Hersheypark vs Dorney Park: Pennsylvania's Two Theme Parks Compared

Pennsylvania has two major non-Disney theme parks, and they're often lumped together by travelers planning a mid-Atlantic trip. Hersheypark sits in Hershey, about 100 miles west of Philadelphia. Dorney Park is in Allentown, 60 miles north of Philly. They're roughly 90 minutes apart — close enough that both could fit in a long weekend, but different enough that direct comparison matters for anyone choosing between them.

Rides & Thrills

Hersheypark wins decisively. Skyrush is one of the most intense hyper coasters in North America — a relentless Intamin that delivers sustained ejector airtime with minimal restraints, terrifying enthusiasts and first-timers equally. Candymonium (B&M hyper, opened 2020) is an excellent entry-level airtime machine. Storm Runner is a hydraulic-launched coaster packing a lot into a compact ride. Fahrenheit features a 97-degree beyond-vertical drop. Lightning Racer is a classic dueling wooden coaster with two trains racing simultaneously. Fifteen coasters total, and the lineup has almost no filler.

Dorney Park has around ten coasters. Steel Force (a 1997 Morgan hyper at 200 feet) is underrated and delivers genuine sustained airtime. Talon is a solid B&M inverted coaster with good hangtime. Hydra the Revenge (B&M floorless) is smooth but largely forceless. Beyond those three, the headliner count drops off quickly.

Family & Young Kids

Hersheypark earns clear points for the full Hershey ecosystem. Chocolate World next door (free admission, factory tour ride included) is a genuine draw for children who know the brand. ZooAmerica wildlife park is adjacent. Kids' areas include Reese's Cupfusion and multiple youth attractions, and the chocolate theming is charming rather than cloying.

Dorney Park has a solid children's section with several youth coasters and a Wild Mouse the whole family can ride. Wild Water Kingdom (water park on property) gives families a full afternoon of alternatives when coaster lines build. The park is smaller and navigates more easily with strollers.

Crowds & Wait Times

Dorney Park is dramatically less crowded than Hersheypark, and this holds across the season. On a summer Saturday, you might wait 15–20 minutes for Talon while Skyrush at Hersheypark queues for 60 minutes or more. Hersheypark draws school groups, chocolate tourists, and serious coaster enthusiasts simultaneously, keeping crowds elevated most of summer.

For maximizing ride count, Dorney on a summer weekday borders on a walk-on experience. Hersheypark's sweet spot is weekday mornings in June or the first two weeks of September.

Food & Dining

Hersheypark wins here. The Hershey brand extends into food in ways that actually work — Reese's and Kit Kat-themed treats, Hershey's ice cream stands, and above-average themed options throughout the park. Theme park food is still overpriced, but the quality is a notch higher than most regional parks.

Dorney's dining is unremarkable — standard midway fare, nothing offensive, nothing worth seeking out. If food is part of your day's enjoyment, Hersheypark is the only real choice.

Value & Tickets

Dorney Park wins on price. Single-day tickets run $40–60 depending on date and advance purchase, compared to Hersheypark's $65–85 or more. Dorney is now part of the Six Flags umbrella, meaning its season pass bundles with dozens of other parks. Hersheypark remains independent with its own pass program. Parking is $25–30 at both.

Hersheypark costs more — but also delivers more. Chocolate World as a free adjacent activity adds genuine value to the full Hersheypark experience.

The Verdict

Hersheypark is the right choice for almost every visitor who can afford it. Skyrush alone justifies the trip for coaster enthusiasts, and the Hershey theming lifts the overall experience well above a typical regional park day. Choose Dorney Park only if budget is the hard constraint or if you specifically want a low-crowd, low-wait day of decent rides without the full production — it does that job well.