PTR: Hersheypark June 7th, 2009

[HPCrazy]

Alex and I have returned from our annual summer trip to Hersheypark. All I have to say was we were both happy by the gorgeous weather we had, as well as the low crowds throughout the park. The Boardwalk had the most people all day and even that area wasn't as crowded as last year on the same weekend. Perhaps the wave pool and lazy river contributed to this.

 

Now let's move onto the pictures:

 

 

First off, we make our trek into Chocolate World for a spin on the tour. I managed to get some good outside shots with the clear blue skies on our way to the gate.

 

 

 

Welcome back, summer 2009!

 

 

Alex getting pumped for the day ahead of us!

 

 

Another summer season trip ahead of us.

 

 

The skyride/Kosher Mart with a brand spank'n new roof. This, along with last year's new paintjob, makes the whole structure appear brand new.

 

 

 

 

I immediately kicked off the day with my Fahrenheit credit for 2009. This was only about a one/two-cycle wait for just about anywhere with the train. They were running three trains throughout the day. The ride experience is so intense in the front seat versus from anywhere else on the train. By mid-day, the line only filled about half the main switchback, so the singles line was closed for the day.

 

 

 

 

Great Bear was also running great for the summer. I rode it twice in the front left seat and throught both experiences were the most intense I have ever had on this ride, probably since I have began riding it.

 

More pics coming up in a few mins!

[HPCrazy]

 

The Coal Cracker featuring some boatloads of riders.

 

 

There was an owl encounter going on at the new Animal Encounter area by the zoo entrance.

 

 

"Just had to show off my big hat!"

 

 

Looks like the mother was enjoying herself more than the kids.

 

 

Are they pointing at me?

 

 

The park wasn't crowded at all for pretty much most of the day. There were a bunch of bus groups coming in during the evening as we were leaving.

 

 

The Hershey Kiss giving "Hersheypark Crazy" as shoutout!

 

 

 

Some 2009 aerials.

 

 

And an overview of the SEA-qual, where we're about to head to next.

 

 

The area where the old Canyon River Rapids queue used to be. This whole area is alot open now.

 

 

 

The entrance to the cabanas.

 

 

And the old games booth that is now part of the cabana rentals.

 

 

Looks like there are cabanas available for rent today.

 

 

The area that housed Canyon River Rapids' old entrance.

 

 

Getting ready to head on over to the SEA-qual!

 

 

 

Intercoastal Waterway wasn't busy at all.

 

 

The Shore restriction sign.

 

 

Like the sign said, "there are cabanas available today".

 

 

The old Canyon River Rapids photo booth is now another "Get the Picture" souvenir photo booth.

 

 

 

 

More pictures coming in a few minutes!

[HPCrazy]

New signage in the SEA-qual.

 

 

After looking at this structure, I do agree with a member over at Hersheypark Crazy that this indeed looks like something that was recycled from Canyon River Rapids. Not sure though, any ideas?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Various shots of The Shore.

 

 

The corridor underneath the wave pool building.

 

 

 

The new locker and shower facilities.

 

 

The Shoreline Grill

 

 

 

 

Standing in the SEA-qual offers some great new views of some of the roller coasters.

 

 

Chill'n out with the Jolly Rancher guy at the Boardwalk!

 

 

 

The entrance/exit for Intercoastal Waterway.

 

 

Roller Soaker broke down momentarilly, but was back up and running again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some general shots of the original Boardwalk area.

 

 

Coastline Plunge aerial.

 

Another overview of The SEA-qual.

 

And a complete Boardwalk overview.

 

One more page of pictures coming in a few minutes!

[HPCrazy]

We stopped to see the Boardwalkers as they passed by.

 

 

Alex relaxing and chilling during our Ferris Wheel ride.

 

 

 

 

I got my first Wildcat credit done for my 2009 coaster season. It was running great. Actually I thought the ride itself didn't seem as rough as last season. Perhaps the feeling of the newer trains is improving some.

 

 

 

 

We did Lightning Racer on both sides and happened to win the race per side. Something that doesn't happen too much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some random park shots.

 

 

Just chill'n!

 

 

 

Trailblazer was a walk-on and was running great as usual.

 

 

I got to ride Comet twice in the front seat and had to be some of the best rides I had on this coaster, besides my night ride this past Halloween.

 

 

Storm Runner was the longest wait of the day, due to one side of the station being open. The ride operators were excellent on dispatching the train and although the line seemed to move slower than with both sides open, I only waited about 20 min for the front seat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few more Great Bear and Fahrenheit shots.

 

 

Alex showing off some "Fahrenheit madness".

 

 

Although the park refers to the ride as "Pirate", the old sign still shows the ride's name as "Pirat".

 

 

Mr Reese's stopping by to say hi!

 

 

On our way out, we caught some more street performers. Alot of them were out this year, versus other years.

 

And I leave you with the new Hershey Sports store and Hospitalality Services center in Rhineland.

 

Few notes of the day:

-All rides were running for pretty much of the day. Monorail opened late and remainded open for the rest of the day. Wave Swinger, Roller Soaker, and sooperdooperLooper all shut down momentarilly but all re-opened.

-Bayside Pier apparently shut down, although it was not listed as temporarily out of service on the sign at the entrance.

-All coasters were running all trains with the exception of Storm Runner and Trailblazer. The Storm Runner ops really did a good job in getting the people on and off the one train that was operating.

-The park wasn't crowded all day, except for some huge masses of bus groups who arrived around 8 pm.

 

Overall, it was a faboulous day. Even though the rapids will be missed, I think the SEA-qual definitely makes up for it, and if it will help with the huge crowds to come, then it is definitely worth it! Enjoy the photos!

[Wild 1]

Sounds like you had a nice trip!

Is it just my bad luck or is something wrong with Trailblazers second train? Every visit since October it has only been running one train and it is the same one on the transfers collecting dust. Just wondering

 

Oh one question, is it just me or does Fehrenheit have more rattle this year then last?

 

Those are some really nice photos and the Seaqual looks nice, I still wish they did not take out CRR but it seems like people like it.

[HPCrazy]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, even though I wasn't really a fan of the rapids, I always enjoyed walking around and seeing the expressions on the people's faces, especially when they went under the falls. However, I think this expansion really makes up for the loss, especially since I now experienced it for myself.

 

I can't count how many times Trailblazer runs one train. On ocassion, I do see it run two trains but for some reason it usually runs one. I guess on non-busy days with the ride mainly being a walk-on, I guess it just helps them cut cost.

[deguy123]

Yeah the past few years Trailblazer has only been one train when I have visited the park. Great pictures!

[HPCrazy]

Thanks, can't wait to see your historical pictures someday!