Visiting The Sweetest Place On Earth

Heading to The Sweetest Place on Earth this summer? Here are some tips on how to maximize your visit to Hersheypark.

When to Visit

Tuesdays through Thursdays are best. Saturdays are generally the busiest day. On three-day weekends, Sundays are typically the busiest. Crowds usually thin out after 6 p.m.

Be Prepared

If you want to get the most out of your trip to Hershey, you should get ready ahead of time by doing the following:

• Buy your tickets in advance
• Bring a camera
• Visit Hospitality Services to help plan your day
• Plan your meals – either bring food with you or decide where you want to eat lunch and/or dinner in advance

Fun in the Sun

• Use lots of sunscreen
• Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be walking a lot. Sneakers are recommended
• Stay away from the Boardwalk until later in the day. Ride the Tidal Force first. Go to the Coal Cracker (ride this as many times as you can/want as it is high capacity and has short waiting times). Go to Tiny Timbers during lunch or later in the afternoon if you have little children. Visit the Boardwalk right before dinner. The area really empties out and most of the attractions are walk on from 4:30 p.m. until the Boardwalk closes.

Cool Day Water Options

The water at the East Coast Water Works will be warmest at the start of the day as the water heats in a tank overnight.

How to Fit in the Most Rides

• Walk to the rear of the park and work your way to the front
• The lines for the Comet and Carousel are usually busy in the morning, so take a pass on them on the way in, and ride them on your way out
• Things to try in the morning hours for shorter lines: Coal Cracker, Wild Mouse, Wildcat, Storm Runner and Tidal Force -- shorter wait times first thing in the morning and right after dinner.
• Things to try during midday for shorter lines -- Carousel, Comet, Hershey's Chocolate World
• Things to try in the evening hours -- Great Bear, SooperdooperLooper, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark (if it is really hot, wait until after 4 p.m. to visit the area).

Don’t forget to check out Hershey Chocolate World attraction. In addition to the traditional Chocolate Tour ride that comes with a free Hershey's sample, there is a new attraction: Create Your Own Candy Bar. Hershey now lets visitors select their favorite candy bar ingredients, operate authentic factory equipment and design packaging for their own custom-made candy bar.

The Dessert Creation Studio is another fun stop. There, you can create your own Hershey’s desserts and eat them too.  From smore’s to fondue, there’s lots to try. There is also a really great 3-D, HD animated show which plays frequently throughout the day.

For more information visit www.hersheypark.com or call 1-800-HERSHEY.