Hersheypark TR.....getting lost on other thread/board......

[bubba's mom]

I didn't want this to get lost on the other thread...so, I thought I'd post it here too......hope that's okay!


Okay, so....DS decided to take me and my Mom (and DH) to Hersheypark for Mother's Day...... here's an abbreviated trip report (y'all ain't gettin' one of those "fancy long" TR's outta me for this )........

Mother's Day Sunday we headed to Hersheypark for the day. A bright sunny day that sunburned my nose and the top of my head (sorry, no pic of that! ) About 70 degrees and not very crowded...well, the lines weren't crowded, but there were TONS of cheerleaders wandering around . We first started with the Skyride and Bubba loved the Great Bear rollercoaster that seemed like it wanted to "intertwine" w/ the skyride.
After that, the PeanutButter Cup Xtreme was nearby, so we headed there. A brief 10 minutes wait or so, but I wouldn't wait longer than that! It was like a Buzz Lightyear ride...altho, the "guns" were handheld and not attached. You actually had to keep pulling the trigger (not just keep it pressed as in MIB) and the "car" rode thru SO fast, and the targets were quarter size, I didn't do well at all! I would say this ride was less impressive than Buzz, and I just can't compare it to MIB....no comparison at all .
After that attraction, Ryan wanted to do one of those 3D Virtual Reality things with the goggles (only $5! ), so, it was Mother's Day...why not? So, we waited for him and "people watched'....what there was of people (it wasn't crowded yet!)
Now we were in the area of the new "Boardwalk" opening up...(still not sure why they call it the "boardwalk" cuz I sure as heck didn't see any boards! ) DS and DH went to ride the Wild Mouse, while Mom and I stayed away and I took some pics of the new "water park" opening up. (Pictures of the water area--) Low crowds , changing area at entrance , another pic , water slide--no water yet , Pic 1 , Pic 2 , Pic 3 , Pic 4 , Pic 5 , Pic 6 , Pic 7 , Pic 8 , Pic 9 , Pic 10 (obviously a kiddie area), Pic 11 , Pic 12 , Pic 13 , and finally what is known as the toliet bowl flush . (Yes, you come down that slide and swirl around in the "bowl" like in a toliet! )
We kept mozing around, came upon the Whip. DS & DM and of course, the awwww pic.
Next, we took DS on the Sidewinder...the first coaster he's been on that goes backwards! I must say, I remember this being a great coaster when we first rode it when it was new, and it still was a great ride! (Kinda reminded me of Hulk...after you're "shot" outta Hulk....goes something like that!)DS @ Sidewinder.
After that, we rode StormRunner across from the Sidewinder, which I must say was WAY COOL!!! I only took a couple of pictures from where we ate after we rode it...but I must mention once you "crest" the top hill, you kinda "hesitate" for a moment and are treated to an awesome view of the park! And it is a "launch" coaster... Pictures of StormRunner from our outside table: HERE and HERE. Oh, and here's my DS's $8 cheeseburger on soft kaiser roll.... blech.
I forget what we did after we ate, but we managed to get ourselves to Zoo America. I already posted macraven's picture , so I will show you prairie dog and her prairie dog babies. There were a hoot running around and chasing each other and playing....and of course, when people clap their hands or make loud noise, they "freeze" and look around to check it out....they were quite funny!
We took a few other pics of deer, buffalo, elk, etc....but, i won't bore you with those...seen one, seen 'em all!!!
Next, we coaxed DM into going up the Kissing Tower. DH promised he wouldn't sit next to her! After we assured her you SAT in it and it was ENCLOSED, she agreed. (DM doesn't "do" heights, or things that may hurt her back or give her motion sickness....Universal outta be a hoot next year ....DH & I already have bets on how long she's there before she "packs in the parks" for the pool )
Anyhow, DH took some lovely pics of the park from atop the Kissing Tower: Great Bear , StormRunner , Pic , Pic , Hershey Factory & Pic .
We also had DS take us on a car ride, and then he went on the "racecars" by himself...and got a little annoyed at traffic ....but, he did this a couple of times and enjoyed himself!!
We also (at some point in the day...can't remember exactly when), passed by the Ampitheatre, where Dennis DeYoung of Styx was putting on a show . We stopped to hear the song "Babe" and when DM started singing very loudly and dancing....I was outta there! (We don't have any more pictures because DH got told "no photography of any kind".... ooops!
I believe the next thrill was Great Bear... THIS was a GREAT ride!!! We could have "walked on" as there was NO LINE, but since there was only 4 or 5 "parties" ahead of us for the front row, we waited! WORTH IT!!!! Comparable to DD @ UO...totally!!! Awesome coaster....if you like DD, you'd love this! PIC 1 , PIC 2 , loops and barrel rolls.
I don't have any good pictures of "SuperDooperLooper" but DH and I rode FRONT CAR with NO WAIT! That tells you how "lame" a ride it is!!! We went thru the loop and we were going thru the rest of the ride and DH looks at me and says "Boy, this is lame".....
Bubba and I did the Swings and DH, Bubba & DM did Bumper Cars. Bubba also took his Mom-Mom on the Scrambler and had a good time!
By this time, it was getting late and we had an hour car ride home yet..... Just goes to show ya, even being 8, you're still not too old for a ride from Daddy!
The ride home wasn't real great, DS had gotten sick and we're not sure if it was from dehydration or too much excitement on too empty of a belly! But, he got almost 12 hours sleep that night and was ready to go to school the next morning!
It was a fun day, a wonderful day with my husband, my son and my Mom and I hope you get an idea of Hersheypark now!

