Hershey PA while not spending a lot of $$

[aprilfoolwed]

OP, not sure where you will be coming from, but in many travel guides, the Hershey & Lancaster areas are lumped together. As a PA native, I do not really think that they are really close (probably 40-45 minutes away), but you may find cheaper hotel options closer to Lancaster than in Hershey (and better IMHO).

We have stayed at some nice places in the Lancaster area (our favorite was the Eden Resort). Another really fun option in that area is to stay at a working farm! We did this with the kids once, and we all had a great time! They got to gather the eggs for breakfast, and help in the garden, and pkay with the goats and sheep!

I agree with other posters who said Dutch Wonderland is nice - it's the perfect park for little ones. But if your kids are 8+ they will like Hershey better.

Hershey is nice in that it has a mix of thrill and kiddie rides in each section, so the family can venture thoughout the park together. I have one who does thrill rides/coasters, one who does kiddie rides, and one in the middle who is too big for kiddie things but not ready for major thrills. They are all happy at hershey.

Food is expensive and not so good. I think your best bet is eating a large breakfast, doing a snacky-type lunch, and then eating outside of the park for dinner. There are tons of options within a few miles of the park! One local chain that I liked was Isaac's - it's a sandwich place that had good food (we used to eat there in college) - there are several franchises in the area.

I will also agree with everyone who said Knoebels is a much better park. However, there is not much else around Knoebels. If you are campers, you would enjoy it. And the park is great (and worth the trip - free admission and some of the best theme park food at great prices).

But you will find more to do in the Hershey/Lancaster area.

I went to college about 20 mins from Hershey, and used to love the days the wind blew the chocolate smell towards campus! Yum!

We stop at Chocolate World frequently. My kids didn't even know there was a Hershey PARK for years - we only did Chocholate World and them head to Dutch Wonderland! LOL

 

[Sagginit]

i did hershey park a few years ago. we got discounted tickets by going during their halloween season, its open a few less hours so the tickets were half price, but we stayed the whole time so we did everything we wanted to.

IMO chocolate world that is free is not worth the trip alone. however if you do lancaster & hershey PA you could do it as a pit stop as part of a longer weekend trip.

a few things i can think of to save $
- stay offsite (but be wary, some of the motels there are just gross and scary)
-unless they have some rule i am not aware of, what we always did when we went to our local six flags was pack a lunch in a cooler, go to the car, eat, go back in. for us the cost of ice + food for the two of us was just not really worth it, but if it is a family sharing i could see it being cheaper per person.
-the posts above seem misleading. what is free at Hershey World is a small ride showing you how they make chocolate. what costs $ is the 3D show, the park, the museum, the zoo, oh and that GIANT store outside the free ride. this is why i say its not worth a trip just for that
-if you want to make a weekend of it head to lancaster before/after they day at the park. we did a menonite buggy ride, a farmers/ craft market, a vineyard, and those caverns. we got a AAA discount on the buggy ride and the farmers/ craft market was free. the caverns was only a few dollars a person and the vineyard tour/ tasting was free i believe, we bought lots of wine though since it was good and reasonably priced. oh and we did a giant corn maze at cherry crest hill farms (i think that is the name)
-also there are plenty of diner type places that were reasonably priced and some of the amish type ones had great food

 

[htmom]

I believe you will find info on the trolley tour at the hersheys chocolate world website.

 

[stitchlovestink]

There are plenty of rides for all ages, and what is great about Hershey is that there are a variety of rides in all sections, which works great if you have multiple ages in your party (worked really well when my kids were younger - they can now go on all of the rides).

We used twilight passes without staying on Hershey property - they're for everyone. We used to stay at the Lodge, until we needed two rooms, and then had to go off property. TBH, we get to the park faster driving than we did taking the bus.

I also always hid a couple of water bottles in my bag - I'm such a rebel! And pizza is the best/cheapest meal option that we've found.

