Hersheypark

[Disneygirl]

Any Hersheypark fans here?

[amy_k]

Any Hersheypark fans here?

We really enjoy Christmas time at Hershey and go pretty much every year (not this year though)... Every once in awhile we'll also go during the spring/summer.

[AnimalKingdomFan79]

I haven't been in so long and so much has changed. I definitely want to go again in the next few years!

[DreamFigment]

I’m thinking about going this spring. I’ve never been — is one day enough to take it all in? Any recommendations?

[amy_k]

It's been a few years since I went during the spring/summer, but can say it really depends. If you are a "do it all" person, then 2 days would be needed; however, if you are okay to miss a few then one day might work if you do some of the external to the park things the day before or after. Hershey has a free "tour" (think of Epcot's living with the land, but chocolate process) and shopping just outside the park and has a special timed free parking area. This area outside of the park does have a few paid experiences which I've never done, but know is pretty popular with explanations at: https://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld ... visit.html

Three quick "downsides" right now: Hersheypark doesn't have any "fast pass" for rides and for spring is only open on the weekends as many workers are high school / college age students. I know a lot of people in the region have pent up energy to go out and about so crowds might be a thing. The other two is that for spring the water park portion isn't open and I think with COVID-19 they don't have their indoor live entertainment shows.

I've always enjoyed going to Hersheypark no matter what the season (affinity for fall/winter due to being a Northerner). The other tips is that depending what days you go (list of hours at https://www.hersheypark.com/info/hours/ is that they allow you to go two hours at the end of the day free the day before if they are open. This is called the preview plan and is explained at: https://www.hersheypark.com/tickets/fre ... -hours.php.

If are staying in the area and if possible I'd stay at one of the Hershey Park "official resorts" https://www.hersheypark.com/official-resorts/. I've stayed at the Hershey Lodge a few times as they have an annual educational technology teacher conference there. If you are park guest you get free parking and a few early hours (like extra Magic Hours).

As for things outside the park, one quick explanation is that Zoo America can be paid for separately but is connected to Hersheypark and you can pop over and visit all the animals during your admission day. One thing that's on my bucket list is to do any of the chocolate treatments at the Hershey Spa https://www.chocolatespa.com/treatments ... colate.php. The other two things that are right near Hershey Park are the Tanger Outlets https://www.tangeroutlet.com/hershey/stores and Troegs Brewery https://troegs.com/visit/. Even if you are not a beer person, I can say the food at Troegs is awesome. They list it as "snacks" but we always get a few items and share to get a taste of it all https://troegs.com/visit/menu/. Although it seems basic, my favorite is the Ocktoberfest pretzel.

Whatever you decide, you'll have a great time. Have fun!

[Disneygirl]

I’m thinking about going this spring. I’ve never been — is one day enough to take it all in? Any recommendations?

I would recommend staying for the weekend if you want to check out the surrounding area. You could do Hersheypark in a day (I've done it before) but if you want to see some of the historical sights such as the Milton S. Hershey Mansion then I would recommend staying another day.

[DreamFigment]

Thank you! This is great information, including some things that wouldn't have even occurred to me to check. I appreciate the advice on the park and on other things to do in the area.

[n7vulcan]

For a few years, my now hubby & I lived very close to Hershey. I had been several times growing up, but found that while we were living there, our favorite time of year was to go for the Halloween events throughout October. We don't mind the cold, so even though we missed the water rides, the crowds are basically NON-EXISTENT, and we were able to ride several rides numerous times in a row. We rode the Stormrunner back to back 13 times once. It's also just a beautiful park in the fall, and with just a hoodie or even a light jacket is still quite enjoyable. I definitely recommend checking the Halloween experiences out. Even since we've moved away, my hubby & I make a point to go every year since we've found that we really love this park. Sadly, we weren't able to go last year, given COVID & all that accompanied it. Really hoping to head out there this year. If you've never been--I definitely recommend.

[HuckFinnDiner]

Count me as another Hersheypark fan on the board (and Hershey fan in general). Like others have said, the park itself can be done in a day (EDIT: unless you want to do the water park, too - single admission), but there are plenty of things in the area and - if you're not from the area - plenty of things in the area outside Hershey, too.

If you've got an interest in history or business, stop by the Hershey Story Museum. If you like architecture, a visit to the Hotel Hershey is worthwhile (including the fountain lobby). If you like nature, there are walking trails at the Hotel as well as the Hershey Gardens right out in front. Depending on the time of year (and nature of the pandemic), there's also Giant Center for concerts, shows, and sports. Oh, and the Hershey Theatre hosts some great Broadway productions and others, too.

You can probably tell I love Hershey, but central PA is beautiful in general.

[Wendya2j]

Hershey Park is really pretty in fall and also during Christmas! There is so much to do during their Christmas season! The park itself is decked out with fun things to do. The official Hershey hotels are beautiful, the nearby outlets are brimming with bargains, great concerts at the Hershey Arena…….you have to come and spend a few days here! Even on NYE they drop the Hershey kiss!