Top Tips for Planning your 2021 Hersheypark Spring Visit

We can’t wait to welcome guests back to Hersheypark for our 115th season with more public operating days than ever before. For the first time, we are offering four weekends of spring fun during Springtime In The Park at Hersheypark on April 2-4, 10-11, 17-18, and a new bonus weekend of April 24-25, 2021. Hours during the seasonal event are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Included with admission to Springtime In The Park, guests can enjoy more than 40 rides, including thrilling coasters like Candymonium, weather permitting; photos with our Hershey Characters; visits to ZooAmerica when entering through the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours; and sweet treats, of course!

New for spring 2021, we are excited to debut two new culinary experiences inspired by the vision of Mr. Hershey in the new Hershey’s Chocolatetown region. Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen will open on April 2. 

If you’re planning a visit during our first seasonal event or summer season, consider these tips on what to know before you go to Hersheypark this year.

What do I need to do to prepare for my visit?

• Buy in advance: Save now with the Best Price Of The Year on 2021 tickets! We strongly encourage you to purchase tickets and add-ons online or in the Hersheypark App in advance of your visit for contactless transactions (and save!). You can check availability before you buy a ticket to Hersheypark. 
• Make a reservation: Every guest with tickets or group tickets will be required to make a reservation for a specific visit date to ensure we can comply with capacity guidelines as set by the state. To make a reservation, click here. 
  • If you have a two day ticket, please use the ticket ID to reserve your first day and then exit the page to make your second day reservation with the same ticket ID. They do not need to be consecutive days.
  • Season Pass Holder Tip: We will automatically reserve daily capacity for our Season Pass Holder family and guests of the Official Resorts of Hersheypark to provide the flexibility to visit whenever they choose. Pass Holders can go straight to the designated Pass Holder entrance - look for on property signage! 
• Download our app: The official Hersheypark app is packed with helpful tools, including maps and contactless options, to help you plan your visit and maximize your day. The app will also detail ride availability and wait times for major attractions during your visit.
• Pack smart: Guests are permitted to bring a small bag or backpack to Hersheypark. We recommend packing it with sunscreen and water. Each guest is allowed one sealed water bottle, but our team will also provide free cups of water at most dining locations. Learn more about what to pack for a day at the theme park here. 
  • Complimentary lockers are available at Candymonium, Skyrush, sooperdooperLooper and Reese’s Cupfusion to store all personal belongings while you wait and ride.
  • Season Pass Holder Tip: Did you know? You can add your pass to the Hersheypark App as a digital pass to scan at the front gate so you have one less thing to carry.

Is Sweet Start available?

 As a reminder, Sweet Start is not available during our seasonal events. Full Size and King Size Season Pass Holders and guests at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark may enter the park at 10 AM daily this summer (May 27 through September 6) to enjoy a selection of rides before the Park opens at 11 AM.

Is Preview available?

Guests with any ticket type may enjoy Hersheypark for free two hours before close before their full day visit. Guests at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark may enter three hours before close. Reservations for preview are not required but tickets will be scanned for entry.

I have a ticket from 2020 - can I still visit?

Tickets purchased before June 12, 2020, are extended through June 30, 2021. Tickets purchased after June 12 have expired.

What are the safety enhancements upon arrival?

• Wear a face covering or face shield: Per the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in accordance with an Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, face coverings are required for all guests over the age of 2 and team members at this time except while dining and on water attractions. If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering, our alternative accommodation is to bring and wear a face shield during your visit. Please note that face shields are not permitted on certain attractions, and guests will have to switch to a face covering for those experiences.
• Temperature screening: Guests should be prepared to undergo a temperature screening with a contactless, infrared thermometer prior to entering Hersheypark. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 or above will not be allowed to enter.
• Bag check: All guests with bags will still be required to go through bag check as you walk through a contactless system at the main entrance. If anything is detected via the sensors, you will be asked to visit a team member for a physical inspection. New for 2021: please note a designated stroller and wheelchair lane is now located on the far left. 
• Have your ticket ready to scan:  As you enter the main gate, please have your tickets out or phone to full brightness. We will first scan for your reservation. Keep your tickets out because you will be scanned again in a few feet at the front gate scanners.
• Follow social distancing: We will reinforce appropriate social distancing through signage, ground markings, and redesigned guest spaces. Please stand 6 feet apart from other guests.

