Dollywood or Hershey Park?

[vape]

My family is going to Gatlinburg and then Pennsylvania on vacation. We were planning on going to Hershey Park, but then I saw a show about Dollywood on the travel channel. Dollywood looks like a lot of fun.


So, here is the question: Which is the better place to go for a family with two 10 year olds and a 5 year old? And if we don't go to Hershey Park, is it worth it to see the factory/town?


Thanks,
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[Briar Rose 7457]

I've never been to Dollywood, so I can only answer about Hershey.

Hersehy is a very family-friendly park plenty for the younger kids to do and the oler one won't be bored either.

next dooor to the amusement park is Chocolate World. you could spend a whole day here. the main feature in Chocolate World is the simulator ride that gives you a "tour" of the "factory". it's very similar to some of the rides at EPCOT, I think. there's no fee for the ride, you can take the tour as often as you want. at the end of the ride you get free candy, usually a Hershey bar, but sometimes you might get a sample of a new Hershey product instead. Hersehy set this ride up years ago when they discontinued tours of the real factory. like WDW, the ride ends up in a gift shop -- actually a shopping area, where you can get souvenirs, candy and then stay for lunch.

there's also a 3D movie at chocloate World. they were installing the equipment when I was there 2 years ago, so I can't tell you much, but it looked like fun.

another thing we did was take the trolley tour. you get a tour of the town while actors play characters from Milton hershey's life. it was very interesting.

 

[Krisu]

I was in Hershey in April and only went to Chocolate World (amusement park not open then) Younger kids will enjoy it. I also was at Dollywood, and after also watching it on the Travel Channel makes me want to go again!

 

[LarryE]

Dollywood

 

[browneyes]

I've been to Dollywood. It's a nice park. But I'd love to go to Hershey.

 

[WDWHound]

I've been to both and I would have to say that Hershey park wins hands down in my book. Both are great parks, but Hershey has more rides and better coasters.

Don't get me wrong, Dollywood is a great park. Its location, nestled in the mountains amongst the trees, makes it one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. Is got a peaceful country atmosphere and a strong emphisis on music, arts and crafts. Still, Hershey park has an all American charm about it that just makes it fun to be in. Add to that the large number of rides at Hersey park and Chocolate World right there at the gates, and Herhey park takes the top spot for me.

 

[MICKEY88]

hersheypark is fantastic great rides, great shows..water rides for cooling off..... chocolate world is good also..they sell really good cookies, not to mention all the chocolate you could ever want,,

 

[cati]

I have never been to Hershey - so I can's comment about that. I go to Dollywood all the time. My kids love Dollywood. We are going there next weekend. I live 2 hours from there - so that is where we go for our "quick get-a-way". Pigeon Forge is great. My children are 3 and 9 and they really like the rides, the shows. There are alot of different dinner shows iin Pigeon Forge also. From what I have read here on the board, sounds like you could not go wrong either way. Enjoy!!

 

[JAP]

I have never been to either but I just wanted to say I watched the show regarding Dollywood and it made me want to visit there!

 

[kaseyC]

Hershey Park!!!
While dad takes the kids to the Park. Mom needs to visit the Hotel Hershey's spa and get a few Chocolate Spa treatments.

 

[Buckalew]

My DH and parents all work at Dollywood so we go pretty often. It is a fun, family themed park.

It has a coaster called Tennessee Tornado, a ride similar to Splash called Dare Devil Falls and many other rides for kids and then there's Country Fair with rides for smaller kids and bumper cars and a scrambler etc. There is the treehouse that kids seem to love playing at, the Slidewinder which is a fun water ride and also a ride like Kali River Rapids. The shows are also kid friendly--esp. one called "Heart Song".

This year they have KidzFun Fest through August the 10th which has Veggie Tales, Extremme Sports andsomething with Garfield the cat. There is also Splash Country, a water park like Typhoon Lagoon

I think you can't go wrong in whichever park you choose. Dollywood is a very nice theme park though.

Have fun!!

 

[Disneymoon04]

I go to Dollywood every year (I have family in Tennessee) and it bores me to tears every time.

 

[tkd lisa]

We went to Hershey Park w/ Girl Scouts this June and they had a good time (it rained though). We're going back in August with the family because we liked it so much.

There are LOTs of roller coasters there, as well as a zoo and a dolphin show.

One thing I was surprised by was the price of lodging. Day's Inn's were about $180 a night!!! We were lucky enough to get a govt rate of $80 at a Country Inn in Harrisburg, but if you're expecting reasonable lodging rates, check before you make final plans.

 

[mum4jenn]

I would choose Dollywood but since I have never been to Hershey I guess my vote should not count.Go to www.dollywood.com to see more info.

 

[vape]

Thanks for all the opinions!

Both parks are sounding pretty good. Maybe we should just go to both!


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