Hershey Park and Kennywood, two iconic amusement parks in Pennsylvania, offer thrilling roller coaster experiences that attract visitors from all over. Both parks feature a diverse range of coasters, from classic wooden rides to modern steel giants. Hershey Park boasts impressive heights and speeds with coasters like Skyrush and Candymonium, while Kennywood counters with unique experiences like Phantom’s Revenge and Steel Curtain. This comparison delves into the specifics of each park’s top coasters, examining their heights, speeds, and special features to help thrill-seekers decide which park might best suit their adrenaline needs.
What Are the Top Roller Coasters at Hershey Park?
Hershey Park is home to several world-class roller coasters that offer a variety of thrilling experiences. Let’s take a closer look at some of their most notable rides:
Skyrush
- Height: 200 feet
- Top Speed: 75 miles per hour
- Track Length: 3,600 feet
Skyrush is known for its intense airtime hills and unique restraints that enhance the feeling of weightlessness. The coaster’s winged seating arrangement adds to the thrill, giving riders an unobstructed view of the ground rushing by beneath them.
Candymonium
- Height: 210 feet
- Top Speed: 76 miles per hour
- Track Length: 4,636 feet
As Hershey Park’s newest hyper coaster, Candymonium offers a smooth ride with a focus on floater airtime hills. Its long track length provides an extended ride experience, making it a favorite among coaster enthusiasts.
Fahrenheit
- Height: 121 feet
- Top Speed: 58 miles per hour
- Track Length: 2,700 feet
Fahrenheit stands out with its beyond-vertical first drop and multiple inversions, including a Norwegian loop and cobra roll. The ride also features small airtime hills and zero-G rolls, providing a diverse range of sensations throughout the experience.
What Makes Kennywood’s Roller Coasters Unique?
Kennywood offers a mix of classic and modern coasters that cater to a wide range of preferences. Here are some of their standout rides:
Phantom’s Revenge
- Height: 160 feet
- Top Speed: 85 miles per hour
- Drop: 228 feet (second drop is the tallest)
Phantom’s Revenge is known for its unexpected second drop, which is actually taller than the first. This coaster has received Golden Ticket awards and was once the fastest in the world, offering intense airtime moments that continue to thrill riders.
Steel Curtain
- Height: 220 feet
- Top Speed: 75 miles per hour
- Track Length: 4,000 feet
Steel Curtain boasts nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States. Despite its intimidating appearance, the ride is praised for its smooth experience and surprising airtime moments.
Thunderbolt
While specific height and speed statistics aren’t provided, Thunderbolt is a classic wooden coaster that offers a nostalgic ride experience. It’s considered tame by modern standards but remains enjoyable for all ages.
How Do the Parks Compare in Terms of Coaster Variety?
Both Hershey Park and Kennywood offer a diverse range of coaster experiences:
Hershey Park
- Number of Coasters: Multiple, including Skyrush, Candymonium, Fahrenheit, and Storm Runner
- Categories: Steel, hyper coasters, and launch coasters
- Notable Features: Intense airtime (Skyrush), smooth hyper coaster experience (Candymonium), beyond-vertical drop (Fahrenheit)
Kennywood
- Number of Coasters: Multiple, including Phantom’s Revenge, Steel Curtain, and Thunderbolt
- Categories: Steel, wooden, and hybrid/terrain coasters
- Notable Features: Record-breaking inversions (Steel Curtain), classic wooden coaster experience (Thunderbolt)
What Accessibility Features and Amenities Do the Parks Offer?
Both parks strive to accommodate all visitors with various accessibility features and amenities:
Hershey Park
- Wheelchair and Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) rentals
- Disability Access Service (DAS) card
- Multiple parking options, including preferred parking
- Dining options, restrooms, and guest services
- Additional attractions like Hershey’s Boardwalk water park
Kennywood
- Wheelchair and ECV rentals
- Guest Services office for assistance
- Various parking options, including preferred parking
- Family-friendly atmosphere with classic rides
- Dining options and other amenities
How Do Admission Costs and Peak Times Compare?
Both parks offer various ticket options and experience peak times during similar periods:
Hershey Park
- Variable pricing based on season and ticket type
- Offers single-day tickets, season passes, and special packages
- ‘Fast Lane’ option for reduced wait times
- Peak times: Summer weekends and holidays
- Special events: Halloween in the Park, Christmas Candylane
Kennywood
- Variable pricing structure
- Single-day tickets, season passes, and all-season dining plans available
- ‘Fast Lane’ option for shorter queues
- Peak times: Weekends and holidays
- Special events: Phantom Fright Nights, Holiday Lights
In conclusion, both Hershey Park and Kennywood offer unique and thrilling roller coaster experiences. Hershey Park tends to focus on taller, faster steel coasters with intense airtime, while Kennywood offers a mix of record-breaking modern coasters and classic wooden rides. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference for specific types of thrills or the overall park atmosphere.