Trying to get to Hershey Park this summer

[Movieguy]

I've never been down to Hershey PA, and I think this summer I'd finally like to do it. I've got my GPS to help me, which helped me find Knoebels last summer, now all I need to figure out is where to stay.

 

I know next to nothing about the area around Hershey, or which ones even have motels. What I did last year was stay in a town very close to Elysburg, and I hope to apply the same strategy to Hershey.

 

If anyone could give me some tips, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[larrygator]

Last time I went to Hershey, I used hotwire.com and found a nice 3 star in Harrisburg for about $60-$70 a night.

 

I swear by Hotwire - their hotel ratings are very accurate and prices are fair.

[Movieguy]

Thanks for the Hotwire tip...I've found some good rates in Harrisburg, but when a city is concerned, you also have to look at traffic. I'd rather not stay in a congested part of the city, and like Hershey, I've never been to Harrisburg, so I don't know what the traffic is like there.

 

One place I'm considering is in Harrisburg West. Anyone know what that area's like?

[Meteornotes]

Traffic in Harrisburg is not that bad. It's a small town.

 

Harrisburg West likely means across the river, which puts you further away, so you might want to try for something a bit closer.

 

dt

[Homeboy23]

If you want a cheaper hotel, they are 2 nice Super 8's within 10-15 minutes from the park.

[Movieguy]

If you want a cheaper hotel, they are 2 nice Super 8's within 10-15 minutes from the park.

 

Really? What's the names of the towns they're in?

[Homeboy23]

Hotel #1

 

Hotel #2

[Movieguy]

Ok, thanks a lot. Already made a reservation at one of them.

[bdinger]

Ok, thanks a lot. Already made a reservation at one of them.

 

Not sure which one you picked, but #2 on the list above is very easy and convenient to get to from Interstate 81. Plus, it's a very short and easy drive to Hersheypark from there. It's also in a quiet part of town, if that's what you're looking for. There's a diner within walking distance of # 2. I've never been there, but they seem to do a good business. Also, down the street a mile or two is a sports bar named Arooga's. The service can be slow when they're busy, but the food is very good.

 

If you want to avoid terrible crowds and traffic, check Hershey's web site and make sure there aren't any concerts going on. Traffic and crowds can be pretty heavy on days when there's a concert - especially a popular one. I don't think there's anything going on for the dates you mentioned in your signature, so you're probably good. Other than that, weekdays are your best bet for lighter crowds.

[Movieguy]

Well, I booked the one that's 8 miles west of Hershey, so that sounds like the one you're talking about.

 

Thanks for the tip on concerts. I'm gonna go check their site right now

 

Update: I'm in the clear. I'll be arriving the day AFTER a Lettermen concert on the 12th, and then there are no other concerts after that until the 19th.

[Movieguy]

Sorry for the double post, but I wanted to ask one more thing, though I'm not sure if this is the appropriate section for it. I asked before, and thought I'd take one last shot before I go.

 

Is anyone from here going to be at the park on July 13 or 14? If so, I'd love the chance to meet anyone from this fourm, which I've been a member of for years now.

[B-RadG]

Well I went a week ago, and the place we stayed at was amazing. Hampton Inn Hershey, 749 E. Chocolate Avenue, and it's less than a mile from the park entrance. The walk-in rate ($149) is cheaper than the book-ahead rate ($199) and they have plenty of rooms.

Just my suggestion.

 

*Edit- nevermind, see you've already booked. I really need to read all the pages

[Movieguy]

Well, I just called the Super 8 again, and asked to extend my stay through the morning of the 16th.

 

I decided that since was gonna be my only vacation of the year, I may as well give myself more time to enjoy it. Especially considering how big Hershey Park is compared to the last couple of parks I've visited.

[The Storm Runner]

I'm not known as much here as some other sites, but I'm a ride operator at Hersheypark. You could have seen me at Lightning Racer either Monday or yesterday or the Fun Slides on Tuesday. So if you recall a guy named Nick working at either one of those on those days, well, then it was me. You really lucked out with the weather, although some lines in the Boardwalk have been crazy this week because of the hotness and humidity. I guess this is a little to late, but with the Nickelback concert tomorrow, concertgoers can get discounted tickets the day of, the day after, or the day before (today), so if there is a random spike in attendance, that would be why. I hope you're having fun at Hersheypark!

[Movieguy]

I just got back, and I had a lot of fun over there. Unfortunately, I lost my 3 day Flex pass after the second day, but I stayed an extra day near the town, and found other stuff to do, like visit the Milton Hershey museum, and watch a movie at the Harrisburg Stadium Theater.

 

I'll have a photo TR up in the near future.