Hersheypark Marks Two Years Since Chocolatetown Announcement

It's hard to believe that it's been two years since we announced our historic plans for Hershey's Chocolatetown, which debuted to guests on July 3, 2020. 

Hershey’s Chocolatetown, the all-new region at Hersheypark, celebrates the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey by bringing people together for happiness, fun and, of course, chocolate. The largest investment in our company's history is a transformational expansion years in the making.

A Look Back

On October 3, 2018, Hersheypark made our biggest announcement ever when we unveiled plans for Hershey's Chocolatetown.

Construction kicked off on January 9, 2019, and in October 2019, we were excited to share more details about the culinary offerings now coming in 2021. We shared regular construction updates and reveals along the way, like the new home and design of our iconic Carrousel. 

The area opened to rave reviews this summer and we're excited to host seasonal events like Hersheypark In The Dark and Christmas Candylane to complete a historic opening year.

If you haven't seen Hershey's Chocolatetown for yourself yet, take a look at our recommendations of 10 things to see and do in the place Where Fun Meets Chocolate. 

1. Enjoy our all-new arrival experience

At the entrance of Hershey’s Chocolatetown is an entirely reimagined arrival experience honoring the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Beautiful buildings, featuring historic architectural elements that were thoughtfully selected to reflect Mr. Hershey’s style, and an all-new front gate welcome guests to the new region. The front gate features a dedicated lane for Season Pass Holders and guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. Look for the hidden touches of chocolate throughout the entrance and our one-of-a-kind Kisses Bell.

2. Walk through our history

Guests entering Hersheypark will have a unique opportunity to walk through the one-of-a-kind history rooted in the town of Hershey from the ground up. Located just outside the new front gate is the Compass Rose, a tribute to the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey with 27 bronzed medallions honoring his community contributions. A glance in any direction will reveal the current or previous location of the Hershey landmarks he created in the community he loved. Learn more about the landmarks proudly bearing the name of our founder here.

3. Snap a photo at the Kisses  Fountain

The new Kisses Fountain is the perfect backdrop for a memorable family photo. It is also a great place to view friends on Candymonium as the coaster train makes a panoramic banked curve around the world’s sweetest fountain. In addition to the Kisses Fountain, other hints of chocolate and candy are intentionally placed throughout Hershey’s Chocolatetown. Guests can see two Kisses-shaped planters, 100+ Hershey Bar pips in the paving, 28 linear feet of Twizzlers railing and 51 unwrapped Kisses.

4. Wave to a Hershey  Character

During a visit to Hersheypark, guests have the chance to say hello and take a socially distanced photo with their favorite Hershey Characters. Character appearances take place right inside the front gate in Hershey’s Chocolatetown each day. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos using #HersheyparkHappy!

5. Ride the Carrousel

One of the most historic rides in Hersheypark has a new home in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The 101-year-old Carrousel is housed in a blue pavilion that reflects the personality of the new setting with a nod to the original pavilion design from the early 1940s. The classic ride is often the first one guests enjoy as they enter Hersheypark or the last ride of the day before they leave. Guests can choose from 66 original hand-carved, original wooden horses - 42 jumping horses and 24 stationary horses - and two magnificent chariots. Read more about the history of the Carrousel here.

6. Ride Candymonium

Coaster fans are in for a sweet ride on Candymonium, the tallest, fastest, longest and sweetest coaster in Hersheypark. The hyper coaster features a 4,636-foot milk chocolate track and spans 7 acres in the all-new Hershey's Chocolatetown region. Riders embark on a heart-pounding, 210-foot ascent up the tallest hill in Hersheypark, then dip into thrilling drops including 7 camelback hills that serve up the ultimate feeling of freedom with the most airtime of any of our coasters. Before taking a ride, check out some sweet facts about Candymonium here and enjoy it this fall and winter!

7. Grab some Starbucks

Looking for a caffeine boost? For the first time ever, guests can enjoy their favorite Starbucks coffee and snacks inside Hersheypark. We recommend grabbing a cold brew with cocoa and walking around the clean and green new region, which is lined with 368 new trees and 2,631 shrubs along the banks of Spring Creek.

8. Play Hyperdeck

Hyperdeck is an all-new immersive, virtual reality experience located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. Players can choose from two games - H.A.I.R., a world where a 1980s guitar hero becomes a villain in a post-apocalyptic world, and Dreamsaver, a dream that turns into a nightmare only you can overcome. Hyperdeck accommodates up to 8 players and features a full-motion floor and multi-sensory effects. Not up for the challenge? Spectators can help (or hinder!) players via tablets located around the exterior of the Hyperdeck stations.

9. Shop for gifts

Hershey’s Chocolatetown is home to two new retail locations that feature the perfect blend of new collections and vintage designs. Hersheypark Supply Co. is a premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store where guests can browse the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys, and more exclusive to Hersheypark. HP Collections is a shopping destination with apparel and collectibles from Candymonium and Reese’s Cupfusion, as well as an exclusive Vineyard Vines collection. See what’s new in retail for 2020 here.

10. Take home a sweet treat

A visit to Hersheypark is not complete without taking home something sweet. Guests leaving Hersheypark can stop by Chocolatetown Treats to get some hot, fresh house-made cinnamon bread with apple butter, vanilla icing or Hershey’s Chocolate. It’s the ultimate sweet treat for the ride home - or a delicious breakfast on the way in! Check out our 2020 Sweet Treat Guide for a full list of our favorite food additions this year.

Bonus - Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolatetown created a convenient passageway between Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World. Guests can stop in before their visit to Hersheypark or as they are leaving to enjoy the free Chocolate Tour Ride and experience chocolate in fun and exciting ways. A free timed entry pass is required for guest safety. You can get one here.