There's something undeniably magical about Hershey, Pennsylvania. It’s a town built on sweetness, and at its heart lies Hershey Park, a place that truly lives up to its "Chocolate Town" moniker. For decades, this amusement park has been a destination for families seeking fun, and with the addition of its expansive "Chocolatetown" area, that experience has been elevated to a whole new level.
Chocolatetown isn't just a new section of the park; it's a significant expansion, costing a cool $150 million and covering 23 acres. It’s designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, a warm connection to the iconic Hershey chocolate company that started it all. Walking through this area, you can almost feel the history, the legacy of Milton Hershey's vision.
The undisputed star of Chocolatetown is Candymonium, a steel coaster that’s a true marvel of engineering and design. This isn't just any roller coaster; it's a 4,636-foot-long journey that reaches a staggering 210 feet in height, making it the tallest ride in the park. As it hurtles along at up to 76 miles per hour, you get a thrilling perspective of the park and the surrounding countryside. The ride itself is a tribute to Hershey's beloved brands, with each of its three trains painted in the rich chocolate brown and adorned with symbols of Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Twizzlers. Even the queue area is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant carpets reflecting the colors of these iconic treats and large screens showcasing Hershey's delicious offerings.
The Candymonium experience is a carefully crafted adventure. After a dramatic 77.3-degree first drop, it swoops down 169 feet, then twists and turns, even dipping down towards Spring Creek, delivering that exhilarating rush that coaster enthusiasts crave. The entire ride, lasting about 2 minutes and 26 seconds, is a smooth, rhythmic dance that offers breathtaking views of Hershey Park's landscape.
But Chocolatetown is more than just Candymonium. The park itself, originally established in 1903 as a recreational area for chocolate factory employees, has grown into a world-class destination. It boasts over 60 rides and attractions, including a water park called "The Boardwalk" for those hot summer days. And the chocolate theme is woven into the very fabric of the park, from its chocolate-shaped lampposts to its maps designed like Hershey's Kisses.
For those who want to dive even deeper into the chocolatey goodness, Hershey's Chocolate World, located just outside the park entrance, offers a free "Hershey's Chocolate Tour" ride that explains the chocolate-making process. You can also catch a 4D movie or, for the ultimate hands-on experience, create your very own custom candy bar. It’s a fantastic way to understand the heritage behind the park and the town.
Beyond the rides and chocolate, Hershey Park also features "The ZooAmerica," an 11-acre wildlife park showcasing over 200 native North American animals. And throughout the year, the park hosts special events, like "Hersheypark in the Dark" during October and the festive "Christmas Candylane" from late November through December.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for your next adrenaline rush on Candymonium, a family wanting to create lasting memories, or a chocolate lover eager to immerse yourself in the sweet history, Hershey Park's Chocolatetown offers a truly unique and delightful escape. It’s a place where the joy of amusement parks meets the comforting embrace of a beloved treat, creating an experience that’s both exciting and wonderfully nostalgic.
