HersheyPark or Dorney Park?
As to the name...
Milton S. Hershey founded the chocolcate company named after him. He bought up tracts of land in Derry Township to place his factory (and basically create a "factory town"). The park began as a picnic park for his empolyees. Was the park named after the town? Was it named after the man? Who knows... and really, who cares.
As far as Hersheypark being themed around chocolate, either you think they are or you think they are not. No one is going to change anyones mind either way. Does Hersheypark sell Hershey Chocolate products? Yes. I my mind that does not mean they are themed toward chocolate. (When I see a Coca Cola machine in a park, I hardly call that park themed toward Coca Cola for example).
As far as which park takes the lead as far as putting in new rides first? Again, who cares. Over the past few years, yes, Hersheypark has placed their new rides first and Dorney has followed up with their versions. Does it matter? Not hardly.
The lack of shade at Dorney I can not comment on... I have not been there since 1980. The lack of shade in Hershey's Midway America (Themed not on chocolate, but rather like an "old time" amusement park), I will comment on. Give them time. It is not so much that there is a lack of trees, but rather a lack of mature trees. A few years ago this was nothing but a big open grass field used for certain events (mainly, a classic car show in the fall). There is no shade there because up until a few years ago there were no trees there. In the rest of the park the trees have been there in some cases since the beginnings in the early 20th century.
I am not "blindly" loyal to Heshey as some are to Dorney. I will admit that there are things I wish Hershey would do differently. I certainly wouldn't mind a coaster similar to Steel Force running along Hersheypark Drive (on the other side of the road where the old airstrip used to be). I understand that Dorney removed their Paratrooper ride either this season or last... I wish Hershey would have kept theirs as long... same goes for the Monster ride (those are two of my favorite non coaster rides). I wish that the Coal Cracker flume at Hershey would be a little more exciting. Am I complaining about this though? No. Not in the least. I go Hershey more because of geography (a 40 minute trip compared to a 2 - 2 1/2 hour trip to Dorney). But am I prepared to rip Dorney apart because it isn't my "home park" (and it is in competition with the old "home park") certainly not.
Let Ohio fight the insane (and rather pointless) Coaster Wars.
Here in PA we have a unique opportunity. As stated so many times above... if you want great wood... go to Hershey AND Knoebels. If you want good steel, go to Dorney. (not slighting Kennywood... but that is on the otherside of the state... Hershey, Knoebels, and Dorney are "right next door" to each other). I also consider it fortunate enough that I have a choice of 3 Herb Schmeck coasters with in two hours of each other(Pheonix, Comet, Thunderhawk). If you want atmosphere... take a trip to Knoebels.
-------------
People with park names as part of their Usernames should never complain about others bias *** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 7/2/2001. ***
Milton S. Hershey founded the chocolcate company named after him. He bought up tracts of land in Derry Township to place his factory (and basically create a "factory town"). The park began as a picnic park for his empolyees. Was the park named after the town? Was it named after the man? Who knows... and really, who cares.
As far as Hersheypark being themed around chocolate, either you think they are or you think they are not. No one is going to change anyones mind either way. Does Hersheypark sell Hershey Chocolate products? Yes. I my mind that does not mean they are themed toward chocolate. (When I see a Coca Cola machine in a park, I hardly call that park themed toward Coca Cola for example).
As far as which park takes the lead as far as putting in new rides first? Again, who cares. Over the past few years, yes, Hersheypark has placed their new rides first and Dorney has followed up with their versions. Does it matter? Not hardly.
The lack of shade at Dorney I can not comment on... I have not been there since 1980. The lack of shade in Hershey's Midway America (Themed not on chocolate, but rather like an "old time" amusement park), I will comment on. Give them time. It is not so much that there is a lack of trees, but rather a lack of mature trees. A few years ago this was nothing but a big open grass field used for certain events (mainly, a classic car show in the fall). There is no shade there because up until a few years ago there were no trees there. In the rest of the park the trees have been there in some cases since the beginnings in the early 20th century.
