Time Traveler Announcement Date (SDC)

The date is officially set.  August 16th we will find exactly how Gravity will be "Redefined" - as always when we have more concrete information regarding what time the release will happen, we will post it here.

Time Traveler Construction (SDC)

The park provided a couple of photos tonight of the newly installed truss for the exit bridge from the station.  This is some serious steel they've installed.

It goes right over the pathway down to Echo Hollow.


Finally here is the view of the truss from the opposite direction.

Branson Coaster (Branson Sawmill)

The Branson Coaster received its marquee sign today.

Time Traveler Construction (SDC)

The exit bridge scaffolding from the station has been installed.

Branson Coaster (Branson Sawmill)

The trains are on the track and testing should begin later today.

Kings Island

Welcome to Kings Island.

The Bat.

Banshee.


Adventure Express.


Racer.


Flight of Fear (indoor launched looping coaster)


Firehawk.

Windseeker.

Vortex.

Vortex is celebrating 30 seasons this year.

Shake-Rattle-and-Roll is the park's trioka ride.  These have quickly become a must ride for me.

Back Lot Stunt Coaster

The Beast.

Diamondback.

New this season is Mystic Timbers.

This GCI coaster runs out into the woods by White Water Canyon.

It reminds me a lot of Prowler.

As far as to "What's in the Shed?" -- apparently there are snakes, bats and a weird tree guy.

Let's go up there.

International Street

Action Zone.

Coney Mall and X-Sector

Coney Mall and Rivertown

Rivertown

Planet Snoopy.

Hershey's Chocolate World

The park has a great monorail ride that takes you near the Hershey's factory.

Here it is in all its glory.  The air smelled like chocolate.

The famous smokestacks with HERSHEY on the side.

Heading back to the monorail station.

The main visitors center for the company is called Chocolate World and it is located right outside the entrance to Hersheypark.

Once you enter Chocolate World you have many different options to choose from.

There's a very popular photo spot right off the main lobby featuring 3 of the main mascots.

They have a 4D movie experience that appears to be very popular with the kids.

There is also a Create Your Own Candy Bar experience.

They take you through the whole experience of creating a Hershey's bar.

The main attraction is the Hershey's Chocolate Tour.  This free attraction takes riders through a simulated factory tour about how Hershey's chocolate is made.

Once you board your capsule 3 of the mascots welcome you to the ride.  The following photos are from our ride through of the attraction.

The ride concludes with a collage of guest photos that tagged Chocolate World on social media.

Chocolate World also features a very large Chocolate Store that has candy, merchandise, plush characters and lots of other things that you didn't know that you needed.

This is a great place to stop even if you have no desire to visit the theme park next door.