Hershey's is one of the largest and most well-known chocolate manufacturers in the world. The company is the creator of those bite-sized Hershey's Kisses that everyone loves. It's also the creator of delicious Hershey's chocolate bars (which come in a variety of flavors), Mounds, York Peppermint Patties, Rolo, Skor, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Jolly Ranchers and so much more. So, how did Hershey's grow to become a household name? Well, it all started in 1894, when Milton S. Hershey founded the company. He then built a chocolate plant in his hometown of Derry Church, Pennsylvania (which is now known as Hershey). Following this, Hershey's launched several chocolates, which were popular with consumers. The rest is chocolate history.
Today, chocolate lovers can learn the details of the company's history, sample products and indulge in a chocolate experience like no other at the original Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This center was opened in 1973 as a replacement of the Hershey chocolate plant tour. Since then, it's undergone millions of dollars worth of renovations and has been an absolute hit with tourists. There are five main attractions at Hershey's Chocolate World and these are good enough reasons to visit. But, there are also countless little things that will have every chocolate lover losing their mind. We're here to list 20 of these things. We're also here to let you know that if you love Hershey's and want to fully experience it, then you must visit Hershey's Chocolate World.
Warning: This article will elicit serious cravings for chocolate, milkshakes and cocoa-inspired foods.
20 To Learn How Chocolate Is Made (Plus Free Samples)
Have you ever wondered about the processes involved in creating the delicious chocolates you love so much? At Hershey's Chocolate World, you can take a free tour to learn how chocolate is made. Although it isn't a tour of a real chocolate factory, it's still quite informative and fun. Hershey's has also been revamping it over the years, so it's now a ride which includes tons of props, singing animatronic cows, videos and holographic images. The narrated tour is 30 minutes long and runs throughout the day. It even ends with a free sample!
The lines for this tour may become quite long (as it is free and ends with free samples), so we recommend arriving early!
19 You Can Create Your Own Candy Bar
Have you ever wanted to create your own chocolate bar? Perhaps you love Hershey's chocolates but you think they'd be better if combined. Well, you can create your own chocolate bar at Hershey's Chocolate World! Just choose your toppings and the wrapper design. Then, watch as your chocolate dream comes true, thanks to computer technology.
The entire experience takes about 45 minutes and you’ll be decked out in an apron and hair cap all the while.
It’s one of the best things to do at Hershey’s Chocolate World and your customized chocolate bar makes a wonderful souvenir or gift for someone who couldn’t make the trip with you.
18 To Indulge In Hershey's Baked Goods
Hershey's chocolates and candies are amazing on their own. So, imagine how delectable they would be if incorporated into baked goods. At Hershey's Chocolate World, there is a bakery that has all of your fantasies come true. If you've ever wanted to try a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake or a Jolly Rancher Cupcake, you're in luck. The bakery also sells soft, giant cookies with Hershey's chocolates on them and brownies, too. And if you go with a group of six or more people, you can get a Hershey's cake. There are so many options to choose from including a Hugs & Kisses Cake and White Chocolate Mousse Cake. Our mouths are already watering!
17 S'mores Week
What is summer without s'mores? The sweet snacks are typically made from graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. At Hershey's Chocolate World, there is an entire week dedicated to this summer favorite. During this week, the facility is filled with all things s'mores. Of course, there will be classic s'mores (and we use the term "classic" loosely). You've probably never had anything like the Hershey's Double Chocolate S'more. It's something you must try!
At the food court, you can try the S'mores Pizza and Hershey's S'mores Milkshake. At the bakery, there will be S'mores Cupcakes and S'mores Cakes. Finally, at the Hershey's Cocoa and Coffee Shop, you'll want to line up for S'mores Cheesecake or a Giant S'mores Cookie.
16 Chocolate Tastings
If you're a chocolate lover, doing a chocolate tasting should be on your bucket list. Luckily for us all, Hershey's Chocolate World offers chocolate tastings. So, you won't just have the chance to eat chocolate, but you'll experience it with all of your senses. Sounds heavenly, doesn't it?
The chocolate tastings take place in a small multimedia room and each guest is given a bag of four chocolates, cocao nibs and water to cleanse their palate.
To begin the tasting, you'll first look at the chocolate, then you'll listen to the chocolate as you break it. Next, you'll smell the lovely aroma and taste the chocolate slowly. Finally, you'll rate the chocolate on a digital pad. We can guarantee that when you walk out of the room, you'll never eat chocolate the same way again.
