Hershey Park Handicap: A Comprehensive Guide to Accessibility

Hershey Park offers extensive accommodations for guests with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. From designated parking areas to specialized ride access programs, the park strives to make every aspect of the visit accessible. This guide provides detailed information on handicap facilities, services, and accommodations available at Hershey Park, helping visitors with disabilities plan their trip effectively.

What Are the Specific Features and Locations of Hershey Park Handicap Parking?

hershey park handicap
Image ‘File:Hersheypark in 2021.jpg’ by Gusc554, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hershey Park provides strategically located handicap-accessible parking to ensure ease of access for guests with disabilities. Here are the key features:

  • Locations: Handicap parking spots are available in several areas within the Hersheypark complex, including the general parking lots.
  • Designated Spots: First-come, first-served handicap-accessible parking is available in the paved lots on the West Side of Hersheypark Stadium and the upper lot.
  • Proximity to Entrances: ADA parking areas are positioned for easy access to park entrances.
  • Additional Services: ADA/handicap accessible trams transport guests from parking areas to park entrances.

Handicap Parking Location Table

Location Features
West Side of Hersheypark Stadium Paved lots, close to entrance
Upper Lot Paved surface, accessible to main areas
General Parking Lots Designated spots available

What Accessibility Services Does Hershey Park Offer?

hershey park handicap
Image ‘File:Hershey Park roller coaster at night.jpg’ by Librarian1984, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hershey Park is committed to providing a range of accessibility services to ensure all guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

  1. Types of Accommodations:
  2. Accessible parking
  3. Accessible restrooms
  4. Elevators
  5. Assistive listening devices (at GIANT Center and Hersheypark Stadium)
  6. Captioning services
  7. Interpreter services for concerts and shows (request 3 weeks in advance)

  8. Mobility Aids: While the park doesn’t rent mobility aids, it offers accessible trams and convenient drop-off points.

  9. Assistance Programs: The Ride Accessibility Program helps guests with disabilities access rides more easily. Enroll at the Hospitality Services area upon entering the park to receive a Boarding Pass.

How Does Hershey Park Ensure Ride Accessibility for Guests with Disabilities?

Hershey Park has implemented several measures to make rides accessible to guests with disabilities:

  1. Height and Health Restrictions: The Ride Accessibility Program considers each guest’s specific needs and abilities. A questionnaire about the child’s disability and mobility helps determine safe ride access.

  2. Ride Modifications for Wheelchair Users:

  3. Ride operators are trained on accessibility procedures
  4. Wheelchair and companion seating available
  5. Standard procedures ensure smooth and quick ride access

  6. Process for Accessing Rides:

  7. Visit Hospitality Services upon park entry
  8. Enroll in Ride Accessibility Program
  9. Fill out questionnaire
  10. Receive Boarding Pass for facilitated ride access

What Special Needs Accommodations Are Available at Hershey Park?

Hershey Park offers various accommodations to cater to guests with special needs:

  1. Sensory-Friendly Events and Quiet Areas: While not explicitly mentioned, the park’s commitment to accessibility suggests a comfortable environment for all guests.

  2. Specific Programs: The Ride Accessibility Program is a key service for guests with disabilities, ensuring minimal wait times and trained assistance.

  3. Associated Costs or Scheduling Details:

  4. No additional costs for Ride Accessibility Program or other accessibility services
  5. Arrive early for best experience
  6. Contact park in advance for interpreter or captioning services

Special Needs Accommodation Checklist

  • [ ] Enroll in Ride Accessibility Program
  • [ ] Request interpreter/captioning services (if needed, 3 weeks in advance)
  • [ ] Familiarize yourself with accessible parking locations
  • [ ] Plan to arrive early for smoother experience

By providing these comprehensive accessibility features and services, Hershey Park demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that all guests, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy a memorable and inclusive experience at the park.

References:
1. Directions and Parking | Hersheypark
2. Accessibility | Hersheypark Stadium – Hershey Entertainment
3. Accessibility Information | GIANT Center – Hershey Entertainment

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