I am not "blindly" loyal to Heshey as some are to Dorney. I will admit that there are things I wish Hershey would do differently. I certainly wouldn't mind a coaster similar to Steel Force running along Hersheypark Drive (on the other side of the road where the old airstrip used to be). I understand that Dorney removed their Paratrooper ride either this season or last... I wish Hershey would have kept theirs as long... same goes for the Monster ride (those are two of my favorite non coaster rides). I wish that the Coal Cracker flume at Hershey would be a little more exciting. Am I complaining about this though? No. Not in the least. I go Hershey more because of geography (a 40 minute trip compared to a 2 - 2 1/2 hour trip to Dorney). But am I prepared to rip Dorney apart because it isn't my "home park" (and it is in competition with the old "home park") certainly not.
Let Ohio fight the insane (and rather pointless) Coaster Wars.
Here in PA we have a unique opportunity. As stated so many times above... if you want great wood... go to Hershey AND Knoebels. If you want good steel, go to Dorney. (not slighting Kennywood... but that is on the otherside of the state... Hershey, Knoebels, and Dorney are "right next door" to each other). I also consider it fortunate enough that I have a choice of 3 Herb Schmeck coasters with in two hours of each other(Pheonix, Comet, Thunderhawk). If you want atmosphere... take a trip to Knoebels.
-------------
People with park names as part of their Usernames should never complain about others bias *** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 7/2/2001. ***
I dont even no how u can coomenet on dorney park slfake since u havent been to there since 1980. it is a completely different park since then. so u making a suggestion such as u want better steel go to dorney, better wood hershey. u arent even qualified to make an educated decision about this post as far as im concerned.
Hmmmmm...
Something doesn't make sense here. I pay Dorney a compliment by conceeding the eastern PA Steel Coaster title to them (for whatever that is worth), I rank Thunderhawk along with Pheonix and Comet as three Schmeck masterpieces, I give Dorney credit for keeping two of my favorite flat rides while Hershey removed those same rides years ago (newer is not always better you know), and I said I wished Herhsey had a coaster simliar to Steel Force running along Hersheypark drive. Again, I am not blindly bias to my "home park" as some are to theirs.
I'm being very complimentary there if you ask me. Truthfully, the only thing that I am really saying "negative" about Dorney is that I consider Hershey's wood collection to be better (based on memory of Thunderhawk aka "Coaster" and word of mouth about Hercules... consensious has it that that coaster is pretty rough and heavily breaked on the hill).
With the addition of Talon this year (which you have noted I have not coomeneted on, but which I am more than willing to cede the eastern PA inverted title to over Great Bear) Dorney has a collection of coasters that is very enticing. Before the end of the summer, a return trip to Knoebels (missed last year), a first time trip to Six Flags America, and the first trip to Dorney in 20 years are all on my wish list.
I just do not see why people have to have a "love / hate" feeling toward their home park and their nearest competition.
-------------
I never met a park (or coaster) I didn't like. *** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 7/2/2001. ***
Something doesn't make sense here. I pay Dorney a compliment by conceeding the eastern PA Steel Coaster title to them (for whatever that is worth), I rank Thunderhawk along with Pheonix and Comet as three Schmeck masterpieces, I give Dorney credit for keeping two of my favorite flat rides while Hershey removed those same rides years ago (newer is not always better you know), and I said I wished Herhsey had a coaster simliar to Steel Force running along Hersheypark drive. Again, I am not blindly bias to my "home park" as some are to theirs.
I'm being very complimentary there if you ask me. Truthfully, the only thing that I am really saying "negative" about Dorney is that I consider Hershey's wood collection to be better (based on memory of Thunderhawk aka "Coaster" and word of mouth about Hercules... consensious has it that that coaster is pretty rough and heavily breaked on the hill).
With the addition of Talon this year (which you have noted I have not coomeneted on, but which I am more than willing to cede the eastern PA inverted title to over Great Bear) Dorney has a collection of coasters that is very enticing. Before the end of the summer, a return trip to Knoebels (missed last year), a first time trip to Six Flags America, and the first trip to Dorney in 20 years are all on my wish list.
I just do not see why people have to have a "love / hate" feeling toward their home park and their nearest competition.
