The Hershey Park dining plan offers visitors an all-day eating option for $39.99 per person. This plan includes one entree and one side every 90 minutes at participating quick-service restaurants throughout the park. With individual meals costing up to $18, the dining plan can provide significant savings for guests planning to spend a full day at Hershey Park. However, the value depends on individual eating habits and preferences.
What Does the Hershey Park Dining Plan Include?
The Hershey Park All-Day Dining Plan offers:
- One entree and one side every 90 minutes
- Access to multiple quick-service restaurants
- A fixed price of $39.99 per person
It’s important to note that drinks are not included in the plan, but water is available for hydration.
How Much Can You Save with the Dining Plan?
To understand the potential savings, let’s compare the dining plan cost to individual meal purchases:
| Meal Type | Individual Cost | Dining Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $15 | $39.99 (for all meals) |
| Lunch | $18 | |
| Dinner | $18 | |
| Snack | $10 | |
| Total | $61 | $39.99 |
As shown, if you plan to eat three full meals and a snack, the dining plan could save you over $20 per person.
What Are the Participating Restaurants?
The dining plan can be used at various locations throughout the park, including:
- Nathan’s Famous
- 1906 Grill
- Dispatch in The Hollow
- Kissing Tower Snacks
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
Each restaurant offers different menu options, allowing for variety throughout your visit.
Is the Food Quality Good Enough to Justify the Plan?
Recent customer reviews suggest that the food quality is generally good. Highlights include:
- Nathan’s chicken tenders and fries
- The Smokehouse offerings
- Variety of options at different locations
Many visitors find the food satisfying and of good quality for a theme park.
How Does the Plan Work for Families?
While there are no specific family discounts for the dining plan, it can still be beneficial for families:
- Convenience of not having to budget for each meal
- Potential for significant savings if multiple family members eat frequently
- Ability to try different foods throughout the day
However, families should consider their children’s eating habits and whether they’ll consume enough to make the plan worthwhile.
What Are the Limitations of the Dining Plan?
Understanding the limitations is crucial:
- 90-minute wait between meals
- Drinks not included
- Not all park restaurants participate
- No carry-over to next day for unused meals
These factors should be considered when deciding if the plan is right for you.
How Does the All-Day Plan Compare to Season Pass Options?
For frequent visitors, Hershey Park offers season pass dining options:
- Twice-A-Day Dining Plan:
- Two meals per day
- Three hours apart
-
Valid at specified locations
-
Once-A-Day Dining Plan:
- One meal per day
- Lower price point
- Limited location options compared to All-Day Plan
These options might be more cost-effective for regular visitors but offer less flexibility than the All-Day Plan.
What Do Recent Reviews Say About the Dining Plan?
Customer feedback highlights several points:
- Perceived value is high, especially for full-day visitors
- Food quality meets or exceeds expectations for theme park fare
- Convenience is a major plus, eliminating the need for constant food purchases
Many reviewers recommend the plan for its combination of value and convenience.
How Can You Maximize the Value of the Dining Plan?
To get the most out of the Hershey Park dining plan:
- Arrive early to start using the plan for breakfast
- Plan your meals around the 90-minute intervals
- Try different restaurants to experience variety
- Consider sharing larger portions if you’re not big eaters
- Stay hydrated with free water to offset the lack of included drinks
By following these tips, you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Is the Dining Plan Worth It for Short Visits?
For shorter visits, the value proposition changes:
- Half-day visitors may not recoup the full cost
- Those planning to leave early might find individual purchases more economical
- Consider your eating habits and park itinerary
If you’re only staying for a few hours, individual meal purchases might be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Hershey Park dining plan can offer excellent value for visitors planning to spend a full day at the park and eat multiple meals. However, it’s essential to consider your eating habits, visit duration, and group size when deciding if it’s worth it for your specific situation. By weighing the costs, benefits, and limitations, you can make an informed decision that enhances your Hershey Park experience.
References:
1. YouTube Video: Everything We Ate on the Hersheypark All Day Dining Plan
2. Hersheypark Season Passes
3. Hersheypark 2024 Participating Locations PDF