Daniel's *Sweet* Vacation

[DBru]

Every other year, my Grandma and I take a trip somewhere up North. Well since our last trip (Ontario, Canada) was in 2006, it was that time again! This year we decided to visit Hershey, so I could enjoy the park, and she could enjoy the chocolate

 

On Monday, July 21st, we flew up into Harrisburg, and took a shuttle to the Hershey Lodge (where we would be staying for the next 3 nights). Our shuttle driver was very nice and informative. He shared with us the history of Hershey; the factories and the park. The man also suggested to me all of the rides he thought I would enjoy, and how much fun we'd have (I didn't mention that I was a total coaster nerd and had watched the park's every move since I was 7 ).

 

We were bombarded with chocolate bars as we entered the lodge, and I could tell right then that this was going to be a great experience... The Lodge was very inviting; not too fancy, but still amazing through my eyes! The room was nice as well, and again, there was more chocolate!

 

It was nearing 7:00pm, which meant that the Preview Plan wasn't too far away! We grabbed our 2-day passes (which were discounted by about $10 each) and hopped on the nearest shuttle to Hersheypark!

 

We arrived at the park around 7:20, just before the PP gates opened. As my grandma and I waited, people were POURING out of the park; I took this as a good sign. At 7:25pm, they starting letting people in, and I was off!

 

(From here on out, I do not remember the order in which I rode things, so I will just give general reviews.)

 

Rides

Lightning Racer: LR was a very fun woodie; though I found it to be quite overrated. The trains are extremely comfortable (despite those horrid lap bars!), and the dueling aspect was cool, but that's all I really think this coaster has going for it. The airtime was lacking, because it seemed that the hills were too large, so the trains lost too much speed. Still though, a nice coaster, and the tunnel was a very nice touch! 7/10

 

The Whip: This was my first "full-sized" Whip. I received the ride I was expecting. I was told that the new cars completely changed the experience though; I can see why...

 

Wildcat: I was moderately impressed with Hershey's Wildcat. It wasn't as rough as I expected, and there was a fair amount of airtime, so I enjoyed it. But it's hard to imagine what it was like with PTC's. 6/10

 

Fahrenheit: Honestly, I was expecting much more from Fahrenheit. I don't know why, but it just wasn't as thrilling as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, it was a very FUN coaster, but not amazing.

 

The first drop was definitely my favorite part; especially in the back seat! You were literally THROWN out of your seat, up into the restraints! The Norwegian Loop was cool as well, and had a nice mix of air/hangtime. Oh yeah, and I can't forget about the awesome little ejector hill! That thing is very deceiving...

 

What really brought down the ride (IMO) was the continuous vibration throughout the cobra roll and corkscrews. Why is it like this? Hershey/Intamin needs to get it fixed, for I heard multiple complaints from the GP.

 

Even though I was slightly disappointed, it didn't stop me from riding 8 more times! And I never had to wait more than 20 minutes! 8.5/10

 

Sidewinder: This was definitely my favorite Vekoma Boomerang! There was still plenty of head-banging, but Hershey has added pads to the restraints, so they really cushion the blow. Nice work, Hershey! 6/10

 

Great Bear: Great Bear is probably my 2nd favorite invert (behind Montu). It has a very cool first drop (with TWO pops of air!) and a unique layout. I personally preferred the backseat on this ride, because the Zero-G roll was MUCH more intense back there. 7/10

 

Sooperdooperlooper: I LOVE Schwarzkopf coasters! In my opinion, SDL was probably the most fun coaster at the park. The first drop is fun, the loop is forceful, and the layout is full of surprises. Make sure to ride this thing at night, for it becomes a beast in the dark! 8/10

 

Comet: Comet was COMPLETELY different than I expected! I had heard that is was rough, boring, and felt like it was going to fall apart at any moment. (Okay, that last one might be true...) But instead, I found Comet to be smooth, air-filled, and a REALLY fun coaster! In fact, I'd go on to say that it was my favorite woodie at Hershey! The first two drops were much steeper than I expected, so that was a surprise as well. 7/10

 

Reeses Extreme Cup Challenge This ride is definitely my favorite dark ride! I had never been on one with changes in elevation, so this was quite a treat. There was something fun waiting around every corner.