-------------
I never met a park (or coaster) I didn't like. *** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 7/2/2001. ***
Most impressive that you live just minutes from both parks. Even more impressive is that you've been going to both for the 19 years you've been on the planet and also produced a documentary on Hershey. Since that seems to make you an authority, and we're using that type of philosophy, let me say this; I've been doing the same exact thing for the 33 plus years I've been on the planet and while I've never produced a world re-known documentary like your genius self, I did manage to buy a chocolate milk from the Turkey Hills store right behind "the decent" Lightning Racer. And it wasn't even a Hershey's.
If you want a shot at the title DorneyDude, on Hershey history, lets have at it. You're not going to rip anyone a new*****about anything. I was christening Dorney's and Hershey's doorsteps, not to mention living in both towns and working for both parks before you were an itch in your daddy's pants. So before you get to cocky, you might want to consider the fact that you are a bit over matched and have no where near the experience. And like ice411girl said, SO WHAT if the park is themed around chocolate! Is there a problem with that? You seem to be hung up on that for whatever reason. And for the record, I said that the town of Hershey or city as you called it, was named after the man.
If you want a shot at the title DorneyDude, on Hershey history, lets have at it. You're not going to rip anyone a new*****about anything. I was christening Dorney's and Hershey's doorsteps, not to mention living in both towns and working for both parks before you were an itch in your daddy's pants. So before you get to cocky, you might want to consider the fact that you are a bit over matched and have no where near the experience. And like ice411girl said, SO WHAT if the park is themed around chocolate! Is there a problem with that? You seem to be hung up on that for whatever reason. And for the record, I said that the town of Hershey or city as you called it, was named after the man.
Superstew i like the way you speak.
And to clear things up
Dorney Park is my Home park (i live 15min. away)
I dislike the park for many reasons and I HATE the management on every level.
I use to think that Dorney was the **** until I went to other parks and seen what they offered.
My first trip to Hershey was last year, and I completely fell in love with the park. Its beautiful, its wonderful, its a special place for me for many reasons, and the history of the place is amazing. Its almost like a love story. I know no one else who built a town and a factory for people to live and work during the depression.
I do have to give dorney props for achieving what is has since it almost went out of buisness in '93. Its coasters are good, but guys there is more to an amusment park then coasters, and thats were Hershey kicks butt.
I believe Hershey is a true park experience, while Dorney is something you do for a couple hours.
And to clear things up
Dorney Park is my Home park (i live 15min. away)
I dislike the park for many reasons and I HATE the management on every level.
I use to think that Dorney was the **** until I went to other parks and seen what they offered.
My first trip to Hershey was last year, and I completely fell in love with the park. Its beautiful, its wonderful, its a special place for me for many reasons, and the history of the place is amazing. Its almost like a love story. I know no one else who built a town and a factory for people to live and work during the depression.
I do have to give dorney props for achieving what is has since it almost went out of buisness in '93. Its coasters are good, but guys there is more to an amusment park then coasters, and thats were Hershey kicks butt.
I believe Hershey is a true park experience, while Dorney is something you do for a couple hours.
slfake,,,,,ur opinion still doesnt count u havent been to forney since 1980. superstew u are just really bitter. and im not hung up on the concept that hershey is themed around chocolate. i am just hung up on the fact that someone dared to say it isnt when it so blatanly is. they are just argueing to argue. and ur so old superstew u couldnt rip anything but a fart. ice411 girl u are just a hater and speak negative about dorney in any topic. talon is the worst invert u say, hercules and thunderhawk are tied for worst woodie. just bitter people! i never really even said anything bad about hershey, just that its themed around chocolate.
Andy said:
"The Paratrooper ride at DP is being refurbished this year, and being brought back again next year. This was also done with the Monster ride (Octopus) 2 years ago."
Then (even though by some accounts I am not quialified to comment on this) I will say "good work" to Dorney. Too many of those types of rides are disappearing.
-------------
"I wasn't always this cynical, but then I started kindergarden..."
"My first trip to Hershey was last year, and I completely fell in love with the park."
I find this hard to believe, I've been to Hershey and there is nothing, nada, zero to fall in love with. I found the park to be missing something, its called a hyper-coaster. Also my family had to get a hotel 20 miles away from the park(just to get good rates), but at Dorney we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, just accross the street for decent rates, and a good breakfast. Call me "pro Dorney" if you like, because I "fell in love" with Dorney Park at first sight.
-------------
Dorney Park is da bomb!
