Slightly OT - Hershey Park, etc.

[PollyannaMom]

We may be driving out to visit relatives in Pennsylvania this summer (near Pittsburg). Is it worth taking a couple of of days in the Hershey area on the way, even if it delays our next Disney trip a little, budget-wise?

 

[PaulaSue]

You sould search the thread here. They talk about HP often.

It is not like Disney (different but nice, less theming, faster rides) but it is very expensive here (we usually have season passes to HP)

Most people can do the whole park in 1 1/2 days.


You should check out the web site, lots of helpful info there.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

We live within reasonable driving distance to Hershey Park and have been several times. It's a wonderful park but not for more than a day IMO. It might be a fun side trip but I would think one day for Hershey park is plenty and then head to Disney.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Thanks for mentioning the search, Paula Sue. - I had tried that, but got stuff from about 3 years ago. When you said they talk about it often, I tried again, and realized I could search by DATE, which helped a lot! (Sorry, new to searching.)

I had also been on Hershey's website, hoping to interest my 6yo, but it was not that interactive, and he didn't really get into the site. (Though as an adult reading it, I'm sure we would all like the actual place!)

Does anyone else have an opinion - Would a quick stop at Hershey (by virtue of being so different) take the edge off the long wait for the next Disney trip? Or would a kid just be more dissapointed that it wasn't Disney, and rather save the money to go back a little bit sooner than otherwise.

 

[LISAVWL]

We live about an hour from HP and go a couple of times a year. My DH & DS13 LOVE it -- they're big rollercoaster riders! The younger kids have a great time too but I think it's very different from Disney. More rides less attractions & shows. They have more thrill rides than Disney but they also have some great kid rides. We haven't ever spent more than 1 day and get to most if not all of the park. Oh yea, they have some water rides too if that fits with the time of year you'd be visiting. There's also Chocolate World which has a ride that explains how they make the chocolate, lots of fun, and then you exit into a gift shop/food court. We would never visit HP to replace Disney but we certainly have fun for the day we are there.

 

[shelly3girls]

We go to HP every year. We make a weekend of it although I do not know that I would postpone Disney for it. It really depends on the rides your DS likes. If he is really into roller coasters and thrill rides then it may be worth it. Check out the height limits chances are he may not meet them for some of the biggest rides. The kids rides are great but my kids have as much fun on the rides at other places. We really enjoy places like Chocolate World, Hershey Gardens, and the brunch at the Hotel Hershey.

Hershey is very nice but not much more than a weekend visit. We enjoy it but I wouldn't postpone WDW for it.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I also know they use to have a reduced rate for a few hours at night then full price for the next day. So 1 night stayover and you could get the entire thing done and not feel rushed.

We love Hershey but also do 6flags a lot as well. Neither would be worth putting off Disney IMHO

 

[mysparky]

We stayed in the Hershey/Lancaster area during the summer of '05 and my kids really enjoyed it. DD had just turned 7 and there was plenty for her to do. As OPs have said, it's not Disney, but to me, it was a good clean park that was different from Six Flags. We went through the park in 1 day, but came back a second day to enjoy some of the rides that my kids really liked. Given the long drive to Pittsburgh, seems like a great resting spot (for a day or two).

 

[LuvOrlando]

Hi there,

I don't live too far and think if you are going that way a stop in Hershey would be very nice. It my 2nd favorite park next to WDW, super clean and very family friendly. They even have a dolphin show which is very enjoyable. When my kids were little we used to get Annual passes there and would often go for a 2 day trip. I never stayed on site though. This area is just lovely and you can find very nice places to sleep that won't cost a fortune...just be aware that Harrisburg is close and more urban. Take a look at tripadvisor.com, they have a nice map feature so you can select a place near your route.,

If you are looking for a nice & less expensive alternative which shouldn't take a big chunk out of your budget I'd recommend Knoebels. It is also in PA on your way to Pittsburgh and is a neat bit of history nestled in a quiet town not far from route 80. The park is old school, pay as you go. It isn't a corporate big-wig but it is VERY clean and enjoyable. The first time we went I though it was going to be a huge disappointment but it was wonderful. When we pulled up it looked unkempt because it sits in the middle of the trees. But, as they day went on the tree shade was WONDERFUL, the owners make it a point to disrupt the natural landscape as little as possible. I checked the website & it seems to be undergoing some work right now, maybe you could check it out in a few months.

