10 Reasons to Visit Hersheypark This Summer (and a Ticket Giveaway!)

Summer is here and that's the perfect time to visit Hersheypark!! Did you know that your admission ticket includes entry to the Hersheypark Boardwalk water park? What more could one ask for? If that's not convincing enough, check out these ten reasons why I think you should visit (trust me, I'm a self-proclaimed Hershey Expert and a Hershey's Sweetest Families member, so I know what I'm talking about here). And don't forget to scroll through the post- you can enter to win 4 tickets to Hersheypark, too!

Disclosure: I was honored to be chosen as one of 2022's Sweetest Families members for Hersheypark, which means I'll be bringing you all of the latest (and sweetest) Hershey Entertainment news throughout the year (and some ticket giveaways, too!). Please check out my Hershey Insider Page to see all of my Hershey posts and reviews.

 

Without further adieu, here are 10 reasons why I think you need to visit Hersheypark this Summer. 

1. Jolly Rancher Inspired Rides

Hersheypark now offers two new exclusive Jolly Rancher attraction experiences. You can take a flavor ride on Jolly Rancher Remix coaster, a first-of-its-kind reimagined coaster "for the senses," and enjoy spinning 360 degrees on Mix’d Flavored By Jolly Rancher all-new family ride located next to Jolly Rancher Remix. Jolly Rancher Remix features a rockin' soundtrack and an incredible randomized "flavor tunnel" with five possible flavor scents like green apple and watermelon. 

Jersey Momma Tip: even if you're not a fan of roller coasters, you can still experience the magic of the Jolly Rancher Remix flavor tunnel! Stand just to the right of Mix'd by Jolly Rancher, near the fence (close to the tunnel), and when the coaster roars through the tunnel in front you, you'll hear the announcement of the flavor and the "cloud" scent will blast out. 

2. East Coast Mini Donuts

A visit to Hersheypark is incomplete without a stop at East Coast Mini Donuts! I assure you they are worth the wait because they are made hot and fresh with each order. Flavors and availability vary, but I can attest that you pretty much can't go wrong with any flavor you choose. 

Jersey Momma tip: join the East Coast Mini Donut Lover group on Facebook! There you'll find tips about when and where to order, new flavors, and secret flavors, too!

3. Seasonal Treats and Eats

You don't need to be a kid to visit Hersheypark. The treats and food alone are worth taking a trip even if you are an adult! Every season has different specialty offers, so it's fun to travel through the park and find those new goodies. This summer Hersheypark is offering many Jolly Rancher inspired treats to celebrate their new rides (be on the look out for the Jolly Rancher sorbet truck and the Jolly Rancher dessert options at Milton's Ice Cream Parlor!). Check out all Hersheypark Dining options here. 

Jersey Momma tip: scout out the food locations that you want to visit using the Hersheypark app. You can save your favorites so you know which stands you want to hit up when you visit. Have several options in mind in case lines are long or stands not open (hey, it happens in every theme park, what can you do?). 

photos via Hersheypark

4. Character Dances/Meet and Greets

There is a new character show, Sweet Hello, occurs as soon as you enter Hersheypark at opening. You can watch your favorite Hershey characters dance to some fun tunes with the Hersheypark cast. You can also meet your favorite Hershey characters at different locations throughout the park during your visit. Check your map or the Hersheypark app for viewing times, and peruse all of the Hersheypark characters here. 

Jersey Momma tip: It's fun to start a character goal list! It has always been a goal of mine to meet all of the Hershey Park characters, so every year I try to see how many I can find. The elusive Rollo is still on my Hersheypark Bucket list.

5. Cashless System

Hersheypark is now cashless! That means they only accept credit/debit cards in the park. I know some people gripe about the idea of a park being cashless but this is the wave of the future, people! I really feel like it helps eliminate long lines at food stands and also lessens the need for you to carry wallets and purses into the park. 

Jersey Momma tip: don't have a credit card? No worries! There are Ready Station machines throughout the park that can transfer cash to a payment card.

6. Candymonium

Candymonium is the tallest, fastest, longest, and sweetest coaster in Hersheypark. This is a one-of-a-kind Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster, and you'll notice it as soon as you enter the park. It reaches maximum speed of 75mph! See my info about the Kisses Fountain below to find your perfect Candymonium photo spot, too. 

