Hershey Park Roller Coasters Ranked Easiest to Hardest

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Hersheypark offers a thrilling array of roller coasters, ranging from gentle family rides to extreme adrenaline rushes. This comprehensive guide ranks Hersheypark’s roller coasters from easiest to hardest, considering factors like height requirements, speed, and intensity. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned thrill-seeker, this ranking will help you navigate the park’s coaster offerings and plan your perfect day of excitement.

What Makes a Roller Coaster Easy or Hard?

hershey park roller coasters ranked easiest to hardest
Image ‘File:Waterpark 3g.jpg’ by Mike2478, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to understand what factors contribute to a roller coaster’s difficulty level:

  1. Height and speed
  2. Inversions and G-forces
  3. Ride duration and intensity
  4. Height requirements
  5. Overall thrill factor

These elements combine to create unique experiences for each coaster, influencing their placement in our ranking from easiest to hardest.

Which Coasters Are Best for Beginners?

hershey park roller coasters ranked easiest to hardest
Image ‘File:Hershey coaster.jpg’ by Librarian1984, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

For those new to the world of roller coasters or younger riders, Hersheypark offers several gentle options:

  1. Cocoa Cruiser
  2. Height Requirement: 36 inches
  3. Thrill Level: 2/10
  4. Speed: Up to 15 mph

  5. Perfect for: Young children and first-time riders

  6. Trailblazer

  7. Height Requirement: 36 inches
  8. Thrill Level: 3/10
  9. Speed: Up to 45 mph

  10. Ideal for: Families looking for a mild thrill

  11. Laff Trakk

  12. Height Requirement: 36 inches
  13. Thrill Level: 4/10
  14. Speed: Moderate
  15. Great for: Those who enjoy indoor, spinning experiences

These coasters provide a gentle introduction to the world of thrill rides, allowing riders to build confidence before tackling more intense attractions.

What Are the Moderate-Level Coasters at Hersheypark?

As riders gain experience and confidence, they can progress to these moderate-level coasters:

  1. Comet
  2. Height Requirement: 36 inches
  3. Thrill Level: 5/10
  4. Speed: Up to 45 mph

  5. Features: Classic wooden coaster with airtime hills

  6. SooperdooperLooper

  7. Height Requirement: 42 inches
  8. Thrill Level: 6/10
  9. Speed: Up to 45 mph

  10. Highlights: Iconic loop and nostalgic appeal

  11. Wildcat

  12. Height Requirement: 48 inches
  13. Thrill Level: 6.5/10
  14. Speed: Moderate

  15. Known for: Rough ride and airtime hills

  16. Sidewinder

  17. Height Requirement: 48 inches
  18. Thrill Level: 7/10
  19. Speed: Moderate
  20. Unique element: Boomerang-style with forward and backward motion

These coasters offer a step up in intensity while still being accessible to a wide range of riders.

Which Coasters Are Considered the Most Challenging at Hersheypark?

For thrill-seekers and experienced riders, Hersheypark offers several high-intensity coasters:

  1. Wild Mouse
  2. Height Requirement: 48 inches
  3. Thrill Level: 7.5/10
  4. Speed: Moderate

  5. Known for: Sharp turns and sudden drops

  6. Fahrenheit

  7. Height Requirement: 54 inches
  8. Thrill Level: 8.5/10
  9. Speed: Up to 58 mph

  10. Highlight: 97-degree drop and six inversions

  11. Great Bear

  12. Height Requirement: 54 inches
  13. Thrill Level: 8.5/10
  14. Speed: Up to 61 mph

  15. Features: Inverted coaster with four intense inversions

  16. Storm Runner

  17. Height Requirement: 54 inches
  18. Thrill Level: 9/10
  19. Speed: Up to 72 mph

  20. Unique element: Hydraulic launch from 0 to 72 mph in 2 seconds

  21. Skyrush

  22. Height Requirement: 54 inches
  23. Thrill Level: 9.5/10
  24. Speed: Up to 75 mph

  25. Known for: Intense ejector airtime and 200-foot drop

  26. Candymonium

  27. Height Requirement: 54 inches
  28. Thrill Level: 9/10
  29. Speed: Up to 76 mph

  30. Highlights: Smooth ride with camelback hills and hammerhead turn

  31. Wildcat’s Revenge

  32. Height Requirement: 48 inches
  33. Thrill Level: 9/10
  34. Speed: Not specified
  35. Features: Hybrid coaster with unique elements and smooth ride

These coasters represent the pinnacle of thrills at Hersheypark, offering intense experiences for those seeking maximum excitement.

How Do Speed and Height Requirements Correlate with Difficulty?

Generally, there’s a strong correlation between a coaster’s speed, height requirement, and overall difficulty. Here’s a breakdown:

Coaster Speed (mph) Height Requirement (inches) Thrill Level
Cocoa Cruiser 15 36 2/10
Trailblazer 45 36 3/10
Laff Trakk Moderate 36 4/10
Comet 45 36 5/10
SooperdooperLooper 45 42 6/10
Wildcat Moderate 48 6.5/10
Sidewinder Moderate 48 7/10
Wild Mouse Moderate 48 7.5/10
Fahrenheit 58 54 8.5/10
Great Bear 61 54 8.5/10
Storm Runner 72 54 9/10
Skyrush 75 54 9.5/10
Candymonium 76 54 9/10
Wildcat’s Revenge Not specified 48 9/10

As the table shows, higher speeds and taller height requirements generally correspond to higher thrill levels and increased difficulty.

What Accessibility Features Are Available for Hersheypark Coasters?

Hersheypark strives to make its attractions accessible to as many guests as possible:

  • Many coasters are wheelchair accessible, though some require transfer to the ride vehicle.
  • Queues for popular coasters often feature shade and misting fans for comfort.
  • On-ride photos are available for select coasters, including Cocoa Cruiser.
  • Some rides have additional restrictions based on health conditions or body size.

It’s always best to check with park staff or consult the Hersheypark website for specific accessibility information before your visit.

What Challenges Might Riders Face on Hersheypark’s Coasters?

Even experienced thrill-seekers may encounter some challenges:

  1. Restraint Discomfort: Some coasters, like Skyrush, are known for potentially uncomfortable restraints.
  2. Intensity: Coasters like Storm Runner and Skyrush may be too intense for some riders due to high speeds and G-forces.
  3. Wait Times: Popular coasters often have long queues, especially during peak seasons.
  4. Height Restrictions: Taller coasters have higher height requirements, which may disappoint younger or shorter riders.

Being aware of these potential challenges can help you plan your visit and set appropriate expectations for your Hersheypark experience.

By understanding the range of coasters available at Hersheypark, from the gentlest rides to the most extreme thrills, visitors can create a personalized adventure that matches their comfort level and desire for excitement. Whether you’re working your way up from Cocoa Cruiser to Skyrush or diving straight into the most intense experiences, Hersheypark offers a roller coaster journey for every type of thrill-seeker.

References:
1. https://www.coaster101.com/2023/06/25/hersheypark-coaster-rankings-where-does-wildcats-revenge-stand/
2. https://stories.hersheypa.com/hersheypark-coaster-guide-family-fun-from-mild-to-wild/
3. https://www.roadtripsandrollercoasters.com/hersheypark-review-rankings/

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