Hershey Park and Kings Dominion are two of the most popular amusement parks on the East Coast of the United States. Hershey Park, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is known for its chocolate-themed attractions and diverse rides. Kings Dominion, situated in Doswell, Virginia, boasts an impressive array of roller coasters and a water park. Both parks offer unique experiences, thrilling rides, and family-friendly entertainment, making them must-visit destinations for amusement park enthusiasts.
What Makes Hershey Park and Kings Dominion Unique?
Hershey Park and Kings Dominion each have their own distinct features that set them apart:
Hershey Park:
- Chocolate-themed attractions and experiences
- The Chocolatier Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the park
- Hershey’s Chocolate World, an immersive chocolate-making experience
- ZooAmerica, an 11-acre wildlife park included with admission
Kings Dominion:
- Home to some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters on the East Coast
- Soak City, a 20-acre water park included with admission
- Planet Snoopy, a 14-acre kids’ area featuring PEANUTS™ themed rides
- Seasonal events like WinterFest and Halloween Haunt
What Are the Must-Ride Attractions at Each Park?
Hershey Park Top Rides:
- Candymonium – The tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the park
- Skyrush – An intense steel coaster with winged seating
- Storm Runner – A launched steel coaster with multiple inversions
- Fahrenheit – A vertical lift coaster with a 97-degree drop
Kings Dominion Top Rides:
- Intimidator 305 – One of the tallest and fastest giga coasters in North America
- Twisted Timbers – A hybrid wood-steel coaster with intense airtime
- Dominator – The world’s longest floorless coaster
- Tumbili – Virginia’s first 4D spin coaster
How Do Ticket Prices Compare Between the Two Parks?
| Park | Single-Day Adult Ticket | Season Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey Park | Starting at $40.84 online | Season Pass+ starts at $254 |
| Kings Dominion | Starting at $39.99 online | Gold Pass starts at $120 |
Both parks offer various ticket options, including multi-day passes and dining packages. It’s recommended to check their official websites for the most up-to-date pricing and promotions.
What Dining Options Are Available at Hershey Park and Kings Dominion?
Hershey Park:
- The Chocolatier Restaurant: Offers full-service dining with park views
- Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor: Features hand-crafted ice cream creations
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: Various chocolate-themed dining experiences
Kings Dominion:
- Grain & Grill: Offers fresh, made-to-order meals
- Juke Box Diner: 50s-style diner with classic American fare
- Coca-Cola Refresh Station: Self-serve beverage stations throughout the park
Both parks offer dining plans and packages that can help save money on meals throughout your visit.
What Are the Seasonal Events at Each Park?
Hershey Park Seasonal Events:
- Hersheypark In The Dark: Halloween-themed event (October)
- Hersheypark Christmas Candylane: Holiday celebration (November-January)
- Springtime In The Park: Spring-themed event (April)
Kings Dominion Seasonal Events:
- WinterFest: Holiday celebration (November-January)
- Halloween Haunt: Spooky Halloween event (September-October)
- Grand Carnivale: International celebration (Summer)
How Do the Water Parks Compare?
Hershey Park’s The Boardwalk:
- 16 water attractions
- The Shore, a 378,000-gallon wave pool
- Breakers Edge Water Coaster, combining a roller coaster with water slide elements
Kings Dominion’s Soak City:
- 20-acre water park included with admission
- Hurricane Heights, a multi-slide complex
- Splash Island, an interactive area for younger guests
Both water parks offer a variety of slides, pools, and relaxation areas for guests of all ages.
What Accommodations Are Available Near Each Park?
Near Hershey Park:
- Hershey Lodge: Official resort of Hersheypark with free shuttle service
- The Hotel Hershey: Luxury accommodation with park perks
- Camping options at Hersheypark Camping Resort
Near Kings Dominion:
- Kings Dominion Camp Wilderness: RV and tent camping on-site
- Various hotels in nearby Doswell and Richmond, Virginia
How Accessible Are Hershey Park and Kings Dominion?
Both parks strive to be accessible to all guests:
- Wheelchair rentals available at both parks
- Ride accessibility programs for guests with disabilities
- Service animal accommodations
- Sensory-friendly initiatives at both parks
It’s recommended to check each park’s official website or contact guest services for specific accessibility information and accommodations.
What Are the Best Times to Visit Hershey Park and Kings Dominion?
- Weekdays typically have lower attendance than weekends
- Spring and fall can offer milder weather and potentially shorter lines
- Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid peak summer crowds
- Check park calendars for special events that may affect crowd levels
Remember to check operating hours, as they can vary by season and day of the week.
By exploring both Hershey Park and Kings Dominion, thrill-seekers and families alike can experience some of the best amusement park attractions the East Coast has to offer. Whether you’re craving chocolate-themed fun or seeking record-breaking roller coasters, these parks provide unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Reference:
1. Amusement Park Tickets | Hersheypark
2. Kings Dominion: Virginia Amusement Park & Water Park
3. Discount Tickets & Amusement Park Promotions | Kings Dominion