Bday trip to Hershey Park -Hotel? INfo?

[MKCP5]

Okay, we have decided to do a long weekend for a surprise for our son's 16th bday in April.

Can anyone tell me about hotels in that area? Restaurants? Thinsg about the park? We've never been

All info in appreciated!

thanks!

 

[DisneyFanInPA]

We live in the area and have season passes to Hersheypark, so I can't help much with hotel info unfortunately. There are quite a few restaurants around the area. I know there is a Fuddruckers and an Applebees if you like the chain restaurants. One of our favorites is an Italian place called Dafno's that isn't too far away from the park. Any of these would be cheaper than eating in the park!

As for the park itself, there are a lot of hills (much more than Disney), so be sure to wear good walking shoes! There are some awesome roller coasters, so your son should love that! The waterpark area won't be open yet, but if you ever get to come back in the summer, that is a lot of fun too.

Also, I'm sure you're aware, but for anyone else that is interested... the park is only open 2 weekends in April (the 2-4 and 9-11) for Springtime in the Park. Most of the rides (except the water ones) will be up and running though and it is usually cheaper than going during the normal summer season.

I would be happy answer any other specific questions that you have. We love Hershey and can't wait to get back there again (planning to go on April 2nd for the day)!

 

[TaraPA]

as the OP stated, Hershey Park is only open 2 weekends in April - here is the info:

www.hersheyinthespring.com

I know in summer the 2 main hotels, Hotel Hershey & Hershey Lodge can be booked solid - I called once for a reservation 2 months out & they laughed, they can be booked a year in advance. I'm guessing since the parks aren't fully opened yet in April, it may be easier to get a room then.

 

[MKCP5]

as the OP stated, Hershey Park is only open 2 weekends in April - here is the info:

www.hersheyinthespring.com

I know in summer the 2 main hotels, Hotel Hershey & Hershey Lodge can be booked solid - I called once for a reservation 2 months out & they laughed, they can be booked a year in advance. I'm guessing since the parks aren't fully opened yet in April, it may be easier to get a room then.

those hotels are definately out of my budget!!! $279 a night is just too much. Trying to find a reasonable close place that is nice, clean but not a budget breaker!

 

[DCbride]

We always stay at the Springhill Suites. It is about 1 mile away from the entrance. There is a Giant grocery store down the road from it that sells discount tickets to the park. There is a Subway there and a pizza place too, We like an Italian restaurant on the main street that begins with an F, can't think of it now, but a search will help. The outlets in the area are great. If you can't stay at the Hershey Hotel, you are allowed to go and walk around. The pictures in the halls are so fun to looks at - they show Hershey through the years. And of course you can plan to eat there. Maybe a birthday lunch? Or go for dessert.

Chocolate Factory has a decent food court and designing your own cupcakes are always a big hit with DH

 

[SunnyP4Disney]

We'll be there the 2-3 of April for Springtime in the Park. DS's bday is this coming weekend but we're waiting for his Spring Break to start. We're staying at the La Quinta in Harrisburg since we're bringing our dog. I'm excited! I haven't been since I was 12 years old!!!

 

[3darlings]

My main tip is to get there early - before opening because the walk to get in and then the gates take some time. Most people have to drive some distance to Hershey Park so they are late arrivals. The first two hours at the park are great and then it can seem like droves of people just appear out of nowhere. It is generally great in the mornings but much busier by the afternoon. Usually in April all of the rides are not open yet (or open late because they are still doing their testing) so we find it can get pretty crowded because people are not as spread out.

If we are spending the night, we do the 3 hour before closing deal that night (I'm not sure what it is called) that includes the next day. You only pay parking that night and don't have to pay the next day. We try to get some of the big rides done that night after the crowds begin to thin out. Then if you get there early the next day, you can get in pretty quick, hit a few big rides, and be at the water section first thing when it opens although that section probably isn't open in April. Hope you all have fun!

 

[mjkacmom]

I'm totally not trying to sound snarky, but try the search function, since this is a daily topic on the DIS boards, and there are so many helpful responses that might not get answered here.

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

Thank you so much for posting this! I would not have known. I had looked into Hershey a while ago and thought it was too much money, but these prices are reasonable. Does anyone have any idea how busy the park will be during these 2 weekends and if Easter weekend would be more or less busy than the second weekend? I would love to take DD8 for her 9th Birthday....