Hersheypark's Frog Hopper - middle seat is parent friendly

Basic Ride Information

• Ride Name: Frog Hopper
• Ride Rating: 1 – Children’s Ride (see more info here on the ride rating system)
• Candy Brand Key: Kisses through Twizzlers, one Jolly Rancher seat on each ride.  (see more info here on the Candy Brand Key)
• Number of riders per hour? 275 (They have two of these)
• Amusement Park Mom’s Comments: This ride is a lot of fun for some children and a nightmare for others.  Since it is a slow loader your kids will have a chance to watch what it does.  Also just because your child is tall enough to ride doesn’t mean they are strong enough to ride.  They must be able to hold their head up through the series of drops.  One adult may sit in the center seat, but if you MUST ride with your child (as in they won’t ride without you or you wont’ let them ride without you) be prepared to have to wait a few turns to get that to happen.  This ride is very jerky and can really make some kids sick – adults too. The tower is 20 feet high.  You are supposed to “Ribbit” when riding it for the full effect.
• Handheld infants?  No.
• Any water involved? No.
• Any flashing lights? No.
• Any loud noises? No.
• Does it go up in the air? Yes, 20 feet.
• Does it go around? No.
• Does it have sudden stops or changes in motion? Yes, the whole ride is a series of bounces.

Handicapped Information

• Handicapped individuals must have registered for the Ride Accessibility Program (see more here) prior to riding this ride to determine eligibility to ride.
• Non-ambulatory riders and up to three guests may enter through the exit.

History of the ride:

• Year installed: 1999
• Manufacturer: S&S Sports Power

Hersheypark's Twin Turnpike Sportscars - in purple

Basic Ride Information

• Ride Name: Sunoco Twin Turnpike Speedway
• Ride Rating: 2 – Mild Thrill Ride (see more info here on the ride rating system)
• Candy Brand Key: Everyone but handheld infants.  (see more info here on the Candy Brand Key)
• Number of riders per hour? 400
• Amusement Park Mom’s Comments: Doesn’t every child want to drive when they are young?  Yep. Most do.  They have two options at Hersheypark to get behind the wheel – the Classic Cars and the Speedway racers.  Don’t be concerned, there is a rail in the center that keeps you on track, but I do have a suggestion for first time drivers – choose the Classic Cars over the Speedway.  My experience is that the gas pedal on the classic car is much easier for small children to push down.  It is also alot easier to get your foot in there to help out if necessary.  I still remember with an ache in my leg the first time my daughter, then 10 and not at all small, couldn’t keep pushing the pedal on her sportscar.  I had to get my left leg over there and push down in the most awkward position for the remainder of the ride.  I’m short and it was tough, I can’t imagine what it’d be like if you were over 5 feet 5 inches.  Also the sportscars are even slower loading than the classic cars since they only seat two.  There are 13 of them.  Maximum speed on the sports cars is slightly faster, around 7 mph, if your kid can keep it going.
• Handheld infants?  No.
• Any water involved? No.
• Any flashing lights? No.
• Any loud noises? No.
• Does it go up in the air? No.
• Does it go around? Not really.
• Does it have sudden stops or changes in motion? Yes if your child is not good with the brakes.

Handicapped Information

• Handicapped individuals must have registered for the Ride Accessibility Program (see more here) prior to riding this ride to determine eligibility to ride.
• Non-ambulatory riders and up to three guests may enter through the handicapped accessible gate to the right of the ride entrance.  Look for signs.

History of the ride:

• Year installed: 1975
• Manufacturer: Arrow Development

Hersheypark's Great Bear

Basic Ride Information

• Ride Name: Great Bear
• Ride Rating: 5 Aggressive Thrill Ride (see more info here on the ride rating system)
• Candy Brand Key: Twizzler’s and Jolly Rancher (see more info here on the Candy Brand Key)
• Number of riders per hour? 1025
• Amusement Park Mom’s Comments: Ah yes, another coaster.  I don’t ride these so I’d love it if you’d leave comments on your opinion of this ride.  How does it compare to the other Hersheypark coasters?  What is your favorite seat to ride in?  Is it better at night or during the day?  Thanks!
• Any water involved? No.

Roller Coaster Stuff

• Steel Inverted coaster with 4 inversions
• Max Speed 61 mph
• Max Drop is 124 feet
• 2 trains
• Chain lift
• Ride duration is 2 minute and 15 seconds (some say 2 min 55 sec)
• Crosses Sooperdooperlooper
• When the Great Bear was built no sand was used in the supports so the ride does indeed roar as it goes through its paces.  Since it is located in a low area within the park next to Spring Creek it creates an eerie sound during humid evenings and when it is cold.  You can hear the roar of the Great Bear in my post here.

Handicapped Information

• Handicapped individuals must have registered for the Ride Accessibility Program (see more here) prior to riding this ride to determine eligibility to ride.
• Non-ambulatory riders and up to three guests may enter using the elevator.  Must get assistance from ride attendant.

History of the ride:

• Year installed: 1998
• Manufacturer: Bollinger & Mabilliard
• more history to come

Great Bear through DLS's Loop

Have anything you’d like to mention about this ride?  Leave a comment for others to see.  Thank you!