Dark Nights Behind The Haunt: Reese's Depot Of Doom

In celebration of five years of terror, Hersheypark amusement park introduced a brand-new, fifth scare zone, Reese's Depot Of Doom, for Dark Nights presented by Reese's and KIT KAT® in 2026. Guests who venture into the railyard will experience haunting special effects and an over-the-top set design that brings a uniquely Hershey storyline to life. This fifth scare zone joins our largest lineup ever of integrated thrill experiences guests can only find at Hersheypark during the 2026 Halloween season.

Read on to learn more about the story behind Reese's Depot Of Doom in our Behind The Haunt blog series below.

Overview of Reese's Depot Of Doom Storyline

Follow the fractured tracks of the Reese’s Depot Of Doom, but beware. The freight yard may look abandoned, but it comes alive at night with shadowy trespassers starving for company. Navigate the fog-drenched boxcars with caution. Will you escape the Depot, or will you be doomed forever?

The idea of an abandoned freight depot had long been discussed as a potential theme for a Dark Nights haunted house or scare zone. The only question was how to tie this setting into the history of The Sweetest Place On Earth, as so many other Dark Nights haunts do. Guests who venture beyond the railroad tracks will see many nods to Hershey history, whether they realize it or not, as they navigate this scare zone that can only exist in a place like Hersheypark.

Inspiration Behind the Reese's Depot Of Doom Concept

The railroad has always played an important role not only in the history of Hersheypark, but also in the history of The Hershey Company by supplying raw materials for the Hershey and Reese's factories. From the earliest days of each factory, cocoa beans and peanuts were supplied by rail. This connection between the railyard concept and the Reese's brand itself was a pairing to rival chocolate and peanut butter. It finally allowed the long-awaited train concept to be integrated into Dark Nights during year two of the Reese's and KIT KAT® partnership for the seasonal event.

The creative team behind Dark Nights worked closely with the Reese's brand team to determine which “era” the Depot would've been abandoned in. The 1980s were chosen for their iconic Reese's moments, including the “No Wrong Way To Eat A Reese's” campaign. The boxcar featuring the Reese's Depot Of Doom logo at the entrance was inspired by a 1990s-era Hershey toy train and is packed full of easter eggs about the history of Hersheypark and Reese's.

Many of the numbers and acronyms on the boxcar are also rendered as authentic graffiti, which was hand-sprayed throughout the Depot's set pieces. Be on the lookout for the following shipping abbreviations and graffiti markings that pay homage to various eras of Hersheypark and Reese's:

• HERX: Original Railroad Mark assigned to Hershey Chocolate Company rolling stock, ca. 1930's
• C-PB: Chocolate and Peanut Butter
• TGTTTGT-70: Two Great Tastes That Taste Great Together, 1970
• TNWWTEAR-88: There's No Wrong Way To Eat a Reese's, 1988
• HDYEAR: How Do You Eat a Reese's?
• 05301906: Hersheypark Opening Date
• 11151928: Establishment of Reese's
• 5182010ILRD: May 18, 2010 - the first “I Love Reese's Day”

A Scare Zone With A Unique Location

Construction of Reese's Depot Of Doom in The Boardwalk region of Hersheypark started during the final weeks of the Hersheypark summer season. The space, which is adjacent to Shoreline Sprayground in the summer months, has been transformed into a seemingly abandoned freight yard, complete with a richly layered soundscape, well-timed fog effects and a railroad station platform. The boxcar sporting the official scare zone logo also makes for a frightfully fun photo op. 

What sets this scare zone apart is the physical layout. Though shorter than the others, Reese's Depot Of Doom offers the feel of a haunted house with four “rooms” in a linear sequence where the only way out is through. Situated between the scare-free Avenue of the Afterlife and the candy-centric Treatville trick-or-treat trail, the Depot is in the perfect spot for guests of all scare levels to experience a haunt with a sweet spin.

Venture Beyond The Tracks Yourself

Dark Nights is open for immersive haunts on Fridays through Sundays, including Halloween night, through Nov. 1, 2026. The five haunted houses featuring evolved storylines and five scare zones - more than ever - open nightly at 6 p.m.

Guests can save on tickets for Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, which include all haunted houses and scare zones, 50 attractions and dark coaster rides, Hershey’s Trick Or Treat Trail for children 12 and under, the Avenue Of The Afterlife path, Hershey Character appearances and more.

We'll meet you beyond the railroad tracks and in the fog for all the season's thrills and chills.