A few weeks ago Renee asked me if Sam and I would be interested in visiting Hersheypark with her, her mom and brother, Brady. You might remember my May 17th blog, “Hersheypark – Brady’s Amazing Day,” where I shared Brady’s love of Hersheypark and that he is autistic. Well, just like that visit seven months ago, Brady was beyond excited for some coasters, rides, Christmas lights, and chocolate. Who wouldn’t be?
A couple of days ago I confirmed with Renee that I’d be able to go. Sam, as I figured, was schedule to work. Another one of the site’s Flight Crew, however, would be coming along, much to my surprise. Kayla was now coming instead of Renee’s mom, as originally planned. This would be the first trip I’ve gotten to do with her since We Were Inverted opened. Between changes in jobs, life, and of course, the pandemic, we just haven’t went out to the parks like we used to do semi-regularly. Needless to say, this made me happy. Getting together with both Renee and Kayla at the same time for a park trip has been long overdue.
2 Coasters & Some Flats
Unless I’m visiting Six Flags Great Adventure (SFGAdv), I don’t expect to ride many coasters during any winter holiday events. The temperatures can shut rides down that are slated to run. That’s what happened to us twice last year when visiting Hersheypark for Christmas Candylane. Neither visit saw Candymonium running, nor Wildcat. We relied heavily on flats, but that also was hindered due to indoor attraction closures due to Covid mandates on our second visit in 2020. This year, things were so much better!
Candymonium
This past weekend the temperatures hit into the low to mid 50’s, except for Sunday, which was slated to be in the mid-40’s – the day we visited the park. I figured Candymonium would still be good to run, although Candymonium’s did shut down for wind last year during Candylane too. I kept my fingers crossed and was happy to see the train climbing the lift hill as we parked.
There was little to no line for Candymonium when we arrived, which was between 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. We went right into the ride queue and waited for the back row. We then went back, after that ride, for a lap in the front row, which was much colder with all the wind hitting you unobstructed. Everyone had a blast and Kayla claimed her first new coaster credit in a long time. This was her first time visiting Hersheypark with the new Chocolatetown entrance and park additions too.
Before leaving the park, Renee, Brady, and I all returned to the Candymonium for one last ride. The wait time clock above the entrance read “2 minutes.” I didn’t even know they went down that low. And for once, the clock was right! It was a walk on. We took a ride in the back once more. I then decided to squeeze in two rides by myself while Renee, Kayla, and Brady went shopping at the Hershey Supply Co. I probably could have done a few more laps with how slow the line at the Sweeterie was moving. Oh well!
Even though it was cold, Candymonium still offered up some great sustained airtime. I still noticed all the same trends of feeling the trim brakes in the back, but not the front. On our third ride, however, the train hit the brake run after the Kiss Fountain much harder than I ever experienced. It actually flung us forward a bit, but nothing drastic. Maybe we were coming in a little fast? I know that second trim brake, the worst one of the two, really didn’t hit on that ride.
SooperDooperLooper
Renee has always had a soft spot for SooperDooperLooper and has enjoyed riding it during our visits throughout the year. During 2020 Looper was closed for the entirety of the season, so it was another coaster we missed out on during last years Christmas Candylane visits. It was great to have this classic coaster available yesterday, however. It, along with Comet, are two historic rides. I love how they’re both located in the same section of the park, which is a big part of why I love The Hallow so much.
Even with one train operations on Looper, there was little to no line. We waited for only one train before boarding and making the slow, climb up the lift in almost pitch black surroundings. As we were getting ready to leave the station, an actual train drove past the park up on the hillside behind Looper, Great Bear, and Coal Cracker. You could barely see it, although you sure could hear and even feel it rumble. I loved it! Night rides are amazing and aside from the newly painted white loop, it was hard to make out just which way the track was about to turn. Well, aside for the tunnel. The tunnel was lit up inside, which I found weird.
Hershey Triple Tower
Back in May one of the rides that Brady really enjoyed was the Triple Tower. He rode with our friend Jason and I while Renee and Amber watched from the ground. Well, when we walked past the ride and I saw it was a walk-on, I asked if we should go ahead and ride it. Brady didn’t hesitate to tell Renee he wanted to ride, so ride we did!
I tell you what, the light show down in the park looks amazing. Seeing it from above though… wow! The only other ride you really get take in that view is the Kissing Tower, which has sadly been down since the onset of Covid. Hopefully it will open again one day as the views I got from my first-ever Christmas Candylane visit in 2019 was amazing, and of course, warm.
As for the ride, Brady was all smiles when the ride cart came to a stop at the top. He was looking down and in awe of the lights, just smiling away. Then… Drop! It was then I looked over to see him even happier and ready for that second cycle.
Final Ride Counts
Candymonium (5: Patrick, 3: Renee, Brady, 2: Kayla)
Claw (1: Patrick, Kayla, Brady)
Dry Gulch Railroad (1)
Hershey Triple Tower (1: Patrick, Brady)
Skyview (1)
SooperDooperLooper (1)
Wave Swinger (1)
Company > Coasters
Yesterday’s visit to Hersheypark was a much needed trip. Although I’ve had many trips this year where coasters were the focus, yesterday hit different. We didn’t arrive when the park opened. We didn’t ride every ride, nor every coaster. We walked around and stopped to take in the view. Conversations were had and fun memories were made. Sometimes you just need that in life.
If you’re headed out to one of these winter holiday events, especially if it’s to a park you frequent, I encourage you to slow down and just take in the atmosphere and company. You’ll have a relaxing time and after the end of yet another trying year, I think we all deserve some peace and enjoyment heading into 2022.
Hersheypark Photo Gallery - December 5, 2021
If you would like to use any of the images in the gallery above for your commercial and/or non-commercial projects, feel free to do so. I ask that you credit We Were Inverted whenever they’re used. I also ask that you do not alter the image or remove the watermarks. If you need any images/video resized or without the watermarks, please contact me directly.
CREW MANIFEST
The following flight crew members attended this park, & earned the respective credits below:
Patrick
CAG
New Credit(s): n/a
Renee
Commander
New Credit(s): n/a
Kayla
Lieutenant
New Credit(s): Candymonium
