Hersheypark is known for its chocolatey charm, delightful atmosphere, and exhilarating rides. One of its standout attractions is Candymonium, a steel hyper coaster that has quickly become a fan favorite since its debut in July 2020. As the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the park, Candymonium promises thrills, breathtaking views, and a silky-smooth ride experience. It’s a must-ride for any coaster enthusiast visiting the Sweetest Place on Earth.
Ride Overview
Candymonium is a masterpiece designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), a world-renowned roller coaster manufacturer known for creating some of the smoothest and most enjoyable coasters in the industry. The ride is located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown, a new area at the park that features shops, restaurants, and the iconic Hersheypark entrance.
- Height: 210 feet
- Top Speed: 76 mph
- Length: 4,636 feet
- Duration: 2 minutes and 26 seconds
With its towering height, thrilling drops, and perfectly banked turns, Candymonium is built for speed and designed to simulate the sensation of gliding like a candy wrapper blown by the wind.
Themed Design and Experience
As with all things Hershey, Candymonium has a sweet theme to match the park’s candy-coated ambiance. The coaster’s cars are decorated to resemble iconic Hershey treats, including:
- Hershey's Bar: A classic milk chocolate-themed car.
- Reese's Cup: Bright orange and peanut butter-themed.
- Twizzlers: Vibrant red and candy rope-styled.
Each train’s design adds to the whimsical charm, making it a true reflection of the candy kingdom Hersheypark celebrates. Themed elements like oversized Hershey Kisses and candy-inspired decor enhance the visual appeal throughout the ride, ensuring guests are immersed in a delightful experience from queue to final brake run.
The Ride Experience
The experience begins as the train ascends the 210-foot lift hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the park and surrounding countryside. After cresting the hill, riders plummet down a thrilling 76 mph first drop, diving into a sweeping series of airtime hills and hammerhead turns. Each moment of the ride is crafted to deliver maximum airtime, smooth transitions, and a thrilling sense of speed.
Some of the standout elements include:
- Camelback Hills: Multiple airtime hills provide that exhilarating "floating" sensation that coaster enthusiasts crave.
- Hammerhead Turn: A sharp, highly banked turn gives the sensation of skimming the ground.
- High-Speed Helix: The ride features a thrilling high-speed helix that wraps around the iconic Hershey’s Kisses Fountain, a picturesque centerpiece that provides a memorable view as the train races around it.
From start to finish, Candymonium’s smooth, fast-paced layout is a ride that balances thrills and comfort, making it a top choice for riders of varying thrill tolerances.
Accessibility and Ride Requirements
Candymonium is a family-friendly coaster, but due to its high speeds and drops, certain restrictions are in place. Riders must meet the height requirement of 54 inches to board. The coaster is equipped with lap bar restraints that are both secure and comfortable, allowing riders to experience the airtime without the interference of shoulder harnesses.
Hersheypark also offers a Fast Track option for those who want to skip the longer lines, and Candymonium’s placement near the entrance makes it an ideal first or last ride of the day.
Reviews and Reception
Since its opening, Candymonium has garnered positive reviews from both casual visitors and coaster enthusiasts. Its smooth ride, coupled with its unique combination of speed and airtime, has made it one of the most highly rated rides in the park. Many guests appreciate the coaster’s accessibility for a wide range of thrill-seekers and its thematic touches, making it not just a ride but an experience.
Fun Facts
- Candymonium is the tallest coaster at Hersheypark, surpassing the park's other hyper coaster, Skyrush.
- The ride’s first drop angles at 77 degrees, giving a steep, thrilling descent that coaster fans love.
- The coaster's unique wrap-around finale around the Hershey's Kisses Fountain is a one-of-a-kind element that isn't found on other B&M hyper coasters.
- Each train can hold up to 28 riders in a 7-car train configuration, ensuring a high-capacity throughput.
Candymonium is a shining example of Hersheypark’s commitment to offering top-tier attractions that appeal to all ages. Combining speed, height, and candy-themed fun, it stands as one of the premier coasters not just in the park but in the entire region. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or just looking for a sweet new thrill, Candymonium is a ride that lives up to its hype, delivering pure joy from the moment you climb aboard to the final brake run.
So, the next time you find yourself at Hersheypark, don’t miss the chance to take a ride on this candy-themed marvel—you won’t regret it!
Candymonium is a masterpiece designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), a world-renowned roller coaster manufacturer known for creating some of the smoothest and most enjoyable coasters in the industry.