Hershey trip planning!

[CPmillenia94]

Im planning on going either the 27-28 or the 30-31. So either a mon/tues or thurs/fri. So the question is what would be the best time to go? What kind of crowds can i expect? Also, any recommendations on hotels and food? Any advice is appreciated!

[molemaster43]

There was a place near Comet and Sky Ride that sold some good pretzels. Don't know the name, however.

[larrygator]

The hotels in Hershey are pricey, better deals can usually be found in Harrisburg, about 20 minutes away.

 

The Spring Creek Smokehouse by the Trailblazer is not as good as it used to be, but I still think it's the best food in the park. There's a Nathan's in the Boardwalk area. Then again everyone's tastes are different.

 

If you want a more filling snack than a pretzel, there is a smores stand near the front of the parkin Founders Square. Great shakes (mmm Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup shake) can be found in Hershey's Chocolate World and Hershey's Kettle Corn is top notch

Edited August 19, 2012 by larrygator

[amy_mel]

In my opinion the Monday/Tuesday is the better choice. While Harrisburg schools have already gone back, this is the last week of summer vacation for almost every other district in this area so crowds may be heavier either way. If you are willing to leave the park there are lots of good food options, both chain and small private owned. In the park the smokehouse is probably the best option.

[Philrad71]

You're lucky to be able to hit it on a couple of weekdays. We are going next weekend for a family gathering and I anticipate a huge crowd with long lines - especially on Saturday.

[CPmillenia94]

Thanks for all the tips! I was thinking Monday/Tuesay would be better. I'm mostly concerned with how long the lines will be for storm runner and skyrush.

[gisco]

^I wouldn't worry to much about Skyrush. When I was there a few weeks ago on a Tuesday, by mid-afternoon there wasn't much of a wait and I have heard the same thing from others this Summer. The exception is for the front.

[Sir Clinksalot]

We were there on a Wednesday a few weeks ago and the crowds were very manageable. The longest wait we had was about 30 minutes for Fahrenheit (and I think that was only because it had been closed all day ... ended up opening about 6pm).

 

As for SkyRush, as was said above, I wouldn't worry about it. Our first ride at about 1pm we waited about 25 minutes, by 3pm the line was consistently around 10-15 minutes (unless you want the front). I wouldn't run to SkyRush first but would instead go towards the back of the park hitting Fahrenheit first (if it's open), Roller Soaker and the Mouse as those are the lowest capacity rides in the park.

[sspaz1000]

Don't worry about Skyrush's line. They've seriously improved loading and dispatch times from earlier this season. If the queue for Skyrush goes outside the switchbacks, it still was barely an hour wait and that was yesterday with extreme crowds.

 

The line that shocked me was the Comet. It was more than an hour and kept up all day yesterday. But during a weekday, I think it won't be as bad. Most other rides were about a half hour wait.

 

As for food, I liked the wings place near the arcade towards the Kissing Tower ride. The fries, perogies, and wings were pretty tasty.

[Athletekim]

Most of the schools in PA and the surrounding areas of Hershey will be back in school next week so it will lighten the crowds a bit. A few years ago when we went to Hershey we stayed at the Best Western Inn Hershey. The hotel is about 5 minutes from the park and is far enough away from the park that it is quiet.

[CPmillenia94]

Thanks again! I'm happy about the crowds. In my opinion, even without the lines considered, a less crowded park is just better. Its more low key and less stressful to feel like you have the park to yourself. I always see parks as more true to what they are when its less crowded. So yeah this should be an awesome trip! I can't wait to see how sky rush compares to i305.

[CPmillenia94]

Excuse the double post but I instead am going tomorrow and Friday so should I expect awful crowds?