Hersheypark: The Complete 2025 Guide

Hersheypark is where world-class thrills meet chocolate heaven. This Pennsylvania gem features 15 roller coasters, a massive water park, and the adjacent Chocolate World experience — all infused with the sweet heritage of America's most famous candy company.

🍫 The Sweetest Story in Theme Park History

From Company Picnic to World-Class Park

In 1903, Milton S. Hershey broke ground on his chocolate factory in the cornfields of central Pennsylvania. By 1906, he'd built a leisure park for his workers — free admission, community gathering, simple rides by the creek. That employee picnic ground is now a 121-acre theme park with 15 roller coasters.

The transformation happened gradually:

• 1906: Original park opens with a carousel and baseball field
• 1923: First roller coaster (Wild Cat) debuts
• 1946: The Comet opens — still running today
• 1977: SooperDooperLooper becomes first looping coaster in the East
• 2020: Candymonium brings world-class hypercoaster status
• 2023: Wildcat's Revenge RMC conversion cements elite status

The Hershey Difference: Unlike corporate-owned parks, Hersheypark's profits support the Milton Hershey School — a free private school for children from low-income families. When you ride Candymonium, you're supporting education.

The Chocolate-Themed Experience

Every detail connects to Hershey's chocolate heritage:

• Coaster names: Candymonium, Jolly Rancher Remix, Reese's Cupfusion
• Themed areas: Kissing Tower overlooks the park from 330 feet
• Street lamps: Shaped like Hershey's Kisses throughout town
• The air: On certain days, the actual chocolate factory scent drifts over the park

🎢 Themed Areas & Atmosphere

The Hollow

Classic Americana meets woodland charm. Home to the historic Comet (1946) and newer Wildcat's Revenge. Tree-lined paths, creek views, and that "old park" feeling that's increasingly rare.

Midway America

The heart of the park. Candymonium dominates the skyline here. Classic carnival atmosphere with modern thrills. Great Bear's terrain-hugging layout weaves through this area.

Founder's Way

Celebrating Milton Hershey's legacy. Storm Runner launches guests 0-72 mph here. The iconic Kissing Tower offers panoramic views of the entire Hershey valley.

Pioneer Frontier

Wild West theming with family focus. Lightning Racer's dueling wooden coasters anchor this area. Trailblazer mine train winds through themed landscapes.

Minetown

Mining-themed family area. Coal Cracker water ride splashes down here. Perfect for younger guests with gentler attractions.

The Boardwalk

Full water park included with admission. This isn't a few slides — it's a complete water park experience:

• Shoreline Sprayground: 45,000 sq ft of water play
• Coastline Plunge: Six-lane mat racer slides
• Tidal Force: Splashdown boat ride
• Wave pool, lazy river, and multiple slide towers

Pro Tip: The Boardwalk alone would cost $40+ at standalone water parks. Its inclusion makes Hersheypark exceptional value.

The Coaster Collection

Candymonium — Sweet Hypercoaster

Hersheypark's 2020 flagship attraction:

• Height: 210 feet
• Speed: 76 mph
• Type: B&M Hypercoaster
• Airtime: 7 moments
• Height Requirement: 54"
• Experience: Floater airtime heaven

Fahrenheit — Beyond Vertical

One of the steepest drops in America:

• Drop: 97 degrees (beyond vertical!)
• Inversions: 6
• Height Requirement: 54"
• Experience: Compact, intense, unforgettable first drop

Skyrush — The Intimidator

Notorious for intensity:

• Speed: 75 mph
• Type: Intamin Wing Coaster
• Height Requirement: 54"
• Experience: Extreme ejector airtime (not for everyone)

All 15 Coasters

Wildcat's Revenge — RMC Magic

The 2023 RMC conversion of the classic Wildcat:

• Height: 140 feet
• Speed: 62 mph
• Inversions: 4
• Height Requirement: 48"
• Experience: RMC quality — airtime and inversions

Beyond Coasters

The Boardwalk (Water Park)

• Included with admission!
• Wave pool, lazy river
• Multiple slide complexes
• Whitecap Racer — mat racing slides

Chocolate World (Adjacent, Free Entry)

• Free chocolate tour — Must-do
• Premium experiences: Make your own bar ($25+)
• Trolley tour of Hershey town
• Shopping: All the Hershey products

Ticket Prices 2025

Sweet Deal: Preview Plan lets you enter Chocolate World at 9 AM for shopping, then park at opening.

