The Hershey Park attendance tracker is an essential tool for visitors planning their trip to this popular Pennsylvania theme park. It provides valuable insights into crowd levels, wait times, and seasonal trends. With an average of over 3.3 million visitors annually pre-pandemic, Hershey Park is the most visited theme park in Pennsylvania and the ninth most visited in North America. This guide will help you navigate the park’s attendance patterns and make the most of your visit.
What Are the Historical Attendance Figures for Hershey Park?
Hershey Park has consistently been a major attraction in the theme park industry:
- Pre-pandemic average: Over 3.3 million visitors annually
- 2020 attendance (pandemic year): 1.7 million visitors
- Ranking: Most visited theme park in Pennsylvania
- North American ranking: 9th most visited theme park
These figures underscore the park’s popularity and the need for an effective attendance tracker to manage visitor expectations and experiences.
How Do Crowd Levels Vary Throughout the Year?
Understanding crowd patterns is crucial for planning your visit:
- Busiest days:
- Saturdays
- Sundays
-
Holidays (e.g., Veterans Day, Thanksgiving)
-
Quietest days:
- Thursdays
-
Tuesdays
-
Peak months:
- March
- April
-
September
-
Less crowded months:
- December
- January
- November
This information, provided by the Hershey Park attendance tracker, helps visitors choose the best times to visit based on their preferences for crowd levels.
What Are the Average Wait Times at Hershey Park?
The Hershey Park attendance tracker offers detailed insights into wait times:
| Statistic | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Average daily wait | 18 minutes |
| Minimum wait | 5 minutes |
| Maximum wait | 52 minutes |
These figures give visitors a realistic expectation of how long they might spend in lines for attractions. It’s important to note that wait times can vary significantly based on the day of the week, season, and special events.
How Do Special Events Impact Attendance?
Hershey Park hosts several events throughout the year that can significantly affect attendance:
- Dark Nights: A Halloween-themed event that draws larger crowds in October.
- Christmas Candylane: A holiday celebration that increases visitor numbers in November and December.
- Summer Concert Series: Musical performances that can lead to attendance spikes on specific dates.
The Hershey Park attendance tracker takes these events into account, providing more accurate crowd predictions during these periods.
What Amenities Are Available to Manage Large Crowds?
To accommodate its substantial visitor base, Hershey Park offers:
- Extensive parking facilities
- Multiple park entrances to improve crowd flow
- Accessibility options:
- Wheelchair rentals
- Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) rentals
- Guest Services team for visitors with disabilities
These amenities help ensure a smoother experience for all visitors, even on busier days.
How Can Visitors Use the Hershey Park Attendance Tracker to Plan Their Trip?
The Hershey Park attendance tracker is a valuable tool for optimizing your visit:
- Check the crowd calendar before booking your trip
- Consider visiting on weekdays, especially Tuesdays or Thursdays, for shorter lines
- Plan for longer wait times if visiting on weekends or holidays
- Use the average wait time (18 minutes) as a benchmark for planning your day
- Be prepared for potential maximum wait times of up to 52 minutes on the busiest days
- Consider visiting during less crowded months if your schedule allows
By leveraging the insights provided by the Hershey Park attendance tracker, visitors can make informed decisions about when to visit and how to structure their day at the park.
What Are Some Tips for Navigating Hershey Park During Peak Attendance?
Even on busy days, there are strategies to enhance your experience:
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy shorter morning wait times
- Use FastTrack passes for popular rides to reduce wait times
- Visit water attractions during cooler parts of the day when they’re less crowded
- Take advantage of ‘rider switch’ options if visiting with young children
- Explore less popular areas of the park during peak hours
- Consider staying at a Hershey Park resort for early park admission
These tips, combined with the information from the Hershey Park attendance tracker, can help you maximize your time and enjoyment at the park.
By utilizing the Hershey Park attendance tracker and following these guidelines, visitors can ensure a more enjoyable and efficient experience at one of North America’s most popular theme parks. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for the shortest lines or a family trying to avoid the busiest days, the attendance tracker is an invaluable resource for planning your perfect Hershey Park adventure.
References:
1. 2024 Hershey Park Crowd Calendar by Thrill Data
2. Hersheypark Wikipedia Page
3. Hersheypark Official Website