Boy! you lucked out!! They always found mine!! And I just HATED having to throw them away! That WASTE just about KILLED ME! To me that was just like throwing $$ right in that trash can. So I gave up even trying to get any in. I don't mind buying them, I just hate being price gouged esp because I require SO MUCH MORE fluid intake that the average person. It just frustrates me at how much extra money I have to spend because I need so much more fluid because of a medicine I take.

i did hershey park a few years ago. we got discounted tickets by going during their halloween season, its open a few less hours so the tickets were half price, but we stayed the whole time so we did everything we wanted to.

IMO chocolate world that is free is not worth the trip alone. however if you do lancaster & hershey PA you could do it as a pit stop as part of a longer weekend trip.

a few things i can think of to save $
- stay offsite (but be wary, some of the motels there are just gross and scary)
-unless they have some rule i am not aware of, what we always did when we went to our local six flags was pack a lunch in a cooler, go to the car, eat, go back in. for us the cost of ice + food for the two of us was just not really worth it, but if it is a family sharing i could see it being cheaper per person.
-the posts above seem misleading. what is free at Hershey World is a small ride showing you how they make chocolate. what costs $ is the 3D show, the park, the museum, the zoo, oh and that GIANT store outside the free ride. this is why i say its not worth a trip just for that
-if you want to make a weekend of it head to lancaster before/after they day at the park. we did a menonite buggy ride, a farmers/ craft market, a vineyard, and those caverns. we got a AAA discount on the buggy ride and the farmers/ craft market was free. the caverns was only a few dollars a person and the vineyard tour/ tasting was free i believe, we bought lots of wine though since it was good and reasonably priced. oh and we did a giant corn maze at cherry crest hill farms (i think that is the name)
-also there are plenty of diner type places that were reasonably priced and some of the amish type ones had great food

Bolding is mine...
the summer before last when I let each of my DD's take a friend...I did this. We can drive for the day as we are 70-80ish miles away. It takes between 1.5 and 2 hrs to get there depending on traffic. I know how awful the food is and how expensive it is. So I packed a rolling cooler with subs, cut up fruit, potato salad, chips, brownies, and drinks and we left the park around 2ish and had a HUGE lunch. We parked over by the stadium as I know that they have picnic tables under the stadium and I packed a plastic table cloth too because the tables are kinda yucky... the bathrooms are open for use there too! The nice part is you are out of the sun and in the shade. It can still be hot in the summer but if you are in the regular other area of the parking lot, there is just no where to really eat other than in your car or on your back bumper if you have a lift gate. And you are definitely going to be sitting in the heat of the sun! But this is a very doable option. Actually, what we do, is eat our lunch, then go over to Chocolate World and do the ride and shop to give our food a chance to digest and cool off in the worst heat of the day since all of this is in an air conditioned building. Then head back over to the park. Then usually later, I will buy a one Large pizza (which isn't bad tasting) and that will top us off for the night. And each kid including my own is responsible for buying their own snacks if they want any.

 

[lilsk8nmac]

For those of you wondering, Hershey and Lancaster are about a 30mile drive give or take a few miles apart. I used to drive it all the time.

 

[jrmasm]

A couple of things, you are allowed to bring in one, unopened water bottle per person. The 3D show at Chocolate World is not free and IMO is not worth paying for.

 

[billlaurie]

Though I just tolerate it, my kids love HP. You can find fairly cheap tickets to the park but the food is expensive and horrible. There is a Fuddruckers right outside the park where we always eat. As far as accommodations, we found a fun place outside Lancaster called Willow Valley Inn. It is a straight shot to the park and takes about 20 minutes. They have a package that includes tickets to the park, though we found that we could get tickets cheaper at Giant. WV has some cool indoor pools/play areas, a small petting farm and lots of outdoor activities. The rooms were very large. My kids had as much fun there as they did in HP. It's been a few years, but I don't remember it being expensive. We go to HP every year but usually don't stay since we are only about 2 hours away.

 

[kaleighmariesmom]

OP here. We are driving down from the Boston area. Our kids are little. 6 and twin 18 month olds. No bug thrill rides here but just wanted to check it out. Also DH wanted to see Amish country..

