Hersheypark (HP) Discussion Thread

[CpBluestreakCp]

I didn't get to experience Skyrush last year, but now I'm worried they tamed this coaster. I hope not, I want to experience it at its full force.

 

Keep us up to date on if it is true or not, I'm crossing my fingers that it's not.

[coasterfreak101]

I really hope they do get it back to running full speed over the lift. Also, it's not quite the same as El Toro's lift. With the latter, you've got that turnaround at the top, so the speed of the lift doesn't really affect how fast it's going down the actual drop. With Skyrush, the lift and the drop are right next to each other so there's much more of a difference. Does that make any sense?

 

No it doesn't make sense, because it's inaccurate...the speed of the lift affects the speed you crest El Toro's drop just the same as it does Skyrush's. And even so, Skyrush is still going over its drop faster than El Toro does, and does anyone complain about El Toro's drop being lame because it starts out slow? They don't. On top of it all, Skyrush's drop still has that insane kink in it, and is still going over the top at a pretty quickly and looks to be at the same pace as before in half of those testing shots.

[Intaman]

I actually had an incredible pain-free ride experience last year. That said, I am a little cautious to re-ride this if there any significant changes.

[ernierocker]

How about we wait to see how they operate it once the park opens before everyone starts freaking out?

[azza29]

^No. Rampant speculation based on internet rumours is much more fun.

[necoastergp]

I have to figure out a way to get to HP, haven't been since I was 10. I really want to try out Fahrenheit, Skyrush and Storm Runner. Plus all the other awesome rides at the park.

[medusa99]

Skyrush opened today around 1:00 the lift still was slowed down on the crown. I cannot compare to last year because i never made it out to the park but it was a crazy ride with a lot of ejector air time.

[CPmillenia94]

^were the restraints painful?

[A.J.]

I cannot compare to last year because i never made it out to the park but it was a crazy ride with a lot of ejector air time.

That's what I like to hear (read?). As long as the ride is still balls-out insane, I'm cool.

 

The only reason why I personally was freaking out is because I liked the coaster so much the way it ran in 2012. Hopefully I'll be able to make a trip in May before I go to Colorado in June.

[medusa99]

^were the restraints painful?

Towards the end of the day it got painful but not like omg i am in pain just got a bit tight plus the air time so really just the normal Intamin staple.

[_koppen]

I read that people who have ridden it said that there wer no big difference to speak of in the way that the coaster rode.

[coasterfreak101]

Of course there weren't. Just some good old enthusiast freakouts over nothing.

[Ccron10]

I'm riding it first thing tomorrow morning and will let you guys know if it's the same experience as last year. From what I've heard today, it sounds like it still produces an insane amount of airtime.

[TyRush]

Everyone calm down! Skyrush still hauls a$$. In my opinion it goes even faster up the hill, and then like mentioned above, slows down at the crown. I got 5 rides in(all in the back) and that ejector air over the hill is even better to me than it was prior since it is drawn out more. The ride was not slower or any non sense, just the top was slowed down. They have changed the station up by moving the gates back much further so there is more room for people leaving/getting on.

 

Oh and those lap-bars....

They are the same as where they place on your legs, but as i said i think they are even softer. Maybe ^ will feel they are different too. They still tighten down on your legs as the ride continues, but i still had no pain. I think the hydraulic locking system shouldnt be used since thats the reason they get pushed down. But overall i think its the same as last year, so no worries! p

trim.YSlTlh.MOV

Here is the video i took of the lift. It just slows down on the top

Station

[Mrlittle]

^sounds good to me. I will be there later this year to ride. I was happy with Skyrush so I am glad not much has changed.

[IanKgtr]

I headed over to the park after work yesterday for my first lap of the year, and Skyrush sure didn't disappoint. When riding in the left outside seat of the second row, the slowing of the lift was very noticeable, and unfortunately neutered what is possibly my favorite part of the ride. Then again, the front rows always go over the top slower, so the effect could've been exaggerated. I was hoping to have a second go in the back row, but the line was too long (One-train operation on a fair-weather Saturday). Oh well.

 

I didn't notice much change to the trains themselves-- the restraints felt like they may have been a slightly different material, but it was very hard to say. In addition, the ride was only running one train, so riders never sat on the brake run for long periods of time. As this was when most of the restraint complaints came in, I wasn't surprised at the lack of complaining from the GP. Then again, maybe the restraints were just better. Who knows?

