Candymonium stands as the biggest roller coaster at Hersheypark, dominating the skyline of the newly themed Hershey’s Chocolatetown section. This hypercoaster, designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, boasts impressive statistics: a towering height of 210 feet, a track length of 4,636 feet, and a maximum speed of 76 mph. With its chocolate-brown track and candy-themed trains, Candymonium offers thrill-seekers a sweet rush of adrenaline combined with the iconic Hershey’s experience.
What Makes Candymonium the Biggest Coaster at Hersheypark?
Candymonium earns its title as the biggest roller coaster at Hersheypark through several key features:
- Height: 210 feet (64 meters)
- Drop: 216 feet (66 meters)
- Track Length: 4,636 feet (1,413 meters)
- Land Coverage: 7 acres
- Maximum Speed: 76 mph (122 km/h)
These statistics not only make Candymonium the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster at Hersheypark but also position it as a formidable attraction in the broader theme park landscape.
How Does Candymonium’s Design Enhance the Rider Experience?
The design of Candymonium is carefully crafted to provide an exhilarating yet smooth ride experience:
- Layout: Out-and-back track with a chain lift hill
- Airtime Hills: Seven camelback hills for maximum ‘floating’ sensation
- Unique Elements: 123-degree hammerhead curve
- Duration: 2 minutes and 26 seconds of thrills
- Theming: Chocolate brown track with light gray supports
The coaster’s layout takes full advantage of its expansive footprint, offering riders a diverse array of elements that combine speed, height, and airtime.
What Are the Unique Theming Elements of Candymonium?
Candymonium doesn’t just deliver on thrills; it fully embraces the Hershey’s chocolate theme:
- Train Design:
- Themed after popular Hershey’s candies:
- Reese’s
- Kisses
- Twizzlers
- Each train features 7 cars
-
4 riders per row, totaling 28 riders per train
-
Queue and Station:
- Candy wrapper wallpaper
- LED lighting effects
- Fully covered queue line
-
Partially indoor waiting area
-
Surrounding Area:
- Located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown
- Panoramic view of the iconic Kisses Fountain during the ride
This theming creates a cohesive experience that ties the intense coaster ride to the sweet world of Hershey’s confections.
How Does Candymonium Compare to Other Coasters in Thrills?
While Candymonium holds the crown for size at Hersheypark, thrill-seekers might wonder how it stacks up in intensity:
| Aspect | Candymonium | Other Coasters |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Tallest | Varies |
| Speed | Fastest | Varies |
| Length | Longest | Varies |
| Intensity | High, but not necessarily the most intense | Some may offer more intense experiences |
Candymonium’s design focuses on providing a mix of thrills:
– Multiple airtime hills for ‘floating’ sensations
– Panoramic banked curve around the Kisses Fountain
– 77.3-degree maximum vertical angle
– Series of dynamic turns and hills
This combination creates a ride that’s accessible to a wide range of visitors while still satisfying coaster enthusiasts.
What Are the Accessibility Features of Candymonium?
Hersheypark aims to make Candymonium accessible to as many visitors as possible, with some necessary restrictions:
- Height Requirement: Riders must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall
- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to transfer from wheelchairs or ECVs
- Independent seated postural control
- Certain restrictions for riders with amputations or casts
How Can Visitors Maximize Their Candymonium Experience?
To get the most out of your Candymonium ride:
- Fast Track Options: Available for those wanting to skip long lines
- Best Times to Ride:
- Early morning, right after park opening
- During parade times or other major shows
- Seating Choice:
- Front row for unobstructed views
- Back row for maximum airtime on hills
- Prepare for Weather:
- Queue can feel stuffy on hot days
- Bring water and stay hydrated
What’s the History Behind Candymonium’s Creation?
Candymonium’s addition to Hersheypark marked a significant milestone:
- Opening Date: July 3, 2020
- Part of: Hershey’s Chocolatetown expansion
- Investment: Part of a $150 million investment in the park
- Design Process: Collaboration between Hersheypark and B&M to create a coaster that embodies the Hershey brand
The creation of Candymonium was a strategic move to elevate Hersheypark’s status among top-tier amusement parks while staying true to its chocolate-themed roots.
What Future Plans Does Hersheypark Have for Big Coasters?
While Candymonium currently reigns as the biggest coaster at Hersheypark, the park’s future plans remain an exciting topic for coaster enthusiasts:
- Hersheypark continues to invest in new attractions
- No specific announcements for coasters surpassing Candymonium yet
- Focus on enhancing overall guest experience in Hershey’s Chocolatetown
Visitors can expect Hersheypark to continue innovating and potentially introducing new thrilling experiences in the coming years.
Candymonium has solidified its place as not just the biggest roller coaster at Hershey Park, but as a landmark attraction that embodies the spirit of Hershey’s chocolate and the thrill of modern coaster engineering. Its impressive statistics, coupled with its themed experience, make it a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts and casual park-goers alike.
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candymonium
2. https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/candymonium/
3. https://www.hersheypark.com/chocolatetown/coaster.php