As the summer months come to a close and the crisp autumn air sets in, thrill-seekers and horror fans alike begin to crave the ultimate adrenaline rush: Halloween-themed events. Among the many amusement parks that transform into scream-filled wonderlands, Hersheypark stands out as a premier destination for family-friendly fun and spine-tingling terror. But does Hersheypark have Fright Night, and what can visitors expect from this eerie celebration?
A Brief History of Hersheypark’s Halloween Events
Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has a long history of hosting Halloween-themed events. In the early 2000s, the park introduced “Hersheypark in the Dark,” a family-friendly celebration featuring trick-or-treating, costume contests, and haunted attractions. Over the years, the event evolved to include more intense scare zones and haunted houses, catering to a wider range of ages and fear tolerance.
In 2018, Hersheypark rebranded its Halloween event as “Hersheypark Halloween Candylane,” shifting the focus back to a more family-friendly atmosphere. However, this change left many fans of the park’s previous Fright Night events wondering if the park would ever return to its horror-filled roots.
What is Fright Night, and Does Hersheypark Have It?
Fright Night is a generic term used to describe a Halloween-themed event featuring haunted attractions, scare zones, and other spooky activities. While Hersheypark does not specifically host a “Fright Night” event, the park’s Halloween celebration, Hersheypark Halloween Candylane, offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to different ages and fear levels.
During Hersheypark Halloween Candylane, visitors can enjoy:
- Haunted Houses: Hersheypark features several haunted houses, each with its unique theme and level of intensity. From the family-friendly “Ghost Town” to the more intense “Haunted Mansion,” there’s something for every age and fear tolerance.
- Scare Zones: Throughout the park, scare zones offer an immersive experience, complete with spooky decorations, special effects, and roaming monsters.
- Trick-or-Treating: Kids of all ages can trick-or-treat at various locations throughout the park, collecting candy and other treats.
- Costume Contests: Visitors can participate in costume contests, showcasing their creative and spooky attire.
While Hersheypark Halloween Candylane may not be as intense as some other Fright Night events, it offers a well-rounded celebration that caters to a wide range of ages and interests.
Haunted Houses and Attractions
Hersheypark features several haunted houses and attractions, each with its unique theme and level of intensity. Some of the most popular haunted houses include:
- Ghost Town: A family-friendly haunted house featuring a spooky western theme.
- Haunted Mansion: A more intense haunted house with a classic, eerie atmosphere.
- Darkside of the Park: A scare zone featuring a post-apocalyptic theme and roaming monsters.
In addition to haunted houses, Hersheypark offers a range of other spooky attractions, including:
- The Howl-O-Scream Hayride: A haunted hayride featuring a spooky forest theme and special effects.
- The Zombie Apocalypse: A live-action show featuring zombies and special effects.
Behind-the-Scenes: Creating the Haunted Houses
Creating the haunted houses and attractions at Hersheypark requires a tremendous amount of planning, design, and construction. The park’s team of designers and builders work tirelessly to create an immersive experience, complete with spooky decorations, special effects, and roaming monsters.
According to Hersheypark’s design team, the process of creating a haunted house begins with a concept and theme. From there, the team develops a detailed design, including layout, decorations, and special effects. Once the design is complete, the team begins construction, using a combination of traditional building techniques and modern technology to bring the haunted house to life.
Visiting Hersheypark During Halloween Candylane
Visiting Hersheypark during Halloween Candylane can be a fun and spooky experience, but it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive Early: Arriving early in the day can help you avoid long lines and crowds, especially during peak season.
- Dress for the Weather: Autumn weather in Pennsylvania can be unpredictable, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
- Bring a Flashlight: Some areas of the park can be quite dark, so bringing a flashlight can help you navigate.
- Take Breaks: With so much to see and do, it’s essential to take breaks and rest your feet.
In addition to these tips, it’s also important to consider the park’s schedule and operating hours. Hersheypark Halloween Candylane typically runs from late September to early November, with varying hours of operation.
| Day | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Conclusion
While Hersheypark may not specifically host a “Fright Night” event, the park’s Halloween celebration, Hersheypark Halloween Candylane, offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to different ages and fear levels. From haunted houses and scare zones to trick-or-treating and costume contests, there’s something for everyone at Hersheypark during the Halloween season.
