Hershey Chocolate World is the largest Hershey store in the world and is home to fun Hershey attractions as well as nearby Hersheypark. This guide to Hershey’s Chocolate World attractions will help you plan your trip to the sweetest place on earth.
Hershey, Pennsylvania is named the sweetest place on Earth because it is all things Hershey Chocolate. There is a full theme park at Hersheypark and many chocolate themed attractions.
One of the can’t miss attractions in Hershey Chocolate World. Yes it is a very large gift shop but sprinkled throughout is a free chocolate tour ride as well as ticketed attractions that are fun for the entire family.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is open year-round to guests and offers fun treats, Hershey inspired merchandise, and numerous Hershey’s Chocolate World attractions.
In this article we are going to talk about what to do when visiting Chocolate World, what is free and needs a purchased ticket, and how to spend your day.
- Hershey's Chocolate World Attractions
- Cost of Hershey Chocolate World
- How Long Does it Take to Tour Hershey Chocolate World?
- Difference Between Hershey's Chocolate World and Hersheypark?
- Hershey's Chocolate World Parking
- Tips for Visiting Hershey's Chocolate World PA
- Final Thoughts-Hershey Chocolate World
No Time to Read? Quick Review of Hershey Chocolate World
What to Do at Hershey Chocolate World:
-if you are short on time head straight to the Hershey Factory Tour for a free chocolate tour ride.
-guests can purchase a ticket to create their own candy bar.
-If you want to do multiple attractions bundle your ticket.
-Parking is free for 2 hours or less. If you are planning a quick visit be sure to let them know when you park.
-If you are visiting Hersheypark & Hershey Chocolate World park in the Hersheypark lot. They are separate from each other but close to visit both.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Attractions
Hershey’s Chocolate World has around 9 attractions depending on the season you visit. They range from chocolate tastings to a make your own candy bar attraction.
- Hershey’s Chocolate Tour: free tour takes you on a chocolate adventure from the start of cocoa beans to a Hershey bar. This is fun for all ages. Guests receive a piece of candy at the end of the tour.
- Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition: This interactive experience will have guests traveling on a “cinematic train ride adventure”. There is projection mapping, special effects, and interactive character experiences.
- Create Your Own Candy Bar: Here you can create your own wrapper and candy bar at this popular Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction.
- Hershey’s Unwrapped: A Chocolate Tasting Journey: Smell and taste the milk chocolate and more at this popular attraction.
- Hershey Trolley Works: The Trolley tours through the town of Hershey and guests will learn about the history and how Milton S. Hershey built the town.
- Resse’s Stuff Your Cup: Stuff a Resse’s cup with your favorite sweet treats.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World Bakery: Purchase special sweet treats and your favorite Hershey chocolate items.
- Seasonal Events: Breakfast with Santa, Trick or Treating
Cost of Hershey Chocolate World
Hershey Chocolate World is free to enter and visit. There are paid experiences like the 4D show, make your own chocolate bar, chocolate making classes, and a bakery. The Hershey Chocolate Factory Tour offers free tours to guests.
The Hershey’s Chocolate World attractions can be purchased individually or bundled based on what attractions you are interested in visiting. The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour is free of charge and open to all guests. Check the website for the most up to date pricing.
If you are buying your tickets when you arrive, the ticket counter is to your right when entering the building. (The restrooms are on your left! I find it’s always helpful to know where they are!)
I suggest purchasing tickets before you arrive so that you can go directly to the attractions and start your day.
How Long Does it Take to Tour Hershey Chocolate World?
Hershey Chocolate World can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an entire day to tour. It all depends on what you would like to do during your visit.
If you plan on doing all the Hershey Chocolate World attractions it will take you more time than if you stop in to explore the gift shop.
I would plan an hour to explore and ride the Hershey Factory Chocolate tour ride. If you have reservations for other attractions this will take longer. The wait times for attractions will also depend on the crowds.
Difference Between Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark?
When planning a visit it is important to understand the difference between Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark. They are different destinations but are within the same parking/entertainment complex.
Hersheypark is an amusement park that you need a ticket to enter. It has rides and attractions. Hershey Chocolate World is a large gift shop/visitors center that has themed attractions.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Parking
Parking can be confusing because of the location of the attractions. If you are visiting Hersheypark you would park in the Hersheypark parking area. From there you can visit Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World.
If you are visiting ONLY Hershey’s Chocolate World, use the Hershey’s Chocolate World parking area.
Parking Prices for Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Short term parking is free for up to 2 hours.
- All Day Parking is $60.00.
- Park in the Hersheypark parking lot if you plan to stay longer than 2 hours. Parking is included in the bundle tickets.
Tips for Visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World PA
We have visited Hershey’s Chocolate World numerous occasions and we always start with a ride on the Hershey Chocolate Tour. It is free and a fun way to start your visit. At the end they also give out a sweet treat!
Before we ride we make sure we have our tickets and check the showtimes for the attractions we want to experience. Purchase these before you arrive to secure parking and the best time slots.
I wanted to add a quick note about strollers. Stroller parking is located outside the entrance. You are allowed to bring strollers into the center but you are not allowed to take them into/on attractions.
Stroller parking for the attractions is outside, not outside the ride, outside the building. Save yourself some time and park your stroller before entering.
If you have a little one that need a stroller consider using a baby carrier and a backpack for your things.
Hershey Chocolate World Special Events
Hersheypark and Hershey Chocolate World has different seasonal events throughout the year. The main events are Halloween at Hersheypark and Holidays at Hershey. Expect special treats, meet and greets, and more during these times.
Where to Eat at Hershey Chocolate World
There is a food hall that offers savory dishes like pizza and pretzels, a bakery with unique Hershey inspired treats, and an ice cream parlor.
Final Thoughts-Hershey Chocolate World
Whether you have an hour to take the chocolate tour and explore the gift shop or you want to spend an afternoon experiencing the different attractions, Hershey Chocolate World has so many things to keep your family busy.
One thing I really love is that you can spend as little or as much as you’d like and still plan a fun day out. The free access to the Chocolate Tour and character meet and greets are great things to do when you are on a budget.
If you are spending more time in Hershey be sure you read my guide to all the things to do in Hershey PA besides Hersheypark.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.
was the $10 meal ticket add-on worth it?
Hi Alyson- We have never added the meal ticket as an add-on. I don’t think it save you much money and we don’t always eat at Chocolate World… other than a treat from the bakery.
We went through Hershey last month on our way to Gettysburg from Missouri. We just did Chocolate World, and we thought it was cute and fun. We bought our magnet, as we do for every attraction we visit, but we also bought a Christmas ornament. In June! I would love to see Hershey at Christmas. Maybe someday. It sounds like you had a nice visit!
We always get an ornament too! Even in the summer!
Pinning this bc I loved Hershey as a kid and can’t wait to take my family!