17
August
2019
|
10:00 AM
America/New_York

Top 5 Tips For Having The Sweetest Day Ever at Hersheypark!

This article was written by one of our Sweetest Families brand ambassadors. Follow Ashley on social media and through her blog here:

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Going to Hersheypark  during the summer is a tradition for us!

We love walking through the gates and with the smell of chocolatey goodness in the air, heading off to our favorite rides. From classics like the sooperdooperLooper to the brand new Reese’s Cupfusion my family is here for it all. Not to mention all the good eats you can find there too, I could write a whole post on just that!

Whether you are a thrill seeker or low-key adventurer, Hersheypark has something for everyone to enjoy. Ready to visit the Sweetest Place on Earth? Then follow my top 5 tips for having the sweetest day ever at Hersheypark!

1. Rent a locker

First thing in the morning- grab your locker. Lockers are located in several locations throughout the Park. They are first come first serve, which means they can sell out for the day. Getting one right as you get into the Park is the best way to guarantee your choice of locker location. 

Lockers are available in two sizes, small and large. For our family of 4, we choose a large locker and aim to get one the furthest away from the entrance to the locker area. This gives us a little more space to maneuver when there are a lot of people around.

We prefer the lockers closer to The Boardwalk since we spend a lot of time there. This makes it easier to reapply sunscreen and change if needed. Lockers are yours to keep all day, so feel free to store your stuff in there until you are ready to leave the Park!

2. Arrive when the Park opens

Getting to Hersheypark right when it opens for the day gives you a good parking spot, shorter wait times, and access to the locker area of your choice. Check Hersheypark’s website to confirm operating times for the day of your visit. 

Season Pass Holders get to enjoy Sweet Start, which gives them access to the park 1 hour before it opens to the public and a dedicated parking area. There are a lot of other sweet benefits to being a Hersheypark Season Pass Holder and with the new 2020 options; there is a Hersheypark Season Pass that is just right for every family member!

3. Download the free Hersheypark App

The free official Hersheypark app includes a map, ride wait times, character appearances, showtimes, food locations, and more. It also contains info for Hershey’s Chocolate World and ZooAmerica attractions. Within the app, select HPGO to link your free wristbands that track your scores on the all-new Reese’s Cupfusion and your racing times over at Whitecap Racer. You can also view your ride photos and upgrade to Fast Track. 

The Hersheypark app is available for Apple and Android.

4. Bring a backpack

I never go to an amusement park or theme park without a bag. When you have kids are you even allowed to leave the house without one? Pretty sure that answer is a no. My must-haves for a Hersheypark day are sunscreen, wipes, hand sanitizer, swimsuits, water shoes, towels, and high protein snacks. 

This is where the locker comes in handy. No one wants to carry a backpack around all day. Stow that baby in a locker and only grab what you need when you need it. At the end of the day your back will thank you. 

5. Save on food and drinks with the All Day Drink and Dining Plans

A day full of riding coasters, splashing through The Boardwalk, and challenging your family at Reese’s Cupfusion is definitely going to work up a big appetite. You can save money on your dining with Hersheypark’s special drink and dining deals. These add-ons can be pre-purchased on the Hersheypark website or in the Park on the day of your visit.

  • All-Day Drink Deal: Purchase your 2019 Souvenir Cup and get FREE refills on fountain drinks and ICEE all day. Bring your cup back each visit and enjoy refills for only $1!
  • All-Day Dining Deal: For one low price you can enjoy 1 entrée and 1 side all day long! The All-Day Dining Deal is available at more than 10 locations throughout Hersheypark!
  • Season Pass 2019 Drink Plan: Purchase your 2019 Season Pass Holder Souvenir Cup and get free refills on fountain drinks and ICEEs all season long!
  • Season Pass 2019 Dining Plan: Enjoy 2 meals (1 entrée and 1 side) every day, all summer long. The Season Pass Dining Plan is available at 14 locations throughout Hersheypark!
    • **If you have a Season Pass you can enjoy discounts on food, beverages, and most importantly sweet treats throughout the Park without buying one of the dining plans.**

Bonus Tip: Stay at an Official Resort of Hersheypark

We live within driving distance of Hersheypark so I never thought about staying at one of the Official Resorts of Hersheypark. That recently changed when we stayed the night at the Hershey Lodge for my son’s birthday. Game. Changer. One, we could leave the Park, relax at the resort and then head back for the night. Two, with the indoor pool, the water fun didn’t have to stop even though it was raining outside. And three, maybe my husband’s favorite, we didn’t have to drive home after a long day at the Park. Bonus- there was chocolate on our pillows when we came back for bed! Who doesn’t want chocolate before bed? 

There are a ton of benefits to staying onsite at a Hersheypark resort. These include:

  • Up to 4 ½ hours of extra time with Preview Plan during the Summer. 

  • 1-hour early access to Hersheypark during the Summer. 

  • Free shuttle to and from Hersheypark.

  • Indoor pools (we personally love Water Works at the Hershey Lodge!)

  • Savings on Hersheypark tickets.

  • And more!

Extra Bonus Tip: Eat all the things. 

Hersheypark has some AMAZING treats to enjoy throughout the Park. From King Size Shakes to a Fundae (that’s a funnel cake sundae and it is as delicious as it sounds) you do not want to miss out. These things are generally big enough to share if you want to... No judgment here if you don’t!

Whether you are coming for the day, spending the night, or utilizing your Hersheypark Season Pass, these tips will help you make the most of your day at The Sweetest Place On Earth.