 

[lilsk8nmac]

OP here. We are driving down from the Boston area. Our kids are little. 6 and twin 18 month olds. No bug thrill rides here but just wanted to check it out. Also DH wanted to see Amish country..

If your DH wants to see Amish country, you definately should look into visiting Lancaster. That is true Amish country.
As far as the attractions at Hershey's chocolate World, here is a link...
http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/explore.aspx You will see the simulated Chocolate ride I was talking about that is FREE! Everything else comes with a cost, like the Big 3D ride another poster on this thread was talking about.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[htmom]

Since your kiddos are little I would plan the trip to do Dutch Wonderland instead of HP. Plus then you will be in Lancaster to see Amish Country. Hershey dosen't have an Amish community. You could do a little trip to Hershey for Chocolate World since you will be rather close.

 

[MMitchell29]

Would anyone happen to know what the weather would be like the last week in May.

Also it is possible to do the trolley tour, Hershey world, and Hershey Park within 3 days

Sorry for all the questions but what is the major airport in Hershey or would it be in Lancaster

 

[GraysMom]

Really glad to hear some positives about Knoebels! We just moved to PA, about 10 minutes from Knoebels! I'm sure we will be visiting a few times this summer maybe! We've been having a really hard time adjusting to this move, so maybe that will be something to look forward to!

I highly recommend Knoebels. Delicious, inexpensive, award-winning food, lots of shade trees to keep it cooler, rides for all ages/thrill levels, free admission, free parking, you can bring whatever food/drinks you want in to the park (they even provide a few picnic tables for folks to use-first come, first served), tickets are reasonable and never expire (so if the weather gets bad or someone gets cranky/sick you just go home and don't lose any money on unused tickets), even the handstamps are cheap compared to other parks.

AAA offers discount ride ticket booklets if you have a membership.

My grandparents have a farm in Catawissa and I grew up in Berwick, so I have gone to Knoebels every year since I was born and worked there when I was home for the summer during college. I just love the park and would be happy to answer any questions you might have about the park or the area in general.

You'll notice that Knoebels actually beat out Epcot for "Best Food" in last year's Golden Ticket Awards http://www.goldenticketawards.com/award_winners.html

In the National Amusement Park Historical Association rankings that just came out, Knoebels tops WDW for "Best Family Park" http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151421518265551&id=207828210550

I know I'm biased, so I just wanted to show that other people love Knoebels too .

 

[Brer Shay]

Since your kiddos are little I would plan the trip to do Dutch Wonderland instead of HP. Plus then you will be in Lancaster to see Amish Country. Hershey dosen't have an Amish community. You could do a little trip to Hershey for Chocolate World since you will be rather close.

WIth your kids ages, definitely consider Dutch Wonderland over HP. ESPECIALLY if your DH is looking for Amish country.

 

[GraysMom]

Would anyone happen to know what the weather would be like the last week in May.

Also it is possible to do the trolley tour, Hershey world, and Hershey Park within 3 days

Sorry for all the questions but what is the major airport in Hershey or would it be in Lancaster

There is no major airport in either town. The closest major airport is in Philly. Harrisburg is the closest non-major airport to Hershey, but it's quite small.

Weather the last week in May will probably be mid 70's, but cooler at night (not swimming/water park weather unless you don't mind it very chilly!).

Chocolate World takes at most 2 hours to go through, and that's if you do the make your own chocolate bar part. We go to Hersheypark for Christmas Candylane and can easily do the whole park in a day, even with shorter hours of operation. I haven't done the trolley tour so I can't give you any info on how long that takes.

 

[HelenePA]

I highly recommend Knoebels. Delicious, inexpensive, award-winning food, lots of shade trees to keep it cooler, rides for all ages/thrill levels, free admission, free parking, you can bring whatever food/drinks you want in to the park (they even provide a few picnic tables for folks to use-first come, first served), tickets are reasonable and never expire (so if the weather gets bad or someone gets cranky/sick you just go home and don't lose any money on unused tickets), even the handstamps are cheap compared to other parks.

AAA offers discount ride ticket booklets if you have a membership.

