Visit to Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, PA

Entrance to Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, PA

Date of Visit: November 26, 2021

In a town built on chocolate, it is only fitting that one of the centerpiece attractions is Chocolate World.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is a free-to-enter attraction located just outside the gates of HersheyPark and is a can’t-miss stop on any visit to Hershey.

Chocolate World opened in 1973 and it’s signature attraction, the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, has been delighting visitors ever since.

Entrance to Hershey Chocolate Tour - also known as "the ride" - at Hershey's Chocolate World

Known to many simply as “The Ride,” Hershey’s Chocolate Tour takes visitors on a virtual tour of one of Hershey’s factories. Chocolate World began as a replacement to factory tours, and the ride continues to provide a look behind the scenes of the chocolate-making process.

Animatronic Hershey Kiss helps explain the chocolate making process on the ride at Hershey's Chocolate World

Today’s tour looks a lot different than it did five decades ago. Animatronic cows serenade guests while cartoon versions of Hershey’s most famous products provide narration at the various stations along the way.

What hasn’t changed is that the ride is still free – and there are free samples of Hershey products handed out at the end.

Gift shop filled with Hershey branded gear at Hershey's Chocolate World

Chocolate World does offer two additional experiences for an added fee: the 4D movie and the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience.

The former is an immersive and interactive movie experience. The latter is exactly what it sounds like: the opportunity to create your own candy bar, including choosing the ingredients and designing your own packaging.

(Update: Hershey’s Unwrapped, a theatrical and tasting experience, opened just a few months after our visit).

Stepping off the Chocolate Tour, guests are brought out into the middle of the gift shop where you will find everything Hershey’s and Reese’s, from shirts and sweatshirts to coffee mugs and keychains and plush friends for the little ones.

Of course, the shopping includes Hershey’s famous chocolates as well.

Chocolate World has a large area filled with every variety of Hershey’s brand chocolates in all shapes and sizes, including Hershey Bars the size of a large garden flag and assorted miniatures of all types.

Two food stands inside the food court at Hershey's Chocolate World

In addition to sweets, visitors to Chocolate World can also enjoy a hot meal from one of several stands serving soup, sandwiches, pizza and more.

Ice cream sundaes featuring Hershey's chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter from Hershey's Chocolate World

But don’t fill up or you won’t have room for milkshakes or ice cream sundaes, like the peanut butter cup sundae made with real Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

The best part about Chocolate World is the free admission. It makes a great escape from the park or a destination in and of itself. Either way, it belongs on any Hershey itinerary.

When You Go

Hershey’s Chocolate World has free three-hour parking. in front of the attraction. It is separated from the HersheyPark and HersheyPark Stadium parking lots.
Entry to Chocolate World is free, as are rides on the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour. There are costs for the make-your-own candy bar, 4D movie and other experiences.
If purchasing tickets for the paid attractions, it’s best to preorder online with a timed ticket to avoid having to stand in lines or wait in the crowded lobby.
Chocolate World gets extremely busy, especially during peak season for the park. Plan to arrive early or late to avoid the crunch at mealtime or the heat of the afternoon in summer.
Chocolate World has plenty of quick service dining options. In addition to a coffee shop and bakery, the Food Hall has pizza, salads, sandwiches, and mac and cheese.
Visitors to Chocolate World can also take a ride aboard the Hershey Trolley Works, which includes a 75-minute narrated tour of the town of Hershey.