I received a sponsored trip in return for my honest opinion.
There are really too many reasons to love a Hershey vacation, but I have narrowed it down to 10. Most of these might surprise you, and I know I was excited to learn about all of the family friendly options!
1. The Variety of Lodging Options
You can do everything from pitch a tent at the HersheyPark Campground, to stay at the four diamond rated Hotel Hershey. They have every option for your party size and budget.
2. You want to go where everyone knows your name?
Just like that old sitcom song, Hershey has a small town vibe. It is so cool to see the executives talk about trivia night with the staff. It's like a huge family, and if you stay more than 10 times at the Hershey Lodge, you will be greeted upon arrival with someone who knows you name, your car, and your preferences. Now that's awesome!
3. Year Round Entertainment
Sure, the park may not be open after Christmas, but there is a LOT to do. From chocolate covered february, to the Food and Wine festival, concerts, the Hershey Bears, and outlet shopping, you can always find something for everyone to do.
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| Our trolley tour, so fun, and informational! |
4. FOOD
Ok, ok, so there is a lot of chocolate. I am not even going there...yet. l am talking about four star dining at the Circular (the brunch is not to be missed), the brand new restaurant Fire and Grain (you should try the pork belly mac and cheese-really), and the first Chick-Fil-A in any theme park. Family friendly to fine dining, fancy coffee shops, farm to table, local Amish farmer sourcing, and some really innovative award winning treats, Hershey strives to exceed vacation standards.
5. Allergy Friendly
As part of our immersion in Hershey, we had the unique opportunity to speak with some of the major decision makers. Trust me when I tell you that that NEVER happens, and so I took that unprecedented opportunity to ask ALL of the questions. The staff at Hershey takes allergies so seriously, that they have a separate facility in the park called the Outpost, where they make sure that there is no contamination. The number and email listed in my link goes directly to a person. Not just any person, the man responsible for allergy and food safety in the park. That is the kind of service, and care, that I learned to expect from the folks there.
6. Disability Access
Just like we got to speak to the gentleman in charge of food and allergy safety for the park, we also had the unique opportunity to speak to the lady in charge of safety and access. You guys, as a special needs mom, I was THRILLED. I learned so much about how much thought, and work goes into making every ride accessible and safe for all types of people. They have streamlined and worked on their program to a degree I have never experienced. I am so impressed. All of your questions can be answered here.
7. Water park
Don't get confused. This thing isn't the size of say, a Great Wolf Lodge, but it is PLENTY for days of fun with little kids. There are even two bigger slides, for the more adventurous members of your group. Not to mention the fact that there are two game rooms to keep the family busy during a break from the park.
8. Butterfly Atrium
The butterfly gardens are new to Hershey in the summer of 2016, and your stay in the Lodge (and the hotel) includes free admission. It was really fun to see all of the different varieties of butterflies from around the world, and watch them hatch!
9. Spa
The Chocolate Spa is an experience. It is a world renowned, 30,000 square foot, place of bliss. They are best known for incorporating Cuban, and chocolate treatments. I had a pedicure, and it was AMAZING. I felt so pampered!
10. The Milton Hershey School
This is probably my favorite part of Hershey, and one that is virtually unknown to the general public. The school (for pre-k through 12th grade) is a boarding school for kids with economic and social needs, and they come from all over the United States. Started in 1909, over 2,000 kids a year are given a totally free education (without one penny from the government). They also receive health care, education, clothing, and a structured home environment. Once they graduate, and plan to go to college, they receive almost 100,000 towards their college education. They even have an orthodontist on staff! You also should check out how they prepare students for success after graduation, it is inspirational.
Were you surprised that my top 10 reasons didn't include visiting the amusement park? After visiting Hershey, I wasn't surprised at all. GO, spend your money, and help those kids. Heck, while you are at it, have a great time!
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