My grandparents have a farm in Catawissa and I grew up in Berwick, so I have gone to Knoebels every year since I was born and worked there when I was home for the summer during college. I just love the park and would be happy to answer any questions you might have about the park or the area in general.

You'll notice that Knoebels actually beat out Epcot for "Best Food" in last year's Golden Ticket Awards http://www.goldenticketawards.com/award_winners.html

In the National Amusement Park Historical Association rankings that just came out, Knoebels tops WDW for "Best Family Park" http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151421518265551&id=207828210550

I know I'm biased, so I just wanted to show that other people love Knoebels too .

We LOOOOOOVEEEEE knoebels dont we? lol We must meet there for pizza one day

 

[GraysMom]

OP here. We are driving down from the Boston area. Our kids are little. 6 and twin 18 month olds. No bug thrill rides here but just wanted to check it out. Also DH wanted to see Amish country..

DS7 has been riding many rides at Knoebels on his own for several years and I'm totally comfortable with it (even though I'm overprotective by nature). There are two train rides and a boat ride the whole family can enjoy, plus several other kiddie rides that would be age appropriate for your 18 mo twins. Amish country is 1 1/2-2 hrs away from the park, depending on what part you want to see/visit. Be advised that Hershey Park isn't really in Amish country and still requires at least an hour's drive to get there.

 

[HelenePA]

Yeah there really isn't anything Amish in hershey. Its a small little town biggest attractions are the park, the hospital, and the factory. No horses and buggies around! Dutch wonderland would be better to visit for Amish country.. its smack dab in the middle of it.

 

[disny_luvr]

Would anyone happen to know what the weather would be like the last week in May.

Also it is possible to do the trolley tour, Hershey world, and Hershey Park within 3 days

Sorry for all the questions but what is the major airport in Hershey or would it be in Lancaster

The closest non-major airport is Harrisburg (MDT). It is about a 10-15 minute drive. The closest major airport would either be Philly (PHL) or Baltimore (BWI). I'd say both are about 1 1/2 hours away.

You can easily do Hershey in three days. I've done the trolley tour twice. It lasts about 45 mins. It is really cute and well worth the money. My kids love it! I'd highly recommend the trolley tour over the Hershey Story (the museum in town). I've been to the museum once. I liked it but wouldn't have to go back again. My kids, both age five, would be bored to tears. Chocolate World can easily be done in a few hours, and that's with doing everything that is offered. If you are just riding the ride, you can be in and out in about 20 mins. If you are planning on visiting the Boardwalk area, I'd recommend at least a full day at the Park, especially if you want to ride some of the newer roller coasters. You could wait in line for awhile. If you are just going to ride the kiddie rides you can do the Park in a day (including the water park).

As others have mentioned, both Knoebel's and Dutch Wonderland are nice parks too. I guess since I've grown up going to Hersheypark I'd choose that park over the other two.

If you have any other questions about HP, PM me. I spent a great amount of time there. I can actually see the Kissing Tower (and now the very tippy top of the new roller coaster) from my house. We love HP.

 

[Sagginit]

i love lancaster, HP is fun, but you do not fall in love with it the way you do with lancaster. i would say may is a nice time, it is in the 70s but can drop at night to the 50s or it could spike the 80s depending on the day. i did a trip from NJ with a few hour ride with my friend. we drove out friday night, checked in, got diner and did a corn maze (it was Oct.). sat morn we did breakfast, a buggy ride, a quick tour of a farmers market, and then drove to Hershey. checked in, hit up chocolate world, and did the park from 2- 9ish. sunday got up did the caverns, quick brunch, the vineyard and headed home.

if you go these are the places i have been and recommend:

http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com/

http://www.abesbuggyrides.com/contact/ ( I think beside the winery our favorite part of the trip)

http://padutchcountry.com/members/Indian_Echo_Caverns.asp

for mom and dad time
http://www.nissleywine.com/

 

[GraysMom]

We LOOOOOOVEEEEE knoebels dont we? lol We must meet there for pizza one day

We do!!! Mmmm, a Cesari's meet (with a side of fresh cut fries, funnel cake, an ice cream waffle...)