Hershey Park at Christmastime-anyone visit?

[Patio]

We are supposed to go to Hershey Park on Wednesday and stay overnight. I know they have rides and the chocolate tour open and lights displays, but, has anyone seen this? If so, what are your thoughts? I've been to Hershey Park many times, but, never at this time of year. Thanks!

 

[MagicalMom]

We didn't get a chance to go this year, but went last year. We had a nice time but really froze! It doesn't seem to be as cold now as it was this time last year so it shouldn't be too bad. If you plan to ride the rides I would buy a braclet to ride all night because it can get pretty pricey. We really enjoyed the 3D show in chocolate world.

 

[mommyrom]

We have been a few times over the past years (MIL lives nearby) and we always have had a good time! (DH proposed to me there in the Kissing Tower during a summer visit ) But, beware...It can get really Cold!! The hot chocolate is the BEST! And, if you check in some of the small shops that have always been open at night, try a loaf of the Chocolate Bread to take home as well! YUMMMMMers!!!! The Chocolate World tour and the 3D movie are not to be missed either....Just FYI - There is an outlet center behind Hershey Park with some nice stores (especially the Scrapbooking one!), as well as some fast food stops...Have fun and don't eat too much chocolate!!!!!

 

[luvmyeor]

We were there the first weekend in December and it was very crowded! The 3-D show is nice and so is the trolley car ride. I thought the drive-thru light display was too expensive and they have two lanes of cars going through at the same time. We waited more than 1/2 hour in a line of cars just to reach the entrance. The lights are nice but they were too close together in some parts. I've been to the Festival of Lights in Wheeling,WV and think their display is much more organized and a lot cheaper! If you plan to do Candy Lane at night make sure you bring hats and gloves or you may freeze!

 

[tmt martins]

We went Friday night It was nice Just didn't think they had as many rides and areas open as before but that could just be me.

It wasn't that cold so that was nice we had another family with us with a little one 3 I think so it was great for her.

All the rides up front ,a few in the vally,most around the monorail area (monorail broke and never ran) Kiss tower and old time cars.

 

[Patio]

Thanks so much for all of your replies! I'm sure my 2 nieces, ages 3 & 2, will love it. We will definitely dress warm. Am I correct in assuming that if you do not go on any rides, you can still enter the park with no admission? Thanks!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Their website says free admission but a fee to park. Does anyone know how much it costs to park? We are planning to go with a few other DISsers on Thursday.

 

[Poohnatic]

My sister and I would meet with our families there for a few years (I was in Maryland, she is on Long Island). Our kids LOVE it.

Parking was 6 bucks when we went two years ago. You can either get a wristband or buy tickets. DH and I got wristbands for the kids and tickets for ourselves, which made the most sense.

Zoo America is open, the skyride, cars, and all the kiddie rides in the front of the park. The bumper cars are open, and several rides that go out towards Sidewinder.

First time we did it, it was bitterly cold and we made lots of stops for Hot Chocolate. Second year was pretty mild. We usually bring a backpack and layer our clothes. If warmer than expected, we could take layers off.

Chocolate World is a must do. We all would stock up on our favorite hershey products there-because they usually are much cheaper than in our local supermarkets. For me, this meant I was taking home a case of Raspberry Chocolate Chips and Special Dark syrup.

If you're going to stay in the area, a 45 minute drive away is Christmas Village in Bernville. My sis and I are very sentimental about that place because my Dad took us as kids several times. The Koziars use around 2 million Christmas lights over 5 acres. It's well done.

Enjoy Hershey-I miss that tradition!

Suzanne

 

[tmt martins]

$6 I think and yes you can go in and not pay until you ride .Wrist band was $18 ,20 tickets $15 I think most ride 3-5 .

I also look at the parking as admission for the carload to the CF ride so I don't mind paying it since we had 7 in the van.

Your little ones will have a great time they also have some warm places as well ( Santas workshop,and eateries.)

Zoo America was not open the night we went it closed at 5:00 pm I think it was opened during the day.


The new KISSABLES are great M&M's shaped like little kisses.

 

[mom2boys]

Their website says free admission but a fee to park. Does anyone know how much it costs to park? We are planning to go with a few other DISsers on Thursday.

We went three years ago. I don't recall the parking fee. There is no admission, however we needed tickets for the rides that were open. You can also buy a wrist band.

** Ride-All-Night Wristbands include unlimited rides, shows, and entrance into ZOOAMERICA, when entered from within HERSHEYPARK.

http://www.hersheypa.com/events/christmas/hersheypark_christmas_candylane/

 

[PaulaSue]

We have season passes and ITA on geting the wrist band if you plan to ride much. Their are not a lot of rides during this time. No rollercoasters, just kiddy kinds. We never paid to see the extra car drive though lights. They have a lot of pretty lights around the park and that is enough for my girls, KWIM.

Ditto on the SB store! I love it there, best selection I have seen around here. I have even seen Disney stuff besdies HP stuff.

 

[mom2boys]

The new KISSABLES are great M&M's shaped like little kisses.

I am so thrilled that Hershey is making these. My son is allergic to peanuts & had never had an M&M because they are made in the same factory as the peanut M&Ms. He loves the Kissables. I hope they don't "contaminate" them by introducing nut varieties.