Whether you’re a fan of horror movies, a thrill-seeker, or just looking for a fun and spooky experience, Hersheypark Halloween Candylane is an event not to be missed. So mark your calendars, grab your costume, and get ready to unleash the fright at Hersheypark.
What is Hersheypark’s Fright Night?
Hersheypark’s Fright Night is a seasonal event that takes place during the Halloween season. It is a time when the park transforms into a spooky atmosphere with various haunted houses, scare zones, and other frightening attractions. The event is designed to provide a thrilling experience for visitors who enjoy the thrill of being scared.
During Fright Night, the park is open later than usual, allowing visitors to enjoy the haunted attractions and other rides and shows in the dark. The event features a variety of haunted houses, each with its own unique theme and scares. In addition to the haunted houses, there are also scare zones throughout the park where visitors can encounter roaming monsters and other frightening characters.
Is Hersheypark’s Fright Night suitable for all ages?
Hersheypark’s Fright Night is not suitable for all ages. The event is geared towards teenagers and adults who enjoy the thrill of being scared. The haunted houses and scare zones are designed to be frightening, and some of the themes and content may not be suitable for younger children.
Children under the age of 13 are not recommended to attend Fright Night, as the event may be too intense for them. However, it’s ultimately up to the parents or guardians to decide whether or not their child can handle the scares and themes of the event. It’s recommended that parents use their discretion and consider their child’s sensitivity and maturity level before attending Fright Night.
What are the dates for Hersheypark’s Fright Night?
The dates for Hersheypark’s Fright Night vary from year to year, but the event typically takes place on select nights in October. The exact dates are usually announced in the summer or early fall, and visitors can check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.
It’s recommended that visitors plan ahead and check the park’s website for the dates and times of Fright Night, as the event is usually very popular and can sell out quickly. Visitors can also purchase tickets online in advance to ensure that they can attend the event on the night of their choice.
What are the haunted houses at Hersheypark’s Fright Night?
The haunted houses at Hersheypark’s Fright Night vary from year to year, but the park typically features a variety of themed haunted houses. Some of the haunted houses are designed to be more intense and frightening, while others are more family-friendly.
Some examples of haunted houses that have been featured at Hersheypark’s Fright Night in the past include haunted asylums, creepy carnivals, and zombie-infested apocalyptic landscapes. The park also features scare zones throughout the park, where visitors can encounter roaming monsters and other frightening characters.
Can I purchase tickets for Hersheypark’s Fright Night online?
Yes, visitors can purchase tickets for Hersheypark’s Fright Night online through the park’s website. The park offers a variety of ticket options, including single-night tickets and season passes. Visitors can also purchase tickets at the park’s gate on the night of the event, but it’s recommended that they purchase tickets online in advance to ensure availability.
Visitors can also purchase Fast Lane tickets, which allow them to skip the lines for the haunted houses and other attractions. Fast Lane tickets are available online and at the park’s gate, but they usually sell out quickly, so it’s recommended that visitors purchase them in advance.
Are there any special events or activities at Hersheypark’s Fright Night?
Yes, Hersheypark’s Fright Night features a variety of special events and activities, including live shows and performances. The park also offers a variety of themed food and drinks, including spooky snacks and beverages.
Some examples of special events and activities that have been featured at Hersheypark’s Fright Night in the past include costume contests, haunted hayrides, and zombie-themed dance parties. The park also offers a variety of photo opportunities, including spooky backdrops and props.
Can I attend Hersheypark’s Fright Night if I have a disability?
Yes, Hersheypark’s Fright Night is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The park offers a variety of accommodations and services, including wheelchair and electronic convenience vehicle (ECV) rentals. The park also offers a Disability Access Service (DAS) card, which allows visitors with disabilities to reserve a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.
Visitors with disabilities can also contact the park in advance to request special accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or audio descriptions. The park’s staff is trained to assist visitors with disabilities and ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience at Fright Night.