Do You Like Hersheypark's New Direction?

According to Screamscape, they have confirmed "Turbulence", a 150ft. tall Frequent Faller for the front of the park. I personally like all the "hardcore" rides like The Claw and Storm Runner that they've added, but do you think this is a further drift away from their "family" image?

Its interesting, and I'm not sure if its good or bad.

Perhaps they decided that they need something to combat the new coaster at SFGADv. Granted, a frequent faller won't attract like the world's tallest and fastest coaster, but at least it gives HP something to work with.

It kind of reminds me about Knott's, which since CF has taken over has really become a more of a thrill park. I think they have done a decent job of balancing thrill and family appeal, and I think that Hersheypark can do the same.

Not much competition compared to Hydra and GADV.

It shows up in 2006 and camps out until the park's birthday in 2007? Like we've not heard *that one* before and now parks will be planning to make us sit and wait and stare at a lawn ornament?!

+Danny ;)

I suppose that the rumors of the Giant Wheel being removed are true and this will be occupying that recently-emptied space?

Hershey is one park that I feel has a very comprehensive family ride package. Didn't they add a family ride along with the Claw last year? They also added Roller Soaker in 2002- that's a real family coaster, not at all a thrill machine.

I'm sad to see the Giant Wheel go but I think this is a good move for the park. It doesn't look expensive or complex- just simple and fun. It will give the park a unique ride, something that can be marketed fairly easily. Hershey looks to be well on its way to having one of the most diverse coaster collections around!

What I want to know is where Screamscape is getting this confirmation. I haven't seen any PRs or info on the park website to verify this information.

Hersheypark shouldn't worry too much about competing with Dorney/SFGadv. Storm Runner is arguably the best new coaster this year, and as its popularity grows its gonna have a rep as one of the best out there. This ride will still induce a positive result on Hershey's attendance and bottom line. Its just a different experience compared to TTD or Gadv's new rocket. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful park in the northeast.

^^ Screamscape 'just' knows.

Yeah, weird how everything "confirmed" doesn't actually "materialize."

If it's on the Internet, it must be true!

I would hardly call Storm Runner "hardcore". I think it fits well with the "fun coaster" thing Hersheypark has had going on for years now.

All of their coasters are just..........right. They are painless (with the exception of Wildcat at times) fun, thrilling, but still appropriate for everyone.

The flats, including the awesome Claw is no exception. It's a crazy, nutso ride but I have seen a lot of families on it.

If you want to see some *hardcore* flats go to Beech Bend or Canada's Wonderland! :-D

-Tina

*** Edited 9/25/2004 3:18:57 PM UTC by coasterqueenTRN***

Hey, I'll agree that Screamscape can be funny to read sometimes, but remember the Batwing rumor? I sent that in. Remember the plans for Tomb Raider that everyone wanted to deny? They were on there also. Lance doesn't always get it wrong.

If this ride does get put in, it doesn't mean they have to remove the Giant Wheel, since the ride is vertical. Since none of us has seen one, it's hard to guess the footprint that it needs.

Don't forget the new haunted Harvest too. Seems Hershey is trying to target the 15-35 market. I like the direction they are going!

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Intamin Fan said:

confirmed "Turbulence", a 150ft. tall Frequent Faller for the front of the park;

it's hard to guess the footprint that it needs.

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From the website; Frequent Faller Coaster, 150 ft. Footprint: 30 ft. x 130 ft.

Link

Everything Screamscape has ever said about Canobie Lake Park has come true, How they know is beyond me.

Yeah, I forgot about Haunted Harvest. "Not recommended for small children". Now that's what I'm talking about. "Are You Afraid of Scarecrows?"; "You Will Be", they say. I'll let others try it out first, but if it's a go, I might fork over the $18, or $33 for the combination pass.

Hershey is definately adding great rides. Ones that are still family rides, but satisfy enthusiests as well. I know that I have been Hersheypark happy. ;) Can't beat having Hershey as my home park and 10 minutes away.

Tina explained it pretty well, but that doesn't keep Storm Runner from being close to the top of my list.

My aunt's family consists of four kids, all of which are 11 years old or younger. They visit Hersheypark every year (and have for the past three years) and invited me and my mom along with them this year. I think the direction they're going in is still addressing the family angle, at least from what I've seen.

The two oldest kids spent all three days trying to work their way up to the biggest ride they could get the nerve to tackle. (As evidenced by my profile pic, the mission was a success. :)) And as for the two younger ones, who couldn't get on the bigger rides, there were still plenty of options for them. The parents, depending on ride tastes (Aunt Leigh likes easy-going rides, Uncle Vinny loves the thrillers), could take the kids to the appropriate rides whenever they want to. And, as any visitor to the park knows, each section of the park features an excellent BALANCE of thrill and family rides distributed throughout. So families can stay together in the same region and still ride what they want.

As the park stands, I think it's a fantastic family destination. Adding new rides, naturally, increases the desire for people to want to go back. Thrill rides draw in a non-family crowd, while the current layout keeps the families coming back. And besides -- newer, bigger rides keep the 'tween market on their toes, so that there's always a new thrill to conquer. That keeps the families coming back every year, as opposed to saying "been there done that" and heading to a new park.

In short, I think the Hersheypark strategy is working just wonderfully right now.

Screamscape said S&D Greetings is selling coaster greeting cards, a coaster calendar, a screensaver, and is giving away a $500 CoasterDynamix model.

So they obviously do get some things right ;)

mOOSH [who has also heard rumblings about the Frequent Faller from independent souces]

I was at the park yesterday and the Giant Wheel op said that the ride has 2 or 3 weeks left. After that, a new coaster that we know about but many Hershey employees do not.

Personally, I'm sad to see the Giant Wheel go. Was the Giant Wheel victim of low ridership, or is this all just in the process of change?