BGW or Hershey? Which would you choose....

Hey, just wanted to get some opinions from those of you more in the know! My fiance' and I have started talking about honeymoon planning for October 06...she wants to do something different and would like to go to one of these parks and the surrounding parks/history attractions that are near them. If you had to choose one or the other, would you head to VA or PA? We've never been to either, so both will be a first time experience. Any thoughts, recommendations, info, or opinions will be most appreciated! Thanks in advance!

I've never been to BGW or Williamsburg, so I can't help you out there.

Now, things might be different by next year, but during October Hersheypark is only open three weekends for the Hersheypark in the Dark event. That's Friday evening, and Saturday and Sunday-- the w/e closest to Halloween and the 2 before. So if your honeymoon is in early October, count Hershey out.

As far as other historical things in the area of HP, there's tons. You're within an hour of both Gettysburg and Valley Forge-- two different wars, and two different directions. Harrisburg also has the Civil War Museum, which I found very interesting. You're also close to Lancaster County and all the Amish attractions. You'd be much better off doing that on a weekday, since weekends in October there are more tourists than cows.

Hershey's website http://www.hersheypa.com has a lot of informations about trip planning, regional attractions, etc. The Hotel Hershey might also be a nice pick for the honeymoon itself.

No matter which you choose, good luck and congrats.

Having been both places many times, my suggestions will be up to what you guys are really looking for. Personally, for strictly rides, coasters and that effect, I would go to Hersheypark. It has more rides and coasters and is a terrific traditional amusement park with no real attempt at much theming. It is a friendly, family type atmosphere that is very clean and very well run. You could stay at the 5-star Hershey Hotel for the royal honeymoon treatment. Gettysburg would be the closest major interesting historical place to visit and I think all Americans should experience it once.

However, for a honeymoon, I would go to Williamsburg, Virginia. Busch Gardens is a great place to go. Great international theming, some rides, a few good coasters, many shows but the overall park is great to walk around. A must to go at least one time too but I've liked my repeat trips. In addition, the key is the Colonial Williamsburg element. You can have dinners in the colonial taverns and take in that whole atmosphere. Williamsburg may just be a better getaway for what you're asking for plus the weather will be nicer in October.

I think BGW would be a better choice. I think the combination of Alpengiest and Apollos Chariot, compared to SR and GB is better. I know Hershey has great wooden coasters but, overall I think that BGW is a better park, and I'm sure it's beautiful during the fall.

But then again you can't go wrong either way.

There is a reason BGW is continually ranked most beautiful park. Personally I think Silver Dollar City ranks right up there, but BGW is fatastic. The coasters are first rate, its well theamed, better ride selection, one of the world's greatest parks.

It is true Hershey would be a better pick if you are a wood coaster fan. Not wanting to take anything away from Hershey, its wonderful too. BGW is a better honeymoon location. Romantic at night, has more pubs, and few can beat the natural setting.

I also recomend BGW. Besides the romantic setting at BGW, Colonial Williamsburg is in Williamsburg too. This historical park, set to the revolutionary war is a great place to visit if you want a change of pace; that park also has a hotel that Im told is quite nice.

If you're leaning towards Williamsburg, DON'T tell the bride-to-be about the chocolate baths at the Spa at the Hotel Hershey. ;)

While Hershey is one of the best amusement/theme parks around*, I think that BGW is much more appropriate for a honeymoon. BGW is very romantic and slower-paced.

I agree with going to Williamsburg as well. It's an experience like nothing else.

EDIT- *imho, lol.

*** Edited 9/20/2005 3:35:05 AM UTC by dexter***

'Cept the original post never mentioned the word "romantic." ;)

Hands down BGW. You are going in Oct. That is the best time to go to that park. By day its amazing BGW park. By night it amazing Howl-o-Scream park. Good luck!

I suppose if you're looking purely at amusement parks, you can't go wrong with either one. Hersheypark and BGW are two of the finest parks in the country. Hershey has three good wood coasters and that helps but AC and Alpie at BGW are among the best steel coasters around.

Colonial Williamsburg is a lot of fun but I'm not sure if it makes for a good honeymoon spot. Guess it depends on what you're looking for. If you want another idea that is probably within driving distance, you might want to consider Niagara Falls. There's a lot to do between the U.S. and Canadian sides and you've got two good parks up there: Fantasy Island (Silver Comet is outstanding) and Seabreeze in Rochester,

I've been to both theme parks in the off-season. I can't speak for any non-themepark experiences around either location. (Hershey Chocolate World is like a small indoor themepark, good for 2-4 hours of fun.)

At Hersheypark in mid-may 2002 (before Storm Runner was installed) it was cool and rainy and we were able to ride almost all the rides despite being innundated with tweens from a middle school field trip or prom event. The theming was not significant, but riding Sooperdooperlooper while smelling chocolate from the factory was indescribable.

At BGW in March 2005 (Easter weekend), it was a nice day and we rode all the coasters, but did not have time to ride all the flat rides and see all the shows. While it doesn't have as many coasters as HP, there is a lot more other stuff to do (even in the off-season). The theming was very good -- coming close to Disney standards (not quite as good as Universal Islands of Adventure). The food was also quite good.

While there were many luxury hotels around Williamsburg, I doubt that they are more impressive or opulant than Hotel Hershey. Warning: If you stay at Hotel Hershey, you may not want to leave the hotel.

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Rob Ascough said:

If you want another idea that is probably within driving distance, you might want to consider Niagara Falls. There's a lot to do between the U.S. and Canadian sides and you've got two good parks up there: Fantasy Island (Silver Comet is outstanding) and Seabreeze in Rochester,

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Unfortunately, both parks close after Labour Day. However, the fall is beautiful in the Niagara region, which has dozens of vineyards, wine tastings, and nice hotels and restaurants. Fall is very romantic. To taste or buy wine (or any alcohol in Ontario), you must be 19.

I'm wondering whether a visit to both would be possible. Spend a few days, visit one park... travel to the other park, spend a few days. What is it, about 4-5 hours between parks? Guess it depends where you're coming from, flying into (if you're flying), how many days you're planning and which days. Both parks would only be open weekends in October. I don't know, just babbling.

It's about four hours between the two parks, and both are worth a visit. A week long honeymoon to both would be great and totally worth it. BGW is absoluetly gorgeous and has some great rides, and a great atmosphere. Hershey is a really nice park and has some choice rides, PLUS if you love chocolate, it's heaven.

In Oct, Hershey has limited hours... The three weekends leading up to Halloween... Open Friday Night, Saturday, Sunday.

No contest. BGW is the superior park in a landslide, especially if the visit could be considered "romantic." It seems like there are better things to do on one's honeymoon than visit a theme park, however...