I find this hard to believe, I've been to Hershey and there is nothing, nada, zero to fall in love with. I found the park to be missing something, its called a hyper-coaster. Also my family had to get a hotel 20 miles away from the park(just to get good rates), but at Dorney we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, just accross the street for decent rates, and a good breakfast. Call me "pro Dorney" if you like, because I "fell in love" with Dorney Park at first sight.
-------------
Dorney Park is da bomb!
More brilliant commentary. Now, you're not any good unless you have a hyper-coaster. BRAVO! All parks that don't have a hyper-coaster suck. That's beautiful logic.
Hersheypark isn't trying to pretend like they're something they're not. And who ever said that it's a foregone conclusion that they won't be getting a hyper?
Hersheypark isn't trying to pretend like they're something they're not. And who ever said that it's a foregone conclusion that they won't be getting a hyper?
Anyways...I dont argue just to argue, i say what i say because thats how i feel, and if you have a problem with that bring it on.
Oh by the way DorneyDante the water coaster thing thats a rumor, look in the dictionary for the defenition.
Talon is the worst invert I HAVE BEEN ON its nothing and to think i was actually excited to ride that.
Herculues Hurts like hell, which is why it sucks
and Thunderhawk has its days, the last time i was on it was wonderful that train flew, but other times its a different story.
I'm not a "hater" i'm just someone who has an opinion thats not yours.
coasterfreak13811 i'm sorry you and your family had to stay 20 miles away from the park for good rates, but you fail to relieze is that Hershey the Town is a resort, not just a park off the Highway orginally built as a trout hatchery and picnic area.
-------------
Hershey park happy Hershey park proud
so much fun stuff to see and do Hershey Hershey Park:)
Oh by the way DorneyDante the water coaster thing thats a rumor, look in the dictionary for the defenition.
Talon is the worst invert I HAVE BEEN ON its nothing and to think i was actually excited to ride that.
Herculues Hurts like hell, which is why it sucks
and Thunderhawk has its days, the last time i was on it was wonderful that train flew, but other times its a different story.
I'm not a "hater" i'm just someone who has an opinion thats not yours.
coasterfreak13811 i'm sorry you and your family had to stay 20 miles away from the park for good rates, but you fail to relieze is that Hershey the Town is a resort, not just a park off the Highway orginally built as a trout hatchery and picnic area.
-------------
Hershey park happy Hershey park proud
so much fun stuff to see and do Hershey Hershey Park:)
What's in a name, who cares if a park is themed or not. It's all about what a park has to offer. I have visited both parks several times in the past several years and like both for different reasons, Dorney offers Dominator and Steel force, but other than that it does not have much to offer (I can't comment on Talon because I haven't yet rode it.) Hersheypark Has good wooden coasters to offer. Comet is enjoyable, Lightning racer is great (I just wish it would roughen up a little) Wildcat is a little rough but enjoyable. Hersheypark is themed very much to the family, offering like 20 some kiddie rides spread throughout and a kiddie coaster (Trailblazer). Hershey May not offer the 200 acres that Dorney offers but it certainly packs a punch into it's 110 acres. Dorney does offer a good water park, but on a nice day the lines are way to long (which actually makes it a great time to go into Dorney, lines are shorter). On the negative side to Dorney, Hercules is so painful, I really don't like it the park seems really spread out and offers little shade. Hersheypark doesn't have some of the thrills but provides a good atmosphere. IMO great bear is a good B&M coaster. If you've ridden a hyper coaster somewhere else I wouldn't suggest that you go to Dorney jsut for SF it doesn't offer much more. Personally I would suggest Hershey it's a much more clean, attractive, fun place.
-------------
Life is a coaster . . . ride it
-------------
Life is a coaster . . . ride it
Some of you have made some terrible comments here, yes true Hershey is a resort town, but truth is the rates are terrible and getting packages is not an option IMO. Ok, I'll admit, if a park doesn't have a hyper-coaster it isn't complete, but Knoebel's breaks that rule, according to the people I have talked to. BM Hype, SF has more "float" time than any other coaster I've ridden, and Dorney has something more attractive than Hershey, its called the coasters.
-------------
Dorney Park is da bomb!
-------------
Dorney Park is da bomb!
You must be logged in to post
