Hersheypark Accessibility Guide: Wheelchair, DAS, and What to Know

How Hersheypark's Accessibility Program Works

Hersheypark does not use Disney's DAS (Disability Access Service) or a priority-queue accommodation. Their program is called the Ride Accessibility Program, and it works through a paper-based boarding pass system rather than a digital return time queue.

The boarding pass lists specific attractions the guest can access through alternate entrances. When you arrive at a ride using the accessible entrance, team members will assist from there. The boarding pass is tailored to each individual guest based on the questionnaire they complete upon arrival.

How to Enroll

Location: Accessibility Services is in a dedicated building on the left side of Ticketing Services, outside the front gate. It opens 30 minutes before the park does, plan to be there before general park opening.

Process: 1. Visit Accessibility Services upon arrival 2. Complete and sign the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire 3. Receive a wristband identifying you as a program participant 4. Receive your personalized boarding pass listing accessible attractions

Download the form early. Hersheypark offers the Ride Accessibility Questionnaire as a PDF download on their website. Completing it at home and printing it saves significant time at the gate, especially on crowded days when the Accessibility Services desk has a line.

Pre-registration: An Accessibility Application is also available online at hersheypark.com/accessibility-application. Submitting this before your visit may streamline the process further.

What the Boarding Pass Covers

The boarding pass is generated from your questionnaire responses and lists which rides you can access through alternate (accessible) entrances. Team members at each ride are trained to identify the wristband and direct participants appropriately.

The program is not identical across guests, the boarding pass is individualized based on the nature of your disability and the specific attractions where accommodations apply.

Wheelchair and ECV Rentals

• Manual wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent at the park
• Weight limit: 450 lbs for both manual chairs and ECVs
• Must be 18 or older to rent
• Quantities are limited, first come, first served
• Rentals are available near the main entrance

Bring your own if possible. Supply is limited on peak days and the park cannot guarantee availability when they run out. Guests are welcome to use personal wheelchairs and mobility devices throughout the park.

Note: Most attractions have specific accessibility notes in the Ride Safety and Accessibility Guide (PDF on the Hersheypark website), so check before your visit which rides accommodate wheelchairs vs. which require transferring to ride vehicles.

Guests with ASD or Sensory Processing Differences

Hersheypark has thoughtfully addressed sensory needs with dedicated quiet areas in two park locations: - Pioneer Frontier area Guest Services, inside the Family Health and Services Center - Kissing Tower Hill

These areas provide privacy and relief from crowds, noise, and visual stimulation. Staff at Guest Services can direct you to whichever is closest to your current location.

For guests with ASD or SPD, the Ride Accessibility Program still applies, complete the questionnaire and note sensory-related needs. The program accommodates situations where standard queues are problematic due to sensory overload.

Dietary and Allergen Accommodations

• Flying Fare (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) specializes in allergy-friendly options including gluten-friendly and nut-friendly meals
• Overlook Food Court is the main allergen-friendly dining guide location with clear labeling
• The Hersheypark app includes food allergy filters for dining locations

Tips for Accessible Visits

• Arrive early. Accessibility Services opens 30 minutes before the park. Getting your wristband and boarding pass before the crowds arrive makes the rest of the day smoother.
• Use the app for wait times. When accessible queues are available, wait times are still relevant. Shorter lines mean less time standing or waiting in any queue format.
• Ask at Guest Services. Staff throughout the park are trained to assist. Any team member at a ride entrance can explain the accessible boarding process for that specific attraction.
• Bring documentation if relevant. While the questionnaire is designed to be the intake form, some guests bring documentation from healthcare providers to clarify needs. It's not required but can prevent ambiguity.
• Check the Rider Safety and Accessibility Guide. The PDF on Hersheypark's website lists ride-by-ride accessibility notes, weight restrictions, physical requirements, and which rides do not accommodate certain mobility devices.

What Hersheypark Does Not Offer

• No digital return time system like Disney's DAS or Cedar Fair's Attraction Accessibility Program
• No dedicated accessibility-only lanes at every ride, accommodations vary by attraction
• No guarantee of wheelchair/ECV rental availability on peak days