Are Hershey Park Rides Open Year Round?

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Hershey Park rides are not open year-round. The park operates seasonally, with the main season running from late spring to early fall. During winter, most rides are closed, but the park offers special holiday events with limited ride availability. Understanding the park’s operating schedule is crucial for planning your visit and making the most of Hershey Park’s attractions throughout the year.

What Are the Operating Seasons for Hershey Park?

are hershey park rides open year round
Image ‘File:Entrance at Hershey Park.jpg’ by Michael Gray, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Hershey Park’s operating schedule is divided into several distinct seasons:

  1. Summer Season: May 23 to September 2
  2. Daily operation

  3. Hours typically from 10 AM to 8 PM or 9 PM

  4. Spring Weekends: March 29 to May 19

  5. Select weekends only

  6. Varying hours

  7. Fall Season: September 13 to November 3

  8. Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights events

  9. Weekend operations, usually 5 PM to 9 PM or 12 PM to 9 PM

  10. Winter Season: November 15 to January 1

  11. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane event
  12. Select days, typically 5 PM to 9 PM or 12 PM to 9 PM

How Does Ride Availability Differ Throughout the Year?

are hershey park rides open year round
Image ‘File:Hershey Park – The Boardwalk.JPG’ by Rj1020 at English Wikipedia, licensed under Public domain

The availability of rides at Hershey Park varies significantly depending on the season:

Summer Season

  • Full access to all rides and attractions
  • Longest operating hours
  • Ideal for thrill-seekers and families

Spring and Fall Weekends

  • Most rides are operational
  • Shorter operating hours
  • Special themed events (e.g., Halloween)

Winter Season

  • Limited ride availability
  • Focus on holiday-themed activities
  • Select family rides and some coasters open during Christmas Candylane

What Winter Attractions Does Hershey Park Offer?

While most rides are closed during winter, Hershey Park offers unique seasonal attractions:

  1. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
  2. Over 5 million twinkling lights
  3. Meet Santa and his reindeer
  4. Holiday shopping opportunities

  5. Festive light shows

  6. Select Family Rides

  7. A limited number of rides remain operational

  8. Typically includes some coasters and family-friendly attractions

  9. Indoor Experiences

  10. HERSHEY’S Chocolatetown offers year-round dining and retail

Are There Any Year-Round Attractions at Hershey Park?

While rides are not open year-round, some aspects of Hershey Park remain accessible throughout the year:

  1. Dining Options

  2. Several restaurants in HERSHEY’S Chocolatetown are open year-round

  3. Retail Experiences

  4. Gift shops and chocolate-themed stores operate throughout the year

  5. ZooAmerica

  6. The wildlife park adjacent to Hershey Park is open year-round
  7. Separate admission required during off-season

How Can Visitors Plan Their Trip Around Hershey Park’s Schedule?

To make the most of your visit to Hershey Park, consider these planning tips:

  1. Check the Official Calendar
  2. Visit the Hershey Park website for up-to-date operating schedules

  3. Pay attention to special event dates and hours

  4. Consider Season Passes

  5. If planning multiple visits, season passes offer the best value

  6. Provide access to all operating seasons

  7. Book in Advance

  8. For peak seasons, book tickets and accommodations early

  9. Look for package deals that include park admission

  10. Plan for Weather

  11. Summer offers the fullest experience but can be crowded
  12. Spring and fall provide milder weather and fewer crowds
  13. Winter visits focus on holiday experiences

What Accessibility Options Are Available Year-Round at Hershey Park?

Hershey Park strives to be accessible to all guests throughout its operating seasons:

Amenities for Guests with Disabilities

  • Wheelchair and ECV rentals
  • Accessible restrooms
  • Guest Services office for special assistance

Parking and Transportation

  • Designated accessible parking areas
  • Shuttle services from parking to main gate
  • Accessible walkways and paths

Ride Accessibility

  • Many rides and attractions designed for accessibility
  • Guest Services provides detailed information on ride restrictions

Are There Any Benefits to Visiting Hershey Park in Off-Peak Seasons?

Visiting Hershey Park during off-peak seasons can offer several advantages:

  1. Shorter Wait Times

  2. Fewer crowds mean less time in line for popular attractions

  3. Unique Experiences

  4. Seasonal events offer themed attractions not available in summer

  5. Potentially Lower Costs

  6. Off-season rates may apply for tickets and nearby accommodations

  7. Milder Weather

  8. Spring and fall visits avoid summer heat and humidity

How Does Hershey Park Compare to Other Year-Round Amusement Parks?

While Hershey Park is not open year-round, it offers a unique seasonal approach:

Aspect Hershey Park Year-Round Parks
Operating Schedule Seasonal 365 days a year
Ride Availability Varies by season Consistent throughout the year
Seasonal Events Extensive holiday offerings May have limited seasonal events
Crowd Levels Vary significantly by season More consistent year-round
Maintenance Extended off-season for upgrades Rolling maintenance schedule

In conclusion, while Hershey Park rides are not open year-round, the park offers a diverse range of experiences across its operating seasons. From the full summer season to the unique winter events, visitors can enjoy different aspects of the park throughout the year. By understanding the park’s schedule and offerings, guests can plan their visits to make the most of Hershey Park’s attractions, regardless of the season.

References:
1. Hours: Amusement Park & Hershey Attractions | Hersheypark
2. 2024 Operating Days | Spring & Summer – Hershey Park
3. Hersheypark | Hours, Tickets, Seasons – Visit Hershey & Harrisburg
4. Accessibility Guide – Hersheypark
5. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

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