 

Wild Mouse: Once again, this was my favorite of its kind. The cars weren't slowed down once, so the airtime (and laterals) were INSANE! I loved it... 7/10

 

Coal Cracker: Over the 3 days that I was at Hershey, Coal Cracker always had the longest line, but it was still less that 30 minutes. This was one of my favorite log flumes I've ridden, and the first one with a small "hop" right after the final drop. In fact, it slightly frightened me...lol

 

Trailblazer: For the smallest coaster in the park, Trailblazer still a fun ride. There was never a line, and the final helix was almost exciting. 4/10

 

Canyon River Rapids As most of you know, this will be the final season for CRR. It is a fun family attraction, and a better-than-average rapids ride. Even though I don't have much history with it, I'm still sad to see this go for just another lazy river...

 

Roller Soaker: Well, there is only one word that describes Roller Soaker... CRAP. Luckily there wasn't a line, because it wasn't worth it. It was cold, rough, and boring. (Yeah I know, what was I expecting, right?) But still, why couldn't this have gone instead of a classic Intamin Rapids ride? 1/10

 

Storm Runner: I saved the best for last. After 12 rides on SR, I can firmly say that it cracked my top ten coasters. The launch was intense, the tophat produces some wicked airtime, and the Flying-Snake-Dive was the best coaster element I've ever experienced! IMO, this is the top dog at Hersheypark...INTAMIN ROCKS! 10/10

 

 

Food

On the 3rd day in Hershey, I met up with Brandon (BRTeller) and his friend Tyler. This was the first day I actually ate inside the park.

 

The food was good, and well priced for what you received, and the portions were HUGE!

 

I suggest:

-Chicken Fingers

-Subway

-Crossroads Creamery

-Anything in Midway America!

 

 

Staff

Hersheypark had some of the best staff I had seen! They were very fast and efficient. Friendliness was also a nice factor.

 

Unlike most SF parks I've attended, all employees seemed to know the park very well. Ride operators knew the "facts" about their rides, and other personnel were great help with getting around the park.

 

Of course, there were some exceptions, such as Great Bear and Comet's crew, but everything else was comparable to Cedar Point or Dollywood operations!

 

 

Conclusion

Hershey was a very nice town, with a GREAT amusement park. There were plenty of good, quality rides, efficient staff, and lots of chocolate!

 

Hersheypark is now my 3rd favorite Amusement Park, and I strongly suggest it to anyone who has never visited!

 

---------------------------------

 

Photos

 

This was our home for the next 3 nights. It was very comfortable, with 2 queen-sized beds, a fridge full of chocolate bars, and THE best pillows I have ever had the pleasure of laying my head on!

 

The Hershey Lodge. This picture does it no justice, as it looks MUCH larger and more beautiful in person!

 

The first thing you see when arriving at the park is the Hershey Museum.

 

The carousel is very inviting!

 

Lightning Racer!

 

It looks so cool, but I just wasn't too impressed...

 

The dueling aspect was fun, though!

 

Here I am on the Whip...don't I look excited?!?!

 

Hmm...what is that?

 

It's Wildcat! (Brandon took the picture, but it was my idea! )

 

Tidal Force not only soaks people on the ride and the exit ramp, but also on the midway! (I did not like this surprise...)

 

Tidal Force from a different angle.

 

Fahrenheit's drop looks very intimidating...

 

Each one of those riders are out of their seats at this point.

 

Very cool inversion!

 

Very cool inversion from a different angle!

 

Fahrenheit's cobra looks fun, but the vibration ruins it.

 

Going into the double-corkscrew.

 

The Comet is a great classic woodie...

 

And the first drop is steeper than it appears!

 

Lot's of airtime for the front-seat-riders.

 

Do I see a B&M in the distance?

 

(Getting closer.)

 

Yes I do! It's the Great Bear!

 

I enjoyed this invert...

 

Mainly because of the first drop.

 

Sooperdooperlooper is right around the corner!

