We just returned from Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights and I have so much to share! Read on for all of my tips and suggestions for visiting. And NO SPOILERS! I promise. If you have little ones at home and you're worried about bringing them to Hersheypark with these new Dark Nights- don't worry! I've got you covered, too! Read on!!
This post has been updated for 2024!
Disclosure: I am a former Sweetest Families members for Hersheypark, which means I still bring you the latest (and sweetest) Hershey Entertainment news throughout the year. I was provided with tickets to the park but all opinions are my own. Please check out my Hershey Insider Page to see all of my Hershey posts and reviews.
Don't forget to Pin this post for future use!
To preface, Hersheypark still offers their adorable Hersheypark Halloween (formerly known as Hersheypark in the Dark), with fun character glow dance parties, cute photo ops, trick or treating through Treatville, select rides, and so much more. Dark Nights is an add-on to the Hersheypark Halloween experience (still included with your ticket) and certainly didn't take away from the fun and joy of the usual Halloween merriment in the park.
All About Dark Nights
In all honesty, I wasn't thrilled about the idea of Dark Nights when I first heard they were adding it to Hersheypark Halloween. Hersheypark is such a fun, safe, family-friendly place- I didn't want to see it become a scary place after dark! But I am a Hersheypark gal tried and true so I had to go check it out for myself. I can tell you truthfully that we loved it! First, here's the official description of Dark Nights from the Hersheypark site:
"Dark Nights frightfully immersive haunt experience spreads its shadows over the Hersheypark® landscape every evening during Hersheypark Halloween seasonal event, unearthing three scare zones and five spine-tingling haunted houses. Midways transform from enchanting to unnerving and once-familiar spaces mutate into chilling explorations of the unknown. The only thing more terrifying than the dark, is what lurks within it."
About the Scare Zones
There are three 'scare zones' in the park, which basically means you'll find some creepy fog, cool lighting effects and 'scare actors' dressed as various different creatures/ghouls who can leap out at you or just plain freak you out (don't worry, they can't touch you). Some of the scare zones are really well done, with bursts of fire above the gates and very entertaining character actors (some are even ready to pose for creepy photos with you - don't miss the DECAYED BRIGADE at Midway of Misery). Dark Nights starts at 6pm, so before that time, you won't find anything truly scary in the park. These character actors don't wander around the entire park- scare zones means they are confined to those areas, so if you don't want to encounter them, don't go down there! Scare Zones are clearly marked with signs, too, and are detailed on the Hersheypark app. Also good to note is that the scare zones are included with your general admission (whereas you need an additional ticket for Dark Nights). Follow the 'Avenue of the Afterlife' if you want to avoid scare areas completely.
Is it Too Scary for Little Kids?
Dark Nights is recommended for ages 13 and up, and I would agree with that (although, you know your kids best). But I know a lot of people are worried about bringing their kids under 12 to the park in general. When we visited, I did not encounter any of the scare actors outside of the scare zones. Founders Way was completely clear of them, actually, and there were none near Treatville (although close to it- the fog and the sign reading 'Fallout Zone' are what you'd want to avoid). I hear a lot of people asking why Hersheypark would do this kind of event when so many young kids love to visit the park for Halloween. From a mom's perspective, I don't think there is anything to worry about. Stay out of the scare zones for ultimate comfort, but overall, there was nothing there that I found terrifying for the littles. The park was still filled with all of the adorable and fun things that little kids love- from rides to games to their favorite characters. Hersheypark seemed to go for a more "thrilling" and "creepy" scary instead of bloody, gory or inappropriate. And another option is to purchase a "No Boo!" necklace. For $16 you can get a No Boo necklace that lights up. It's not a guarantee that you won't get jump-scared, but it helps! These aren't for wearing in the haunted house areas, either, just FYI. I actually bought one just because I thought it was cute. They will be great to wear for trick or treating at night in our own neighborhood!
About Dark Nights
There are four 'haunted house' type areas in the park as part of Dark Nights. You need a separate ticket for Dark Nights (along with your regular admission). Each haunted house has its own queue line and you go in as groups. You need to scan your Dark Nights ticket at an HPGO kiosk upon entering the park so you can get a wristband.
Estate of Evil (new for 2024) - A charming new brownstone has officially hit the market. Wander through the 13 rooms of this spacious mansion and prepare to be captivated by the meticulous care the live-in waitstaff has taken to preserve the past. While exploring, envision yourself tending to the enchanting garden, entertaining inside the lively game room, and raising a glass inside the private wine cellar. But, be vigilant, or suffer the same fate as the previous owners.
Haunted Coal Mine - "For too long, unsettling cries of miners lost in these coal shafts have tormented the living. Take a daring trek through the abandoned mine, which suddenly becomes an explosive encounter." Really cool sound and light effects here! This was a family favorite.
The Descent - "Who prowls the dark underground tunnels beneath Hersheypark? Follow her into the depths of decay where the only way out is down…" Fun jump-scares here and lots of winding tunnels. Great lighting effects and fun character actors!