15 All The Hershey's Attire
The shop at Hershey’s Chocolate World is huge! And it’s filled with every type of Hershey’s merchandise you can imagine. Mugs? Check. Keychains? Check. Jewellery? Check. Stuffed toys? Check. Chocolate? Of course. There are even clothes! So, you can display your love for all things Hershey as you’re walking down the street! We personally love the orange Reese’s hoodie. But, there are also socks, hats, wallets, t-shirts and hair accessories from which to choose and they come in all sizes. You can’t go home without purchasing something at this store. Seriously, the merchandise is just too sweet.
14 The Biggest Chocolate Bar You've Ever Seen (Weighing 5 pounds!)
If you're reading this, it's most likely because you love Hershey's chocolate. And while a few regular Hershey's bars and some Hershey's Kisses will probably satisfy you, sometimes you just have to go all out and treat yourself. That's where this gigantic Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar comes into play. It's five pounds of solid milk chocolate! Okay, you probably won't eat it all on your own. After all, this could feed your entire family and all your friends, too.
You can purchase this surreal chocolate bar at the Hershey's Chocolate World shop for about $50 USD.
Totally worth every penny.
13 Where Else Can You Watch a 4D Chocolate Movie?
It's quite obvious that Hershey's Chocolate World isn't just about tasting chocolates. It's about chocolate education and entertainment, too. Just imagine how satisfying it would be to see your favorite chocolates come alive. In the 4D Chocolate Mystery, not only will you see your favorite chocolates, but you'll interact with them, as well. The show is filled with amazing digital animation and special effects, such as strobe lights and smoke. There really is no other show like this, so it's a must for any chocolate lover.
Although the show isn't free, it's very affordable. Tickets are $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for kids.
12 Cocoa-Infused Foods
As a chocolate lover, you'll likely spend a few hours at Hershey's Chocolate World. During that time, you'll probably start to feel hungry and your body may require more than chocolate (unfortunately). Thankfully, Hershey's Chocolate World has an amazing food court where you can still incorporate chocolate into your meal. Most of the dishes are infused with cocoa or come with chocolate dipping sauce. How does Cocoa Charred Pulled Pork sound? How about a S'mores Dessert Pizza or Slow Roasted Chocolate Brisket? And to top it all off, you can have Hershey's ice cream for dessert. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?
11 The Famous Hershey's Milkshake
Have you ever tried a Hershey's milkshake? No, we're not referring to the ones you can get from a vending machine or a grocery store (although those are pretty good, too). We're referring to the thick, chocolate-y goodness that you can only get at Hershey's stores and Hershey's Chocolate World. They taste amazing and pair well with a soft Hershey's cookie. Or, if that's too much sugar for you, pair it with a meal from the Hershey's Food Court.
There are a few flavors available, including the classic Hershey's Chocolate Milkshake and Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake.
Once you have one, no other milkshake will live up to it.
10 To Learn About The History Of Hershey (It's anything but boring!)
The Hershey Trolley Works tour is often cited as one of the best attractions at Hershey's Chocolate World. In fact,
it's been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016 and 2017. During this tour, you'll learn all about the inspirational man who started the Hershey's empire we've all come to love.
This is a history lesson that's anything but boring. The trolley will take you to Milton Hershey's birthplace, the original chocolate factory, Hersheypark and more. Of course, you'll also receive free samples throughout the tour. The entire ride lasts about 75 minutes and tours run 364 days a year.
9 All The Different Types of Hershey's Kisses
Hershey's Kisses are nothing less than iconic. When you think about Hershey's, those tiny pieces of heaven are probably the first thing to come to mind. We've all had the classic milk chocolate flavor and the peppermint version is pretty popular around the holidays. But, there are so many other types of Hershey's Kisses out there! And the only place to try them all is Hershey's Chocolate World!
They have all of the lesser distributed flavors, such as Milk Chocolate with macadamia nuts, Mint Truffle, Confetti, New York Cheesecake and Caramel.
We bet you didn't even know that those existed!
8 The House Made Of Chocolate
At some point early in their lives, every chocolate lover wanted to be transported into Hansel and Gretel's world, just so they could see a house made of candy and chocolate. While it's not possible to teleport to an alternate world, it is possible to see a partially edible house. Each year from November to January at Hershey's Chocolate World, there is a house on display and it's decorated with 15 types of Hershey's Chocolate. The house stands nine feet tall and covers 48 square feet. It's not all for show, though. For every hour spent creating the house, Hershey’s Chocolate World donates money to the Children's Miracle Network.