 

It's loop pulls insane G's!

 

Here I am on Flying Falcon, my first Condor.

 

It was a fun ride, and provided some nice views.

 

Tyler (car guy) approves...

 

And I do too!

 

Trailblazer!

 

This helix was kind of fun...

 

And it *almost* had a tunnel!

 

RIP, Canyon River Rapids...

 

This is the only picture I have of Tyler (left), Brandon (right), and me (back), so I thought I'd throw it in somewhere...

 

Sidewinder was a decent Vekoma Boomerang.

 

And it barely hurt at all!

 

This thing, on the other hand, was the crappiest coaster I've ever ridden. Moving on...

 

This is Hershey's Wild Mouse...

 

And it is DEFINITELY the best mouse I've ever ridden!

 

RIP Rodeo.

 

The Claw was probably my favorite flat at Hershey.

 

Plenty of airtime!

 

And last but not least...

 

Storm Runner!

 

Dang, that's high up...

 

Best.Inversion.Ever!

 

Darn it! Barely missed it! (But doesn't it still look nice?)

 

And lets end this thing with my favorite photo of the trip!

 

 

I'd like to thank Brandon and Tyler for hanging out with me on the 23rd, and everyone at Hershey for providing such a GREAT experience! I will definitely be back!

 

Hope you enjoyed my Photo TR (if you made it this far)!

 

-Daniel

[Team Thriller]

Maybe it's the pictures, but you don't look fourteen. All the other kids look younger than you by maybe two years.

 

--James

[Luka]

Wow, thanks for the great TR. Makes me wanna go there so bad...

[Cameron]

Nice photos (even though you didn't like the GCIs ). Makes me want to go back there, it's been way too long (2004!).

 

Cameron.

[mike541x]

Awesome pictures. I miss HP now.

[Electerik]

This is probably the best Hersheypark TR I've seen. Thanks for the photos.

[DBru]

Thank you all! Glad you enjoyed the TR!

 

And yes, I'm only 14...so I will take that as a compliment, lol.

[thrillgeek]

Very nice PTR! From reading the reviews I'm not surprised you said SR was better than Fahrenheit. How can you say the GCI's were bad though? No I've never been on them myself but their GCI's.

[Philrad71]

Nice report and very well written!

 

I am looking forward to going back there on Labor Day weekend as I had a blast there last year. A great way to end a summer!

 

I personally thought that Roller Soaker was a unique concept, but not worth the 1.5 hour wait that we waited for it. That was because it was about 85 degrees and everyone was flocking to any and all of the water rides. The toilet bowl slide was also about an hour wait - but very fun!

 

I am glad to see that they are expanding the water park area, but sorry that it comes at the expense of the rapids ride, which I thought was one of the best.

 

I also agree that The (yay) Claw is the best flat rides in the park, although I love the Tilt-A-Whirl!

 

I did not get on Sooper Dooper Looper, but am planning on getting it in this year!

[DBru]

Thanks!

 

And Thrillgeek, when did I say the GCI's were bad?

 

LR was a very fun woodie

 

I was moderately impressed with Hershey's Wildcat. It wasn't as rough as I expected, and there was a fair amount of airtime, so I enjoyed it.

[amusing_parks]

Them quotes get to me, cause i work there. Haha, so touching. I almost feel you gave a little bit more then what soaker deserved, I waited in no line, should of bin like 15 minutes i thought. It was like half an hour, and that water was, well I guess it came from a freezer, and he ride itself, ha, thats funny. I barley got wet too, but there was nobody next to me so i got to drop to water bombs. Storm Runner is awesome, but it sucks im so use to the launch I barley feel a thing. Fahrenheit in the back is awesome, you pick from slow to fast over the top hat its great, just has that little rough spot. Well great report otherwise!

[Philrad71]

^ You work there and your 15???

[amusing_parks]

I cant push a darn button tho, not until im 16. But its still worth it so much even everyone else is like, I'd kill myself, maybe cause of my sarcasm, haha. Rides is so much fun too, espically when you get the guest that don't know much about amusement parks and don't know rules and complain and britches...see its my sarcasm.