The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority. Click here for more information on how we plan to be ready for you.

What should I expect on rides?

• Ride sanitization: Our coasters, rides and queue lines are treated on a daily basis with an antimicrobial solution that is effective for seven days to kill viruses, mold, fungus and bacteria on contact.
• Hand sanitizer: Guests are asked to use hand sanitizer before entering the queue/waiting area or before boarding attractions. We have 300 hand sanitation stations available to guests, including at the exit of all attractions.
• Stringent Cleaning Protocols: Highly touched ride surfaces, including handrails, arm rests, restraints, lap bars, grips, seatbelts, over-the-shoulder harnesses, etc. are frequently sanitized.
• Queue lines: We will implement alternative ride queuing methods where possible to manage capacity and facilitate social distancing. Queue lines will allow for proper social distancing by marking the ground to denote the appropriate 6 feet of social distance between guests.
• Social distancing while riding: Guests are reminded to practice social distancing and only sit in the same row as people from their travel party. Ride seating will be adjusted to comply with social distancing requirements, which could include seating every other ride vehicle or limiting capacity.

What will be open?

• Rides: We’re excited to offer our guests a wide range of experiences from family rides and thrilling coasters to  ZooAmerica during Springtime In The Park. Please find our proposed list of rides potentially available for Springtime here - please note attractions are subject to change and we'll confirm prior to April 2. Please download and refer to the Official Hersheypark app for a real-time listing of attraction and food availability.
• Entertainment: Guests can get their pictures taken with some of their favorite characters from a social distance. Characters will make appearances near the Carrousel in Hershey's Chocolatetown and outside of the Music Box Theatre. This summer, we plan to offer the outdoor aquatheatre seal and sea lion show in accordance with social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols.
• Games: Games will be available with social distancing and enhanced sanitation measures in place. More information about our game protocols is available here. 

How will food areas reflect safety enhancements?

All Hersheypark food and beverage operations will follow the National Restaurant Association COVID-19 Reopening Guidance and the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health guidelines. These include frequent sanitization and extensive cleaning, the use of plexiglass, reduced capacity and social distancing. Heintz has provided 50 touchless condiment dispensers for this season in another enhancement for contactless service.

How will my reusable cup work?

At this time, team members will give guests a disposable cup to use at refill stations to avoid direct contact. King Season Pass Holders will be notified when their cups and bags are available for pick up. 

Where do I go for assistance?

Our new Ticketing building in Tram Circle is a one-stop-shop for admission tickets, Season Passes, add-ons, and gift cards. It is open daily so you visit before the season or weekdays to get new pass photos or receive assistance to avoid lines on opening weekend. 

Please note that enrolling in our Rider Accessibility Program takes place at Guest Services located through the front gate directly on the right-hand side. Our team at this location can also assist with general information, Season Passes, dining and drink deals, Fast Track, game books and Hersheypark gift cards. We have two other Guest Services locations inside Hersheypark - one near Playdome Arcade and another on Kissing Tower Hill. If you need further assistance after your visit, please email Hersheypark@HersheyPA.com.

Self-Service Account

We launched the new Season Pass Holder Self-Service Account last year to allow Season Pass Holders to access their digital Season Pass, link their family’s Passes, purchase add-ons, redeem in-Park coupons, update account information, and more. King Size and Full Size Pass Holders can purchase discounted tickets through the account, as well.

The King Size Bring-A-Friend ticket will also be in your account for use by April 1. 

Still have questions? Check out this article with helpful information about the Self-Service Account and Reservation System.