Hersheypark, Hershey

Two recent changes to the park make it a 4 instead of 5 stars. First, the main entry to the park was redesigned for the new coaster and updated buildings. In the process, they eliminated the trees and shade that used to bless the area leading to the main gates. Second, they added the scan and fill stations to accommodate the souvenir cups and I. The process, some vendors stopped offering refills. At least 3 of the refill stations on the side of park with Great Bear didn't have any ice or were out of service altogether. It seems something should be done with all the vultures in the zoo. They were everywhere. Related to the zoo, I think it's time to replace it with a botanical garden perhaps. The cages are small and seeing bald eagles, among others, in enclosures they can't fly or run in seems cruel. One of the bobcats looked so restless just pacing back and forth over the same short path along one side of the enclosure. The hawk and falcon areas both had mice or other rodents dead placed for meals I'm sure but their instinct is to hunt, not come to the landing and pick up a dead animal. Otherwise, it was a pretty good visit. Lines weren't too terribly long for most rides but assume that will change next week when the boardwalk opens.

The park is as great as it's ever been. It has been about 8 years since we had been there and so much had been updated and improved. The coasters are as crazy as ever. So many good food choices throughout the park. Very busy (and hot) day so wait times for popular rides were long. Staff couldn't have been nicer. Downloaded the app but found it a bit hard to use. Didn't seem intuitive for dinner aspects of the park. But we had a great time, as usual. Had to empty my pockets when re-entering the park but not when I first entered. Not sure what was different. We arrived early but had to take a very circuitous route to get to Chocolate World even though it was only across the street. Be nice if they made it easier, maybe using a pedestrian bridge.