Hershey or Dorney Park

We%26#39;re planning to take our kids to either Hershey or Dorney Pakr this summer. My kids are 13 %26amp; 9; both are a little scared of aggressive roller coater rides. They prefer the water rides. Has anyone been to both of them? Some people at the forum rated Dorney for having better and bigger water park, but not sure if that was before the new water rides @ Hershey opened. Some people have complained about Hershey for having very long lines. Is Dorney less crowded? Thanks in advance.

Hershey or Dorney Park

Hi jessc,

I was looking for info on Hershey lodgings when I came across your post.

In my opinion, overall, Hershey Park is a far better experience than Dorney Park. Last summer we took a day trip to Dorney with our two teenage daughters. It was one of the worst experiences we%26#39;ve ever had at a theme park, and we%26#39;ve been to quite a few. The park was jam packed with people, lines were excessively long and many ignorant people cutting in lines. There was a fight or someone freaking out in the water park locker area with crowds all around and trash strewn about. While my husband %26amp; daughters were waiting in one ride line some girls tried to cut in front of the line and my husband said something, these girls started mouthing off making my younger daughter fearful %26amp; she ran from the line crying. My husband is 6%26#39;2'; 220 lbs. and even he felt that the park was an unsafe atmosphere. We left after that incident cutting our ';fun'; day trip short. I think that the park itself wouldn%26#39;t be bad if it weren%26#39;t for the scores of ignorant people who were there. We had been there 2 years before and had a good time, but after this last time we will NEVER GO BACK AGAIN!!!!!

So that%26#39;s why I was looking for Hershey lodgings. We haven%26#39;t been to Hershey Park for several years, but had a pleasant experience the last time we were there so we thought that we%26#39;d try it again.

Another nice family park is Knobel%26#39;s in Elysburg, PA, they have a website. Lots of old style family rides, some coasters, very nice wooded grounds, and a large outdoor pool.We went there 2 years ago and would definitely go back again.

Good luck in making your decision!

Hershey or Dorney Park

knoebel%26#39;s is wonderful. Very inexpensive...almost funny! You get what you pay for. The attendents aren%26#39;t very attentive and some of the rides are as old as the hills they are surrounded by. I was willing to make sure my kids were buckled and safe and we had a blast. I can understand how some people would really give this place a bad review. You must know what you are up against and be prepared. If it is what you are looking for than you will like it.

Hershey, we have done many, many times during Christmas so I am not so qualified to comment on summer. The last time I was there in the summer my mom and dad brought me and boyfriend (now husband)

in 1998.

But from my experience it is more of a professionally run park. I am not sure what the crowds are like in the summer, and that can make or break the experience.

So, I know I am not helping you much, but if you are looking at Knoebels, please lower your expectation level and you will come home with wonderful memories. If you look at this park with the same expectation of the ';big guys'; you will be upset.

We haven%26#39;t visited 6flags in NJ with our boys because of the countless stories of ';not so nice'; characters frequenting the park. Sounds like that is what you experienced at Dorney.

oops I meant 1988 when we were there with the family!

We live very close to Six Flags NJ (25 min.)and will not go there for the very reason that you stated, shoney.

I agree with what you say about Knobel%26#39;s. it%26#39;s not a flashy commercial amusement park, but the atmosphere was definitely family friendly. The rides seemed to be well kept and the grounds were clean. We found the staff, many of them seniors, to be helpful and friendly. Their ticket rates were very reasonable and parking was free. They also had a picnic area near the entrance. So many of the large corporate parks nickel %26amp; dime you for everything, it was nice to go to a place that was simple %26amp; fun.

Jessc,

I think all that has been posted so far is very correct.

I think Hershey may have a new area called Boardwalk, which I am assuming is a waterpark/shore concept.

Most importantly, I would suggest visitng any park during the week. Weekends are usually the busiest time to visit(long Lines) and brings some of the undesirable vistors.

Knobles is a low-key park, defintely worth a trip.

Especially if your kids don%26#39;t like the big aggressive rides.