23
May
2021
|
14:56 PM
America/New_York

Comet at Hersheypark Turns 75 in May 2021

Classic Wooden Roller Coaster opened to the public in May 1946

Comet, the oldest coaster at Hersheypark, marks its 75th anniversary in May 2021. The classic wooden coaster is best known for several airtime-producing bunny hills and its long reign inside Hersheypark. 

History of Comet

Comet was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) using a total of 248,919 feet of lumber and designed by PTC president Herbert P. Schmeck (1890-1956). The wooden roller coaster opened to the public in May 1946 and was the last coaster added to the park by founder Milton S. Hershey. 

When first constructed, Comet was the largest roller coaster in the United States. It was originally painted green as Mr. Hershey preferred his rides this color to blend into the scenery and atmosphere of the Park. It was eventually painted white and remains so today. 

A Guest Favorite

Located in The Hollow region of Hersheypark, Comet is best known for delighting generations of riders 42" and taller (Reese's height category and above) during Springtime In The Park, summer and Hersheypark In The Dark

The modified double out-and-back classic wood coaster has two, 24 passenger trains aptly named "Mork's Comet" and "Halley's Comet." The ride experience begins as soon as the train leaves the station and immediately climbs 96 feet up the chain lift hill. The coaster then rumbles down the first 47-degree drop and flies back up the next hill to make a swooping 180-degree turn that reveals a stunning view of The Hollow. Comet dips back down towards Spring Creek and sends riders on a series of twisting turns and hair-raising hills. A handful of airtime-filled bunny hills give riders a final thrill before arriving back at the station. Comet reaches a top speed of 50 miles per hour during its 3,360-foot journey that lasts 1 minute 45 seconds.

Take a virtual ride on Comet below.

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Preparing for a Historic Season

In March, the Hersheypark maintenance team craned the roller coaster trains back onto their tracks using massive cranes in preparation for opening. Take a look at the process below.

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We hope to see you for a ride on Comet during its 75th operating season! 

Guests can save on Hersheypark tickets valid any day, any season through January 2, 2022, by purchasing online. Summer tickets include three parks in one with a wide range of family-friendly and thrill attractions, including 15 coasters; The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open May 29-September 6) with one million gallons of water; and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park with dozens of animals from five regions of North America.