 

Another noteworthy improvement is the widening of the station. The gates have been pushed back about three feet from the track, and the railings and loose article boxes have been rearranged to make the station much, much roomier and hopefully more efficient.

 

That's about all for now, the ride is still running great as always. Happy riding!

[JJLehto]

^No. Rampant speculation based on internet rumours is much more fun.

 

seriously! What the hell else are we supposed to do in between park visits?

And hey, ANY possibility of a coaster being neutered I take seriously, people are total wimps these days.

Alas, sounds like skyrush runs as it did last year and the station improvement is huge, that thing was a nightmare. The 1 train thing could be an issue though, I mean ride is too new. They gotta get 2 running again.

[TyRush]

^No. Rampant speculation based on internet rumours is much more fun.

 

seriously! What the hell else are we supposed to do in between park visits?

And hey, ANY possibility of a coaster being neutered I take seriously, people are total wimps these days.

Alas, sounds like skyrush runs as it did last year and the station improvement is huge, that thing was a nightmare. The 1 train thing could be an issue though, I mean ride is too new. They gotta get 2 running again.

Parts of 2nd train were in Matinence track/area. Its only STIP they dont always run full capacity

[Ccron10]

According to HersheyparkPR's Twitter, it looks like water is now flowing down Hydro and Pipeline at Coastline Plunge:

 

Also, several stands have been moved around to open up some of the area in the Boardwalk. Both Beach2-0 and Wurstburg Grill Limited were once over in front of East Coast Water Works. Now they are behind Tidal Force's drop. You can also see a Roller Soaker footer in the foreground.

 

Mean while over at Chocolate World, more information has been released about the new Hershey's Great Chocolate Factory Mystery 4D Show. The show is being created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop and will be an extremely interactive show with over 100 possible outcomes to the story. A Behind-the-Scenes video has been posted showing parts of the show and how it was created:

 

 

Link to the video on Pennlive: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-MM97316-20130418-BTS-02.mp4

 

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases-test/the-secret-is-out-hersheys-chocolate-world-attraction-will-launch-the-only-show-of-its-kind-in-the-world-203622481.html#prettyPhoto

HERSHEY, Pa., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey's® Chocolate World® Attraction is excited to announce that a new 4D Show will open in early May. As the first and only show of its kind, The Hershey's Great Chocolate Factory Mystery in 4D™ features groundbreaking digital technology from Jim Henson 's Creature Shop™ and the largest year-round team of digital puppeteers in the world. The new show also offers a unique real-time experience with over 100 possible outcomes, as the audience determines the direction of the story through live participation.

 

The Hershey Company developed the new experience over a period of two years, working with the Oscar award-winning character and effects company, Jim Henson 's Creature Shop, and Ty Granaroli of Granaroli Design & Entertainment to bring the show to life. The Henson Digital Puppetry Studio is a proprietary technology that allows the company's world-renowned puppeteers to perform animated characters in real-time, which creates an unparalleled level of spontaneity and interaction between the audience and Hershey characters.

 

"With iconic characters, state-of-the-art technology, and a real-time 4D experience, the new show is unmatched anywhere else in the world," said Amy Hahn , Vice President and General Manager of The Global Hershey Experience.

 

Premiering in May 2013, Hershey's Great Chocolate Factory Mystery in 4D allows audience members to help their favorite characters, Hershey®, Reese® and Kiss®, as they embark on a mysterious adventure in Hershey's® Chocolate Factory. "The cool thing about the new experience is that the audience is really the fourth star of the show," said Reese. "The fate of chocolate is in their hands."

 

To watch the show trailer and meet the sweet stars, visit Facebook.com/HersheysChocolateWorld.

 

About the Hershey Experience

The Hershey Experience is the direct-to-consumer and experiential marketing division of The Hershey Company including Hershey's Chocolate World Attractions in Hershey, Pennsylvania; Times Square; Chicago; Niagara Falls, Canada; Shanghai, China; Dubai and Singapore. The Hershey Experience also includes Hershey's Licensed Food and Merchandise and Hershey's e-commerce initiatives. Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction in Hershey, Pennsylvania is the flagship experience for The Hershey Company and is the most visited corporate visitor experience in the world, featuring Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour® ride, Hershey's Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction, Hershey's Chocolate Tasting Adventure™ attraction and the largest selection of Hershey's products found anywhere. HersheysStore.com is the online destination for unique chocolate products, gifts, apparel and collectibles. In addition, The Hershey Experience operates retail and e-commerce businesses for Hershey's premium brands including Scharffen Berger, Dagoba and Mauna Loa brands.

