Hershey, often referred to as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” is home to Hershey Chocolate World, a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers and families alike. This immersive experience offers a variety of attractions, from factory tours and interactive exhibits to chocolate tastings and unique shopping opportunities.
The History of Hershey Chocolate World
Origins
Hershey Chocolate World opened its doors in 1973 as a visitor center for Hershey’s chocolate factory. The goal was to provide an educational and entertaining experience for guests while showcasing the rich history and production process of Hershey’s famous chocolates. Over the years, Hershey Chocolate World has evolved into a comprehensive attraction offering a wide range of activities for visitors.
Evolution and Expansion
Since its inception, Hershey Chocolate World has undergone several expansions and renovations to enhance the visitor experience. New attractions and interactive exhibits have been added to engage guests of all ages. Today, it stands as one of the top family-friendly destinations in Pennsylvania, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Attractions at Hershey Chocolate World
Hershey’s Chocolate Tour
The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour is the centerpiece attraction at Hershey Chocolate World. This free, immersive ride takes visitors on a journey through the chocolate-making process, from cocoa bean to finished product.
What to Expect
- Cocoa Bean Harvesting: Learn about the origins of cocoa beans and how they are harvested from tropical regions around the world.
- Chocolate Production: Follow the beans through the various stages of chocolate production, including roasting, grinding, and mixing.
- Packaging: See how Hershey’s chocolates are packaged and prepared for shipment to stores across the globe.
The tour features animatronic characters, engaging visuals, and the delightful aroma of chocolate, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Create Your Own Candy Bar
The Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction allows visitors to design and create their own personalized chocolate bar. This interactive experience is a highlight for many guests, offering a unique hands-on opportunity to engage with Hershey’s chocolate.
What to Expect
- Customization: Choose from a variety of ingredients, such as caramel, pretzels, and sprinkles, to add to your chocolate bar.
- Packaging Design: Customize your candy bar’s packaging with your name and a unique design.
- Production: Watch as your candy bar is made on a miniature production line, then take it home to enjoy.
Hershey’s Unwrapped
Hershey’s Unwrapped is an interactive show that delves into the history and flavors of Hershey’s chocolates. This theatrical experience combines storytelling, tasting, and hands-on activities to engage visitors in a multi-sensory adventure.
What to Expect
- History and Fun Facts: Learn about the history of Hershey’s chocolate and discover interesting facts about Milton S. Hershey and his company.
- Tasting Experience: Participate in a guided tasting of various Hershey’s chocolates, learning to identify different flavors and textures.
- Interactive Elements: Engage with fun, hands-on activities that enhance your understanding and appreciation of Hershey’s products.
4D Chocolate Mystery
The 4D Chocolate Mystery is a unique, interactive experience that combines a 3D film with special effects and audience participation. Visitors help Hershey characters solve a mystery, making this a fun and engaging attraction for families.
What to Expect
- 3D Film: Watch a 3D movie featuring Hershey characters like Hershey Bar, Reese’s, and Kiss as they embark on an adventure.
- Special Effects: Enjoy special effects that bring the story to life, including wind, scents, and motion.
- Audience Participation: Help solve the mystery by interacting with the characters and answering questions throughout the film.
Chocolate Tasting Experience
The Chocolate Tasting Experience offers visitors the chance to become a chocolate connoisseur. This guided tasting session teaches guests how to identify and appreciate different flavors and qualities in Hershey’s chocolates.
What to Expect
- Tasting Kit: Receive a tasting kit that includes a variety of Hershey’s chocolates and a guide to chocolate tasting.
- Guided Tasting: Follow along with a chocolatier as they explain the tasting process and share insights about each chocolate.
- Flavor Profiles: Learn to identify different flavor notes, textures, and aromas in Hershey’s chocolates.
Dining Options at Hershey Chocolate World
The Food Court
Hershey Chocolate World’s food court offers a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. From sweet treats to savory meals, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect
- Hershey’s Ice Cream Shop: Enjoy a scoop of Hershey’s ice cream in various flavors, topped with your favorite chocolate treats.
- Hershey’s Bakery: Indulge in freshly baked goods, including cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, all made with Hershey’s chocolate.
- Quick Service Meals: Choose from a selection of sandwiches, salads, and other quick-service options for a satisfying meal.
The Chocolate House
The Chocolate House is a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy a variety of chocolate-inspired dishes. This sit-down restaurant offers a menu filled with sweet and savory items infused with Hershey’s chocolate.
What to Expect
- Chocolate-Infused Dishes: Savor dishes like chocolate barbecue ribs, cocoa-dusted chicken, and chocolate pasta.
