Hershey Park Super Soaker: The Ultimate Water Ride Experience

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The Hershey Park Super Soaker, officially known as the Roller Soaker, was a unique suspended roller coaster with interactive water elements. Located in the Boardwalk section of Hersheypark, this 70-foot-tall steel coaster combined thrilling drops with refreshing water features. Riders could target others with water sprayers while also being sprayed from the ground. The 1,300-foot-long track offered a 1.5-minute ride at speeds up to 20.5 mph, making it a popular attraction until its removal in 2012.

What Were the Height Requirements for the Hershey Park Super Soaker?

hershey park super soaker
Image ‘File:Hershey Chocolate World, Hersheypark, 2013-08-10.jpg’ by Paulo Ordoveza from Washington, DC, licensed under Public domain

While the Roller Soaker no longer operates, it’s important to understand the height requirements that were in place:

  • The exact minimum height was not specified, but it likely followed Hersheypark’s standard categories:
  • Miniatures: Under 36 inches
  • Kisses: 36-42 inches
  • Reese’s: 42-48 inches
  • Hershey’s: 48-54 inches

Given the nature of the ride, it’s probable that the Roller Soaker was accessible to guests in the Reese’s or Hershey’s categories, meaning a minimum height of 42-48 inches was likely required.

What Made the Hershey Park Super Soaker Unique?

hershey park super soaker
Image ‘File:12 20 2014 Wave Spinner at Hershey Park 02.jpg’ by Jrosenberry1, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Roller Soaker stood out from other water rides due to its innovative features:

  1. Interactive Water Elements:
  2. Riders could control water sprayers
  3. Ground-based spectators could target riders with water jets

  4. Three water curtains along the track

  5. Suspended Coaster Design:

  6. Swing Thing model by Setpoint Inc.

  7. Riders suspended below the track for a unique perspective

  8. Ride Specifications:

  9. Height: 70 feet (21 meters)
  10. Length: 1,300 feet (400 meters)
  11. Speed: 20.5 miles per hour (33.0 km/h)

  12. Duration: Approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds

  13. Seating Arrangement:

  14. 9 trains with a single car each
  15. 2 rows of 2 seats, accommodating 4 riders per train

This combination of features created a one-of-a-kind experience that blended the excitement of a roller coaster with the refreshing fun of a water ride.

Where Was the Hershey Park Super Soaker Located?

The Roller Soaker was strategically placed within Hersheypark:

  • Section: The Boardwalk
  • Nearby Attractions:
  • Lightning Racer
  • Canyon River Rapids

This location in the water-themed Boardwalk area complemented the ride’s aquatic elements and provided easy access to other water attractions.

What Amenities Were Available Near the Hershey Park Super Soaker?

While specific details about amenities directly related to the Roller Soaker are limited, Hersheypark generally offers:

  • Accessible stations for most rides
  • Nearby restrooms and changing facilities
  • Food and beverage stands
  • Lockers for storing personal items

The Boardwalk section, where the Roller Soaker was located, likely had additional water-specific amenities to support the various aquatic attractions in the area.

How Did the Hershey Park Super Soaker Compare to Other Water Rides?

The Roller Soaker was unique in its combination of roller coaster and water ride elements. Here’s a comparison to other typical water rides:

Feature Roller Soaker Traditional Water Slides Log Flumes
Track Type Suspended steel coaster Enclosed or open slides Guided water channel
Interactivity High (rider-controlled sprayers) Low Low
Speed Moderate (20.5 mph) Varies (can be faster) Slow to moderate
Height 70 feet Varies Usually lower
Wetness Factor Moderate (controlled) High High at drop, moderate overall

This comparison highlights how the Roller Soaker offered a distinct experience that set it apart from more conventional water attractions.

What Replaced the Hershey Park Super Soaker?

After the Roller Soaker’s removal in 2012, Hersheypark continued to evolve its water attractions:

  • The space was repurposed for new water-based rides
  • Specific replacements may have included expanded pool areas or new slide complexes
  • The park’s focus shifted towards more traditional water park elements in the Boardwalk section

While the exact replacement isn’t specified, Hersheypark’s commitment to innovative water attractions has remained strong, ensuring that guests continue to enjoy refreshing experiences during their visits.

How Can Visitors Enjoy Water Rides at Hershey Park Today?

Although the Roller Soaker is no longer available, Hersheypark still offers numerous water attractions:

  1. The Boardwalk:
  2. Features 16 water attractions

  3. Includes water slides, wave pools, and splash areas

  4. East Coast Waterworks:

  5. Multi-level water play structure

  6. Over 600 interactive water features

  7. Shoreline Sprayground:

  8. Perfect for younger visitors

  9. Interactive sprayers and gentle water features

  10. Tidal Force:

  11. A large splash ride
  12. 100-foot drop into a pool, creating a massive wave

Visitors can enjoy these attractions by purchasing a regular Hersheypark admission ticket, which includes access to The Boardwalk water attractions during the summer season.

What Safety Measures Are in Place for Water Rides at Hershey Park?

Hersheypark prioritizes guest safety on all attractions, including water rides:

  • Height requirements strictly enforced
  • Lifeguards stationed at all water attractions
  • Regular safety inspections of rides and equipment
  • Clear signage indicating ride requirements and potential risks
  • Provision of life jackets for certain attractions
  • Trained staff to assist guests and respond to emergencies

These measures ensure that visitors can enjoy the water attractions with peace of mind, focusing on fun and excitement.

How Has Hershey Park’s Water Ride Offerings Evolved Since the Super Soaker?

Since the removal of the Roller Soaker, Hersheypark has continued to innovate:

  1. Expansion of The Boardwalk:
  2. Addition of new water slides and attractions

  3. Enhancement of existing water play areas

  4. Technology Integration:

  5. Implementation of RFID wristbands for locker access and cashless payments

  6. Interactive elements in newer water attractions

  7. Theming and Storytelling:

  8. Increased focus on creating immersive experiences

  9. Water rides tied into the overall Hersheypark narrative

  10. Accessibility Improvements:

  11. Enhanced access for guests with disabilities
  12. More inclusive design in newer water attractions

This evolution demonstrates Hersheypark’s commitment to providing cutting-edge water experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.

While the Hershey Park Super Soaker (Roller Soaker) may no longer be in operation, its legacy lives on in the park’s continued dedication to innovative and exciting water attractions. Visitors to Hersheypark can still look forward to a wide array of wet and wild experiences that capture the spirit of fun and adventure that made the Roller Soaker a beloved attraction during its time.

References:
1. Plan Your Hersheypark Day by Height Category – Hershey, PA Stories
2. Roller Soaker – Wikipedia
3. SooperDooperLooper – The Roller Coaster and Flat Ride Wiki

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