The crowd calendar for Hershey Park provides essential insights for visitors planning their trip. Peak times include holidays, weekends, and special events like Halloween and Christmas Candylane. Summer weekends are particularly busy. Weekdays, especially Thursdays and Tuesdays, offer shorter lines. March, April, and September are typically the busiest months, while December, January, and November are quieter, except during specific holiday periods.
What Are the Peak Crowd Days for Hershey Park in 2024?
Peak crowd days at Hershey Park in 2024 include:
- Holidays: Veterans Day (November 11, 2024) and Thanksgiving (November 28, 2024)
- Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year
- Special Events: Halloween season and Christmas Candylane
- Summer Season: Weekends in June, July, and August
During these times, visitors can expect larger crowds and longer wait times for attractions.
When Are the Best Times to Visit Hershey Park for Shorter Lines?
For those seeking a less crowded experience, consider visiting:
- Weekdays: Monday through Friday, especially during summer months
- Non-Holiday Weekdays in November
- Thursdays and Tuesdays: Often the best days for shorter lines
These periods typically offer a more relaxed atmosphere and reduced wait times for rides and attractions.
How Do Seasonal Events Affect Crowd Levels at Hershey Park?
Seasonal events significantly impact crowd levels:
- Halloween Season:
- Fridays and Sundays: Less crowded
-
Saturdays: Busiest days
-
Christmas Candylane:
- Weekends: More crowded, especially Saturdays
-
Weekdays: Generally less busy
-
Summer Season:
- Weekends: Peak crowds due to vacations
- Weekdays: Relatively less crowded
Understanding these patterns can help visitors plan their trips to align with their preferred crowd levels.
What Are the Historical Attendance Trends at Hershey Park?
Historical attendance trends at Hershey Park show:
| Month | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March | High | Spring break, Easter |
| April | High | Spring break, Easter |
| September | High | Start of school year, Labor Day weekend |
| December | Low | Except for Christmas Candylane period |
| January | Low | Post-holiday lull |
| November | Low | Except for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving |
These trends can guide visitors in choosing the best time for their visit based on their preferences for crowd levels.
How Can I Plan for High Attendance Days at Hershey Park?
To navigate high attendance days effectively:
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and secure parking
- Use FastTrack: Consider purchasing FastTrack passes for popular rides
- Plan Meals Strategically: Avoid peak dining hours to reduce wait times
- Stay Informed: Check live updates for real-time crowd information
- Visit Popular Attractions First: Head to busy rides early in the day
By following these strategies, visitors can maximize their experience even on crowded days.
What Are the Quietest Days to Visit Hershey Park?
The quietest days to visit Hershey Park are:
- Thursdays and Tuesdays in November
- Mid-week days in November (excluding holiday periods)
- Weekdays during non-peak seasons
These days offer a more relaxed experience with shorter wait times for attractions.
How Do Ride Wait Times Vary Between Peak and Low Crowd Days?
Ride wait times can vary significantly:
- Peak Days:
- Average wait times: 30 minutes to over an hour
-
Popular rides may have even longer waits
-
Low Crowd Days:
- Average wait times: 10-20 minutes
- Some rides may have minimal or no wait
This difference in wait times can greatly impact the number of attractions visitors can experience in a single day.
What Parking Options Are Available During Peak Days?
Hershey Park offers various parking options:
- General Parking:
- Available for all visitors
-
Lower cost option
-
Preferred Parking:
- Closer to park entrance
-
Additional cost
-
Accessibility Parking:
- Available for guests with disabilities
- Located near park entrance
During peak days, arriving early is recommended to secure preferred parking spots and avoid potential delays at parking entrances.
How Can I Manage Food Service Options During Busy Periods?
To manage food service options during busy periods:
- Plan meal times outside peak hours (11 AM – 1 PM, 5 PM – 7 PM)
- Consider dining at less popular restaurants in the park
- Use mobile ordering options if available
- Pack snacks to reduce the need for frequent food stops
- Stay hydrated by bringing refillable water bottles
These strategies can help reduce time spent in food lines and maximize time enjoying attractions.
What Are the Best Strategies for Visiting Hershey Park on a Budget?
To visit Hershey Park on a budget:
- Choose off-peak days for lower ticket prices
- Look for online discounts and promotions
- Consider multi-day passes for better value
- Bring your own food and drinks (where permitted)
- Avoid costly add-ons like preferred parking
- Plan your visit during non-peak seasons
By implementing these strategies, visitors can enjoy Hershey Park while minimizing expenses.
Reference:
1. https://www.thrill-data.com/trip-planning/crowd-calendar/hershey-park
2. https://queue-times.com/en-US/parks/15/calendar
3. https://www.isitpacked.com/crowd-calendars/hersheypark/