Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hersheypark is a beloved amusement park known for its delightful blend of family-friendly attractions, thrilling rides, and, of course, chocolate-themed fun. One of the most iconic and exhilarating roller coasters in the park is Fahrenheit. Opened in 2008, Fahrenheit is a steel roller coaster manufactured by Intamin, a company renowned for creating some of the most extreme and innovative thrill rides in the world. With its unique layout, daring vertical lift, and intense elements, Fahrenheit remains a must-ride for adrenaline seekers visiting Hersheypark.
The Ride Experience
Fahrenheit’s entrance is hard to miss, as the towering 121-foot vertical lift and its distinctive orange and blue color scheme immediately catch the eye. Riders are loaded into one of the coaster’s six-car trains, each seating 12 passengers in two rows. The real excitement begins once the train leaves the station and ascends up the 90-degree, vertical lift hill. From this point on, it’s a pulse-pounding journey filled with loops, inversions, and airtime hills.
The Elements
- Vertical Lift and Drop: Unlike traditional chain lifts, Fahrenheit's lift is a vertical ascent that sends riders straight up at a 90-degree angle. As soon as the train reaches the top, riders are greeted with a breathtaking view of the park before plummeting down a steep 97-degree drop. This beyond-vertical drop is what truly sets Fahrenheit apart, giving riders a sensation of free-fall that lasts for just a few exhilarating seconds.
- Cobra Roll: Immediately after the drop, the train rockets into a cobra roll inversion, which consists of two half loops and two half corkscrews, twisting riders upside down twice.
- Double Corkscrew: Next up are the two back-to-back corkscrew inversions, spinning riders once more before they catch a brief breath during a small airtime hill.
- Norwegian Loop: The ride features a unique inversion called the Norwegian Loop, where the train dips through a twisting dive loop, creating a feeling of weightlessness and disorientation.
- Final Elements: As the ride nears its end, riders experience a series of tight turns and quick transitions before hitting the final brake run, leaving their hearts racing and minds spinning.
Key Ride Stats
- Height: 121 feet
- Drop Angle: 97 degrees
- Top Speed: 58 mph
- Inversions: 6
- Track Length: 2,700 feet
- Ride Duration: Approximately 1 minute, 25 seconds
- Height Requirement: 54 inches
Ride History and Impact
When Fahrenheit first opened in 2008, it made waves in the coaster community for its innovative vertical lift and beyond-vertical drop, which, at the time, was one of the steepest drops in the world. While it has since been eclipsed by other record-breaking coasters, Fahrenheit’s unique design and compact layout continue to impress both coaster enthusiasts and casual parkgoers alike. Its introduction helped cement Hersheypark’s reputation as a destination for thrill-seekers.
Queue and Theming
Fahrenheit’s queue line offers a close-up view of the coaster’s elements, allowing riders to build anticipation as they watch others experience the thrilling inversions and drops. The ride’s theming is relatively minimal, focusing more on a sleek, modern aesthetic than on storytelling elements. However, the sheer spectacle of watching the trains tackle the 90-degree lift and steep drop more than makes up for the lack of detailed theming.
Best Time to Ride
Fahrenheit is one of Hersheypark’s most popular attractions, so wait times can become quite long, especially during peak hours. To minimize your wait, consider heading to the ride early in the morning when the park first opens or utilizing Hersheypark’s Fast Track pass, which allows you to skip the regular line.
Fahrenheit is a standout attraction at Hersheypark that combines technical innovation, thrilling inversions, and a heart-stopping drop into one unforgettable ride experience. Whether you’re a seasoned roller coaster enthusiast or just looking to conquer your fear of heights, Fahrenheit offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and excitement. Make sure to check it out on your next trip to Hersheypark—it’s a ride that will leave you wanting more!
When Fahrenheit first opened in 2008, it made waves in the coaster community for its innovative vertical lift and beyond-vertical drop, which, at the time, was one of the steepest drops in the world.