Hersheypark Nominated for Four USA TODAY 10Best 2024 Theme Park Awards

Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pa., has been nominated for four theme park categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader's Choice Awards 2024. 

The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania is in the running for the coveted title of Best Theme Park, Best Roller Coaster with Wildcat's Revenge, Best Theme Park Restaurant with The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, and Best Theme Park Hotel with The Hotel Hershey. 

Now, it's up to our loyal fans to help us win! You can vote once daily for each category until the polls close on Monday, April 22, at noon ET. The winners will be announced on Friday, May 3. Learn more and vote for us below! 

Best Theme Park

USA TODAY 10Best asked a panel of amusement park and family travel experts to nominate their 20 favorite theme parks out of more than 400  amusement parks and attractions on the continent - and Hersheypark made the list. 

Centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, Hersheypark will kick off its 118th season on March 29 - the earliest opening date ever.

The amusement park of every chocolate lover's dreams features 121 acres with more than 70 rides, The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day) and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park – all accessible via a single admission. Thrill seekers can enjoy 15 coasters, including the new Wildcat's Revenge hybrid that opened in the summer of 2023. This continues a decade of significant growth with six new major coasters, a water park and the $150 million Hershey’s Chocolatetown region. 

Best Roller Coaster

Wildcat is back and seeking vengeance. As the first hybrid manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) in Pennsylvania, Wildcat's Revenge combines the best of wood and steel by adding a new steel track with unique elements to the wooden framework for a one-of-a-kind thrilling ride experience found only at Hersheypark. 

The 2-minute and 36-second experience begins as riders of Hershey's height category (48-54") and above climb a 140-foot hill on one of three custom trains, plunge into an 82-degree drop and hit a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour along 3,510 feet of red track on a black steel and wood structure. The pursuit continues as riders stalk their prey through four inversions, including the World’s Largest Underflip, which begins with an upward climb, followed by a counterclockwise 270° roll and a dive down towards the side. 

Wildcat's Revenge received the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster of 2023. The 15th coaster at Hersheypark was also named one of the top new attractions of 2023 by USA Today 10Best. 

Best Theme Park Restaurant

Here's the sweet secret about The Chocolatier: the full-service restaurant, bar and patio celebrates the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey by continuing to bring people together for happiness, fun, and, of course, chocolate. 

Inside, an open kitchen serves up classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate for lunch and dinner. Bartenders craft cocktails behind a Carrousel-themed bar, but the ride doesn't end there! The space features past and present pieces from the Hersheypark ride collection, including Comet car and Tilt-A-Whirl booths. Plus, a second-story outdoor patio and bar provide one-of-a-kind views of Hersheypark. 

The Chocolatier is open year-round and does not require an admission ticket to Hersheypark to dine. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Best Theme Park Hotel

The Hotel Hershey is a sweet spot for visitors to lay their heads when in town to check out Hersheypark. A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond Hotel is a one-of-a-kind destination with a rich history. Situated high atop the town of Hershey, the resort is known for its refined elegance, signature service and abundant amenities. 

Guests can take advantage of recreation on property, including 5.5 miles of hiking trails, daily fitness classes,  an indoor pool complex, an arcade, an 18-hole putting course, disc golf, and an outdoor sports complex featuring basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, spikeball, bocce ball, cornhole and soccer. On spring weekends, The Hotel Hershey also offers family-friendly activities ranging from s'mores roasts and chocolate bingo to Hershey Character appearances, glow putting, scavenger hunts and more. Check out The Hotel Hershey Spring Guide 2024 to learn more.

New for summer 2024 are The Villas at The Hotel Hershey, an elevated luxury accommodation experience with all-new exclusive amenities. Formerly the Woodside Cottages, these premium accommodations will take luxury and Hershey hospitality to new heights as part of the first phased expansion of The Hotel Hershey in 15 years. In the first phase to open Memorial Day Weekend 2024, the 10 existing cottages with 48 rooms will be reimagined with refreshed furnishings, unmatched amenities, an all-new exclusive concierge lounge, and the sweetest Hersheypark experiences. Construction will then begin in the summer of 2024 on nine new Villas to add 50 new sleeping rooms by late 2025.

Plan a Visit to Hersheypark

Hersheypark will be open for eight Spring Weekends from March 29 - May 19, marking the return of coaster riding season with new experiences on Skyrush and Comet. For more information, visit our Guide to Spring Weekends 2024.

Daily operations will take place from May 23 (Memorial Day weekend) through Labor Day, followed by the Hersheypark Halloween seasonal event on weekends in September and October with expanded offerings, including more scares during Dark Nights immersive haunt experience. 2024 will conclude with the iconic Hersheypark Christmas Candylane holiday attraction on select dates in November and December.

Guests interested in visiting once this spring can save more than 40 percent on tickets valid through May 19 when purchased on Hersheypark.com. But those craving endless fun in 2024 should buy a Season Pass, which pays for itself in less than three visits! 

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. All guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive FREE Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan, free front-gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location, free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, and more.