Hersheypark (HP) Discussion Thread

[prozach626]

Asked for a response to the suit, park spokesman Garrett Gallia said, “We dispute the allegations presented in the complaint, but refrain from further comment due to pending litigation.”

 

This says it all. Instead of saying they're going to investigate the incident further, or some BS line about how safety is their number one priority, they flat out said they're going to fight this. That's actually a pretty bold and confident statement for an accusation like this. I like it.

[rachelmadcow]

I was there as well today and yes a large amount of rides were down, but we were just planning to be there only 4 hours (we were going to play poker at the nearby casino) so it worked out. Barely had time for 1 lap.

 

I have a thing for Swiss so my focus was on the Intamin's and B&M - and I adore Lighting Racer so that had to happen. I wasn't destroyed when Storm Runner was closed bc when I was planning out the rides in my head I forgot it was in the park. my body never touches arrow or vekoma. HP needs to replace the boomerang really fast - boomerangs are a sign of a gentrifying park lol.

 

I have to say that if Lightning Racer becomes RMC I will be greatly disappointed. The layout is a masterpiece and has been since it debuted - when I ride it I'm stunned GCI was able to come up with this layout which is far superior to Gwazi (IMO). This ride needs to be protected and preserved. RMC WILDCAT!

 

I have to make a comment about Skyrush's restraints - they are ridiculous. I know it's been talked about alot but Intamin should give Hershey at least one new train with all new restraints. Even the GP make comments about the restraints... They need B&M flying restraints on this lol.

 

Candymonium is very good. Maybe middle road for a hyper but still world-class IMO. Mako and Intimidator are definitely better B&M hypers altho this ride feels more "fleshed out" than Intimidator. I think that this is B&M's best execution of the hammerhead and speedhill (on a hyper, not counting gigas here) although I do agree the trims are excessive and not needed. They ran 3 trains and stacked all day long. I rode it 10 times (5 times in a row), very rerideable unlike skyrush. Feels very "complete" - similar to Apollo's Chariot.

 

Chocolate Town in general is still a little strange to me. I was hoping that Cupfusion and the Chocolate themed launch towers would work better in person but they don't (candymonium included). i think most people would expect a town with walls made of chocolate but instead it looks like a brand new strip mall. Albeit a nice strip mall in a high end area. I think they should've put a windseeker where the carousel is and left the carousel in its original spot. A windskeer and a hyper are an amazing first impression to GP.

 

Last time i was here was when Skyrush opened (and I was shocked they kept the same damn trains LOL) - Ill be back when they RMC wildcat or replace the boomerang with a RMC Raptor. I expect they will add a B&M wing, though - to Chocolate World, with the station behind Candy and to the right of Skyrush (when viewing it from the entrance)

[thrillseeker4552]

I know I will probably receive some flak for this, but I actually think Skyrush's restraints are its best feature. I know, edgy.

 

Yeah, the restraints are tight, but they make you feel so free, open, and vulnerable, and that's what makes the coaster so utterly terrifying and amazing. It would NOT be the same with the Maverick/I305/Storm Runner/Fahrenheit restraints.

 

With that being said, I definitely would not complain if they somehow retrofitted the new Intamin restraints (like on Pantheon, Red Force, Taron, etc.) onto Skyrush since I have heard they are way more comfortable and equally "freeing."

 

I am very glad the park has Candymonium now. Two coasters with very similar stats but vastly different experiences, and somebody who doesn't like one can go to the other and get an almost opposite experience. Kinda cool!

[Kstr737]

I’m going to check out HP for the first time in about 5 years this weekend. I’m excited.

 

Obviously, I haven’t been on the new one yet but sounds like Candymonium is to Skyrush as Lightning Racer is to Wildcat.

I always thought of the three GCI rides as the designer’s tentpoles. Everything on those rides is perfection: Layouts offering two different levels of intensity, the elevated siting enclosing both sides of the Americana midway and the track chaser lighting. I hope Wildcat is kept in its traditional form for a long time. There’s enough twisted steel around that park.

