Hershey Park, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is home to an impressive array of steel coasters that offer heart-pounding thrills for visitors of all ages. From the classic sooperdooperLooper to the newest addition, Wildcat’s Revenge, these steel giants provide a diverse range of experiences. With varying heights, speeds, and unique features, Hershey Park’s steel coasters cater to both thrill-seekers and families alike, making it a must-visit destination for roller coaster enthusiasts.
What Are the Steel Coasters at Hershey Park?
Hershey Park boasts an impressive lineup of steel coasters, each with its own unique characteristics and thrills:
- sooperdooperLooper
- Great Bear
- Storm Runner
- Fahrenheit
- Skyrush
- Candymonium
- Wildcat’s Revenge
- Jolly Rancher Remix
Let’s dive into the details of each coaster:
sooperdooperLooper
- Manufacturer: Schwarzkopf
- Height: 60 feet
- Length: 3,510 feet
- Maximum Speed: 60 mph
- Height Restriction: 42 inches
Great Bear
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard
- Height: 90 feet
- Length: 2,800 feet
- Maximum Speed: 61 mph
- Height Restriction: 54 inches
Storm Runner
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Height: 150 feet (launch tower)
- Length: 2,600 feet
- Maximum Speed: 72 mph
- Height Restriction: 54 inches
- Special Feature: Launches from 0 to 72 mph in 2 seconds
Fahrenheit
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Height: 121 feet
- Length: 2,700 feet
- Maximum Speed: 58 mph
- Height Restriction: 54 inches
- Special Feature: 97-degree negative drop
Skyrush
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Height: 200 feet
- Length: 3,600 feet
- Maximum Speed: 75 mph
- Height Restriction: 54 inches
- Special Feature: 123-degree hammerhead curve
Candymonium
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard
- Height: 210 feet
- Length: 4,636 feet
- Maximum Speed: 76 mph
- Height Restriction: 54 inches
- Special Feature: Seven camelback hills and a panoramic banked curve
Wildcat’s Revenge
- Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction
- Height: 140 feet
- Maximum Speed: 62 mph
- Height Restriction: 48 inches
- Special Feature: Hybrid coaster with wood and steel elements, 82-degree drop, and four inversions
Jolly Rancher Remix
- Manufacturer: Vekoma
- Height Restriction: 48 inches
- Special Feature: Boomerang coaster with unique thrills
How Do the Thrill Levels Correlate with Coaster Statistics?
The thrill levels of Hershey Park’s steel coasters are generally rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most aggressive. Here’s how they stack up:
| Coaster Name | Thrill Rating | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| sooperdooperLooper | 4 | Single loop, several hills |
| Great Bear | 5 | Inverted design, multiple inversions |
| Storm Runner | 5 | Rapid launch, height, inversions |
| Fahrenheit | 5 | 97-degree negative drop, loops, corkscrews |
| Skyrush | 5 | High speed, steep drops, aggressive turns |
| Candymonium | 5 | High speed, long track, multiple airtime hills |
| Wildcat’s Revenge | 5 | Hybrid design, 82-degree drop, inversions |
| Jolly Rancher Remix | 5 | Boomerang design, sharp turns, inversions |
As we can see, most of Hershey Park’s steel coasters are rated at the highest thrill level, offering intense experiences for adrenaline junkies.
What Are the Accessibility Features of Hershey Park Steel Coasters?
Hershey Park strives to make its attractions accessible to as many guests as possible. Here are the accessibility features for each steel coaster:
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sooperdooperLooper: 42-inch height restriction. Riders must be able to sit with their back against the seatback and feet flat on the floor or footrests.
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Great Bear: 54-inch height restriction. Similar seating requirements as sooperdooperLooper. Guests with certain disabilities may need to transfer from their wheelchair.
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Storm Runner: 54-inch height restriction. Seating requirements similar to Great Bear. Wheelchair transfer may be necessary for some guests.
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Fahrenheit: 54-inch height restriction. Riders must sit securely in the vehicle. Wheelchair transfer may be required.
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Skyrush: 54-inch height restriction. Secure seating required. Wheelchair transfer may be necessary. Additional accommodations may be available for certain disabilities.
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Candymonium: 54-inch height restriction. Secure seating required. Offers accommodations for guests with disabilities, including transfer options.
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Wildcat’s Revenge: 48-inch height restriction. Secure seating required. Wheelchair transfer may be necessary. The hybrid design may have specific accessibility requirements.
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Jolly Rancher Remix: 48-inch height restriction. Secure seating required. Wheelchair transfer may be necessary. The boomerang design may have specific accessibility requirements.
What Is the Operational Schedule for Hershey Park Steel Coasters?
The operational schedule for Hershey Park’s steel coasters can vary based on several factors:
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Peak Times: Summer weekends, holidays, and special events typically see longer wait times.
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Wait Times: These can fluctuate significantly depending on the day and time of visit. Off-peak times generally offer shorter waits.
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Seasonal Events: Events like Halloween in the Park and Christmas Candylane may have different operating hours and ride availability.
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Maintenance Closures: Coasters may be temporarily closed for routine maintenance or unexpected repairs.
For the most up-to-date information on operational schedules and wait times, it’s best to check the official Hershey Park website or mobile app before your visit.
How Can Visitors Maximize Their Steel Coaster Experience at Hershey Park?
To get the most out of your steel coaster experience at Hershey Park, consider these tips:
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Plan Ahead: Research the coasters beforehand to prioritize your must-ride attractions.
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Arrive Early: Get to the park when it opens to beat the crowds and enjoy shorter wait times.
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Use Fast Track: Consider purchasing Fast Track passes for priority access to popular coasters.
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Check Height Requirements: Ensure all members of your group meet the height requirements for the coasters you want to ride.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on hot days, to avoid dehydration during long waits.
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Take Breaks: Don’t try to rush through all the coasters at once. Take breaks to rest and enjoy other park attractions.
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Check the Weather: Be aware of weather conditions, as some coasters may close during inclement weather.
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Use Single Rider Lines: If available, single rider lines can significantly reduce wait times.
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Visit During Off-Peak Times: If possible, plan your visit during weekdays or non-holiday periods for shorter lines.
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Download the Park App: Use the Hershey Park app for real-time wait times and park information.
By following these tips, you can maximize your time and enjoyment of the thrilling steel coasters at Hershey Park.
References:
1. The 15 Coasters of Hersheypark
2. Plan Your Hersheypark Day by Height Category
3. List of Hersheypark attractions