Bringing food in Hershey Park???

[daisy1234]

We always bring snack foods for the kids when we go to parks especially on hot days. Dutch wonderland is owned by Hershey and they let us bring in small snacks and water bottles...we left our cooler in the car. Someone told me they are very strict about foods and snacks at Hershey...is this true? Thanks!

 

[ranthony]

We were there for their Soring preview weekend in April and they were checking all bags and announcing the "no food" policy as we were waiting in line.

I've only had this one experience at HP but I would bet they are strict all year round.

 

[Mulan2]

We were just there over the Memorial Day weekend and we were very surprised that no one checked our bags!!! Where was the security? Who knows??
Anyway, we had a great time. That Farenheit ride was awesome!!

 

[daisy1234]

I guess I could just pack a few emergency snacks and waters...if they check I'll just keep them on top...if they tell me to toss them ...fine...if not...great...will make my life easier and a tad cheaper! I can't wait to get there! I am hoping my 3 and 6 year olds will have a great time!

 

[jcc0621]

WHen we go we always have 1 water bottle per person and some fruit snacks and stuff for DS and we are never questioned about it, even though they check our bags

 

[ntink]

We have been going to Hershey every summer for the past 6 years. We always bring our own water and a few specific snacks that the kids like and have never had a problem. However, from the HersheyPark website:

RESTRICTED ITEMS
Picnic lunches and food items are not permitted inside the Park picnic areas are available outside the park. Guests with special dietary needs please go here for helpful information. Sealed water bottles will be permitted (one per person).

 

[daisy1234]

Great ...thansk everyone....I'm glad you mentione dthe sealed water bottles! Especially with this 100 degree weather...we'll be taking 4 in! Thanks!

 

[jennilynn510]

we were there in april with for our company picnic. i had several baggies of oreos, crackers etc in my bag which was searched & no one said a word.

 

[puffkin]

We have never been stopped for taking a few snacks/drinks in. It is more in place for people bringing in coolers and picnic lunches.

We usually grab sandwiches and leave them in the cooler in the car and take a lunch break. They have some picnic tables and stuff in the parking area and sometimes we just sit under a tree to eat.

 

[Luvdancink]

They will give you cups of ice water for free at any of the stands where they sell fountain sodas.

 

[3darlings]

We were there last Thursday night and Friday day. I brought lots of water bottles (it was hot!) and plenty of snacks. We went thru security twice and had no problems. They did want to look through every bag inside of the big bag. A bit off topic, but I highly recommend doing the preview the night before you are going (you can get in 2 1/2 hours before closing the night before the day of your ticket.) It was fantastic! Almost all the rides were walk ons except Fahnfeit which was about 10-15 minutes. We stayed the night at a Hampton Inn right down the street from the real chocolate factory. Then the next morning we arrived at opening and did all the water rides/slides as walk ons. By 1 p.m., the lines were terrible everywhere (Farhnheit was up to 1 1/2 hrs) and incredibly hot but we had already done all the big things! It worked out perfectly and made for a much more enjoyable visit. I highly recommend this approach although I am not so sure it would work as well on Friday night/Saturday. My guess is the preview is busier on Friday night.

 

[daisy1234]

thanks everyone...WE just got back from a great day!!!! Yes...we did bring our bottles and water and snacks....they just lefted our bag and peaked in...no rumaging through! WE still spent $50 on food and drinks anyway! It was sooo much fun! great weather and no crowds except the water park....we passed as our kids 3 ansd 6 could have easily gotten lost in the chaos! Lines were only for the big coasters!