Family Tour Day-5 ll Hershey Chocolate World - Hershey PA
Welcome to Hershey’s Chocolate World: A Sweet Adventure for All Ages
Nestled in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey’s Chocolate World is more than just a tourist attraction — it’s a chocolate lover’s paradise and an iconic part of American candy culture. Whether you're a family seeking a fun day trip, a couple looking for a nostalgic getaway, or a solo traveler on a sweet journey, Hershey’s Chocolate World has something delightful for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes Hershey’s Chocolate World such a magical destination — from the famous chocolate tour and personalized candy bars to immersive attractions and unique shopping experiences. So grab your sweet tooth, and let’s dive in!
What is Hershey’s Chocolate World?
Hershey’s Chocolate World is a themed visitor center located right next to Hershey park in Hershey, PA. Opened in 1973, it replaced the original chocolate plant tours that had become too popular to manage safely within the working factory. Today, Chocolate World offers interactive attractions, shopping, dining, and one-of-a-kind experiences - all centered around Hershey’s beloved chocolate.
The Famous Hershey’s Chocolate Tour – A Free Ride to Sweetness
Perhaps the most famous part of Chocolate World is the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour Ride, a free, family-friendly attraction that takes you through the chocolate-making process. You’ll hop into a themed cart and glide past animated displays showing each step of how Hershey’s chocolate is made — from cocoa bean to chocolate bar.
Highlights include:
* Realistic sights, sounds, and chocolate smells (yes, it smells amazing!)
* Talking animatronic cows like Gabby, Harmony, and Olympia, who add charm and humor
* Free chocolate sample at the end of the ride
It’s educational, entertaining, and a must-do for first-time visitors.
Create Your Own Candy Bar – A Personalized Experience
For a one-of-a-kind souvenir (and treat), try the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience. Here’s how it works:
1. Choose your ingredients – Start with a milk, dark, or white chocolate base and add mix-ins like pretzels, toffee, or cookie bits.
2. Design your wrapper – Use a digital station to personalize your own candy bar wrapper with your name and custom graphics.
3. Watch it being made – You’ll walk alongside a real mini-factory line as your bar is poured, assembled, and cooled before packaging.
This activity is perfect for kids and adults alike — plus, it makes a great gift to take home.
Hershey’s Unwrapped: A Chocolate Tasting Journey
Want to sharpen your chocolate palate? Sign up for **Hershey’s Unwrapped**, an immersive tasting adventure led by theatrical hosts who’ll teach you the fine art of tasting chocolate — Hershey-style.
In this guided experience, you’ll:
Smell and sample different types of Hershey’s chocolate
Learn fun chocolate trivia and tasting techniques
Use all five senses to discover flavor notes in cocoa
It’s both delicious and educational, with plenty of laughs and surprises along the way.
Shop Till You Drop – The World’s Largest Hershey’s Store
No trip to Chocolate World is complete without visiting the Hershey’s retail store, the largest Hershey’s candy store in the world. It’s a colorful wonderland packed with exclusive Hershey’s-themed products, seasonal treats, and endless varieties of chocolate.
What to look out for:
* Giant-sized candy bars (perfect for gifts or wow-factor photos)
* Limited-edition flavors not found in regular stores
* Hershey’s branded merch like mugs, apparel, and plush toys
* Custom candy mixes at the “Pick Your Favorites” wall
This is the perfect place to stock up on souvenirs or indulge in your chocolate cravings.
Dining at Chocolate World – Sweet and Savory Options
You’ll need energy for all that chocolate exploring, and luckily, Chocolate World has a variety of food options. The Food Hall offers sweet and savory selections, including:
Freshly baked desserts like Hershey’s brownies, cupcakes, and cookies
Chocolate-infused drinks such as milkshakes, hot cocoa, and frozen chocolate
Savory items like pizza, sandwiches, and salads — ideal for a quick lunch
Don’t forget to try the Reese’s Peanut Butter Milkshake — a fan favorite that’s as indulgent as it sounds!
Instagram-Worthy Moments
Hershey’s Chocolate World is full of photo opportunities that will make your social media followers drool. From a giant Hershey’s Kiss statue to fun backdrops like candy-themed murals and vintage chocolate ads, you’ll find plenty of spots to capture your sweet memories.
There’s also a photo studio where you can create a candy-themed family portrait or pose with your favorite Hershey characters like Hershey Bar, Reese’s, and Kiss.
Special Events and Seasonal Celebrations
Chocolate World hosts seasonal events throughout the year, making it worth visiting more than once. Here are a few annual favorites:
Chocolate-Covered February – A month-long celebration featuring chocolate tastings, chef demos, and special events
Halloween Spooktacular – Trick-or-treat trails, costume contests, and spooky chocolate treats
Holidays at Hershey – Enjoy the winter wonderland with festive décor, limited-edition holiday candies, and photos with Santa
Each season brings its own unique flavor, literally and figuratively!
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Info
📍 Location: 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
⏰ Hours: Open year-round, typically 9 AM–5 PM or later in peak seasons. Check their
[official website](https://www.chocolateworld.com) for updated hours.
🎟️ Admission: Free entry to the building and Chocolate Tour
Additional experiences like Create Your Own Candy Bar, Unwrapped, and Trolley Tours are ticketed
🅿️ Parking: Free parking for under 3 hours
Paid parking beyond that, or if visiting Hersheypark
💡 Tips: Book popular experiences like Create Your Own Candy Bar in advance during weekends and holidays
Arrive early to beat the crowds
Combine with a visit to Hershey park or The Hershey Story Museum for a full day of fun
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Chocolate Lovers
Hershey’s Chocolate World is more than just a chocolate-themed attraction — it’s a tribute to the rich history, sweet legacy, and imaginative spirit of Milton S. Hershey, the visionary behind one of America’s most beloved brands. Whether you’re savoring your first bite of a fresh-made candy bar or watching wide-eyed children on the chocolate tour, the joy of Chocolate World is contagious.
It’s a place where nostalgia meets indulgence, where learning and fun collide, and where every visitor leaves with a smile (and probably a few chocolate smudges).
So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and prepare for a deliciously unforgettable adventure in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Have you visited Hershey’s Chocolate World? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!
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