Jersey Momma tip: lines tend to be long for Candymonium because it's so popular! Hit this one up as soon as you enter the park or use Fast Track to bypass the longer line.

7. Kisses Fountain

You are greeted by the Kisses Fountain as soon as you enter Hersheypark right within Chocolatetown. In my opinion, it is one of the best places in the park to take a family photo. It is also a fun place to watch Candymonium riders scream right past your head! If you have a loved one riding the roller coaster and you prefer watching instead, the Kisses Fountain is the perfect vantage point for you to catch an image of them riding a coaster without you. It's also a nice place to get a little bit of a misting when the weather is hot, especially if there is a breeze! That fountain will blow some cool water right on you. 

Jersey Momma tip: Stand just to the left of the fountain if you’re waiting to catch the perfect photo of your loved ones riding Candymonium. The coaster will come by just above your head, to the left. Say cheese! 

8. The Chocolatier

I recommend dining at The Chocolatier to almost every person I talk to when they tell me that they are visiting Hersheypark. It's an experience that truly can't be missed! Their menu has chocolate inspired items such as the Reese's Take 5 chicken sandwich, and not to mention the desserts! My favorite part of The Chocolatier is the cocktail menu! There are so many amazing candy and ride-themed cocktails to try at The Chocolatier- they are definitely Instagram-worthy and so delicious. You don’t need a ticket to Hersheypark to enjoy The Chocolatier- it’s located in Chocolatetown, just outside the gates of the park, and can be visited year round. 

Jersey Momma tip: make your reservations as soon as you can for The Chocolatier. I don’t recommend waiting till the day of your visit. You can reserve tables online, so I highly suggest reserving your slot in advance. 

9. Our Friends from the Sea Show

If you haven't seen Our Friends from the Sea show in the Aquatheatre at Hersheypark, you are really missing out!  It features California sea lions, Atlantic harbor seals and a recently welcomed grey seal pup named Bowie, all of which were rescued and cannot be re-released into the wild. The skills they learn from their trainers help with education and conservation, and you can see how much their trainers love and care for them. The show runs throughout the day, so check the Hersheypark app for exact performance times. 

Jersey Momma tip: there are various 'Behind the Splash' and fish feed experiences you can purchase after the show, as well as opportunities to chat with the trainers. Find out more here.

10. Hershey Resorts 

I can never say enough good things about staying at a Hershey Resort. Whether it's the Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, or Hersheypark Campgrounds, there are so many perks that come with staying on site. Not only do you get extra admission hours during Park Preview, you also get to enter the park earlier during Sweet Start (offered seasonally - check their website for more info). You also get complimentary tickets to Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story Museum. Check out all of the resort benefits here. 

Jersey Momma tip: Take advantage of those shuttles! Staying at a Hershey Resort enables you to use their shuttle service. The shuttles run roughly every 10 minutes between resorts and Hersheypark. They have a drop-off location that literally leaves you right at the main entrance of Hersheypark; just a short walk to the gate or to Chocolate World. 

Hersheypark Ticket Giveaway

Want to win a 4-pack of tickets to Hersheypark? After reading all of these fun reasons to visit, you'd better!! Enter below for a chance to win 4 general admission tickets to Hersheypark. Look for additional entry chances on my Facebook page here (coming soon!). Note: WINNING TICKETS WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL.

Important details:

-Contest runs now through 7/23/22. Winner will be contacted directly via The Jersey Momma (I will NOT ask you to follow other accounts or sign up for anything- please be wary of false/fake accounts)

-18 and over, U.S. residents only, please! 

-One winner will be chosen at random (look for extra entry chances on my Facebook page, too - all entries will be combined to choose one winner)! 

-Winner must follow Rafflecopter instructions or risk being disqualified (I do check, people!!)

-Entrants must be willing to supply a valid email address and possibly mailing address (for winning contact purposes only). 

-Winner will receive 4 general admission tickets to Hersheypark via email (so a valid email address is essential!).  Tickets are valid for one day admission only and expire 1/1/2023 and can be used any day during the Hersheypark operational schedule (through January 1, 2023).   

-Tickets do not include parking (parking is a separate fee). 

-The Jersey Momma is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. 

-Winner must respond to prize notification within 24 hours otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Feel free to email me with any questions.

Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway