Hershey Park, a renowned amusement park in Pennsylvania, has made significant strides in accommodating guests with special needs. The park offers a range of accessibility features, including wheelchair rentals, an Attraction Accessibility Program, and sensory-friendly spaces. With trained staff and customized planning options, Hershey Park strives to ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. This guide provides detailed information on the park’s accommodations, dietary options, and specialized services for guests with special needs.
What Accessibility Features Does Hershey Park Offer?
Physical Accommodations
Hershey Park has implemented several physical accommodations to enhance accessibility:
- Leveled terrain: The once-treacherous hill after the entrance has been mostly flattened, though some hills remain throughout the park.
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities: All park eateries and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, with accessible stalls and changing tables in restrooms.
- Wheelchair rentals: Available for $15 per day, with guests also welcome to use their own wheelchairs.
Ride Accessibility
The park’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its rides:
- Attraction Accessibility Program: Allows guests with disabilities to bypass long lines.
- Boarding Pass system: Guests can complete a Ride Accessibility Questionnaire to receive a Boarding Pass and wristband, granting access to exit or designated accessibility entrances for rides.
- Ride transfer requirements: Most rides require guests to transfer from their wheelchair, except for the wheelchair-accessible carousel.
- Water park features: Includes a splash pad and zero-entry wading pool, with aquatic wheelchairs available.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces
For guests with sensory processing issues or autism, Hershey Park provides:
- Quiet areas: Located at Guest Services inside the Family Health and Services Center and in the Kissing Tower Hill area.
How Does Hershey Park Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?
Hershey Park takes dietary requirements seriously:
- Comprehensive dining guide: Available on the park’s website and mobile app, listing menu items, ingredients, and allergen information for each restaurant.
- Allergen-friendly options: While specific vegetarian or vegan options aren’t detailed, the allergen information suggests accommodation for various dietary needs.
- Medical accommodations: Guests can bring Epi-Pens into the park, and First Aid stations have Registered Nurses on site.
What Specialized Services Are Available for Guests with Special Needs?
Assistance Programs
Hershey Park offers tailored support through:
- Attraction Accessibility Program: Provides a customized plan for guests with disabilities.
- Pre-arrival planning: Guests can complete the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire before their visit to streamline the process.
Staff Training and Support
The park ensures staff are prepared to assist guests with special needs:
- Customized planning: Staff work with guests to create personalized visit plans, considering specific needs related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
- Trained personnel: Park staff receive training to assist guests with disabilities, though efficiency may vary.
What Accommodations Are Available for Different Types of Disabilities?
Mobility Impairments
For guests with mobility challenges, Hershey Park provides:
- Accessible parking: Available, though specific details on designated areas are not provided.
- Wheelchair-friendly layout: The park’s design, with leveled hills and accessible pathways, facilitates navigation for wheelchair users.
Sensory Sensitivities
Guests with sensory processing issues can benefit from:
- Quiet areas: Designated spaces for relaxation and sensory breaks.
- Customized planning: Staff assistance in creating a visit plan that considers sensory needs.
Visual and Auditory Impairments
While specific accommodations for visual and auditory impairments aren’t detailed in the sources, the park’s commitment to accessibility suggests potential support for these guests as well.
What Challenges Might Guests with Special Needs Face at Hershey Park?
Despite the park’s efforts, some challenges may arise:
- Accessibility pass system efficiency: Some guests have reported issues with ride operators’ awareness of accessibility entrance users.
- Companion limitations: The restriction on the number of guests who can accompany a person with a disability on rides may be problematic for larger families.
- Varying staff efficiency: While staff are trained to assist, the quality of support may vary.
How Can Guests Prepare for a Visit to Hershey Park with Special Needs?
To ensure a smooth experience, guests can:
- Complete the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire in advance.
- Review the park’s dining guide for allergen information.
- Plan rest breaks using the designated quiet areas.
- Bring any necessary medical equipment, such as Epi-Pens.
- Communicate specific needs to park staff upon arrival.
By taking advantage of these accommodations and planning ahead, guests with special needs can enjoy a memorable and inclusive experience at Hershey Park.