A Review of Hershey Sweet Lights and Hershey's Chocolate World (part 2)

If you haven't had a chance, please check out Part 1 of my two part blog series, Christmas in Hershey.  In Part 1 I talked about Hershey Park's Christmas Candy Lane and The Hotel Hershey. Here in Part 2, I'll talk about Hershey Sweet Lights and Chocolate World, both of which I love. And please note, this is NOT a sponsored post. Since writing it I have become a part of the Hershey's Sweetest Families Panel, but when this was written, it was not sponsored. If you like my Hershey stuff (and I hope you do), be sure to check out my Hershey Insider Page for all of my Hershey posts.

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What is Hershey Sweet Lights?

Hershey Sweet Lights is a drive-through light display, not far from Hersheypark itself.  If you decide to stay at The Hotel Hershey like we did, the display is located in the fields behind the hotel.  You can't walk there, but you can see parts of the display at night from certain rooms in the hotel, and it is a quick drive down the hill to attend.

The view of Sweet Lights from our hotel window at Hotel Hershey

What you'll see at Hershey Sweet Lights!  Count the Rudolphs!

Another shot of the displays at Hershey Sweet Lights

Your entrance fee ranges depending upon which evening you go, but it will cost you roughly $20-$25 per car. You'll get a small discount if you stay in one of the Hershey hotels (Hershey Lodge or Hotel Hershey). You can even purchase a package that includes popcorn or treats. They gave us free Hershey snowflake paper glasses, which we all thought were pretty cool.

They make lights turn into snowflakes when you look through them!

There are over 600 animated, lighted displays at Hershey Sweet Lights. Some of them are grouped together in themes (such as a fairy tale theme or the 12 Days of Christmas). If you visit the Hershey Sweet Lights web page, you can view a small preview video of the display.

Some of the displays at Hershey Sweet Lights appear to move, like this machine the elves are using!

You can make a fun evening of this- think pajamas, hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols!  You get the idea.

I have been to animated light displays before, but none quite like this one. Hershey tops my list for best light display, hands down!

We have visited this display more than once, and one evening we had horrible rain and fog.  The display was still amazing, even in the rain, so never fear if the weather is refusing to cooperate. Oh, and the whole thing took us roughly thirty or so minutes to drive through, but again, it all depends on how quickly you drive and how much you linger at each display (or how many cars are in front of you).

Chocolate World

I love, love, love Chocolate World.  Can I say it enough?  I have been there many different times of year and I just love everything about it.  First, let's just understand a few things:

• Chocolate World and Hersheypark are two separate places but they stand next to each other.
• Chocolate World is basically a representation of Hershey. There is a "factory tour" (not the real factory, but shows you the basic premise), and other attractions inside (which we'll get to in a minute)
• Chocolate World is free to enter, and free to ride the factory tour. There are paid attractions inside, but you don't have to purchase anything if you don't want to (but I dare you to try!)
• Chocolate World is open year round, whereas Hersheypark has seasonal hours.

The Factory Tour Ride at Chocolate World

The Chocolate World Factory Tour is awesome and free. Once you wind on down to the ride, you'll get inside a car (vehicle? It resembles an egg) that takes you through a make-believe version of a Hershey Factory, complete with all of your favorite Hershey candies, music, and pumped in chocolate scent.  These fabulous cows greet you as soon as you arrive.

This ride is completely free, and my son loves to get off the ride and get right back on to ride again when he is finished. And you usually get a free sample when the ride is over. Yummy!! There is a new option to purchase a photo at the end of the ride, too. There is a photo op during the ride that you can pose for.

The Store

Be forewarned, the ride entrance is situated within the greatest souvenir shop (The Hershey Store) known to chocolate lovers.  It is one of my favorite souvenir shops (other than Disney World) and you'd best steer clear if you try to rush me through it (The Jersey Momma's Boy is not a shopper and hates souvenir shopping, and has thrown a few tantrums over my desire to peruse through this store, I assure you). There are often seasonal decorations or displays, like this Twizzler pharoah that we saw during one visit:

An Egyptian king made of Twizzlers!  I bow to you, my king!

And there's a candy machine where you can make your own mix of your favorite Hershey treats.

The Amazing Candy Machine lets you create your own mix!

The Food Court at Chocolate World

Beyond the Hershey Store is a food court.  You can get just about anything here- sandwiches, pizza, soup, chicken nuggets, etc. Every dessert you can imagine, and ice cream, too.  Some food is reasonably priced (like the pizza and breadsticks), and other choices will cost you (like the grilled chicken skewers). The food, honestly, has improved over the years, but it's food court food, so don't expect gourmet cuisine!

Candy house in Chocolate World during the holidays!

A section beyond the food court is also completely devoted to Hershey Kisses, so don't miss that! It's right next to the ice cream. People often buy their goodies at the front of the store and then say, 'oh, I missed this whole section back here!' So don't forget your Kisses!

Oh, and another cool fact that most people miss- there is a tropical jungle display in the middle of the food court! If you look at the foliage in center court, you'll see a sign that explains what each of the plants are and how they help in the chocolate-making process. Pretty cool, right?

