Inside: Planning a trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World? Here are some things to know before you visit.
We love visiting Hershey, PA, the small-town feel, beautiful and chocolate attractions make it a must-visit.
One of the highlights of a trip to Hershey is taking some time exploring Hershey’s Chocolate World and doing the “chocolate ride” as my kids call it.
Admission to Hershey’s Chocolate World is free and there is a lot of fun to be had exploring the chocolate world.
What is Hershey’s Chocolate World?
Hershey’s Chocolate World is a big gift shop, with restaurants, activities and a “factory tour” ride.
The Chocolate World is not an operational factory but they have a tour of how chocolate is made as well as other Chocolate based activities.
10 Things To Know Before Visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World
Admission to Hershey’s Chocolate World is free but it does cost extra to do some of the activities.
Don’t Miss the Free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour Ride
The Free Chocolate Tour is a must each time we visit Hershey, my kids love it. Sometimes we even have to ride the “chocolate ride” more than once.
The “tour ride” has some techie displays, videos, Hershey characters and singing cows.
On the tour, you will see, feel, hear and smell the transformation of the cocoa beans.
Plus at the end of the ride, you get a free sample!
Note: On busy days the line can get long for this free ride.
Create Your Own Candy Bar Is Our Favorite
Create your own candy bar is an activity that it’s one of our favorites.
It’s kind of expensive so not something we do every time we visit, but if you’re only visiting once it’s definitely something you should consider doing.
In the experience, you will choose your ingredients, design your wrapper and watch as your candy bar is created. This activity takes about 45 minutes.
Reese’s Stuff Your Cup and Make Custom 1lb Peanut Butter Cup
Personally I would do either the create your own candy bar or the Reese’s stuff your cup.
The Reese’s stuff your cup you get to make your own 1 pound peanut butter cup unique with your favorite mix ins (mini marshmallows, Reese’s pieces, cookie bites, etc.)
A Hershey tasteologists will mix your mix ins with Reese’s peanut butter and put it all in an chocolate shell for you to take home and enjoy.
Save Money at Hershey’s Chocolate World
If you’re planning to do multiple activities in your day at the chocolate world then be sure to check out the ticket bundle options.
Bundling activities together can save you a lot of money, instead of buying each experience separately.
Get your tickets for the activities online and save $5 dollars per bundle, as well as time standing in line.
If you visit on a busy day you might not be able to do the activities you want to if you haven’t purchased tickets online in advance.
HERSHEY’S Great Candy Expedition is Fun
The newest experience at Hershey’s Chocolate world is the HERSHEY’S Great Candy Expedition.
The audience will decide your train destination like KISSES Valley, JOLLY RANCHER Junction and REESE’S Ridge.
Explore the destinations with exclusive treats and sweets from stops along your way.
Take the Trolley Tours to Explore the Town of Hershey
Trolley Tours are a unique way to tour the town of Hershey Pennsylvania. Board the trolly outside the main entrance of the chocolate world attraction.
The is Original Trolly ride where the conductors share the sights and the story of Milton Hershey.
This ride goes from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During Halloween, there is a Trick or Treat Trolly and during the holidays there is a Holly Jolly Trolley.
Hershey’s Unwrapped Is a Fun Way to Taste Different Chocolates
This fun chocolate tasting experience will use all your five senses to taste Hershey’s chocolate.
With an official Chocolate Tasting Kit you will touch, smell, hear, feel and taste chocolate.
You will also get to go into the chocolate lab with Doc Chocolate and dream up chocolate creations in an entertaining family theater show.
Try some of the Food
The food area at Hershey’s Chocolate world has a variety of different meal and snack options. With everything from sandwiches and milkshakes to sit-down meals. Seasonal items can also be fun to try.
We love trying the different Milkshakes when we visit. We have also enjoyed trying different cookies and foods, but the Milkshakes are our go to.
Don’t Miss Seasonal Events and Meeting Characters
Check to see what characters you can meet and take pictures with the day you visit. Also don’t forget to see if there are any special seasonal events happening.
During the Holidays you can have Breakfast with Santa and there are other special holiday activities throughout the year.
Our kids have loved visiting during the Halloween trick or treating event during October.
Parking Can Be Free
Parking is free if you spend 3 hours or less at the Chocolate World. If you’re just going on the chocolate ride and doing some shopping/ eating you should be fine.
If you purchase any of the Adventure Bundles and do multiple activities at the Chocolate World you will also get free parking.
The Best Time to Visit
If you want to avoid crazy crowds and be able to do all of the experiences try to visit during the week. During the school year mid week you will find the fewest crowds.
Summertime, weekends and Holidays are often the busiest times to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World.
If you are visiting during the busy season try to get there during the first hour the Chocolate World is open or during the last couple of hours before they close.
Leave the Stroller Outside
Stroller parking is outside the building so you might just want to leave it in the car. I have seen people bring their strollers inside the building to shop and eat.
You will not be able to go on the free chocolate ride unless you take the stroller outside and park it.
If it’s busy strollers will also make it really hard to move around in the Chocolate World.
2 and Under are Free
Kids ages 2 and under are free for attractions (unless specifically stated). All those ages 3+ require a ticket for each attraction you are going to do.
More Things We Love At Hershey
Stopping at Hershey’s Chocolate World is always a good idea. It’s a great place for a full day of fun or just a quick ride and an afternoon snack.
If you’re spending more time in Hershey be sure to check out these posts!
10 Things To Know Don’t Want to Miss at Hersheypark
5 Reasons to Visit Hershey Story Museum
10 Things to Know Before Visiting Hershey Gardens
Hershey Lodge Hotel Review
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