Hershey Park Ride Restrictions: A Comprehensive Guide

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Hershey Park ride restrictions ensure guest safety while maximizing enjoyment. The park employs a candy-themed height category system, specific ride requirements, and general safety guidelines. These restrictions cover height requirements, accessibility for guests with disabilities, size limitations, and rules about personal items. Understanding these restrictions helps visitors plan their visit and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience for all.

What Are the Height Categories at Hershey Park?

hershey park ride restrictions
Image ‘File:Hershey Park roller coaster tracks.jpg’ by Librarian1984, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hershey Park uses a unique candy-themed height category system to simplify ride accessibility:

  • Hershey’s Miniatures: Under 36 inches (28 rides)
  • Hershey’s Kisses: 36-42 inches (42 rides)
  • Reese’s: 42-48 inches (58 rides)
  • Hershey’s: 48-54 inches (66 rides)
  • Twizzler and Jolly Rancher: Over 54 inches (most rides, some kiddie ride restrictions)

This system allows guests to quickly identify which rides they can enjoy based on their height.

What Are the Specific Ride Restrictions for Popular Attractions?

hershey park ride restrictions
Image ‘File:Hersheypark.jpg’ by Jwesser24, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Fahrenheit

Aspect Restriction
Height Requirement Typically over 54 inches
Ride Time 1 minute, 25 seconds
Max Speed 58 mph
Prosthetic Legs One: Remove or provide 5G documentation; Two: Wear at least one
Wheelchair/ECV Must transfer
Personal Items No hand-held items, food, or drinks

Great Bear

Aspect Restriction
Height Requirement Typically over 54 inches
Ride Time 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Max Speed 61 mph
Prosthetic Legs Must remove; residual limb below knee
Casts/Braces Not permitted
Wheelchair/ECV Must transfer
Personal Items No hand-held items, food, or drinks

Skyrush

Aspect Restriction
Height Requirement Typically over 54 inches
Max Speed 75 mph
Height Limit May not accommodate guests over 6’5\”
Prosthetic Devices Must remove; residual lower limb required
Wheelchair/ECV Must transfer
Personal Items No hand-held items, food, or drinks

What Are the General Safety Guidelines and Restrictions?

  1. Prosthetic Devices:
  2. May need removal or 5G force documentation

  3. At least one prosthetic leg must be worn if guest has two

  4. Casts and Braces:

  5. Not permitted on certain rides (e.g., Candymonium, Skyrush)

  6. Wheelchair/ECV Transfer:

  7. Required for all rides except Dry Gulch Railroad and Carrousel

  8. Size Restrictions:

  9. Some rides may not accommodate larger guests due to safety restraints

  10. Personal Items:

  11. Generally not allowed on rides

  12. Secure in cargo pockets, waist packs, or zipping jacket pockets

  13. Medical Devices:

  14. Caution advised for rides with magnetic fields (e.g., Breakers Edge® Water Coaster)

How Does Hershey Park Accommodate Guests with Disabilities?

Hershey Park strives to accommodate guests with disabilities through various measures:

  1. Accessibility Services:
  2. Available outside the Front Gate

  3. Information provided at Guest Services locations inside the park

  4. Transfer Requirements:

  5. Guests must transfer from mobility devices to ride units for most attractions

  6. Exceptions: Dry Gulch Railroad and Carrousel

  7. Prosthetic Device Policies:

  8. Vary by ride

  9. Some rides require removal, others allow use with documentation

  10. Size Accommodations:

  11. Safety restraint systems may limit access for larger guests
  12. Specific ride policies available at each attraction

What Should Guests Know About Personal Item Restrictions?

Personal item restrictions at Hershey Park are designed to ensure rider safety:

  • No hand-held items allowed on most rides
  • Food and drinks prohibited on attractions
  • Secure items in:
  • Cargo pockets
  • Waist packs
  • Zipping jacket pockets

Lockers are available near major attractions for storing personal belongings during rides.

How Can Guests Plan Their Visit Based on Ride Restrictions?

  1. Check Height Category:
  2. Measure height before visit

  3. Identify corresponding candy category

  4. Review Ride List:

  5. Check which rides are available for your height category

  6. Consider Medical Conditions:

  7. Consult with a physician if you have medical concerns

  8. Plan for Personal Items:

  9. Bring a secure waist pack or jacket with zipping pockets

  10. Consider renting a locker for larger items

  11. Accessibility Needs:

  12. Contact Guest Services in advance for specific accommodations

By understanding and planning for Hershey Park ride restrictions, guests can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this iconic amusement park.

References:
1. https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/fahrenheit/
2. https://stories.hersheypa.com/plan-your-hersheypark-day-by-height-category/
3. https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/great-bear/

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