I'll be happy to answer any questions!!

Thanks for reading!!! ......and you can watch the music video here!

 

[JawsCPA]

Thanks for the trip report. We went to Hershey about three years ago. Your pictures brought back some good memories.

 

[AlexandNessa]

We went to Hershey Park last year for Father's Day. We stayed at the Hershey Lodge, even though we only live less than an hour and half away (hmmmm.... A DIS meet at Hershey?). We loved the Lodge. Think we might go again for Labor Day, but haven't decided yet. LOVE Storm Runner! That is one of my favorite coasters. They wouldn't even let us go on with our Sunglasses it's so crazy. Glad you had fun. Thanks for the report!

 

[stemikger]

I was curious to see what that water park would look like.

It looks like they crammed a lot of stuff into a small area.

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[englishteacha]

We love Hersheypark. We've been a few times in the past few years. It's a full day's drive for us, but we prefer it to Six Flags New England (ugh) which is the closest park with "big" roller coasters to us here in Maine. Thanks for the pictures of the water rides!

 

[Andrea from PA]

We are planning on going to HersheyPark in August for the Ally/AJ, Drake Bell, etc. We are planning to stay overnight & visit the Park -- But we don't know how long to visit the Park for and not sure I understand the water rides...

It will be me, DH, DS 11, DS 7 & DD 6. My eldest & youngest are thrill ride junkies & my kids are tall & meet most of the height requirements.

We are trying to go as low budget as possible, but are willing to spree on multi day tix if it is good bang for the buck!

So -- Would water rides take up an entire day (of course my kids are multi riders so going on the same thing 4x will not bore them!)?

How much should we budget for eating in the Park?

 

[bizeemom4]

We are planning on going to HersheyPark in August for the Ally/AJ, Drake Bell, etc. We are planning to stay overnight & visit the Park -- But we don't know how long to visit the Park for and not sure I understand the water rides...

It will be me, DH, DS 11, DS 7 & DD 6. My eldest & youngest are thrill ride junkies & my kids are tall & meet most of the height requirements.

We are trying to go as low budget as possible, but are willing to spree on multi day tix if it is good bang for the buck!

So -- Would water rides take up an entire day (of course my kids are multi riders so going on the same thing 4x will not bore them!)?

How much should we budget for eating in the Park?

I'm not the OP but my DD works for HersheyPark in Foods and Beverages...just off the top of her head she said that:
Large soda - $3.18
Corn Dog - $3.50/Pretzel Dog - $4.50
Slush Puppies - $3.80
Cheeseburger - $7.50
Refillable Mug - $6.50 + .99 refill

As far as budgeting your TIME, you'll need at least a whole weekend to see and do everything just at HersheyPark. If you are going to do the stuff at Chocolate World, the Museum, etc. that's another day. So I'd spring for the two days tix. HersheyPark has a good deal - if you buy your tickets for the next day, you can get in the night before for free. You can buy your tickets at the gate for the next day and you can get in at 5 (?) that evening.

 

[Andrea from PA]

Thanks Beezemom4!

I don't think we can do the 5 pm night before thing -- I think we can only get in 2 1/2 hours before closing.

Based on all you said, I think we will go worth the 2 day flex -- Go on Saturday for non water rides & see fireworks, hit the non-Park stuff (caverns & Museum) Sunday before the concert and then back on Monday & try the "crowded" water stuff and hit some other rides we missed on Monday.

I am trying to keep costs to a minimum as this was an unbudgeted trip, but not worth going if we need to rush & argue about which kid gets to do which ride.

ANy advice/comments would be appreciated!

 

[bubba's mom]

If you plan the museum and all the outlets next door, 2 days I would say. rosemarie was just a HP and they spent 2 hours in the water area (there is no pool...just water "stuff" & a couple of slides. If you went to the park open to close, a day would probably be enuf...but if you plan to do the water area, do the two days. That will leave plenty of time for redoing your favorites and catch shows and whatever else you happen to miss. bizeemom4's DD is on the money w/ food. It's not cheap and i would budget at least $10pp per meal minimum. They do have a Subway there, but a lot of CS. I think I have a park map at home, I will check next weekend when I get home and I can mail it to you if you want. (I mailed rosemarie a couple). I'm not sure if there are markets around or not, but you could always have breakfast in your room and take a packed lunch (if trying to save money). HP is a day trip for us, so we just splurge and buy food there...but, multi day ticket would be the way to go, since it will be summer and most likely, crowded .
Let me know if I can help with any other questions.....

 

[Andrea from PA]

Thanks Bubba'sMom!

Don't worry about sending us maps -- I have Choice Hotel Card & once I hit the 30 days I am going to try to book 2 nights at the Comfort Inn. If I can get it all on points, then I am leaning towards a 2 day Flex Pass.

This will let us leave later on a Saturday Morning, check in, get to the parks, stay for the fireworks. Sunday I was thinking of the Indian Cave/Cavern and maybe the museum, then we have our big Concert. Then Monday we can hit the parks again & hope it isn't as crowded as a Saturday, then back home.

Sounds like a good plan if I can get the budget to work.