Hershey Park, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a popular amusement park known for its chocolate-themed attractions and thrilling rides. With a mix of positive and negative reviews, visitors often wonder: is Hershey Park good? Overall, the park receives favorable ratings, especially from adults and thrill-seekers. However, families with young children may face challenges. This review explores various aspects of Hershey Park to help you decide if it’s worth your visit.
What Makes Hershey Park Stand Out?
Hershey Park offers a unique blend of chocolate-themed attractions and thrilling rides. The park’s standout features include:
- Variety of roller coasters
- Chocolate-themed experiences
- Water park (The Boardwalk)
- ZooAmerica (North American wildlife park)
However, the park’s appeal varies depending on visitor preferences and expectations.
Is Hershey Park Good for Thrill-Seekers?
For adrenaline junkies, Hershey Park can be an excellent destination. The park boasts several high-quality roller coasters and thrill rides that receive praise from visitors. Some notable attractions include:
- Skyrush: A highly-rated coaster known for its intense experience
- SooperDooperLooper: A classic coaster with a single loop
- Fahrenheit: A vertical lift coaster with a 97-degree drop
Thrill-seekers often report positive experiences, citing short wait times and well-maintained rides as key factors.
How Family-Friendly is Hershey Park?
While Hershey Park aims to cater to families, experiences can be mixed. Here’s a breakdown of family-oriented aspects:
Pros:
- Variety of rides for different age groups
- Chocolate-themed attractions appealing to children
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
Cons:
- Long wait times for popular rides and water attractions
- Confusing park layout leading to long walks
- Some kiddie rides criticized for being too small or disappointing
Families with younger children may face challenges, particularly with wait times and navigating the park.
What About the Water Park Experience?
The Boardwalk, Hershey Park’s water park section, receives mixed reviews:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of water attractions | Often overcrowded |
| Included in park admission | Long wait times |
| Refreshing on hot days | Water sometimes too cold |
| Limited access due to capacity restrictions |
Visitors planning to enjoy the water park should be prepared for potential crowds and wait times.
How is the Food Quality and Pricing at Hershey Park?
Food and beverage options at Hershey Park are a point of contention for many visitors:
- High prices are a common complaint
- Quality varies depending on the outlet
- Some dining options, like the wing place near the Kissing Tower, receive praise
- Limited availability of certain Hershey’s products disappoints some visitors
Tip: Consider bringing your own snacks and water to save money, as a small bottle of water can cost around $3.
Is Hershey Park Worth the Cost?
To determine if Hershey Park offers good value, consider the following ticket prices:
- 1-Day Summer Ticket: $49.99 – $86.95 (ages 3+)
- 1-Day Any Day Ticket: $59.99 – $86.95 (ages 9-61), $49.99 (junior/senior)
- 2-Day Any Day Ticket: $45 – $65 per day
- Season Passes: $245 Full Size Pass, $195 Bite Size Pass
Additional costs to factor in:
– Parking fees
– Food and beverages
– Souvenirs
– Fast Track upgrades for queue skipping
Value perception varies based on individual experiences and expectations.
What Educational Value Does Hershey Park Offer?
While primarily an amusement park, Hershey Park does offer some educational components:
- ZooAmerica: Provides opportunities to learn about North American wildlife
- Association with Milton Hershey School: Demonstrates a broader commitment to education
However, the educational aspects are not the primary focus of the park experience.
How Accessible is Hershey Park for Visitors with Disabilities?
Specific information on accessibility features is limited in the available sources. However, like most modern theme parks, Hershey Park likely offers various accommodations for guests with disabilities. It’s advisable to contact the park directly for detailed accessibility information.
What Are the Best Times to Visit Hershey Park?
To maximize your experience at Hershey Park, consider the following tips:
- Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds
- Arrive early to beat the rush and enjoy shorter wait times
- Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for potentially lower prices and smaller crowds
- Check the park’s event calendar to align your visit with special events or avoid peak times
Is Hershey Park Good for a Day Trip or Extended Stay?
Whether Hershey Park is suitable for a day trip or extended stay depends on several factors:
Day Trip Suitability:
- Proximity to your location
- Desire to experience only the main attractions
- Budget constraints
Extended Stay Benefits:
- More time to explore all areas of the park
- Opportunity to visit nearby attractions like Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Ability to pace yourself and avoid exhaustion
Consider your travel goals and preferences when deciding on the duration of your visit.
In conclusion, whether Hershey Park is good depends largely on your expectations and preferences. Thrill-seekers and chocolate enthusiasts are likely to enjoy the experience, while families with young children may face some challenges. By considering the factors outlined in this review, you can make an informed decision about whether Hershey Park is the right destination for your next adventure.
References:
1. https://www.abc27.com/digital-originals/hersheyparks-most-ridiculous-one-star-reviews/
2. https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-hershey-park-mostly-the-boardwalk-review.1550271/
3. https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g52819-d107691-r116137260-Hersheypark-Hershey_Pennsylvania.html
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suef2bSVSG4
5. https://hershey-park.tenereteam.com