Hersheypark announces Triple Tower

I don't know what it is, but it seems like HersheyPark additions are always just a bit peculiar. It's not that it's wrong or inferior, but building 3 separate drop towers is just the latest example of what I describe as Roller Coaster Tycoon planning. The water park in the middle of the park, a signature roller coaster that loads and unloads on the same side, the kids rides interspersed everywhere, the microscopic entrance gate, it all just seems, well odd.

This has been talked about for years and is about time for Hersheypark. Every one has been saying this for years and now 15 to 20 years later it's not that exciting.

Is this the first 20 seater? I have to admit I haven't paid attention to new S&S installations, as well, other than Hersheypark, I thought just about every park had a drop tower of some sort by now.

That said, I don't think I've seen this 20 seater, "round" rather than "3-4 to a side" seating arrangement from S&S. I'm sure I've just not seen it, but where are other similar installations?

This seems like a strange decision that will lead to long lines for the tall one and less interest in the other two. And yeah, I don't recall ever seeing an S&S tower with that many seats.

Some folks might see the long line for the tall one and move over to the middle or even short one.

Fun said:
I don't know what it is, but it seems like HersheyPark additions are always just a bit peculiar. It's not that it's wrong or inferior, but building 3 separate drop towers is just the latest example of what I describe as Roller Coaster Tycoon planning. The water park in the middle of the park, a signature roller coaster that loads and unloads on the same side, the kids rides interspersed everywhere, the microscopic entrance gate, it all just seems, well odd.

Hit the nail on the head, couldn't agree more. which leads to the question of what is the future for Lightning Racer? While it is a good ride (needs some work as of 2014) I fee like it is silly having to basically walk through the water park to get to it and I doubt the ridership will be there long term. Personally I don't want to see it go but I feel like the park has already determined the fate once they opened the water park.

Coasterfantom2 said:
This has been talked about for years and is about time for Hersheypark. Every one has been saying this for years and now 15 to 20 years later it's not that exciting.

Agree but I am firm believer that if a park builds it, if nothing else it will be a nice addition to the park, even if it is 20 or so years later.

^Agreed. I am looking forward to it too. Actually I am happy they went with S&S instead of Intamin. I enjoy theirs more. My favorite is the one at SFNE with the combo side like Hersheypark's describes.

Maybe S&S was running a buy two get one free?

They bought Regular and Fun Size

No one's mentioned it yet but the worst part is that they're scrapping Flying Falcons. I love condor rides and there aren't too many left, this just seems needless because they're putting this ridiculous tower thing where the kiddie rides are and moving them to Flying Falcons's awesome spot. Why not stick the kiddie rides in any other random spot in the park, as they are wont to do?

I agree, this is frickin weird just like all of HP's recent decisions. I feel like there's some kind of mad scientist running that place.

I don't think HP is sending the Condor to the recyclers just because they hate those of us who love those rides. The reason there are so few left (SFAm still has theirs, right? And someone on the Jersey Shore, maybe Morey's?) is they've been great rides for a long time...seems they're probably at the end of their useful life...

Three towers strikes me as one too many...

Apparently, the Falcon rides are no longer easy to find parts for, and it has become a maintenance issue, so that's a major reason for it leaving.

I also felt this was a weird addition. Maybe they figured it would be good for different thrill-seeking levels or for people "graduating" to different thrill levels. I dunno, but it's definitely a bit of a departure from what one would expect from a park.

I don't think Hershey's going anywhere with Lightning Racer. I could be wrong, and it's rarely busy, but it is very well loved, very well maintained, and fits with the Boardwalk theme they've kinda got going on there. If anything, I'd bet on taking out or significantly modifying Wildcat. It has run very roughly for years now, even with new trains. I no longer will ride it, and I loved it when it first was built. Most of my fellow wooden coaster fan friends agree that it needs major work or an overhaul.

Flying Condor: rode it a long time ago, barely remember the experience. Rode it again this year and remembered why I barely remember it. It's...forgettable? Ok ride, but absolutely nothing to write home about.

Wildcat: It's a bit rough, but nowhere near what it used to be. It was nice to enjoy it again. Rode it this year in the front seat, so take that for what it's worth.

It surprising that a Huss ride would be difficult to get parts for, since the company is still in business. Isn't part of their business model selling parts for existing rides?

Hershey has removed several nice flat ride over the last 10 or so years. Giant Wheel, Conestoga, Cyclops and now Falcon.

The part of the park where Lightning Racer is is very busy these days, since 4 coasters are in that small area.

The current HUSS is not the company that built the Condor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HUSS_Park_Attractions

Hershey is a strange park.. Just kiddy rides, coasters, and a water park really. A lot of fun stuff just oddly spaced and placed with no great flat rides. Oh yeah.. And a zoo -of sorts. The park does seem well maintained.

Should've went for one large drop tower, and call it Gum Drop! The park could use a good dark ride, maybe a scary tooth decay theme.

jkpark said:

Should've went for one large drop tower, and call it Gum Drop! The park could use a good dark ride, maybe a scary tooth decay theme.

I'm not familiar with any popular Hershey candy named gum drops. They do make Ice Breakers though, that is an equally good and more relevant name. Triple Towers sucks imo.