Dorney Park and Hershey Park are two popular amusement parks in Pennsylvania, but they are not particularly close to each other. Dorney Park is located in Allentown, PA, while Hershey Park is situated just outside of Hershey, PA. The distance between these two parks is approximately 107 miles, which typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to drive under normal traffic conditions. This article will provide a detailed comparison of these parks, including their locations, attractions, and accessibility features.
What is the Exact Distance Between Dorney Park and Hershey Park?
The distance between Dorney Park and Hershey Park is approximately 107 miles. This translates to a driving time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
How Can You Travel from Hershey Park to Dorney Park?
To travel from Hershey Park to Dorney Park, follow these step-by-step driving directions:
- From Hershey Park, take US-322 E towards I-76 E.
- Merge onto I-76 E and continue for about 70 miles.
- Take the exit for I-476 N towards Allentown.
- Follow I-476 N for approximately 30 miles.
- Take the exit for US-222 N towards Allentown.
- Continue on US-222 N for about 10 miles.
- Take the exit for Hamilton Blvd (US-222 Business) and follow signs to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.
Notable landmarks along this route include the cities of Harrisburg and Reading, PA, before reaching Allentown.
What Attractions and Amenities are Available at Both Parks?
Both Dorney Park and Hershey Park offer a wide range of attractions and amenities for visitors. Let’s compare them:
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- Attractions:
- 8 different roller coaster rides
- Various other thrilling rides
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Wild Water Kingdom water park
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Ticket Prices:
- Adult: $60
- Child (under 48\”): $42
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Senior (Over 62 yrs): $42
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Operating Hours:
- Vary by season (generally open from late spring to early fall)
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Check the park’s website for specific hours
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Special Events:
- Halloween Haunt
- WinterFest
Hershey Park
- Attractions:
- Hershey’s Amusement Park
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Exclusive guided Hershey Tour
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Create Your Own Chocolate Experience
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Ticket Prices:
- Adult: $79
- Child (3-8 yrs, under 48\”): $79
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Senior (Over 55 yrs): $79
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Operating Hours:
- Vary by season (generally open from late spring to early fall)
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Check the park’s website for specific hours
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Special Events:
- Hersheypark in the Dark
- Christmas Candylane
What Accessibility Features and Parking Options are Available at Each Park?
Both parks offer various accessibility features and parking options to accommodate visitors with different needs:
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair and stroller rentals
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Accessible restrooms and dining areas
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Parking Options:
- General parking
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Preferred parking closer to the park entrance
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Potential Challenges:
- Crowds during peak seasons
- Potential delays due to weather or special events
- For inquiries, contact Dorney Park at (610) 395-3724
Hershey Park
- Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair and Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) rentals
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Ramps and elevators where necessary
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Parking Options:
- General parking
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Preferred parking closer to the park entrance
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Potential Challenges:
- Crowds during peak seasons
- Potential delays due to weather or special events
- Contact Hershey Park through their official website or customer service for inquiries
Is it Worth Visiting Both Parks on the Same Trip?
While Dorney Park and Hershey Park are not close enough for a convenient day trip between the two, visiting both parks during the same vacation is possible and can be worthwhile for amusement park enthusiasts. Here’s why:
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Diverse Experiences: Each park offers unique attractions and themes. Hershey Park is chocolate-themed, while Dorney Park has a more traditional amusement park feel.
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Different Roller Coasters: Both parks feature different roller coasters, providing varied thrills for coaster enthusiasts.
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Water Park Options: Dorney Park includes Wild Water Kingdom, while Hershey Park has its own water attractions, offering different aquatic experiences.
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Educational Value: Hershey Park provides chocolate-making experiences, adding an educational element to your trip.
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Scenic Drive: The journey between the parks takes you through picturesque Pennsylvania landscapes.
However, consider the following factors when planning:
- Time Constraints: Allocate at least one full day for each park to fully enjoy the attractions.
- Travel Time: Remember the 2-hour drive between parks when planning your itinerary.
- Accommodation: You may need to book different accommodations near each park.
- Cost: Factor in the cost of tickets for both parks, as well as travel expenses between them.
What are Some Tips for Visiting Both Parks Efficiently?
If you decide to visit both Dorney Park and Hershey Park during your trip, consider these tips for an efficient experience:
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Plan Ahead: Research both parks thoroughly and prioritize the attractions you want to visit.
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Multi-Day Tickets: Check if either park offers multi-day ticket options for better value.
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Optimal Route: Plan your route between the parks, considering potential traffic and rest stops.
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Accommodation Strategy: Consider staying in a location between the two parks to minimize travel time.
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Off-Peak Visits: If possible, visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and long wait times.
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Pack Smartly: Bring essentials like sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water bottles to avoid purchasing these items at the parks.
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Use Park Apps: Download the official apps for both parks to access real-time wait times and park maps.
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Meal Planning: Research dining options at both parks and consider bringing snacks to save time and money.
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Rest Days: If time allows, plan a rest day between park visits to recharge.
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Weather Check: Monitor the weather forecast and plan accordingly, as both parks have outdoor attractions.
In conclusion, while Dorney Park is not close to Hershey Park, visiting both during the same trip can provide a diverse and exciting amusement park experience. With proper planning and consideration of the distance between them, you can enjoy the unique offerings of both parks and create lasting memories.