Photo TR: Hersheypark 9.4-5.2005

[CoasterFanatic]

Well, this report would have probably been a lot longer if not for the fact that my band had to play a gig Saturday. Since the weekend was chopped in half, Catrina and I decided to make the 4.5 hours trek east to spend a couple 1/2 days at Hersheypark.

 

Now the photos:

 

A couple hours into the trip we stopped in Sommerset for some Roy Rogers. I know ... not that exciting.

 

Before heading back on the highway, I needed to fill 'er up. This was probably the most depressing site of the entire weekend.

 

Yay. We're finally here. Since we would be using the preview option for this evening, we decided to hit Chocolate World for a while before heading into the park.

 

Chocolate World is a free attraction right outside the Hersheypark gate, and it features a very Disnesque ride. This 10 or so minute adventure shows you the process taken to make the chocolate you so dearly love.

 

Welcome to Chocolate World!

 

Alright, I listened to your 10 minutes of Hershey Chocolate propoghanda. Now ... give me my free candy!

 

Since the free chocolate sample was not enough, I decided to grab some extra fuel for the rest of the evening festivities.

 

Since most of the park was very crowded Sunday night, we headed back to Midway America to grab some night rides on the Woodies. Lightning Racer was running great, but was not quite as smooth as it was the last time I rode it (last summer), but it is still much smoother than like 95% of the woodies out there.

 

Eventhough Catrina didin't care for it much, the Wildcat was delivering some insane rides. IF you can deal with a little vibration, this ride is delivering the goods at night.

 

After hitting the two woodies in Midway America, we grabbed a pretty much uneventful ride on the Trailblazer before heading to Comet Hollow.

 

I really have mixed feelings about the Comet, because eventhough it runs very well, it is capable of so much more. The brake on the 2 turn ruins what would probably be one of the best endings on any coaster ... anywhere!

 

After a good nights sleep, we headed into the park early the next morning. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a huge crowd waiting to get in. The first order of business for the day would be Storm Runner.

 

I am all set for the first coaster of the day. (What is the deal with this kid behind me?)

 

We took our time getting back to Storm Runner and still managed to get on in about 4-5 trains.

 

Storm Runner was running great, but I have to really question why they put the new OTSRs on it instead of the standard Intamin horsecollars. For a coaster that has so much lateral movement, I would like something a little softer than a rubber-coated steel band.

 

The snake dive still has to be my very part of the whole ride.

 

After Storm Runner, I told Catrina that if she wanted to brave the Sidewinder, that this would probably be the best time to ride it. Without hesitation she hopped on for her first taste of Vekoma Boomerang goodness. This picture was taken after the ride. Please explain to me why she is smiling.

 

Since we only got to ride the Thunder side the night before, we had to head over for the Lightning credit. That's right I said it. 2 Coasters!

 

After Lightning, we grabbed a ride on the craziest Mack Mouse in the land. I am happy to report that not a single brake was to be found on the upper section. Also, most of the time, you could easily locate 4 trains on the course at the same time. Kudos to Hershey for running the ride at a killer pace.

 

For good measure, let's throw in a shot of the Ferris Wheel in the daytime. We had about 45 minutes before our next scheduled stop so we headed down to Comet Hollow to grab a ride on the SooperDooperLooper. A fun starter coaster, but definately not the greatest of Anton's creations.

 

Catrina is about as big a dolphin nut as I am a coaster nut, so a visit to the Dolphin show went without saying.

 

In my opinion, however, it was the sea lions that stole the show.

 

After the Dolphin show, we walked through the zoo. Most of the animals were pretty inactive, but the Prairie Dogs stopped to pose for pictures.

 

With the zoo down, we walked over to Rivertown and after a short wait rode our last coaster of the day, Great Bear. I love the unique qualities of this ride, but the ending leaves something to be desired. Still a fun ride, and a great way to finish the evening.

 

On our way out, we stopped some random stranger to take out picture with a package of licorice.

 

Till next time, thanks for reading!

[QuakerOaties]

The best part of the PA Turnpike is that the rest stops have Roy Rogers!

 

Looks like you guys had a good time!

 

Mark "Misses Roy Rogers =(" Luskus

[CoasterEricHP]

Haha.. are there even Roy Rogers that still operate outside of the PA turnpike?? I like Somerset.. no obligatory windmill pictures?

 

Great TR though. You arent kidding when you say the Wildcat gives an insane ride at night. It's definately one of the most tempermental coasters out there.. I went a week or two ago and we rode it during the day and it was really smooth. We then went back at night and it felt like it was going 100mph and completely out of control!! It was a little rough (we also sat in the back) but it was Lat G and airtime insanity.

 

Moved up to my number 2 on the wooden coaster side.. the Phoenix cant be dethroned too easily.

 

I'm surprised it was that crowded on a Sun night. Usually thats when I'll go for the twilight plan and its usually pretty empty.

 

Eric

[CoasterFanatic]

I'm surprised it was that crowded on a Sun night.

 

It most likely had a lot to do with everybody having Monday off.

 

Sorry, I didn't have any windmill pictures, but I did read the sign. Mostly because I was curious how fast the tips rotated. I always thought it would make an interesting thrill ride.

 

BTW ... it is 120 mph!

[CoasterJunkie]

Thanks for the report. I will be there in a few short days....I am so looking forward to the trip, as I never have been there. Of course I am stopping at Geno's in Philly not Roy Rogers before going to the park..LOL

[PhishyBrewer]

I was suppose to be at Hershey on Saturday. If I knew you were going to be there, I would of never canceled my flight. Oh well. Maybe next time.

[CoasterEricHP]

120 mph! Thats crazy! They definately dont look that fast, but thanks for some new random knowledge. I've always wanted to go up and stand close to one just to check it out.

[Hattuchili]

Hey Ted,

nice photo TR. It looks like you had a good time there! Someone told my Hershey Chocolate taste awesome. I have never taste it, does it really taste so good?

 

--Sören

[coasterguy618]

Great Photo TR!

 

BTW, in the pictures it dosn't look like Storm Runner got new restraints. It just looks like the regular Intamin horsecollar to me.

[pvcoasterguy]

^^ Hershey's chocolate is really that good. It's definatly the best kind of plain chocolate anywhere (that I've tried)

[CoasterFanatic]

^^ Storm Runner has had the same restraints since day one. They only thing that they have done is add padding to the side of the horsecollars.

 

It needs to just have the regular old horse-collars. Like the ones you would find on an Impulse Coaster.

 

And yes ... Soren ... it is THAT good! Remind me and I will bring you some in June. I know the export stuff can't taste the same. It never does.

[SLUSHIE]

Hershey chocolate is no match for German chocolate.

 

I've always thought Heshey chocolate was just some cheep canybar you found in the grocery store, untill I learned the history behind it.

 

San Francisco has some awsome chocolate. Thats where See's and Ghirardelli both started.

[CoasterEricHP]

I always thought Hersheys tasted better than all the more expensive designer chocolate We used always go to Ghiradelli (Sp?) at Downtown Disney and bleh.. made me miss Hershey. Especially Chocolate World free sample chocolate that ALWAYS tastes way better than anything.. I guess because they tease you the whole time on the tour with the smell.

 

Eric

[SharkTums]

Prairie Dogs and Intamin rides...

 

Works for me!!!

 

Nice report, glad you guys had fun!