In 1946, Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa., boasted that it had built “the biggest roller coaster in the United States” when it opened “Comet.” Today, some 62 years and 11 roller coasters later, the park has debuted “Fahrenheit,” daring riders to experience “the steepest drop of any coaster in the country.”

For people looking for a thrill like no other, the adrenaline-pumping Fahrenheit ascends 121 feet at a 90-degree angle before reaching the summit where riders lean forward and see no track below before plummeting down a 97-degree drop. But the fun doesn’t end there as the coaster travels at 58 miles per hour up another hill to the top of a 107-foot inverted loop, followed by cobra-like twists, corkscrew rolls and spinning curves, each with their own kick.

While the ride lasts only 85 seconds, it provides a thrill and adventure that roller coaster enthusiasts have been looking forward to since they first heard of plans to build the coaster. Tara Garber, a ride operations administrative intern at the park, said watching people ride the coaster for the first time is one of her favorite experiences in the park. 

“You can see the fear on their faces and they’re very apprehensive at first,” she explained. “But when the train comes back into the station, they’re laughing and smiling and asking, ‘Can we do it again?’”

For those riders who prefer a milder ride, or even a ride somewhere between Fahrenheit and the old-fashioned wooden “Carrousel”, Hershey Park can fulfill that need as well. 

“One of my favorite things about Hershey is that I can come here with my three kids who are all at different levels of riding and find something for each of them in each section of the park,” said Rebecca Estrada, a mother of a teenager, pre-teen and a third grader. “It’s why we come back every year.”

Megan Adair, public relations coordinator for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, said the park was designed by Milton Hershey in 1907 as a picnic and pleasure grounds where families could come to enjoy each other’s company. “Our goal is to maintain that family atmosphere, not only by providing rides and entertainment for all ages but also by keeping the park clean and beautiful and as convenient as possible,” she said.

Like most amusement parks, Hershey Park does not allow food or drinks, except for unopened water bottles, to be brought into the park. If small children are in tow, park officials may make an exception however. 

To help families with small children or single-parent families, the park has implemented a ride-swapping program designed to let parents swap off riding with children who are ready to ride while others in the group are not ready or tall enough.

“The ride swapping program really helped us out because we have a six-month-old baby and two older boys who want to ride everything,” said Melissa Morgan, mother of the three. “While my husband stood in line with the boys, I waited at the exit gate with the baby. When they finished the ride, I was allowed to hop right on while my husband waited with the baby. It saved us time because we didn’t have to stand in line twice.”

On those hot summer days, families can enjoy the Boardwalk, a water park that just opened last season and with five main water attractions, including “the largest water play structure in the world.” Don’t forget to bring or wear your bathing suits under your clothes so you can cool off on the Wave Rider, a simulated body surfing pool, or the Coastline Plunge, a section of the water park with four water fun slides. 

The park also offers a variety of shows and live entertainment, including a dazzling fireworks display every Saturday night through Aug. 30. In addition, your admission ticket into the park gives you access to Zoo America, an 11-acre wildlife park that features more than 200 animals from five regions of North America. 

If you get a chance before leaving the park, take advantage of a free chocolate making tour or see Hershey’s Really Big 3D Show at Chocolate World, located in a separate building near the entrance to the park. 

While Hershey Park is open each night until 10 p.m., the Boardwalk closes at 8 p.m. through Aug. 24 and at 6 p.m. through Sept.1. Saturdays in July and August are the busiest days of the season. If you have flexible travel plans, consider visiting on a Sunday or a weekday. 

If you’re looking for ways to get the most out of your admission, arrive 2 ½ hours prior to the park closing, purchase your ticket for the following day, and receive free admission for the remainder of the evening. The park offers consecutive-day, two-day and three-day flex ticket plans as well as special rates for groups of 20 or more. For information call 1-800-242-4236 or visit www.HersheyPA.com.