The Wandering Disciple

The Hershey Chocolate Factory has been crafting the great American chocolate bar for decades, a legacy built on simple, wholesome ingredients and an unwavering commitment to quality. At Hershey Chocolate World, this rich history comes to life, offering visitors an immersive, multi-sensory journey through the chocolate-making process.  The experience begins with the very foundation of chocolate: the cacao bean. Guests are transported, in spirit, to the tropical regions where these beans are harvested, learning about the crucial steps of fermentation and drying that are essential for developing the deep, complex flavors of fine chocolate. The journey continues as the beans arrive at the factory, where they are meticulously roasted—a critical stage that unlocks their characteristic aroma and taste—and then husked to reveal the nibs.  These roasted nibs are then ground into a rich, dark liquid known as chocolate liquor. From this point, the process shifts to the unique Hershey rec...

While Hersheypark has undergone numerous transformations and expansions throughout its history, several legacy attractions stand as testaments to the park's enduring heritage. Among the most iconic of these remaining classic rides is the SooperDooperLooper. Opened in 1977, the SooperDooperLooper holds a significant place in roller coaster history, as it was the first modern looping steel roller coaster on the East Coast of the United States and only the second in the world to feature a complete vertical loop. This pioneering Schwarzkopf-designed coaster features a simple yet thrilling layout, characterized by its signature 70-foot drop leading directly into a 57-foot vertical loop. Its enduring popularity with guests of all ages solidifies its status as a foundational piece of the Hersheypark experience and a true classic within the world of amusement park rides.  You can see more photos from Hersheypark here .  Taken: August 29, 2005 at Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)

  Rising high above the picturesque Hershey landscape, the Kissing Tower stands as a truly iconic and unforgettable landmark. Since its inauguration in 1975, the Kissing Tower has captivated riders, providing them with a breathtaking, unparalleled panoramic view of Hersheypark and the sprawling surrounding area. The tower's unique, rotating circular cabin ascends gracefully to offer spectacular 360-degree vistas, allowing visitors to appreciate the charming architecture, the lush Pennsylvania countryside, and the energetic atmosphere of the park below. This impressive tower is but a single attraction among the vast array of offerings that await visitors. Hersheypark boasts a thrilling collection of 73 rides and attractions, ensuring there is something for every age and preference. From high-speed roller coasters that challenge the bravest thrill-seekers to gentle kiddie rides perfect for the youngest guests, the park is a world-class destination for fun and entertainment. Guests ca...

A replica of the iconic Hershey Chocolate factory smoke stacks welcomes you to Hershey's Chocolate World. When you pass through these doors, you enter the sweet world of the Hershey's company and get a behind the scenes look at how your favorite candy is made.  Opened in 1973, Hershey's Chocolate World took the place of the over capacity factory tours. Here visitors hopped aboard the chocolate tour ride and get an inside look of the process from the cocoa bean trees of the tropics to final production line with each ride ending with a sample of a Hershey's candy. The popular attraction also features a themed gift store, candy store and much more.  Taken: August 29, 2005 at Hershey's Chocolate World (Hershey, PA)

Nestled in the heart of Central Pennsylvania is the town built by chocolate, Hershey Pennsylvania.  Founded by chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey, Hershey Pennsylvania is home to the Hershey Chocolate Factory know all over the world for its famous products.  The companies marks can be found all over the city from the Hershey Kiss street lights to the smell of chocolate that fills the air making Hershey the sweetest place on earth.  (Photo: August 29, 2005)

Now get ready, here we go.  Those are the last words you hear before going 0-72 miles per hour in just two seconds.  That's just the beginning of the thrills you will experience on Storm Runner at Hersheypark.  The acceleration coaster also features three inversion as well as a 180 foot drop.  (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The city built around chocolate, Hershey Pennsylvania, is a chocolate fans dream. Thos town in Pennsylvania was built around Hershey Chocolate. The aroma of chocolate fills the air and even the street lamps resemble Hershey's Kisses. (Photo: May 1, 2004)

Riders get some reprieve from the Central Pennsylvania heat aboard the Canyon River Rapids at Hersheypark.  The Canyon River Rapids takes six riders on a white water rafting adventure through the park.  The ride was closed in 2008 to make room for the expansion of the Boardwalk and the ride rafts were transferred to Kennywood in Western Pennsylvania.  (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The Ferris Wheel at Hersheypark towers over the Midway America region of the park.  Hersheypark is home to 70 rides including 12 heart-pounding roller coasters.  (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The Ferris Wheel at Hersheypark is one of the landmarks that help distinguish the Central Pennsylvania theme park that has been entertaining visitors for over 100 years.  Hersheypark opened in 1906 as a park with a baseball field, bandstand and more.  In the 1970's, the park began a serious transformation into a theme park and today has grown to over 70 rides including 12 roller coasters.  (Photo: May 1, 2004)

