Hersheypark (HP) Discussion Thread

[rcjp]

^Isn't that part still as fast?

I have only ridden it after they slowed it down and what I felt was that it went out of the station pretty fast and then when the whole train was already on the lift itself it would accelerate even more. It would only slow down when the train reached the top.

[TyRush]

Yes the lift is all the same until it reaches the crest then the motor shuts off and it slowly decreases speed.

[mike541x]

^Oh it was truly another dimension, the whip feeling over the crest was something I'll never get to feel on a rollercoaster ever again, unless of course they run it back to full speed! if you think Skyrush is trying to thrown you out of your seat now, then you wouldn't even consider it safe back in the prime time. Watch some early testing videos it just flies over the top

 

Sounds insane. I saw some POVs of Skyrush in it's opening year it seems like they slowed the lift down quite a bit since then. I'd love to experience Skyrush with it's lift in full speed.

[rcjp]

^Me too. Even thought the ride's airtime moments give me some serious pain I would like to try the lift at full speed in the back.

[DBru]

Yes the lift is all the same until it reaches the crest then the motor shuts off and it slowly decreases speed.

 

Ah...well, in that case...keep paying attention and don't get stapled!

[rcjp]

^Well, sooner or later in the ride the restraint will go further down. And also, people mention the restraints are tight but that's not really the problem. On many intamin accelerator coasters (like kingda ka) the OTSR will be very tight when the ride is over but that's it: you only really notice it when you come to a stop (or a less intense moment). Even if skyrush's restraints didn't move one inch down since you leave the station, it would be just as uncomfortable (because the pain comes from being pulled up by those -2 Gs and having that rather small area of restraint holding you). I doubt B&M hypers would be painful it the restraints got as tight as skyrush's (it would just be boring).

[Ccron10]

Laff Trakk ride pieces have arrived at the park the last two days and parts of the siding for the building is starting to go up. The track and supports are both black in color. I'll probably take a walk tomorrow and snap a few photos for you guys.

[Ccron10]

From the looks of it today, much of the track seems to be there. As for the building, the roof is up and walls are starting to go up.

 

http://wp.me/p1sPRq-is

[TyRush]

Photo on exterior progress. Taken from the road so not too special but looks like the outter walls are nearly done

[Ccron10]

Emergency lighting and sprinkler systems look like they were recently installed as well when I drove by. I'm going to the coaster enthusiast event next weekend and there seems to be a possible construction tour. Should be interesting to see what the building will look like from the park-side.

[Ccron10]

I'll keep it short for now and post a photo trip report once it's over in a day or so, but today was the first day of ACE's East Coaster at the park and it included a tour of the service center and a brief construction tour of Laff Trakk. Tomorrow is going to be the main event where quite a few parks might be presenting.

 

Here are some observations and Q&A of the construction tour:

-They seemed to be working on some crazy new animated LED lighting for Wave Swinger as they had the top piece lit up and going through a cool light sequence.

Laff Trakk:

-As of right now, there is nothing certain yet on if Laff Trakk will be running for Christmas Candylane as they are trying to aim to open the ride for Memorial Day Weekend.

-Upon entering the queue, which will be on or near where that path to the Midway Tent was, guests will enter into the indoor queue area (with the red roof) or to the right to the outdoor queue area in front of the building. There will be a few fun house elements in the indoor queue area and possibly Laughing Sal.

-The station will be something unique to the park as it will feature a separate unload area, a loading area as well as a second loading area specifically for ADA guests and it will be wheelchair accessible to the station.

-The ride will operate 5 to 6 cars at a time and feature only a lapbar (no seatbelts).

-The cars will be limited in how much they will spin (I think 30 rpm was said to be the max).

-The test seat and control system arrived just the other day. Cars may arrive later in February.

-The outside of the building will be painted, so don’t expect it to remain the current white color for long.

[thrillrider]

I wonder why they would not build the ride, and then put the building up around it? I am no building expert, but wouldn't it be easier to build the ride without it being enclosed?

[Ccron10]

I wonder why they would not build the ride, and then put the building up around it? I am no building expert, but wouldn't it be easier to build the ride without it being enclosed?

Probably, but they likely want to get the building up first so that they can work inside the heat and out of the snow, which can easily cause delays. There is an opening that they would be able to fit a small crane in. I'm not 100% sure, someone told me that when Flight of Fear was being built at KI, they did the same thing.

[TyRush]

Posted from the PR department yesterday…looks like its ready for track!

[rcjp]

-The cars will be limited in how much they will spin (I think 30 rpm was said to be the max).

Interesting. I had never thought of that but I guess it makes sense to avoid making riders sick.

[TyRush]

Here are a couple more photos from the parks twitter page, tried to pick a few we havent seen before…Hopefully we get some track work soon

[boldikus]

I can't wait for this park to open back up. Not even for this ride. It's such a great park, maybe my favorite.

[rcjp]

^It is indeed. I wasn't expecting that much when I first went there but I was amazed.

[mike541x]

I can't wait for this park to open back up. Not even for this ride. It's such a great park, maybe my favorite.

 

 

Amazing atmosphere, great staff, plenty of places to eat and on top of that, this park has one of the best coaster line ups anywhere. Hopefully I get a chance to visit this summer.

[boldikus]

^ Agreed 100%. But you forgot CHOCOLATE. lol

 

Mostly for me its the top notch coaster line-up. I'm a huge fan of the collection we have at GAdv but between a quality B&M invert, a classic Schwarzkopf, 3 amazing Intamins and two GCIs (I liked Wildcat, sue me), Hershey's line up is basically perfect imo. My only issues with the park are their weird fast lane thing and that its not just a bit closer to home.

 

I'm not a fan of spinning mice but I really dig the idea/theme of Laff Trakk so I'll likely try it at least once.

[bert425]

thought the layout was terrible (very confusing, and SO many hills ). . . but loved the park.

 

and you forgot the Kettle Corn. . even BETTER than the chocolate.

[boldikus]

I didn't try the kettle corn or the chocolate! Was only there one night last fall for a little over 4 hours and was trying to ride every coaster I could (7 out of 12 ain't bad) but OMG agreed 100% about the map/layout. I haven't been to a ton of parks like most people on here but easily the most confusing map/layout I've experienced. I'm normally great with directions, but we got lost quite a few times that night. However, after spending 4 hours there I'm sure it would become much easier for me the 2nd time around.

[GwaziBSRider1]

Yeah, the park's layout is pretty awful. When it comes to HP's food...I'm a sucker for their freshly made chips.

[rcjp]

^It might not be great but the location certainly makes it unique and gives it some character. Plus it makes great bear sound even louder

[ejot]

There is an upside to the labyrinthine layout: Most guests never even find Lightning Racer, so there's never a line!

 

Let me echo a tremendous excitement for my 2015 Hershey visit. It too is one of my favorite parks, maybe my #1, and Laff Trakk looks absolutely fantastic. Great concept: an immersive, unique experience on a budget. I was immediately captivated, and expect it will be a great value for the park.