HERSHEYPARK (Hershey, PA)

[Li Li]

DON'T DO IT! Hershey is mobbed this weekend because of the One Direction concert last night and tonight. I could barely get home after work yesterday because of all the traffic! BEWARE!

 

[HPCrazy]

We live in Lancaster and were thinking of driving up today, mainly to check out the Boardwalk area. Our kiddos are 5 and 20 months so Dutch Wonderland is our normal go-to. I haven't been to HP since I was about 13.
It's so hot today and post-holiday weekend... Do you think the crowds will be totally insane? Neither kid has the patience to wait very long for anything.

Yeah I'd definitely hit it up on another weekend. Concert days are definitely not the best times to go as the park really pushes the discounted ticket price for people attending such events which WILL boost park attendance for those days.

 

[HPCrazy]

Just a reminder that if anyone here is either planning a visit out to the park this Saturday (the 20th), I have a meet-up that will be taking place a 9:00 a.m.

More info can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/379541232147386/

 

[msjprincess]

Lockers are $20 for a large locker $15 for a small. You get a wristband and all day access. We were able to fit, a backpack, medium size purse and beach bag with 2 towels in a small locker this past weekend. We went on Friday and Saturday. there were hardly any lines. practically everything was a walk on. The longest we waited was 15-20 minutes in the Boardwalk area for some of the tube rides.

 

[krcit]

Does anyone know a good town to stay in that's close to Hershey but on the way from Long Island? We used to stay in Lancaster but my kids are so over Amish country. We also used to stay in Harrisburg but that is passing Hershey so they'd like to avoid that. TIA

 

[Wimpy]

Does anyone know a good town to stay in that's close to Hershey but on the way from Long Island? We used to stay in Lancaster but my kids are so over Amish country. We also used to stay in Harrisburg but that is passing Hershey so they'd like to avoid that. TIA

There is a Holliday Inn in Grantville. It is not too far from the park.

There is also the Hershey Lodge which looks very nice (ate there a few weeks back).

If you don't have a budget and want to go all out, look at the Hershey Hotel.

The Hotel and Lodge have transportation to the park.

 

[HPCrazy]

There is also the Hershey Lodge which looks very nice (ate there a few weeks back).

If you don't have a budget and want to go all out, look at the Hershey Hotel.

The Hotel and Lodge have transportation to the park.

May I also add that the Hotel Hershey, Lodge and Camping Resort are all properties owned by Hershey Entertainment and all guests are provided free shuttle to and from the park, as well as Sweet Start (similar to EMH) in which you're also provided entry into the park at 9 am (instead of the opening at 10) to enjoy select attractions.

 

[krcit]

There is a Holliday Inn in Grantville. It is not too far from the park.

There is also the Hershey Lodge which looks very nice (ate there a few weeks back).

If you don't have a budget and want to go all out, look at the Hershey Hotel.

The Hotel and Lodge have transportation to the park.

Thanks!!!

 

[Wimpy]

A note to anyone interested, Season Passes for next year are on sale for Hershey. They are $125 if ordered before 10/1. After that, prices go up.

 

[kmb584]

Yep!

We live 2 hours north and visit for at least 3 long weekends each summer with our final summer visit this year being over Labor Day weekend. I'm thinking of adding in a Halloween or Christmas visit this year as we just truly enjoy the ambiance, especially in the suite I rent at the Hershey Lodge. Three lovely rooms, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms - I never want to leave the darn thing!

 

[HPCrazy]

I will be hosting a meet-up at the park on October 19th for Hersheypark in the Dark. Anyone is welcome and if you plan to (or might) attend, feel free to add your name to the list. We will be meeting outside Chocolate World's main entrance at 11 a.m. Park hours are 12 noon - 10 pm that day. Go here for more info regarding the meet-up: https://www.facebook.com/events/164684343724805/ Hope to see you there!

 

[Mnementh]

DW and I are about 90% sure we'll be going that day. If we go, it will be our first Hersheypark in the Dark and we finally feel ready to try the five coasters we've chickened out of for years.

A couple of questions. First, what are the crowds like on a Saturday during the event? Second, I read that they'll close some rides down if it gets unseasonably cold. How often has that happened in your experience?

 

[HPCrazy]

Typical Saturday crowds. Unfortunately it's the best time some of us have to get together, thus why the meet-ups are usually scheduled for Saturdays. Basically the entire park is open minus the Boardwalk and water attractions for a much cheaper price. I also think that Giant food stores also runs their discounted ticket program for this event as well. As far as ride closures, I believe they will run most rides if the temperatures are above 40 degrees. Maybe we'll see you guys there. Any questions, feel free to PM me here or on Facebook, or comment on here or the event FB page.

 

[java]

Any tips for cheap tickets for park in the dark? I'm thinking of taking my son and friends for his birthday, so cheaper is better. I figure we'll eat lunch outside the park on our way over. Then maybe eat pizza in the park? is that our best bet as far as price goes?

 

[HPCrazy]

I believe Giant Food Stores may be doing the discounted ticket program again for this event - their official site confirms it. They also do it for Springtime in the Park and Candylane. What day are you thinking of going?

 

[java]

I think we decided on a Sunday, either the 27 or the 3. There will be 7 11 year olds. I may be crazy. I think they are all big roller coaster guys. (not sure about one of them but he can be my choo choo buddy)

 

[HPCrazy]

Ha-ha nice! I was going to say, you guys would be more than welcome to join our group on the 19th. A lot of us are coaster lovers by the way but have a good time.

 

[java]

Ha-ha nice! I was going to say, you guys would be more than welcome to join our group on the 19th. A lot of us are coaster lovers by the way but have a good time.

I will be at parents weekend that weekend to visit my oldest at college or else we would have photo bombed your group at least!

 

[HPCrazy]

Just a reminder to you all that the Hersheypark In the Dark meet-up is this Saturday - 10/19. We plan to meet outside Chocolate World at 11 a.m. If you plan to come, feel free to add yourself to the Facebook page list:

https://www.facebook.com/events/164684343724805/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Or simply let me know below. If you plan to be there but can't make the 11 a.m. meet-up time, feel free to PM me your cell number so we can exchange and arrange to meet up somewhere with our group. Hoping to see some of you there!

If you are unable to come to the park this Saturday, you're more then welcome to join up at Christmas Candylane on Saturday - 11/16 meeting up at 4 p.m. If you also plan to attend that event as well, feel free to add yourself to the list:

https://www.facebook.com/events/217080065124170/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

or let me know below. Thanks!

 

[HPCrazy]

I just updated some info on the above meet-up page links. If anyone here plans to come or is thinking of coming out to the park tomorrow, it's important you read over that info. Hope to see some locals on here tomorrow.