Quick Guide To Enjoy Hersheypark From New York City

Intro

In my last post I showed you how to get to Six Flags Great Adventure, which is arguably the closest theme park to New York City with a big recognizable brand (I do not think Nickelodeon Universe, or Dreamworks Park count). But in this post I will show you show you an easy way to get to an always recommended park in the East Coast: Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I know, I know! This one is far from being a chain theme park like Six Flags or Universal, but I have to recognize that Hersheypark is always in the radar for theme park enthusiasts in this Metropolitan Area.

Join me for a journey transcending the ordinary, into a world of chocolate, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Hersheypark welcomes you to a place where dreams come alive.

Planning and Preparation

I decided to go to Hersheypark by using Amtrak, early in the morning, and then come back in the evening. Since Amtrak does not go to Hershey, Pennsylvania, I would have to get off in Middletown, and then take a short Uber to the park. I would do the same to come back, but in the return I would have to stop by Philadelphia, since there were no direct trains to New York City.

I would take the train in Moynihan Train Hall in New York City at 7:00 AM and arrive to the park around 10:25 AM, close to the opening for that day. Then I would have to leave the park at around 6:40 PM to take the train back to Philadelphia and then to New York City, arriving into the city finally at 11:23 PM. I would be in the park around 7 hours, way less than what I spend in other parks, like Disney World. Would it be worth it?

The roundtrip train ticket for 1 person was $134, while the park entrance was about $75, including the Single Use Meal Deal. I did not buy any add-ons since they seemed too expensive.

From New York City to Hershey

Time to wake up early and go see the new Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan. My train departed at 7:00 AM, and even though I wanted to sleep in that train, I still got coffee lol.

The station is majestic, they did a really good work with the roof.

The train was going to Harrisburg and I could also get off there, since the distance is almost the same, but since Middletown was an earlier stop, I would just get off there.

The boarding is easy. There are bathrooms in the train but no food available (bring your own food and drinks!)

The ride from New York City is relaxing and with great views. New Jersey is quickly passed, and then the beautiful Pennsylvania is all you see.

After 3 hours we arrived in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and from there I quickly called an Uber. I was scared that there was no availability, but I got one, and the driver told me that there are always Ubers in this area since this is where the Harrisburg airport is located.

Getting to Hersheypark

Before getting into Hersheypark, I got into Hershey’s Chocolate World, the biggest candy store I have ever been into. Everything is related to Hersheys, but also a lot of candies and sweets I had no idea were under the same company. The store was packed, but since this one has free access, I was hoping that the park would not be this busy this early.

The store is massive, and kind of reminded me of the World of Disney store in Disney Springs, Orlando.

But there is an attraction is this store: the HERSHEY’S Chocolate Tour, which by the way, it is free. I had to do a line with some waiting time, but apparently this one is very recommended to learn about the history of the founder of this company, and this town in general. Milton S. Hershey was the Walt Disney of this part of USA.

The ride tour was entertaining, and full of surprises. I would recommend it, but also keep in mind that this would take time from your paid theme park attractions.

Next to the store, there are some food stands, and one of the most famous ones is S’mores & More, where I got one of the best s’more I have ever had. It is also massive.

Hersheypark & Pioneer Frontier

I finally got into the park. It was crowded, like a lot, for a Sunday in August. I got to relax, and check the wait times. If I would see a priority attraction dropping the wait times, I would hop in line, but otherwise I would rather not wait long. Although, I had to wait for more than 40 min in a couple of lines. But after doing Storm Runner and Jolly Rancher remix in Pioneer Frontier, I was hungry for lunch, and wanted to use the Single Use Meal Deal, for which I got the Brisket sandwich and Mac & Cheese from Spring Creek Smokehouse. The pork was delicious, and very moist.

The Boardwalk

Something that shocked me was seeing the water park combined with the theme park. They are usually separated, but in this picture you can see how crowded this land was. I came prepared to go into the water, but really I just wanted to ride more roller coasters.

The Ferris Wheel looked interesting but at this time the wait times in many attractions were reaching more than 50 min.

Midway America

So far I had only been in this side of the park, and it was making me nervous since it was already 2 PM and had some heavy hitters to go to. One I liked from the videos I saw before coming here was Laff Trakk, for all the turnings and colors in this dark ride roller coaster. The problem? It went down for a long time, and had to wait for over an hour to ride it. I think I should have just use this time somewhere else.

I was finally able to cross the little river and go into the other half of the park, where many of the roller coasters are located.

Kissing Tower Hill

I started walking this land when I realized I would not have time to do the most important roller coaster of the park, the newest one: Candymonium.

Hershey’s Chocolatetown

I hopped in a long line for the crown jewel of Hersheypark: Candymonium. The crazy roller coaster is very tall and smooth.

And after all those thrills, I had to visit The Chocolatier, the famous restaurant that serves food only based in chocolate. The menu includes all types of chocolate induced fast foods, including the infamous Ferris Wheel Sampler with Chicken Wings, Crispy Mozzarella, Classic Chicken Tenders, Cheesy Corn Dip and Soft Pretzel Dippers.

Be ready to wait for a bit, and be ready to also be seated outside. I knew this was the last thing I would do since it was already 5:00 PM, but I also loved the Chocolatetown Burger that I order. I could taste the sweetness of the bacon and the chocolate sauce. Wow! If I ever go back to Hersheypark I would order this again for sure.

Leaving Hersheypark and back to New York City

I had a relaxing day at this park, and the experience was worth it in the sense that, even though I could not get into many attractions, I came and enjoy the food, and the ambience in general. Would I come back soon? Probably not. Maybe in the future if I do not have summer plans.

I went to Middletown, and got into the train, and from there I went to Philadelphia where I had to wait for the train to New York City. Having to work the next morning is not fun, but I made it into the city around 11:30 PM and got to sleep something.

In Summary

Going from New York City to Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, a park that got its own vibe was fun. I hopped on an early morning Amtrak train from Moynihan Train Hall and got to Middletown. Uber took me to Hersheypark from there.

I started at Hershey’s Chocolate World, this huge candy store. They have this free HERSHEY’S Chocolate Tour that tells you about the chocolate history. I tried S’mores & More, then finally hit Hersheypark.

This place is buzzing! Roller coasters, water stuff – you name it. Laff Trakk Coaster was kinda worth the wait, and Candymonium was a blast too.

Don’t even get me started on The Chocolatier. Imagine burgers and fries with a chocolate twist – yum! The day flew by, and then I hopped back on an Amtrak to NYC, tired but happy.