Riders transfer between two Cobra loops on the Sidewinder at Hersheypark. Opened in 1991, the Sidewinder features three inversions however the coaster goes forwards and backwards, turning riders upside down 6 times. (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The twin smoke stacks of the Hershey Chocolate Factory greet travelers passing though Chocolate Town USA. The smoke stacks, cocoa bushes and the rich smell of chocolate in the air are signs that you are in Hershey, Pennsylvania the home of the Hershey's Chocolate Company. (Photo: May 1, 2004)

Soaring high above Central Pennsylvania, the Flying Falcon takes riders on a bird’s eye view of Hersheypark. Added to the park in 1990, the Flying Falcon is one of 60 rides and attractions at Hersheypark. (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The Wildcat speeds down the 85 foot drop, sending guests on a 50 mile per hour thrill ride reaching 3.5 G’s. The Wildcat is one of eleven roller coasters at Hersheypark. Built in 1996, the Wildcat was named after the park’s original roller coasters from the 1920’s. (Photo: May 1, 2004)

The production of Hershey's Kisses is just one of the candy making process that are highlighted on the tour at Hershey's Chocolate World. Hershey's Chocolate World is a free attraction that takes guests on a tour of the chocolate process. Follow the process from the cocoa beans in South America to the final product on the store shelf. (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The Wildcat is one of eleven roller coasters at Hersheypark in Central Pennsylvania. Located in the Midway America portion of the park, it was built based on the parks original rollercoast by the same name that was popular in the park from 1923-1945. The new Wildcat opened in 1996 and features an 85 foot drop that helps the coaster reach speeds of 50 miles per hour. (Photo: August 29, 2005)

The home of the Great American Chocolate Bar, Hershey's Chocolate Factory has been producing that favorite candy bar since 1903. The factory located in the heart of downtown Hershey, fills the streets of downtown with the rich aroma of chocolate. Public tours of the factory are no longer offered but a trip to nearby Hershey's Chocolate World will give you an inside look at how that American favorite is made. (Photo: May 1, 2004)

Hershey, Pennsylvania: Much of the history of Hershey is contributed to one man, Milton Hershey, and his livelihood of chocolate. You do not have to go far to see the influence of the chocolate world on the city, from the smell of chocolate to the Hershey Kiss street lights, the image of the Hershey empire is all over the city. Hershey’s Chocolate World was created to tell visitors the story behind the chocolate bar and show the process of creating the world’s perfect treat. As the popularity of the chocolate empire increased, the corporation was no longer able to accommodate the large number of people who wanted to take the factory tour and see the inside workings of the factory. So to answer the demand, they designed a ride-through attraction that showed the making of the chocolate bar. In 1973, Hershey’s Chocolate World opened to the public. The highlight of the attraction is the Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour. Here guests embark on a ride vehicle that takes them on a 10 m...

Hershey, Pennsylvania: Hershey is known around the world for their famous chocolate bar but each year thousand of people flock to the sweetest place on Earth not just for sweets but for thrills. With over 60 rides and attractions, Hersheypark is one of the country’s premiere theme parks. Milton Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Factory, envisioned a park for the working family of the factory. In 1903, Hershey picked out a site along Spring Creek to locate the park. Work began and in 1907 the park was opened to the public. The early park was much different then today’s theme park. The original park focused more on leisure and relaxation. When the park opened, it had a bandstand and pavilion as well as great places to picnic. In 1908 a merry-go-round was added as well as a 1,500 seat amphitheater. The expansion continued into 1909 with the addition of a tennis court and bowling alley. By 1912, the park began to transform into a theme park. A scenic railroad and carousel were...

Hershey, Pennsylvania: The morning began with breakfast at my favorite restaurant in Pennsylvania, Shady Maple. It is one of the largest smorgasbords and features multiple carving stations, omelet stations and just about anything you could ever want to eat for breakfast. Plus with today being my birthday, the meal was free. After breakfast we took the drive to Hershey to enjoy Hersheypark. This was my first trip back to the park since 1996. The park has continued to grow and add rides since I left. The theme parks in Florida need to take a page from Hersheypark, you don’t have to charge $80 to make money. Hersheypark charges around half that price and still manages to stay ahead of the changing times by adding attractions. Plus they have way more thrills and attractions in their park then any of the Florida parks. We made our way through the park with my dad and I riding every roller coaster in the park. A feat that probably wasn’t the smartest after all the food we ate for ...