Hershey PA advice?

[Stimpy]

We have the basics down pretty well for Hershey...rip open package and savor every bite. But it's been many years since we've been to Hershey, PA, this will be first time with the kids. Any advice for the park and/or area?

We're going next week and I'm already reluctant to go. I don't see any mention anywhere about any kind of FP-type system there!! :faint: I hope they atleast have some kind of child swap thing. (By mid day in August heat, I'll probably be more than willing to swap my 2 kids for other ones!)

We're planning on Chocolate World the day we arrive, some pool time at resort. 1 full day at the park. An hour or two at the Indian Cove (?) Caverns. Then I'm stumped. :idontgeti We have 3 nights at the resort (not in Hershey but not too far) How far is "Amish Country" from there? Maybe we can do some driving around there. Gettysburg would not go over well with the kids (although DH and I love it there! We used to go atleast once a year, pre-kids)

Any other advice?? Thanks!!

[KNWVIKING]

Hershey Park is in Lancaster County.... that is the heart of Amish Country.

[Stimpy]

:hammer: I was pretty sure about that, about 99% but not 100% certain! So yes, that was a stupid question! :hammer:

[KNWVIKING]

Your kids are young ? Head over to Dutch Wonderland, 'bout 30 minutes from Hershey. Fun little park. Two big shopping outlets - one right accross the street, 2nd one a few miles up on 30, are there.

[bavaria]

I heard chocolate, I came running! Believe it or not, this chocolate lover has been to Hershey many times!

It's about 35 minutes to Lancaster sites from Hershey; I prefer the more rural route rather than taking the interstate.

The Chocolate World ride is rather fun; I like it better than the 3D movie. It's a rather low key, charming look at the making of chocolate.

Kids seem to like the characters - ie dancing with the Reese's Peanut Butter cup, etc.

Haven't even done Hershey Park, but I did go up to Hotel Hershey for breakfast and a look around - sort of tired elegance but worth a look if you have some time, or want a chocolate spa wrap or chocolate chip pancake for breakfast.

Any more questions, I'm your (chocolate) girl!

[nono]

I just saw an ad the other night -- it looks like they have a new ride that's like Buzz Lightyear...a laser tag ride!!!:thumbsup:

[idratherbeinwdw]

I wanted to add that Hershey really impressed me as being well run. It was clean as a whistle, even late at night, so you can tell they were cleaning it all day. I compare everything to WDW (naturally, LOL), and Hershey passed the test cleanliness-wise.

I am not a thrill ride person, so I didn't go on anything at all but my daughter went on everything and loved it. We both enjoyed the cute ride in chocolate world.

[bavaria]

You may also want to stop at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, a village in Amish country. I have a hard time reconciling myself with most of the tourist attractions in that area; I compare it to hoards of visitors staring at me from outside my window as I work.

However, as I have ties to the Mennonite church I also wanted to absorb and learn; there is a great exhibit called Twenty Questions but it's not really kid friendly. The Kitchen Kettle Village is a large complex of shops, the largest of which is the jam/jelly/pickle kitchen. They sell all kinds of varieties, and have an open kitchen so that the kids can see how jam is produced. (Also lots of free samples of goodies)

There is also the Strasbourg railway, which may be of interest. I've never been to Dutch Wonderland, although I have seen it from the road - it is definitely for the under 10 set, based on what I have seen/read.

Just remeber that if you are going to Amish country, most attractions/shops are closed on Sunday, except for the outlet mall.

[cruise-o-matic]

Take the trolley tour. There's a neat little skit thatthey do at each stop.

[TW1]

We're big Hershey Park fans, go every year and usually at Christmas as well (they have a great Santa btw!)

Their new Buzz-style laser tag ride is pretty cool. They have awesome bumper cars, an antique car ride, a fun water flume ride and a fab old wooden rollercoaster. Their seal show is lots if fun and a great way to get out of the heat. I think one long day at that park for your age kids is just about right. A second day only if you needed to do some of the very popular thrill rides.

There is a small zoo next to the park that is fun for an hour or so as well. I think your park pass may get you in. I'd skip the 3-D show in Chocolate World, but the Making Chocolate ride is a must. We do it over and over. (Must be the chocolate smells they pump throughout the place.) Also in Chocolate World is a great food court and store.

I'll second Bavaria's suggestion of Strasburg Railroad, though its a good 45 minutes away from your hotel. Also in Strasburg is an enormous train museum that is inside and can be fun. One last idea for Strasburg is the Cherry Crest Farm Corn Maze (the Amazing Maize Maze). THis is the best corn maze I've ever been too, really, really well done. But think corn maze and think outdoors in a field under blazing sun for hours and hours. In all honesty you can kill three hours in the maze without a problem. And as long as its not blazing sun it can be tons of fun. My kids beg to go every year. Cherry Crest Farm also has lots of other things to do, so it may be worth the trip.

Dutch Wonderland is a great time and probably better suited for your age kids And the Vy-King is right, there are a set of Tanger outlets across the street that can keep even a male shopper busy for hours. One last warning here - These outlets are in full back-to-school mode and can be VERY crowded.

If you need something to do in Hershey there is a fun public playground over near the high school. We usually stop there to let the kids blow off some extra steam before pouring them back in the car. Its near the corner of Rt 322 and Homestead Road.

[bavaria]

I can't believe that nobody mentioned this attraction yet...

Yuengling is available in Amish country; in fact, earlier this year I saw a billboard on the road advertising a huge Yuengling sale....:crazy:

[KNWVIKING]

I can't believe that nobody mentioned this attraction yet...

Yuengling is available in Amish country; in fact, earlier this year I saw a billboard on the road advertising a huge Yuengling sale....:crazy:

Yeah, but it's only as cold as the water in the stream.

[lllovell]

Hey now, don't knock stream cooled beer. I have been camping many a times and it sure can hit the spot!

[TW1]

Thankfully Hershey is upriver from Three Mile Island

[lllovell]

:headscrat That doesn't have anything to do with the Roller Coaster Melt Down thing that the girls are always talking about having around the pool at WDW does it??? :tongue:

[TW1]

Hmmm :scratchch

I'd been wondering about that. Either its that woozy feeling you get from the coasters, or more likely its a great alcoholic treat that gives you that same woozy feeling :thumbsup:

[Stimpy]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! We're leaving tomorrow. I took lots of notes from this thread. (Especially, do not drink Yuengling from the stream LOL)

Thanks again!

[TW1]

Oh, one more thing...

The famous old Hershey Hotel, up on the hill overlooking the Kingdom of Hershey, is really beautiful. You can go up and stroll around without drawing any attention. Heck, take in a meal up there. Once we even snuck in and used the indoor pool!

Enjoy! Weather looks great for the next few days. Let me know what you thought about the "sweetest place on earth".

[Stimpy]

Oh, one more thing...

The famous old Hershey Hotel, up on the hill overlooking the Kingdom of Hershey, is really beautiful. You can go up and stroll around without drawing any attention. Heck, take in a meal up there. Once we even snuck in and used the indoor pool!

Enjoy! Weather looks great for the next few days. Let me know what you thought about the "sweetest place on earth".

That sounds almost like illegal pool hopping! :hahahaha:

Dh and I stayed at the Hotel Hershey the last time we went. It is a beautiful hotel! Wish I could get a chance to go to the Chocolate Spa!!

Thanks again TW1!

[TW1]

That sounds almost like illegal pool hopping! :thumbsup: