Hersheypark Celebrates Multiple Ride Anniversaries in 2024
12 Family Rides, Coasters and Water Attractions With Milestones This Year
Hersheypark amusement park kicks off its 118th season on March 29, 2024 - the earliest to date - for a year full of coaster rides, water park splashes and unlimited Hersheypark Happy. The 2024 operating year marks significant anniversaries of a dozen family-friendly rides, roller coasters and water attractions at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Let's take a look at them below.
50 Years of Trailblazer
Trailblazer
Hersheypark is home to nearly 50 rides for younger guests, including two family-friendly roller coasters. One of them, Trailblazer, turns 50 this year. The beloved coaster opened in June 1974 in what is now the Pioneer Frontier region of the Park. Designed by Duell & Associates and built by Arrow Development, Trailblazer is the second oldest operating roller coaster at Hersheypark behind Comet.
Trailblazer has a KISSES height requirement (36-42") and above, so it is often one of the first roller coaster rides for the younger generation. The coaster reaches speeds of 45 MPH and features a helix that circles a total of four times!
30 Years of Tidal Force
Tidal Force
According to Hershey Archives, Hersheypark opened Tidal Force water ride on May 28, 1994. At the time of its opening 30 years ago, it was billed as the tallest water plunge ride in the world.
During the summer operating season, guests of Reese's height category (42-48") and above can journey up a steep, 100-foot incline before diving downhill at speeds exceeding 50 MPH where they will be greeted by one of the largest splashes in Hersheypark. Bystanders in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park should also be ready, as watching Tidal Force from the midway is guaranteed to leave you just as soaked as the riders!
25 Years of Wild Mouse, Music Express and Frog Hopper
Wild Mouse
Thrill-squeakers agree that Wild Mouse is a can't-miss coaster at Hersheypark. According to Hershey Archives, the thrilling ride debuted in May 1999 and was one of seven new rides that opened in the former Hersheypark Fair section that year. Located in what is now known as the Midway America region, Wild Mouse is the only coaster in Hersheypark to never stop. It scurries through a course of tight corners, 180-degree hairpin turns and exciting drops that give riders of Hershey's height category (48-54") and above the wild illusion of falling off the track.
Music Express
Also located in the Midway America region of Hersheypark is Music Express, which turns 25 this year. According to Hershey Archives, the 20 three-passenger car ride opened in 1999. Riders of Reese's height category (42-48") and above spin rapidly on a sharply curved track while jamming to music.
Frog Hopper
Little ones not quite ready for the thrill level of Hershey Triple Tower can experience the perfect stepping stone on Frog Hopper. The children's ride opened in the Kissing Tower Hill region of Hersheypark in 1999. It lifts passengers of KISSES height requirement (36-42") and above up a vertical lift and then “hops” them back down.
20 Years of Storm Runner
Storm Runner
"Now get ready. Here we go!" Storm Runner coaster turns 20 this year. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster opened in May 2004, per Hershey Archives. It hydraulically launches riders of Twizzlers height category (54-60") and above from 0 to 72 MPH in only two seconds, lifting them 18 stories straight up and down. The high-thrill coaster ride continues with a 135-foot cobra loop, barrel rolls, a dramatic flying snake dive, and a screeching halt before slowly gliding back into the station. Not for the faint of heart, Storm Runner exerts more than 8,000 horsepower - quicker than the world’s fastest vehicle.
15 Years of the “SEAquel” at The Boardwalk
2024 marks 15 years since the “SEAquel” opened at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park with two new attractions, The Shore and Intercoastal Waterway. The expansion also included 27 private rental cabanas along the lazy river, complete with complimentary soda, bottled water, towels and more.
The Shore
The Shore is a 378,000-gallon wave pool that opened on May 23, 2009. The attraction gradually deepens from 0 to 6 feet and is the perfect place for the whole family to cool off and catch a wave.
Intercoastal Waterway
Intercoastal Waterway is a 1,360-foot lazy river that reaches depths of two feet and is accessed via a zero-depth entry ramp. It features bridges and waterfalls along its winding journey through the heart of The Boardwalk.
10 Years of Cocoa Cruiser, Tea Cups and Sweet Swing
According to Hershey Archives, three new kiddie rides for KISSES height category (36-42") and above opened at Hersheypark on May 9, 2014.
Cocoa Cruiser
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, Cocoa Cruiser is a steel roller coaster located in the Founder's Way region of the Park. It is the perfect attraction for the smallest thrill seekers in the family. Cocoa Cruiser races around a silver 279-foot track during the 2-minute experience.
Tea Cups
Tea Cups gives riders the option to sit back and enjoy the ride or spin as fast as they can. Located in The Hollow region, the Tea Cups really are everyone's cup of tea!
Sweet Swing
Sweet Swing, also located in The Hollow region, provides young riders with the thrill of weightlessness as they glide back and forth on the 12-person swing set.
5 Years of Reese's Cupfusion
Reese's Cupfusion
It's hard to believe that Reese's Cupfusion opened to the public five years ago on May 25, 2019. The interactive gaming ride featured the most targets in the world at its opening. Riders of KISSES height category (36-42") and above are given a mission to become an agent, protect the factory and ensure the world is never deprived of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Reese's Cupfusion merges the world's love of chocolate and peanut butter to create a sweet, full-sensory adventure with six unique ways to play for the entire family. As an agent trainee, riders are given the latest technology to track their scores, receive a free ride photo and earn their place in the Reese's Hall Of Fame.
Now is the time to plan a visit to Hersheypark this spring or summer to take a ride on these attractions during their anniversary year. Through March 17, guests can save more than 40 percent on 1-day tickets and enjoy savings on two-day tickets to Hersheypark when purchased online with the current Best Price Of The Year offer. Tickets purchased during the sale are valid on any 2024 public operating day from March 29, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025.