hershey is giving the tour a major modern update! They will hold a grand unveiling of the re-imagined tour on May 14. Also now through May 8, you can help the final name of the new cows on the Chocolate Tour! Simply visit the Cow Voting Page.
Other attractions available in Chocolate World include the 4D Chocolate Mystery, Chocolate Tasting Experience, Hershey’s Photo Studio, Hershey Trolley Works… and you can create your own candy bar!
I put on my apron, slapped on a hair net, and headed into Hershey’s Innovation Center to make a candy bar for my son. I know he probably wouldn’t be too happy if I came home empty handed without any chocolate for him!
I love that there are so many options to choose from when making your candy bar. Plus you can to watch your chocolate as it goes along the conveyor belt in the factory.
Needless to say, my son was very happy with his dark chocolate candy bar that had cookie bits, butter toffee, and rainbow sprinkles. You even get to design your own label! I went with a classic looking, simply adding my son’s name, as seen below.
If you head over to Chocolate World, don’t forget to share your fun experience on social media! Simply use the hashtag #ChocolateAdventure.
The Food
When we arrived at Hersheypark on Saturday, we were treated to lunch at Hersheypark Place right inside the park. This air-conditioned restaurant offers full-service dining to guests. The staff had an amazing buffet ready for us to try all types of options that are offered.
Since my family is a group of meat-eaters, I was happy to see that the burgers are a meal option. Now I love a good juicy burger. But do you know what makes a burger even better? Bacon. The bacon blue cheese burger was amazing!
Though I must say, once I saw they had tacos, I was in heaven! As many of you know from my social media, I never miss a #TacoTuesday. It’s a tradition in our household. Hersheypark offers both soft shell and hard shell tacos, with a variety of protein options. I opted for a soft shell chicken taco and it was absolutely delicious! If I had any room in my stomach for seconds, THAT is the item I would have gone back for.
Now for my super picky 5 year old, I was glad to see pizza as an option. I tell you… that kid could eat pizza every day if I let him! Luckily I don’t. But certainly he would be allowed to indulge in his favorite food while visiting a special place such as Hersheypark. (Pssst, the park actually offers gluten-free pizza, which I’ll get to in a moment).
As for desserts, we tried some of the amazing offerings that can be found at Simply Chocolate. Chocolate bark, whoppie pies, chocolate covered bacon and Twizzlers, cupcakes, cheesecake, and more are all available. I’m going to give you a nice up close look of the delicious chocolate bark… Tempting, right?
Another popular Hersheypark dining option is Chickie’s & Pete’s! Have you tried their Crabfries yet? Amazing! You can also grab a Philly Cheese Steak, Chickie’s Cutlets, a Crab Pretzel, and more.
Do you have food allergies? No problem! Hersheypark offers “allergy-friendly, flavorful food,” over at The Outpost. This stand offers gluten-free and nut-free tasty meals and snack options such as pizza, chicken tenders, salads, and sandwiches. Since the menu items are made to order, you can actually customize your order to fit your needs. The Outpost isn’t your only option though. Be sure to grab a map on your way into the park. You’ll see on the map a legend that indicts other gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options.
Tickets and Passes for Hersheypark
Planning on visiting Hersheypark multiple times a year? Definitely check out their season passes. They end up being less than the price of three visits! How awesome is that? Check out the chart below for information on each type of pass.
For regular admission to the park, that all varies on different facts. Prices are different depending on the season, age, and how many days you plan to visit the park. Group rates are available, as well as other packages that help you save! Don’t forget there are VIP Benefits when you stay at an Official Resort of Hersheypark.
Be sure to connect with Hersheypark on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Also don’t forget to learn more about Hershey, PA on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
So what are you waiting for? The Park is open! Buy your tickets today!
Have you visited Hersheypark?
While I attended an expense paid trip by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, all opinions and thoughts expressed are 100% my own.
Jennifer says
Heresheypark is such a great time. I mean, what could be better than a theme park focused on chocolate? Nothing. That’s what. Nothing…
Jenn says
Hershey brings back sooo many good memories for me! Growing up we went at least twice a year, I cant wait to bring my kids back!
Lisa Collins says
I had no idea Hershey Park had so much to offer! I need to get my family there soon and indulge in yum and fun!
Scott says
We’ve never been to Hershey, but have it on our bucket list. Seems like there are so many great things to do there!
Allison says
This looks so fun! I’ve been saying to my husband how I want to make a trip there. I’m from Pittsburgh (we live in NYC now), but I have never been!
Tameka from TamekasCorner.com says
This is such an awesome blog post!! I’ve driven past this place a couple of times but have never gone in. I can smell the chocolate as I drive by. Hopefully, one day I’ll be able to try all of the things listed here!! Thanks for sharing!!
Calvin says
Didn’t know hershey had a park.. free chocolate!
Francine Speaker says
My Grandma used to take us to the chocolate part but I’ve never been to the amusment park. looks fun!