- Decadent Desserts: Indulge in a selection of rich desserts, including chocolate fondue, chocolate lava cake, and more.
- Specialty Drinks: Enjoy chocolate-themed beverages, such as hot cocoa, chocolate martinis, and milkshakes.
Shopping at Hershey Chocolate World
Hershey’s Largest Candy Store
Hershey Chocolate World is home to the largest Hershey’s candy store in the world, offering a wide variety of chocolates, candies, and souvenirs.
What to Expect
- Exclusive Products: Find exclusive Hershey’s products and limited-edition items that you can’t get anywhere else.
- Personalized Gifts: Create custom gifts, such as personalized chocolate bars and engraved tins, for a unique souvenir.
- Hershey’s Merchandise: Browse a selection of Hershey-themed merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and home décor.
Hershey’s Sweet Shop
Hershey’s Sweet Shop offers a selection of freshly made treats and confections. This shop is perfect for picking up a sweet snack or a gift for someone special.
What to Expect
- Freshly Made Treats: Enjoy handmade treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries, fudge, and caramel apples.
- Gift Baskets: Purchase pre-made gift baskets filled with a variety of Hershey’s chocolates and candies.
- Specialty Items: Find unique items like chocolate-covered pretzels, gourmet popcorn, and more.
Tips for Visiting Hershey Chocolate World
Plan Ahead
Hershey Chocolate World can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your visit.
- Check Hours: Verify the hours of operation on the Hershey Chocolate World website before your visit.
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase tickets for attractions and experiences online to save time and ensure availability.
- Arrive Early: Arriving early in the day can help you avoid long lines and crowds.
Take Advantage of Packages
Hershey Chocolate World offers various packages that combine multiple attractions and experiences for a discounted price. These packages can provide great value and help you make the most of your visit.
- Combo Tickets: Look for combo tickets that include multiple attractions, such as the Chocolate Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar, and Hershey’s Unwrapped.
- Seasonal Packages: Check for seasonal packages and special offers that may include additional perks or discounts.
Explore Beyond Chocolate World
While Hershey Chocolate World is a fantastic destination, there are many other attractions in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that are worth exploring.
- Hersheypark: Enjoy a day of fun and thrills at Hersheypark, a nearby amusement park with rides, roller coasters, and entertainment for all ages.
- The Hershey Story Museum: Learn more about Milton S. Hershey and the history of the Hershey company at The Hershey Story Museum.
- Hershey Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful Hershey Gardens, featuring a variety of themed gardens and a butterfly atrium.
Special Events and Seasonal Activities
Halloween and Christmas
Hershey Chocolate World hosts special events and activities during the Halloween and Christmas seasons, offering unique experiences for visitors.
Halloween
- Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail: Participate in a fun trick-or-treat trail, collecting candy from various stations around Hershey Chocolate World.
- Spooky Attractions: Enjoy Halloween-themed attractions and experiences, such as haunted tours and pumpkin decorating.
Christmas
- Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House: Visit the Holiday Chocolate House, a life-sized gingerbread house made entirely of Hershey’s chocolate and candies.
- Santa’s Workshop: Meet Santa Claus and his elves, take photos, and enjoy festive holiday activities.
- Holiday Light Displays: Admire the beautiful holiday light displays throughout Hershey Chocolate World.
Chocolate-Covered February
Chocolate-Covered February is an annual celebration in Hershey, featuring special events and activities throughout the month. Hershey Chocolate World participates with unique experiences and promotions.
- Chocolate Tastings: Enjoy special chocolate tastings and pairing events, featuring a variety of Hershey’s chocolates.
- Chocolate-Themed Classes: Participate in chocolate-themed classes and workshops, such as truffle making and chocolate molding.
- Exclusive Offers: Take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions on Hershey’s products and experiences.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Accessibility
Hershey Chocolate World is committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations are available for guests with special needs.
- Wheelchair Rentals: Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Service Animals: Service animals are welcome at Hershey Chocolate World.
- Accessible Parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.
Visitor Information
- Address: Hershey Chocolate World, 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
- Website: Hershey Chocolate World
- Phone: (717) 534-4900
- Hours: Hours of operation vary by season. Check the Hershey Chocolate World website for current hours.
Conclusion
Visiting Hershey Chocolate World is a sweet adventure that offers something for everyone. From the immersive Hershey’s Chocolate Tour and interactive attractions to unique dining experiences and shopping opportunities, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement. Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast, a history buff, or a family looking for a memorable day out, Hershey Chocolate World is a must-visit destination in Pennsylvania. Plan your trip today and discover the magic and wonder of Hershey’s chocolate for yourself!