 

Then again ,it would be an interesting idea (albeit an ugly and expensive one) to see only one of LR RMCed, and half the wood track ride left preserved intact. Wildcat was rough as 5 years ago…

 

Is the night before preview not being done this year? I see the website says it isn’t but it seems like park ops are changing daily.

[rachelmadcow]

I know I will probably receive some flak for this, but I actually think Skyrush's restraints are its best feature. I know, edgy.

 

Yeah, the restraints are tight, but they make you feel so free, open, and vulnerable, and that's what makes the coaster so utterly terrifying and amazing. It would NOT be the same with the Maverick/I305/Storm Runner/Fahrenheit restraints.

 

With that being said, I definitely would not complain if they somehow retrofitted the new Intamin restraints (like on Pantheon, Red Force, Taron, etc.) onto Skyrush since I have heard they are way more comfortable and equally "freeing."

 

I am very glad the park has Candymonium now. Two coasters with very similar stats but vastly different experiences, and somebody who doesn't like one can go to the other and get an almost opposite experience. Kinda cool!

 

I marvel at Intamin's minimalist trains - however there isn't enough surface area on the restraint for the force and amount of airtime. I think even the Intamin skateboard LSM rides have these restraints but haven't noticed any discomfort because the forces are much lower. The bottom of the restraint presses down on the thighs closer to the knee while B&M clamshells focus on the upper thigh by the hip joint. These Intamin trains/restraints ARE marvelously designed - I love how when the seat is empty the restraint goes all the way to the bottom of the seat.

 

 

The part that contacts the thighs needs to be double the thickness, longer and of a much softer material though. Right now its like being in a steel cage.

 

 

I’m going to check out HP for the first time in about 5 years this weekend. I’m excited.

 

Obviously, I haven’t been on the new one yet but sounds like Candymonium is to Skyrush as Lightning Racer is to Wildcat.

I always thought of the three GCI rides as the designer’s tentpoles. Everything on those rides is perfection: Layouts offering two different levels of intensity, the elevated siting enclosing both sides of the Americana midway and the track chaser lighting. I hope Wildcat is kept in its traditional form for a long time. There’s enough twisted steel around that park.

 

Then again ,it would be an interesting idea (albeit an ugly and expensive one) to see only one of LR RMCed, and half the wood track ride left preserved intact. Wildcat was rough as 5 years ago…

 

Is the night before preview not being done this year? I see the website says it isn’t but it seems like park ops are changing daily.

Yes that's accurate. Skyrush though is the most intense lift-hill roller coaster in America (can't really think of anything that would be more intense and Im racking my brain). I really need the restraints fixed so I can marathon it.

 

I agree actually Ive always viewed Wildcat and LR as the 'showroom' models. I don't remember what trains Wildcat has but the millennium flyers absolutely save Lightning Racer. Ideally they would just add a RMC and not retrofit Wildcat or LR. But Im fully expecting a B&M Wing in like 2-4 years time and maybe a B&M surf after that since we know Hershey likes multi ride contracts.

[TBpony414]

Really enjoying seeing the updates from HP! Can anyone tell me if that little covered secret path to SkyRush on the far right side that passes by the water is still there? Or did they get rid of it for Candymonium?

 

Thank you Ryan for chiming in about the Storm Runner/Toro/TTD restraints. It's always interesting to hear about how rides work!

[qpb2004]

The Skyrush path is gone due to the construction of Candymonium.

[JG-77]

^Nooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

 

Also what do you mean by: "boomerangs are a sign of a gentrifying park"

I don't think you're using the word gentrifying correctly.

 

Besides, Sidewinder is one of the better boomerangs out there, and I'm sure Hershey can figure out a way to fit in more coasters without removing it. Just look at the interaction between Comet, Skyrush, Great Bear, and SDL.

[Taeshan]

I think if any coaster get's removed soon it's Wild Mouse and you can probably move that to the old Arena area and replace it with water stuff. (if the old arena is not like around for historic reasons. Imo it's useless at this point). The two Wild Mice together are unnecessary especially so close, even though two different rides really.