7 The Awesome Photo Ops In The Photo Studio
We live in an age where everyone wants perfectly arranged photos (thanks to social media apps, such as Facebook and Instagram). You know what they say: "pics or it didn't happen." Hershey's Chocolate World is well aware of this fact and has a photo studio where photographers take staged photos for you to take home as memorabilia. You can choose from a variety of fun backgrounds which include Hershey's characters and lots of chocolate. Want a picture of you and your friends drowning in chocolate? You can get it. How about a picture of you standing beside your favorite 3D candy bar? You can get that, too. There are enough photo ops at Hershey's Chocolate World to please even the biggest of Instagram addicts.
6 Chocolate-Covered February
February is known as chocolate lover’s month. So, what better way to celebrate than to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World? Where else can you see a life-sized sculpture made of chocolate? That’s right—in 2018, Hershey’s Chocolate World displayed a sculpture of Milton S. Hershey carved entirely out of Hershey’s milk chocolate.
It took two sculptors 200 hours to construct this masterpiece and it was definitely worth the visit. Each year, fans vote to help choose the model for the sculpture.
So, who knows what the next one will be? The chocolate-covered month also features a special free parade and Chocolate-Covered Journey, which allows visitors to taste six chocolate-inspired foods and beverages.
5 The Amazing Candy Machine
The name of The Amazing Candy Machine is quite fitting. It is definitely one amazing machine filled with the best of Hershey's candies. You'll literally feel like a kid in a candy store when you lay your eyes on it. The purpose of the machine is to allow guests to customize bags or containers of candy, choosing from a selection of 15 products. The products range from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to Rolo Smooth Caramel Filled Pieces.
The price is reasonable (about $10 USD for a bag containing three pounds of sweets),
so this makes a great souvenir or stocking stuffer!
4 The Flavors Of Fall Fest
A true chocolate lover doesn’t only indulge in chocolate bars—they find creative ways to incorporate chocolate or cocoa into everything! We’ve previously mentioned that the food court at Hershey’s has items on their menu, but the items at the Flavors of Fall Fest will blow your mind.
If you're a fan of pumpkin, hearty soups and chocolate, you'll think that Hershey's Chocolate World is heaven during the fall. The Flavors of Fall Fest offers Slow-Roasted Chocolate Brisket, Mounds Coconut Pumpkin Soup, Caramel Apple Milkshake, Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake, Pumpkin Kisses Cheesecake and so much more! Yum!
3 It's Close To Hersheypark
Although Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark are so close to each other, they do operate independently. But, the fact that the giant amusement park is so close is yet another good reason to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World. What better way to end (or begin) your chocolate-y experience?
Hersheypark has 14 roller coasters, including the Cocoa Cruiser. It also contains Hershey’s characters and an 11-acre water park with 16 attractions.
Additionally, the park hosts special events, such as concerts, musicals and a sea lion show. You can definitely spend an entire day here without feeling bored. It is literally the chocolate-themed Disney World of Pennsylvania.
2 The Sweetest Souvenirs
When you visit tourist attractions, you probably pick up a few souvenirs to remember your trip and to give to your friends who couldn't come along with you. These souvenirs are usually run-of-the-mill keychains, t-shirts and mugs. At Hershey's Chocolate World, you can expect some pretty sweet souvenirs (and we mean that both literally and figuratively). While there are typical souvenirs, these are made cooler at Hershey's Chocolate World by having Hershey's logos on them. So, you're not just getting any mug, you're getting one with a clever saying, such as "Chocolate And Peanut Butter Walk Into A Bar..." The shop sells just about any type of souvenir you can imagine (even Christmas ornaments!).
If you're at a loss for what to buy, you can always buy chocolate. There are endless options, from the giant five-pound bar to limited edition Hershey's Kisses.
1 New And Limited Edition Products
Every chocolate lover wants to be the first amongst their friends to try the newest chocolates, right? After all, we've got to keep up our reputation as the token chocolate connoisseur. It then follows that every chocolate lover must visit Hershey's Chocolate World, as it is continuously home to new and rare Hershey's products.
For example, in 2017, the attraction sold Hershey's Cherry Cheesecake Chocolate Bar, PayDay BBQ Flavor, Reese's Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Cup and Kit Kat Strawberry Flavor.
There's no telling what the masterminds at Hershey's will create next, but we want to be first in line to try it!
References: hersheypark.com, hersheys.com