Hersheypark Prepares Coasters For Spring 2025 Opening on April 5
Lightning Racer and Storm Runner Craned Back On Tracks
The arrival of spring and warmer weather in Hershey, Pa., is a sure sign that the roller coaster riding season at Hersheypark amusement park is almost here!
Hersheypark springs back to life on April 5 for its 119th operating year. But before the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania opens its gates for seven Spring Weekends, the maintenance team is hard at work completing the final stages of its off-season maintenance projects. Next up? The crews are craning the roller coaster cars back onto the tracks this week.
Take a look at the exciting maintenance milestone below.
As a continuation of our Lightning Racer off-season maintenance series, here are some photos of its train cars being lifted and placed back onto the wooden track using a crane ahead of the coaster's 25th anniversary season. This double-track racing coaster is known for its two staggered lift hills and the thrilling competition between the two sides, thunder and lightning.
The team also captured some photos of the Storm Runner trains returning to their track. The iconic coaster includes a 135-foot cobra loop, barrel rolls and the East Coast's only hydraulic launch, which sends riders from 0 to 72 mph in 2 seconds. Did you know that Hersheypark is home to the most coasters in the Northeast?
Hersheypark Spring Weekends
Hersheypark Spring Weekends run from April 5 through May 18. Hours vary by day, with extended hours over Easter Weekend (April 18-20).
Hersheypark offers more than 50 spring attractions, with something for everyone from coasters to kiddie rides. Some popular Hersheypark attractions celebrate milestone anniversaries in 2025, including 50 years of Kissing Tower, 25 years of Lightning Racer, 10 years of Laff Trakk and 5 years of Candymonium.
Tickets used during Spring Weekends also include Hershey Character meet and greets with Hersh and Reese, Our Friends From The Sea performances in the Aquatheatre and visits to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours.
Best Price Of The Year Ends March 31
Now is the time to purchase tickets if you're planning a trip to Hersheypark this year. Guests can save 45 percent on 1-Day Any Day Tickets when purchased online during the Best Price Of The Year offer through March 31, 2025. Tickets purchased during this sale are valid on any public operating day from April 5, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, including Spring Weekends, Summer season lasting May through September, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.
Season Passes are also on sale at the Best Price Of The Year through March 31, with Bite Size, Full Size, King Size and Giant Size options to fit everyone’s needs. A Season Pass pays for itself in three visits and includes unlimited visits to Hersheypark, plus other perks like free parking, the All-Year Drink Plan and access to exclusive events depending on the tier. Current 2025 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits during Spring Weekends as part of their year-long perks.