Skyrush: The Hypercoaster That Bites Back

Skyrush opened in 2012 as Hersheypark’s flagship Intamin hypercoaster, climbing 200 feet before launching into a winged-seating layout with intense lap-bar restraints. The ride’s reputation for delivering brutal thigh forces during high-speed turns has made it polarizing among enthusiasts — some swear it’s the best airtime ride east of the Mississippi, others find the lap-bar pressure painful.

According to Roller Coaster Database, Skyrush reaches 75 mph and delivers approximately 4.5 G’s at multiple points throughout its 3,600-foot layout.

Candymonium: The Newer Hyper

Candymonium opened in 2020 as Hersheypark’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster, standing 210 feet tall and reaching 76 mph. The Bolliger & Mabillard hyper offers smoother airtime than Skyrush and has become a fan favorite for its open-air seating and sustained negative-G hills. The two hypercoasters together give Hersheypark a one-two punch that few regional parks match.

For more on what makes the hypercoaster category so dominant in modern parks, our breakdown of every type of roller coaster explained covers the engineering principles behind these 200-foot giants.

Storm Runner: The Launched Coaster Pioneer

Storm Runner opened in 2004 as one of the first hydraulic-launch coasters at a regional park, accelerating to 75 mph in 2 seconds. The 150-foot top hat element and three subsequent inversions still hold up two decades later. The launch sensation remains genuinely shocking even for riders who’ve experienced newer launched coasters.

Wildcat’s Revenge: The RMC Hybrid

Wildcat’s Revenge replaced the original Wildcat wooden coaster in 2023 with a Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid retrofit, keeping the wooden support structure but adding steel rails and a 140-foot drop with multiple inversions. The world’s longest single rail loop is among Wildcat’s Revenge’s signature elements.

Family Coaster Variety

Beyond the headliners, Hersheypark operates SooperDooperLooper (the East Coast’s first looping coaster from 1977), Comet (a classic 1946 wooden coaster), and Cocoa Cruiser (a junior coaster perfect for first-time riders). The park’s intentional blend of family and thrill rides makes it one of the better multi-generational destinations on the East Coast.

For families weighing Hersheypark against other regional options, our roundup of the best water parks in the United States for families covers the increasingly important water park gates that pair with theme parks like Hersheypark’s adjacent Boardwalk water area.

How to Plan a Hersheypark Day

Coverage from Coaster101 consistently ranks Hersheypark among the top 15 amusement parks in North America, and the park earns particular praise for its capacity management. Multi-day Sweet Access tickets paired with a stay at one of the Hershey-owned hotels include early entry that effectively eliminates lines on Skyrush and Candymonium for the first hour. The park’s chocolate-town setting also offers a town walkable enough to combine with Chocolate World, the spa, and the Hershey Story museum for a multi-day trip that doesn’t feel repetitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many roller coasters does Hersheypark have?

Hersheypark operates 15 roller coasters as of 2026, ranging from family models to two hypercoasters and an RMC hybrid.

What is the tallest coaster at Hersheypark?

Candymonium stands 210 feet tall, making it Hersheypark’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.

Is Hersheypark open year-round?

No, Hersheypark operates seasonally from late April through early January, including the Christmas Candylane holiday event.

Does admission to Hersheypark include the water park?

Yes, the Boardwalk water park area is included with regular Hersheypark admission, unlike most other regional parks that charge separately.

What’s the closest airport to Hersheypark?

Harrisburg International Airport is about 20 minutes from Hersheypark; Philadelphia and Baltimore are roughly 2 hours away.

The post 6 Ultimate Hersheypark Coaster and Family Highlights appeared first on ThrillZing.

Ursa Major is the steel launched coaster that joined Dollywood’s impressive lineup, bringing a modern thrill experience to the Smoky Mountains. Named after the constellation (the Great Bear), this ride combines a powerful launch with a terrain-hugging layout that takes full advantage of Dollywood’s mountainous setting.

The coaster was built to complement Dollywood’s existing roster, which includes the legendary Lightning Rod (the world’s first launched wooden coaster) and the family-favorite Wild Eagle (the first wing coaster in America). Ursa Major adds a different flavor of thrill, focusing on sustained speed and aggressive directional changes. Learn more at Dollywood’s official site.

Ride Experience

Ursa Major launches riders out of the station and into a layout that winds through the Tennessee hillside. The terrain interaction is a hallmark of Dollywood coasters, and Ursa Major is no exception. The track dips into valleys, sweeps around ridgelines, and delivers moments of airtime that are amplified by the natural elevation changes of the landscape.

The ride features multiple inversions and high-speed turns that take advantage of the launch speed. Unlike lift-hill coasters that gradually lose energy throughout the layout, launched coasters can maintain higher speeds through later elements, keeping the intensity consistent from start to finish.

Dollywood’s Growing Reputation

Dollywood has quietly become one of the best theme parks in the United States. Its combination of world-class coasters, stunning natural beauty, Southern hospitality, and Dolly Parton’s personal charm has earned it a devoted following. The addition of Ursa Major strengthens an already impressive coaster collection and gives thrill seekers another reason to make the trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

For enthusiasts planning a Dollywood visit, Ursa Major pairs perfectly with Lightning Rod for a day of launched coaster thrills. Check ThrillZing’s blog for tips on getting the most out of your visit.

The post Ursa Major. appeared first on ThrillZing.