Guide to Spring Weekends 2024 at Hersheypark
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Hersheypark This Spring
The countdown to coaster rides, King Size shakes and character high-fives is on! Hersheypark amusement park kicks off its 118th operating year on March 29, with eight fun-filled spring weekends of rides, Hershey Characters selfies, ZooAmerica visits and endless Hersheypark Happy.
If you are planning a spring visit to Hersheypark between Easter weekend and May 19, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide of important information, insider tips and only-in-Hershey experiences.
Dates and Hours
Hersheypark is open on weekends from March 29 through May 19 for its spring season. Daily summer operations begin May 23 (and our water park then opens Memorial Day weekend).
Hours vary by day:
- Easter weekend: Friday, March 29, Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays from March 30 through May 18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from April 7 through May 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Easter Sunday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Friday, March 29, and all Fridays in May from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the free preview plan included with every ticket. You can present your ticket at the main entrance before your full-day visit (if the Park is open the preceding day) to enjoy two free extra hours of fun. Guests at The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark can enjoy three hours of riding the night before their full day. Please note that seasonal events DO NOT include Sweet Start 1-hour early access, which begins on May 23 for 2024 Giant Size, King Size and Full Size Season Pass Holders and Resort guests.
Admission Tickets
Guests can save when purchasing tickets online. 2024 tickets are valid on any public operating day from March 29, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted as a special expiration date. Current 2024 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits on spring weekends as part of their year-long perks. All tickets and Season Passes can be added to your digital wallet to save time when entering the Park so you can get to the fun faster.
Before visiting Hersheypark, you can check out our website to find the best deal on tickets, including our current spring offer. One-Day Hersheypark tickets, valid only for Spring Weekends through May 19, are on sale for $49.99 when purchased online by March 31.
Insider Tip: Consider purchasing 2-day tickets as they are the best value and do not need to be used on consecutive days. A Season Pass is the best option for three or more visits this year.
Roller Coasters and Family-Friendly Rides
Spring Weekends at Hersheypark feature more than 50 family-friendly rides and thrilling attractions, including 14 coasters, weather and maintenance permitting. New for the season, thrill seekers can enjoy ride experiences on two iconic coasters - Comet and Skyrush.
- Comet, the oldest continuously operating coaster at Hersheypark, features new, out-of-this-world designed trains for the next generation of riders.
- Skyrush is upgrading its flight to first class with all-new seats and restraints. Passengers will board Skyrush from a reimagined station platform featuring an all-new paint scheme, lighting effects and custom soundscape. The investment in the high-thrill attraction will provide coaster lovers with added comfort while experiencing the adrenaline rush they know and crave.
Coaster lovers can also ride the award-winning Wildcat's Revenge during its first spring after the first hybrid coaster at Hersheypark opened to the public last summer. Plus, iconic rides like Trailblazer, Wild Mouse and Storm Runner are all celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.
Please note that The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park is closed during Spring Weekends. It is open daily from May 25 through Sept. 2.
Insider Tip: Download the Hersheypark App for real-time ride availability and wait times.
Entertainment and ZooAmerica
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Hershey Characters delighting generations of guests. Hersheypark is the only amusement park where visitors can meet and greet with their favorite Hershey brands. Guests can snap a selfie with Hershey's and Reese's Characters at Hershey's Hangout across from the HPGO building or see the Our Friends From The Sea show with the seals and sea lions in the Aquatheatre.
Parkgoers looking for a break from coaster riding can also head to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to see dozens of North American animals like black bears, gray wolves, river otters and Canada lynx. ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours.
Insider Tip: The Hersheypark App lists showtimes and animal information and includes an interactive map.
Spring Food and Beverage Offerings
The Hersheypark Food and Beverage team will debut new sweet and savory items during Spring Weekends, including brand-new flavors of King Size Shakes and delicious sundaes at Simply Chocolate and new Coaster Dogs at Berks.
If you're looking for a full-service option, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open daily in Hershey's Chocolatetown. The restaurant features family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate, one-of-a-kind views and a second-story patio and bar that will be open this spring, weather permitting. Reservations are strongly encouraged at The Chocolatier. They are available to book through the end of the year.
Milton's Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen are also open daily this spring in Hershey's Chocolatetown for guests craving a sweet treat.
