Why wait? How to avoid the lines at Hersheypark
Over three million people attend Hersheypark every year, making it one of the 20 most visited parks in North America. And it's been named a top 10 amusement park by USA Today readers.
So it's not surprising that if you're not careful, you might find yourself spending a big chunk of your next visit waiting in line.
There are a few easy things you can do to help avoid that problem.
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Option one: Pay more
This is the easiest way, but it's also the most expensive -- add "Fast Track Pass" to your ticket.
Starting at $65 per person in 2017, this option allows you to cut your wait time on each of Hersheypark's 11 roller coasters. The park's website notes you are limited to one ride per coaster, though.
Option two: Plan ahead
Experienced theme park travelers will tell you that generally, Sundays, weekdays and evenings are good times to beat the crowds. And early and late in the season -- spring and fall, when school is in session -- are off-peak times.
One particularly appealing option -- with Hersheypark's Sunset plan, which significantly cuts the park's admission price for latecomers -- allows you to enjoy one of the least busy parts of the day for less.
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Anecdotally, this tip has proved true over and over again. Recently, on a Tuesday evening in early August, waits for major attractions were generally less than 10 minutes.
Option three: Strategize
Well, you're on a budget and already have your trip planned. There are still ways to help you make the most of your trip.
One easy way: Go early and work from the back of the park to the front.
According to Google Maps, it's about one mile from the park's entrance to the farthest attractions in the Midway America section -- and that doesn't include getting to the front of the park from your car.
That's why generally a minority of people make the 15-20 minute trek straight back, making that strategy a great way to start your day in an uncrowded area.
In Midway America, you'll be able to ride one of the best roller coasters in the world -- Lightning Racer. And you'll have easy access to the park's newest roller coaster, Laff Trakk, which often draws quite a crowd.
As you're making your way forward, download the Hersheypark app, which estimates ride wait times.
From experience, these estimates are fairly accurate, and they will help you make smart decisions about where to go and what to ride next.