 

Anyways if they're adding stuff there is a lot of room around Candymonium.

[TBpony414]

The Skyrush path is gone due to the construction of Candymonium.

 

That stinks the Skyrush path is gone. I loved chilling out there because it was shady and beautiful, away from the hustle and bustle of The Hollow yet still close to the action. Thanks for chiming in.

[JJLehto]

I rode Skyrush opening day. The restraints were a bit rough but the feeling went away in like 30 seconds. I get every body is different but 1 Im not the most in shape guy so not like I can say thats part of it 2 people were griping how it liked ruined their day and all. Cmon.....

Next year I believe they softened the restraints and indeed 4 rides I felt near nada (at least nothing that bad, obvs you'll feel some impact when a ride is just that intense). I am never this guy but this one time reeeeeaally gotta ask "is it really THAT bad/are people just dramatizing it?"

 

Anyway, better late than never but tomm or Fri finally doing my first park of the year and it'll be Hershey

 

What has the park been like in terms of crowds? Less crowded than usual? Are ops slower due to new protocols and negates it? Crowds heinous as normal? Do all rides operate etc?

No I dont wanna make this a thing and no I got zero issue (and wont get into it) about wearing masks and attempts to distance etc so none of that, I just am trying to be aware of what to expect and maximize my experience

 

OH! I got a 2nd day free, anyone know how that works? Do I use the same ticket # online and just schedule a 2nd day when I feel like?

[IanKgtr]

The Skyrush path is gone due to the construction of Candymonium.

Say it ain't so!! I thought I saw a new way to get to it (through a building) on the Candymonium POV.

 

Did you happen to see if it's also blocked from the side that goes under Comet, by the Rush entrance? I have a really hard time believing they would just merc a path, let alone one of the best paths in the park, for no reason.

[Canobie Coaster]

Just curious, how are they handling seating on Skyrush this year? Are they skipping rows between parties or are they loading every row like Candymonium?

[CNYCoasterguy11]

Just curious, how are they handling seating on Skyrush this year? Are they skipping rows between parties or are they loading every row like Candymonium?

 

When I was there the week after the 4th they were doing every row, one party per row, same for Great Bear. Most others were seating every other row like Comet, Lightning Racer etc. Cupfusion was doing one party per car as well.

[qpb2004]

The Skyrush path is gone due to the construction of Candymonium.

Say it ain't so!! I thought I saw a new way to get to it (through a building) on the Candymonium POV.

 

Did you happen to see if it's also blocked from the side that goes under Comet, by the Rush entrance? I have a really hard time believing they would just merc a path, let alone one of the best paths in the park, for no reason.

 

I didn't happen to see if it was blocked off by Comet, so it might still exist as a dead end. I just assumed it was gone because there is a fence blocking the old entrance near Candymonium.

[Canobie Coaster]

Just curious, how are they handling seating on Skyrush this year? Are they skipping rows between parties or are they loading every row like Candymonium?

 

When I was there the week after the 4th they were doing every row, one party per row, same for Great Bear. Most others were seating every other row like Comet, Lightning Racer etc. Cupfusion was doing one party per car as well.

 

Ok thanks!

[CenturyFlyer]

Just so you know, Hershey isn't assigning rows, so someone might sit down next to you on the B&Ms.

[CNYCoasterguy11]

Just so you know, Hershey isn't assigning rows, so someone might sit down next to you on the B&Ms.

 

I had that happen a couple of times, but they generally kept a space between so it wasn't an issue, I don't really mind anyways

[JJLehto]

Well, one upside to choosing a date, allows you to be flexible for life events and weather! Finally a free non rainy day tomm, so I shall be getting to my first park of the year!