Best Time to Visit

Crowd Patterns

• Lowest: May, September weekdays
• Moderate: June, August weekdays
• Busiest: July, weekends, Halloween

Seasonal Events

Hersheypark in the Dark (Oct)

• Night coaster rides
• Halloween theming
• Scare experiences

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Nov-Dec)

• Holiday lights throughout
• Sweet treats and shows
• Most rides open

Getting There

• Harrisburg Airport (MDT): 15 minutes
• Philadelphia: 95 miles (1.5 hours)
• Baltimore: 85 miles (1.5 hours)
• NYC: 180 miles (3 hours)
• Parking: $25/day

Where to Stay

Hershey Resorts (On-Site)

Resort guests get early entry and shuttle service.

🎯 Must-Do Checklist (Ranked by Priority)

Tier 1: Absolute Must-Do

• Candymonium — Best B&M hypercoaster experience, pure floater airtime
• Wildcat's Revenge — 2023 RMC conversion, world-class hybrid coaster
• Skyrush — Extreme ejector airtime (if you can handle intensity)
• Fahrenheit — 97-degree beyond-vertical drop experience
• Chocolate World Tour — Free, iconic, can't visit Hershey without it

Tier 2: Highly Recommended

• Storm Runner — 0-72 mph in 2 seconds, powerful launch
• Great Bear — Beautiful terrain-hugging B&M invert
• Lightning Racer — Dueling wooden coaster, try to race friends
• The Boardwalk Water Park — Included with admission, perfect for hot days
• Laff Trakk — Indoor spinning coaster, unique experience

Tier 3: Time Permitting

• Comet — Historic 1946 wooden coaster, classic experience
• SooperDooperLooper — 1977 nostalgia, first looping coaster in Pennsylvania
• Sidewinder — Classic boomerang if you enjoy the type
• Chocolate World Create Your Own Bar — $25+ custom chocolate experience

⏱️ Your Perfect One-Day Plan

Pre-Park (8:30-9:30 AM)

• 8:30 AM: Arrive at parking, head to Chocolate World
• 8:45 AM: Quick Chocolate World Tour (10 minutes) — beat the crowds
• 9:15 AM: Head to park entrance, ready for rope drop

Early Morning: Power Hour (9:30 AM-12:00 PM)

• 9:30 AM: Rope drop Candymonium — Walk straight back, 2-3 rides possible
• 10:15 AM: Wildcat's Revenge — RMC masterpiece while waits are low
• 11:00 AM: Skyrush — Tackle the intensity while fresh
• 11:45 AM: Fahrenheit — Beyond vertical drop before lunch crowds

Pro Tip: This 2.5-hour sprint hits the four biggest coasters with minimal waits.

Midday: Cool Down & Coasters (12:00-2:30 PM)

• 12:00 PM: Early lunch at Cracked Kettle BBQ or Market Deli
• 1:00 PM: The Boardwalk Water Park — Cool off during peak heat
  • Whitecap Racer mat slides
  • Wave pool relaxation
  • Bring swimwear or buy on-site

Alternative if skipping water park: Great Bear, Lightning Racer, Storm Runner

Afternoon: Mid-Tier Attractions (2:30-5:00 PM)

• 2:30 PM: Storm Runner — Powerful launch coaster
• 3:15 PM: Great Bear — Terrain-hugging invert
• 4:00 PM: Lightning Racer — Try to race! Both sides different
• 4:45 PM: Laff Trakk — Indoor spinning coaster

Evening: Re-Rides & Classics (5:00-8:00 PM)

• 5:00 PM: Dinner at Hershey Pantry or quick service
• 6:00 PM: Comet — Historic wooden coaster
• 6:30 PM: Re-ride favorites (Candymonium, Wildcat's Revenge)
• 7:30 PM: Final night rides on Candymonium and Skyrush

Closing (8:00-9:00 PM)

• 8:00 PM: Last call rides on favorites
• 8:45 PM: Exit through Chocolate World for shopping if desired

⚡ Speed Run Version (6 Hours)

Perfect for twilight ticket (5 PM entry) or half-day visit:

This hits the 5 best coasters plus Chocolate World in 4 hours of riding.

Insider Tips

Coaster Strategy

1. Rope Drop: Candymonium or Wildcat's Revenge
2. Morning: Major coasters while crowds build
3. Midday: Water park to cool off
4. Evening: Re-rides and night rides

Don't Miss

• Chocolate World Tour — Free and fun
• Night rides on Candymonium and Skyrush
• Lightning Racer racing — try to win!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water park included?

Yes! The Boardwalk is fully included with park admission — exceptional value.

How does it compare to Cedar Point?

Fewer coasters (15 vs 17) but solid collection. More family-friendly atmosphere. Chocolate World adds unique value. Lower crowds typically.

Is Skyrush too intense?

Some find the thigh restraints uncomfortable due to extreme forces. Ride at your own risk — but enthusiasts love it.

Hersheypark delivers the perfect blend of thrills and sweetness, making it an essential destination for families and enthusiasts alike.