 

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6.6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China, Mexico and Brazil while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

 

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company's global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School , established in 1909 by the company's founder and funded by a trust administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

 

About Jim Henson 's Creature Shop™

Jim Henson 's Creature Shop™ provides performed digital visual effects, animatronic creatures, animation and soft puppets to the international film, television, theater, live concert and advertising industries. Based in Los Angeles and New York with satellite shop capabilities internationally, the Shop is known for designing and building some of the world's best-known characters including Elmo from Sesame Street, Miss Piggy from The Muppet Show, the Baby from Dinosaurs, Rygel from Farscape and the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal. Other credits include Where the Wild Things Are, The Hangover, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the critically acclaimed television series Farscape, 101 Dalmatians, and Cats and Dogs. A recipient of more than 9 Emmy Awards® for its outstanding work building puppets for Sesame Street, the Shop also received an Academy Award for its visual effects work on the film Babe and a Scientific and Engineering Academy Award® for the Henson Performance Control System. The Shop's proprietary Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a patented animation system that allows performers to puppeteer and voice digital characters in real time on a soundstage setting with multiple virtual cameras and a real time viewer, has received a Primetime Emmy® Engineering Award as well as the Computer Graphics World Innovation Award and the prestigious Computerworld Honors 21st Century Achievement Award, which recognizes innovative applications of technology that benefit society.

 

 

SOURCE The Hershey Company

[LoneRider92]

Hello there TPR. Sorry, I know these things must get annoying, but I just want to maximize my visit in about a month (May 27-31), so here it goes:

 

*First time visitor, going with maybe just my mother. We both enjoy coasters but she has two artificial knees, so I was wondering if that would be a problem navigating the park. Any notes on where to ride in the train or where to avoid?

 

*What are things we must do, things we can skip, and any other tips.

 

*Are there any ways to get reduced price tickets? I saw something’s a while ago on this thread about getting tickets nearby for a cheaper price (because boy is Hershey sure pricey...) and I know my family would be happy to hear that.

 

From what I've read previously, the plan is to go to the back of the park and work forward. Is this the right idea, or should it be handled another way?

 

Thanks again,

LoneRider

 

Hooray, I get to experience Skyrush for the first time and also ride my first Boomerang .

[TyRush]

LoneRider,

You should be good at that time to get some low crowds. I would have to say that your mom may have some trouble with the 'steep' patways at the park{labled on the map in red} but not sure what she can handle in those terms. As for the 'flight plan' i would most certainley head for Fahrenheit in the morning since it will be crowded the whole day. Get atleast 2-3 rides in and go from there. Skyrush's line is nearly empty by 1pm and will fill back up around 6 or 7pm. So prime time is around 2-5pm.

MUST ride back seat/front seat left wing on Skyrush, also ride Storm Runner and Skyrush at night. Hit up Lightning Racer Thunder side as well

 

DONT ride Wildcat in back seat!

 

Reduced prices, go to any Giant Food Store or other large market store or even Wendy's to get discounts which are on little papers.

Any other questions just ask!

Edited April 22, 2013 by TyRush

[A.J.]

GIANT grocery stores offer $15 off general admission, but you have to go to the stores themselves and get the coupons.

 

I personally like to ride Fahrenheit first thing, then Lightning Racer, then work my way forward. Memorial Day weekend actually wasn't crazy last year!

 

Also, Wildcat is worth a ride. It's not terrible. Am I the world's only Wildcat defender?

[TyRush]

Also, Wildcat is worth a ride. It's not terrible. Am I the world's only Wildcat defender?

I just dont like back seat...i think front seat is fairly smooth, but as i work my way back on the train i feel my head spin more and more

[netdvn]

Any other questions just ask!

 

I'm trying to head up to HP on a Saturday sometime during the hot season (late July most likely). I don't think I'll be able to work around that because of time/work constraints. Would that attack plan work the same if I wanted to hit all the signature coasters? I should have connections to a few coasters, but I'm worried lines for the other signature rides (Intamin triplets, Great Bear) would be long.

 

I'd love to do a meetup with a few peeps here as well.

[ahecht]

As was mentioned above, Giant supermarkets have $15 off tickets and free parking when you buy two regular tickets. Dunkin donuts stores in the area will also have coupons, but only through April.

 

Another thing to note is that you can use the preview plan to get into the park for free the evening before you use the tickets (2.5 hours before the park closes most days or 3.5 before the park closes if the park closes at 11).