Insider Tip: Hersheypark is cashless in an effort to create more convenient retail and dining experiences for guests. All major credit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay will be accepted. The Chocolatier continues to accept cash.
Drink and Dining Add-Ons
Hersheypark offers ticket add-ons that allow guests to skip the lines on select family attractions and roller coasters with Fast Track, save with drink and dining plans, enjoy all-year admission to local attractions and more!
With the All-Day Drink Deal, you receive a 2024 Souvenir Cup and save with free refills on fountain drinks and Slush every 10 minutes on the day of redemption. Plus, you get $1 refills on future visits. The All-Day Drink cup can be picked up at the following locations by showing your voucher barcode to get your cup:
- Founder's Way - All-Day Drink Cart, Nathan’s Famous, Dispatch Express, 1906 Grill, Pepsi Fast Fill at 1906 Grill, Simply Chocolate
- Kissing Tower Hill - Kissing Tower Snacks
- Pioneer Frontier - All-Day Deal Center by The Claw, Chickie's and Pete's
- Midway America - Chickie's and Pete's, 8-Cut Crust
The Single-Use Meal Deal option allows guests to choose from various food locations and enjoy an entrée, side and drink. Guests must present their Meal Deal voucher at any participating location. Vouchers are valid for one use.
- Founder’s Way - Nathan’s Famous, Dispatch Express, 1906 Grill, Subway
- Kissing Tower Hill - Kissing Tower Snacks, Overlook Food Court
- The Hollow - Dispatch
- Pioneer Frontier - Spring Creek Smokehouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Flying Fare, Berks, Subway, Philly Cheesesteak Co.
- Midway America - 8-Cut Crust, Subway
The All-Day Dining Deal allows you to dine all day for one low price! The Deal includes one entrée and one side at more than 12 locations throughout Hersheypark. To activate the All-Day Dining Deal, you can visit any of the locations listed below. When ordering your food, let the cashier know that you are purchasing the All-Day Dining Deal or that you have a voucher for redemption. They will then activate your wristband for you and place it on your wrist. Your All-Day Dining can also be linked to your HPGO wristband. If you picked up your HPGO wristband first, the All-Day Dining Deal still needs to be activated and paid for before use. You must wait 90 minutes in between uses.
- Founder’s Way - Nathan’s Famous, Dispatch Express, 1906 Grill, Subway
- Kissing Tower Hill - Kissing Tower Snacks, Overlook Food Court
- The Hollow - Dispatch
- Pioneer Frontier - Spring Creek Smokehouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Flying Fare, Berks, Subway, Philly Cheesesteak Co.
- Midway America - 8-Cut Crust, Subway
Insider Tip: To use the Pepsi Fast Fill machine, scan the barcode on the front of your cup on the scanner next to the machine, place your cup under the soda of your choice and use the lever to fill your cup. Once the scan is processed, you have 22 seconds to fill your cup. Do not scan your cup if the countdown is still active from the previous guest. Water and ice will be dispensed without scanning your cup.
Parking
Guests are encouraged to purchase a parking voucher online in advance of a visit to save $10. General parking is $25 online compared to $35 in person at the parking booth.
Insider Tip: Guests of The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark receive free front-gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location. Hersheypark Giant, King and Full Size Pass Holders receive free parking.
Accessibility Services
Upon arrival at Hersheypark, please visit Accessibility Services to request more information about Hersheypark Accessibility programs. Our team members will assist guests by providing Park-wide information and explaining more about the Attraction Accessibility Program. The Accessibility Services agents can help define ride safety and ridership requirements in addition to discussing any and all accommodations for our guests. Accessibility Services is located in a special building on the left side of Ticketing outside the front gate and opens one hour prior to Hersheypark opening. Please look for the Accessibility Services sign.
Insider tip: Season Pass Holders can enroll at Accessibility Services and receive a Boarding Pass valid throughout the season.
Accommodations
Visitors looking to extend their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can book a sweet spring getaway at The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Check out some of our popular packages.
Staying at one of our Resorts this spring? See our seasonal guides to each resort:
Insider Tip: All guests of The Official Resorts Of Hersheypark also receive free Resort Benefits, including discounted Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan, free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, and more.
We look forward to seeing you this Spring! Be sure to tag us on social media @Hersheypark when you visit. We can't wait to see your photos!