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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Sweet Hersheypark Bus Trip

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Ever wonder what it might be like to experience the thrills of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory in real life? Central Pennsylvania’s candy-themed amusement park is the perfect destination for your next group trip!

Originally built as a regional amusement park in 1906, Hersheypark rebranded in 1971 to become one of the country’s most popular theme parks. It’s now home to unique rides, dazzling entertainment and other chocolate-themed attractions that are perfect for any group.

Whether you’re planning a Hersheypark corporate event, a school music festival trip or a long-awaited family reunion, this guide will help you prepare for a sweet experience!

1. Schedule Your Visit

First, you’ll want to pick a date for your trip. The best days to visit Hersheypark are usually on weekdays, when other groups are less likely to be there. Weekends in the off-season, which include May and September, are other great times to visit and beat the crowds. However, if your group wants to visit the Boardwalk, you should book during the summer season, which runs from June to August.

2. Prepare Your Group

Next, it’s time to coordinate the basic logistics of the trip. All group members should sign up and contribute their dues so you know how many tickets to buy. For example, if you’re booking a Hersheypark field trip, you should collect permission slips and any necessary ticket money from all students two or three weeks before your scheduled trip date. 

Once you’ve decided on a trip date, you can purchase tickets in bulk for group visits through Hersheypark’s official website. This step will help you ensure you get the best possible rates, as the cost of purchasing tickets individually adds up quickly.

3. Coordinate Group Transportation to Hersheypark

While you have several Central Pennsylvania-based Hersheypark transportation options for your trip, a luxury charter bus service is one of the best because it offers plenty of amenities and space to keep your group comfortable. Parking is also complimentary for buses, which can save your group hundreds of dollars for the day.

Planning group transportation to Hersheypark can seem complicated, but it’s a straightforward process when you work with the right bus service provider. Look for a company that has excellent reviews and a staff of highly qualified drivers to find someone you can trust. It’s also important to research the company’s Department of Transportation (DOT) Safety Rating to make sure they have a history of safe completed trips.

Why Choose Executive Coach for Coach Bus Rental for Hersheypark?

At Executive Coach, we primarily serve organizations in the greater Harrisburg and Lancaster areas, scheduling single and multi-day trips. Our safe, affordable and fun Harrisburg to Hersheypark bus service includes various amenities to make your trip more comfortable:

  • Plush reclining seats with head and footrests
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Individual climate control features
  • Onboard restrooms
  • Spacious overhead storage racks
  • DVD video systems

All buses are alcohol and smoke-free to accommodate all groups regardless of age. We also have our buses professionally cleaned and maintained between each trip to ensure a smooth, high-quality ride. 

Insider Tips for a Great Hersheypark Visit

While Hersheypark is similar to other amusement parks in its general design, you’ll want to make some special considerations when planning to maximize your experience.

What to Pack

Here’s what you need to bring with you:

  • Essentials: Be sure to pack a comfortable backpack with sunscreen, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, a portable phone charger and any other personal hygiene or convenience items you need for a day out of the house. It can also help to bring an umbrella or rain covering in case of bad weather.
  • Money: As of 2022, Hersheypark is entirely cashless with the exception of some food and drink vendors. The park accepts all major credit and debit cards as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Cash-to-Card kiosks are also available throughout the park for guests who need to convert their cash. 
  • Food and drink: While outside food is not allowed into the park, each guest can bring one reusable water bottle and fill it up inside the park. Guests with food allergies may bring a small amount of food with them into the park, but allergy-friendly options are available at select dining locations.

If you forgot your sunglasses or a rain poncho, no problem! You can often find essential items for sale in the park’s many retail stores.

What to Ride

There’s a ride for everyone at Hersheypark. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Thrill seekers: We recommend hitting the park’s coasters early while the lines are still forming. Some guest favorites include Fahrenheit, The Comet, Wildcat’s Revenge and Storm Runner.
  • Families and kids: The park is full of family-friendly and kid-centric rides, making it a great destination for church and school groups.  
  • Beach lovers: Can’t get enough of the surf? Spend some time at the Boardwalk, Hersheypark’s famous waterpark, to cool down on a hot day. 

What to Do

Hersheypark is full of attractions and entertainment options for guests of all ages. You can catch a show at one of the park’s theaters, take a picture with one of the costumed characters or enjoy a tasty meal at any of the dining areas. 

Classic amusement park games are located throughout the park for anyone who wants to try their luck at winning a prize. If you need a break from the sun, groups can spend time playing in one of the park’s two climate-controlled arcades. 

Animal lovers will enjoy taking a detour to ZooAmerica, which is included in your Hersheypark admission. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals native to North America, like black bears, peregrine falcons and prairie dogs. You’ll find the entrance just a few steps from the Hershey Triple Tower drop towers.

On your way out, don’t forget to stop by Hershey’s Chocolate World to stock up on limited-edition candy! You’ll see it as you enter and exit the park. Your group can learn all about how a chocolate factory works on the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, grab a milkshake in the food court and pick up a sweet treat for later. 

Make Hersheypark Transportation Sweet With Our Luxury Coach Bus Services

Looking for Hersheypark trip transportation services that will make your visit even sweeter? Executive Coach Inc. is the best motorcoach company in Central PA. We offer single-day and multi-day Hersheypark bus service from Lancaster, Harrisburg, and other locations in the surrounding area.

Visit the sweetest place on Earth in style with our luxury bus transportation services. Contact us today to request a free quote!

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