Hate the name and color of the new ride but I ofc get it, looks solid. Any thoughts on it? Looks like it takes some hills w speed and maybe the helix is forceful? But I hold low expectations

[dankeykang]

^ I liked Candymonium! Not quite as good as Diamondback in my opinion (only other B&M hyper I've experienced), but still a very solid ride. The first camelback and speed hill deliver solid airtime, and the element coming out of the helix also provides some decent laterals. There are a couple trims that dampen things slightly but it's a good ride overall and a great complement to Skyrush. They were running 3 trains the day I visited and dispatches were very quick, so it's quite easy to marathon if you visit on a weekday.

[JJLehto]

OK soooo

I didn't know Storm Runner was closed (for the season?) and that's on me. I didn't follow my online advice of check before you go.

At one point Great Bear and Candymonium went down (neither long but still was a tough sledding) and the park seemed kinda crowded! Thankfully Skyrush wasn't. Got 3 in a row in an hour, and 5 total.

 

Now as for Candymonium:

Its solid. I didnt expect ejector or anything so it was fine, and there was some really solid air! Not the best floater even...that goes to Goliath at SFoG but tbh was prob one of the better B&M hypers. I felt more than Diamondack. I will say that 2nd trim sucks. The 1st I didn't really feel...and I tried to not think about but that 2nd really bites. Physically felt it, and heard it....that sound of your speed literally being drained out lol Shame because made that last hill and cool turny part bleh.

 

Up to that though, was solid. Solid air, solid force in the helix. Solid.

Prob my #3 in the park, maybe 4.....I really like Great Bear IDK gotta think about it.

 

Glad to hear Dankeykang! Sadly this wasn't the case today. It was running 3 trains but sloooooooooooooooow. The line really wasn't long ever but holy hell, ops were awful. And IDK the details so please anyone enlighten me but it really seemed to be nothing to do w Covid. All 3 times I waited for it, it was perpetual 3 train stacks and they waited quite a while, but I couldn't see why. I wanna say has to be covid but no idea. They just weren't moving fast.

 

Honestly, wasn't the best day BUT I broke my rule. Dont go during peak times esp July, and avoid weekends. I went on a July Sat soooo my fault it was so hot and packed. So no blame on the park that was on me. I got a 2nd day free....so I called it early and will go again in Aug or Sept when its cooler and hopefully less people (even if slow ops should be negated)

Edited July 26, 2020 by JJLehto

[JJLehto]

I will say Hershey keeps growing its strength.

Gone from a casual day w the fam 20 years ago to now quite a powerhouse. Quantity and quality. Skyrush (still insane...in fact someone's phone flew out and dang near hit me!) Storm Runner, Lightning Racer all great. Fahrenheit, Great Bear, Candymonium all good. This is one of the better lineups in the US.

 

EDIT: Oh, I don't usually do pics. 1: We've seen em. 2: others can do way better, and usually w/ better equip.

BUT while the ride is just solid, it looks great!

 

Oh and Skyrush just because of the glory

[prozach626]

Glad you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

[CoasterAuditor]

Hershey really has blown up now. Wish they’d install a few modern flats here and there. But the coaster line up is absolutely insane now on quantity and quality. If they RMC Wildcat I’m buying a season pass even though I live 3 hours away. Or if RMC appears another way.

[JJLehto]

Glad you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! And lessons learned for future trips.

 

Hershey really has blown up now. Wish they’d install a few modern flats here and there. But the coaster line up is absolutely insane now on quantity and quality. If they RMC Wildcat I’m buying a season pass even though I live 3 hours away. Or if RMC appears another way.

 

Indeed. See I used to go here with my fam as a kid, was such a "quaint" park. Like Great Bear opening was so :O

It's been something to see it grow and grow, and I'm glad. I do fully believe it has the 2nd best coaster lineup behind CP. IDK if this is common, but been to what 30+ parks now and few have the quantity and quality of here.

Oof yeah.....Wildcat is too far gone. It gave me a sore back and that was years ago. I didn't even wanna ride this time despite being zero line. Definitely needs the RMC cause I dont want to see it totally gone.

 

Heh yeah I'll be another 3.5 hours away soon so Hershey wont be so close