I hope you enjoy your visit to my adopted State.

 

[HelenePA]

Do you like rollercosters?? if so then do HP... if your looking for a great family park go to Knoebles. We go there at least 10 times a year. Its GREAT family park!

 

[momocay]

I love Hershey. I took DD at age 5 and she was able to do the super duper looper, her first and only "upside down and sideways" roller coaster. The rides are more adventurous. As one other person stated beware of parts of Harrisburg if you decide to stay there.

 

[LaraK]

I like Hershey and we go fairly often as we live close (two and a half hours away) and my in laws live 15 minutes from Hershey....BUT....if you are going to Pittsburgh and want to go to a great, clean park with fantastic coasters....go to Kennywood! Kennywood is my very favorate non-Disney park. I used to live in Pittsburgh and went to Kennywood at least 10 times a year. I still make the five hour drive over the mountains to go at least once a year. The entire park is a national historic landmark. They've also opened Sandcastle, a waterpark, about 15 minutes down the road and I think they have packages now. Kennywood is a beautiful park with trees and gardens all over the park (except in the new section). It's smaller than Hershey, but I think that's part of the charm. I don't mean to discourage you from going to Hershey, and going to Chocolate World is something every kid should do at least once, but Kennywood is (in my opinion) a much nicer day park.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Thanks everyone for all the great info! I bookmarked the Knoebels site to check back after the upgrade. As for rides, it's DH that's into roller coasters! DS will go on some of them, but lets just say Goofy's Barnstormer is still his favorite. - If we did Hershey, his thing would be the chocolate all over! I also found a mention (searching an earlier thread) of the Strausburg Railroad Muesum not being far from there. That sounds like it's for him, too - absolutely loves trains! If the trip works out, I think we will do a mini-vacation stopover. I'll save this thread for the tips on where to stay and not stay, too. - Thanks!

 

[java]

Knoebel's is a tough one to suggest to someone- It really is a bit of a pit. And my dd (9) almost fell off the Rollercoaster!!! She was sliding under the safety bar-(she is thin) and I mean really sliding- I had to grab her and hang on! We do the Merry go round though- it has the rings to grab and toss- love that. It is very rustic and the help is a little on the scary side too. My husband said he felt like we were entering deliverance.(you know where I mean in the park... the area where the wood burner is) But it is very reasonably priced. And there are lots of rides. It doesn't get "crowded" because of where it is I think. twice was more than enough for us. But I will keep an eye on it. It may go back on the list if they update it.
Oh and Strausburg is great fun- especially on the Day out with Thomas weekends! It is a great stop!

 

[shelly3girls]

Thanks everyone for all the great info! I bookmarked the Knoebels site to check back after the upgrade. As for rides, it's DH that's into roller coasters! DS will go on some of them, but lets just say Goofy's Barnstormer is still his favorite. - If we did Hershey, his thing would be the chocolate all over! I also found a mention (searching an earlier thread) of the Strausburg Railroad Muesum not being far from there. That sounds like it's for him, too - absolutely loves trains! If the trip works out, I think we will do a mini-vacation stopover. I'll save this thread for the tips on where to stay and not stay, too. - Thanks!

If you son loves Thomas then I would consider spending the weekend in Lancaster instead of Hershey. You will find hotels that are much less expensive, the railroad, many Amish sites that the kids really enjoy, and Dutch Wonderland (owned by Hershey but intended for younger children). My DD7 loves Lancaster and it is a cheaper weekend than Hershey IMHO.