- There isn’t free chocolate everywhere. Sorry folks, but the only free chocolate you will find is on the exit from the Chocolate Tour ride at Hershey’s Chocolate World. In fact chocolate isn’t cheaper at Hersheypark either. Candy is the same price you’d find at your local stores and actually somewhat higher in some cases. What you will find are products your local store may not carry. Chocolate World and Hersheypark often showcase new to the market items so if you find something you’ve never seen before and love it, buy a bunch.
- Hersheypark is not flat and walking can be difficult. This is very true. The park covers 110 acres which is larger than Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and has high points and low points that challenge even fit walkers. The park entrance is in a high spot and you can continue along on the higher route by passing around Comet Hollow and going into the Music Box Way section. The low points of the park are Comet Hollow and sections of Minetown. Many years ago steep steps led out of these two areas but now they are steep paths that are wheelchair accessible. If you have problems with slopes, pay very close attention to the park maps which are marked with the word STEEP when the incline is harder to navigate.
- You can’t see all of Hersheypark in a day. Some people may be able to visit all portions of the park, but not if they are going to be riding rides and certainly not if they want to visit the Boardwalk water park area. With over 60 rides (including 12 roller coasters in 2012) and 110 acres of sometimes tough walking, you just can’t see it all in one day. So what do you do if you only have one day? Visit www.hersheypark.com and take a look at the map, the ride descriptions and anything else you might like to see. Have everyone make a list of their top 5 choices and start there. Come to the park early and stay late (evenings offer the shortest lines for nearly all rides) to fit as much as you can in during your one day. Do not visit in August when crowds are at their peak.
- Hersheypark is expensive. Yes, this should come as no surprise to anyone, but Hersheypark is expensive. Research all options on the website, with AAA, with Giant Food Stores, to get the best deal on your park tickets. Average ticket price without discounts is $64. Expect parking to be $10-12. Expect your average meal for an adult to run you $12. Expect drinks to be $3-5 a piece – unless you get the refillable mug for around $8 which you can refill free with water and ice all day. Games are $2. You are talking $100 per person for a day easily. Be prepared.
- Hersheypark is HOT. Holy cow is this true. Black asphalt is the pathway of choice at Hersheypark and that means Hot! Hot! Hot! in the summer sun. Beware your children’s feet if they are in flip flops. They may end up with a burn on their toes. Hersheypark has very little shade left due to park modernization and new ride additions. They do try to offer shade cloths, misters and other things to help with heat and sun, but they are few and far between. ZooAmerica is one exception to this and it is a nice shady rest in the afternoon during the summer – well, if you don’t mind the “animal” smells. Best things to do are bring sunscreen, wear a floppy hat, lift an umbrella, drink lots of water and visit the shops and indoor cooled areas to keep the heat at bay.
Bonus 6th thing:
Hersheypark is shoulder to shoulder crowded on Saturdays late June through mid-August. Yes, in good weather this happens. Waiting hours for a kiddie ride, no place to park your stroller, lines down the block for bathrooms, most attractions at the Boardwalk waterpark are at capacity and closed to new visitors. That is Hersheypark on a Saturday in late June through early August. Want to beat the crowds? Go during the week Tuesday – Thursday in the evenings. (Daytimes are full of summer camps and tour buses.) Or visit in May or early June before school lets out. Yes, some things may not be open but you will have a much more pleasant travel experience. If you must travel on a Saturday during the busy season? Stay late – and be prepared to wait in line for a very long time.
