Hershey Park tips?

[Otto's Doll]

We are going to Hershey Park at the end of June for a few days. We will spend 2 days in Harrisburg and then 2 days at the Hershey Lodge. We plan to go to Hershey Park 2 days (already bought the tickets through our school) and then just hang around Harrisburg for rest of the time. Any tips or hints for either the park or things to do in the area (fairly close by, don't want to drive an hour away.)

 

[bjgrazi]

The travel channel had a show about Hershey Park last night, I started to watch it and then got interrupted.

 

[hyzdufan]

Tour Chocolate World! Free candy at the end of the ride, and they let you off in a huge candy store/food court type place that has delicious ice cream. Try their waffle cones and hot fudge sundaes. Also, make sure you take in that new wooden rollercoaster that they built on the far end of the park. It's great.

 

[WebmasterBarry]

Chocolate World opens an hour before the park does, so head over at 9 am and ride it as many times as you want. You even get a free sample of chocolate at the end (a diabetic's nightmare ).

 

[Otto's Doll]

Thanks for the hints.. I checked out the Hershey show on the travel channel and set TIVO for the next time it comes on (March 28 @ 12noon).

 

[paras4ri]

The water rides get you really, really wet so a bathing suit is a good idea for that section of the park. Tidal Force absolutely drenches you....and on a hot day that's not a bad thing. They have several areas with lockers and dressing rooms....the newest and nicest is over by Roller Soaker.

 

[Prince Eric1]

We've been there several times and like it. As Barry said, go one day early and do the chocolate tour, it opens before the park so you don't miss park time. The thrill rides and water rides get less crowded later in the day, and don't let rain scare you. We've been there twice when the clouds opened and had severe storms. If this happens, head to the enclosed Minetown Rest, sit eat and have some ice cream after. When it blows over, the park is usually empty and the rides are walk ons.
They have the Hershey outlet malls nearby, which are okay if you like those (my wife does). They also have the Indian Echo Caverns a few miles away if you like. They are okay for something different to do, but there is some walking involved. Have fun, and don't forget to ride the lightning racer. Its a great wooden coaster.

 

[AspiringCindy]

They have a cute little trolley ride that shows you some of the Hershey Historical sites! Hershey Hotel has horseback riding which is fun! Also, the zoo is small..but nice!

 

[Otto's Doll]

What was your favorite ride?

 

[msdznyduck]

THere also is the Hershey Gardens, which is not far from Hershey Park. and there is a ZooAmerica wildlife park also
Try www.hersheypa.com and see if that helps

 

[Angelrose]

At Hershey Park they have a honky tonk piano player named Carl Housemann. He is terrific and not to miss. Tell him Mary and Ron from Atlantic City sent you. He used to play at the Showboat Casino and before that he played at Coke Corner at Disney World.

 

[goodrn]

I would encourage you to check out the website PADutchcountry.com Lancaster county and all its surrounding areas have lots of fun things to do ... if you are interested in the Amish and Mennonite life... there is actually a Amish farm you can tour off Rt 30 going into Lancaster (maybe 30 minutes away)
If you would like to go to a wonderful Christian theater... I would highly encourage a trip to the Millenium theater.. It is not too far off Rt 30 in Lancaster. I've seen 2 shows there... Noah and Daniel and truly loved it. Now that may be kind of an expensive venture for your entire family but well worth it!!! I believe the PaDutchcountry website can direct you to more info. on it. I hope your family has a wonderful time. I love the Lancaster area and my husband's parents were both born and raised there. (they are Mennonite )

 

[Otto's Doll]

My brother has been to the Sight and Sound theater a few times and recommends it highly. I would LOVE to go.. one of these days.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Check out this recent thread .

There's some great tips in it.

 

[dlrhine]

As you can see to the side of the post you are coming to my home town. I have lived here all my life except for the months I was on the College Program. Chocolate World is wonderful and free and they are opening a new section where you can make your own chocolate. There is also a Trolley Tour, Hershey Gardens, Hershey Museaum, Hershey Outlets. As far as staying in Harrisburg there is the State Museaum, Whitiker Center (like a museaum very hands on with an IMAX) there is City Island, Civil War Museaum, and there of course Lancaster is also there about 30 minutes from Hershey. They have outlets, sight and sound, Living waters, American Music Theater, Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, and much more. Anywhere you go around here there is plenty to do. We have been season pass olders for at least the last 19 years. Hersheypark is about 15 minute drive from our house we go down for just two hours in the evening. Actually my kids don't understand a playground they think everyone just goes to Hersheypark. Please PM me if you have any questions I'd love to help thanks.
Diane

 

[FranP]

Don't forget the Spa at the Hotel Hershey - Whipped Cocoa Jacuzzi and Peppermint Pattie Scrub - delicious!!!! Follow this with a Chocolate Martini and dinner in the Circular Dining Room overlooking the gardens - what a treat!!!!