Paid Attractions

Chocolate World offers paid attractions, too.  You can purchase packages of items or purchase tickets to each attraction individually.  Again, you don't have to purchase anything if you don't want to. You can walk straight ahead to the factory tour or the store, if you choose.  Check their website for a detailed list of all of the attractions that they offer.

Create Your Own Chocolate Bar

In the many times we have been there, we loved the "Create Your Own" chocolate bar attraction (worth waiting for- a bit pricey but you do walk away with a one-of-a-kind, delicious chocolate bar of your own making).  Just note that each person who enters the experience must pay for and create their own bar (meaning, you can't just accompany your child as he/she makes one, and not make one yourself.  If you go in, you create!  You pay!).

You use a computer screen to choose what you want to put in your bar, and then you watch the entire thing being created on an assembly line.  This is a working food processing line so you have to wear hair nets and aprons!

There's my chocolate!

Your name appears on a little screen by your bar so you can follow it the whole way.

Then you get to design the label for your chocolate bar on another computer.  You pick up your bar when it's all done and they package it in your special wrapper and a tin box.

I must say, it is totally beautiful when finished, and tastes amazing because it's so fresh.  The only down side is having to wait too long to make it (especially if you're there on a crowded day), but I suppose you can't rush greatness!

The Trolley Ride

In the summer, we took the Trolley Tour and we enjoyed it immensely.  We were really impressed with the actors who served as tour guides on the trolley.  The trolley drives you through the town of Hershey and shows you all of Milton Hershey's original landmarks and important locations.  The actors on board assume the role(s) of different characters in Hershey's life.  There is singing involved, and trivia.  Oh and lots of chocolate!

The 4D Movie

There is a 4D movie that you can see, and I really recommend this one, as it's soooo cute!  4D means the movie is interactive- the characters on screen talk to the audience.  There are smells, vibrations and lights all pumped into the room during the movie to make for a really cool experience.  I won't give away the plot, but there are some colorful robots that my son loved.

We didn't find the movie scary or inappropriate at all, so as long as your little ones can sit through a 30 minute show and don't mind wearing 3D glasses, then you're set!

**Important to note is that if you talk to some of the hosts while you are waiting in the lobby (i.e. answer their questions and give them your name), they may include you in the actual show.  Don't worry, they won't pull you up on stage or anything, but the characters might call out your name or talk to you individually during the actual movie!  So don't be afraid to participate.

Hershey's Unwrapped

Here's a blurb from their website about the newest attraction at Chocolate World: "Unwrap and taste your way through the tale of Hershey’s Chocolate with an all new theatrical experience the whole family will enjoy! From the bean to bar and everything in between, this all new attraction is sure to dazzle your taste buds, fill you with laughter and sweeten you with Hershey heartwarming moments."

The Chocolate World Bakery

Even if you don't purchase goodies at The Chocolate World Bakery (but how can you not??), you must peek in to see their beautiful cupcakes (they are works of art!). They also offer whoopie pies, cookies, dipped pretzel rods, warm beverages and so much more! I always love to pick up something "to go" for the ride home!

some cupcakes from their Fall collection!

More Hershey, PA Fun

If you're interested in any of the other Hershey properties, please check out my related Hershey articles:

Christmas in Hershey - Christmas Candy Lane
Hershey Gardens
Hershey Story Museum
Hotel Hershey vs. Hershey Lodge - Which to Choose?
Hotel Hershey vs. Hershey Lodge - Which to Choose? (part 2)
Hotel Hershey Woodside Cottages
Hotel Hershey: 10 Things You Didn't Know
Hersheypark Camping Resort Deluxe Cabins
Hersheypark Unveils Culinary and Retail Additions for 2020: Hershey's Chocolatetown Details
Hersheypark's Newest Rollercoaster, Candymonium, Debuts in 2020!
Print Your Own Hersheypark Summer Bucket List
10 Reasons Why Hershey, PA Isn't Just for Kids!
Hersheypark Announces Expansion: Hershey's Chocolatetown Coming 2020!

Or just visit them all in one place on my Hershey Insider Page!

Jersey Momma Tips

• Chocolate World can get very crowded, especially on weekends. If it's in your agenda to visit, I recommend going early.
• It's okay to plan!  Check out the website in detail before you go so you know what to expect at Chocolate World.  It is easy to miss what's inside because it's a busy place.  There is a map on the website that you can go look at before you visit.
• Check the website for discounts- sometimes they offer coupons for the store or food court
• Chocolate World can be a little confusing inside.  When you walk in, the tour is straight ahead, as well as the store.  The food court is behind the store if you keep walking. Tickets for different events can be purchased at the kiosk in the main lobby (to the right of the entrance).  If you're confused, ask an employee for help- there are usually people walking around to assist you.
• The Hershey characters do walk around for photo opportunities, so keep an eye out for them!
• You do not have to pay to park at Chocolate World (if you are parking in the Hersheypark lot, you do pay a fee).  If you are a hotel guest, you can take a free shuttle to Hersheypark/Chocolate World and not have to worry about parking at all.
• I implore you to eat what you like and sample everything.  If you go there worried about your weight or your figure or how many pounds you'll gain, you'll be missing out on the whole Hershey experience.  Just go and eat and enjoy!!!
• Click here to visit the Chocolate World website, in case you missed my links above.