Creature Chaos - "Join Professor Darkstone as he pits you against Pennsylvania’s most fearful and deadly creatures. Don’t worry, they’re in their cages…for now." This was super creepy and cool and will definitely strike a chord for those people who are scared of cryptid animals and creatures!
Twisted Darkness - "Dare to have your tarot read by our twisted fortune teller and be forced into a never-ending carnival of nightmares. Was it real or was it all in your mind?" Plenty of illusions and darkness to confuse you here. I loved the fortune teller aspect, too!
Don't Miss the Food and Drinks
One of the best things about Hersheypark (there are many, but this is one of the best) is their food, beverage and treat selection. They change it up seasonally and it's always exciting to see what they come up with every year for each season. You can see their entire Fall Food Guide here, but here is some of what we tried and what we picked as our favorites. The Chocolatier in Hersheypark Chocolatetown also has incredible food and drink choices for the season (and anytime!!). You can purchase a Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass which allows you to taste up to 5 specialty menu items throughout the park including a Buffalo Chicken Dip Spirello, Red Velvet Cookies & Scream Brownie, Black Cherry Lemonade, and more. In my opinion, it's definitely worth the cost if you're the kind who likes to try everything. Park food can be expensive and this is a great deal. Spirits Rooftop Bar by The Chocolatier is accessible from the park and offers themed adult beverages, mocktails (in funny 'blood bags') and plenty of sweets, treats and eats. Look for the entrance by the iconic Hersheypark carousel.
The Hot Honey Habanero Chicken Wings were my favorite this year. Hubby loved the pulled pork slider. My son's favorite was the Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cool Ranch Doritos available at Dips of Decay.
Especially for Kids: Treatville, Character Meet and Greets, Glow Party Monster Ball
There's plenty to do for little kids, especially before 6pm. Kids' rides are open and character meet and greets take place as soon as you enter the park, past the carousel. The characters look so cute in their Halloween costumes, so be sure to stop for a photo! Also check out the Glow Party Monster Ball at Music Box Theater. It's kid-friendly and included with your admission. Just check the app upon arrival for accurate show times. Treatville is situated in the Boardwalk area of the park, and kids can grab a bag and trick or treat along the path. There are also stations at Chocolate World for them to continue their trick or treat walk.
Jersey Momma Final Thoughts
Dark Nights was amazingly well done. We absolutely loved it (and I told you I went into it kind of skeptical). The lighting and sound effects were seriously cool (especially in the Haunted Coal Mine - it was really mind blowing). We have been visiting Hersheypark for years and this was the most fun we have had there during the Fall season (all of our visits have been fun, but this one took the cake! Or the chocolate, however you want to say it). There were plenty of food stands open and it was cute to see the souvenir shops transformed into spooky spots, too! Treatville was adorable and the decorations were on point! I even loved the music piping through the park during Dark Nights- a new mixture of 80's and 90's 'darker' songs (like Rob Zombie's Dragula and Haunted by Love and Rockets, just to name a few).
Jersey Momma Quick Tips
-I was told that The Estate of Evil had the longest queue line so we hit that one up first. We did not have to wait long at all but it was still light out when we visited, so maybe the crowds came after us, in the dark. Truthfully, they say it's 'not as scary' if you visit when it's still light out, so keep that in mind.
-We did not hit many lines at all but if you're worried about waiting, you can purchase a Fast Track Pass to skip the lines. The darker it gets, the longer the lines are going to get and the more crowded the park will get, I assure you!
-If you're concerned about being too frightened or you're not sure how your kids will react to Dark Nights, try visiting the haunted areas as early in the evening as you can. It's definitely less scary when it's still light out. Once it gets dark, everything takes on a more ominous tone!
-I was worried that things would be too gross or gory but I didn't see anything that really made me cringe. I didn't even see a lot of fake knives or weapons.
-The Haunted Coal Mine was our favorite, and my son and husband went through that one twice (I waited outside for them, which I quickly learned was a mistake as the fog began to roll in and a giant sea creaturish looking fellow emerged in the shadows as I was standing there alone!)
-Don't forget to hit up your favorite rides! We rode the Wild Mouse twice (always a favorite) and you can also ride some of the bigger coasters and Laff Trak in the dark. And I mean, completely in the dark- they even shut off the neon lights.
-Don't miss the Monster Ball Glow Party at Music Box Theater! It's included with your ticket admission and so cute for kids. Check the app for running times while you are in the park.
-ZooAmerica will be offering a 'Creatures of the Night' event starting October 11th, so be sure to check that out.
-Download the app for easy navigation around the park
Hours and Tickets
Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights is happening now, weekends through November 3rd. Dark Nights begins at 6pm and park hours vary by day so be sure to check the Hersheypark website. Tickets and add-ons can be purchased here.
Follow Hersheypark on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or check out #DarkNights #HersheyparkHalloween and #DarkNights
No comments