Summer is officially wrapping up at Hersheypark, and with it comes the end of the road for a beloved water ride that’s been splashing guests for more than three decades.
Tidal Force Rides Off Into the Sunset
September 7, 2026, marks the final day of Hersheypark’s 120th summer operating season, and it also brings the permanent closure of Tidal Force, the 32-year-old ride located on The Boardwalk. The Hershey, Pennsylvania, theme park first revealed plans to retire the attraction earlier this year, confirming then that it would close once the summer season concluded.
Hersheypark made it official on Sunday, September 6, posting a farewell message on social media:
After 32 years, it’s time for Tidal Force to set sail. Visit us for one last ride through Monday 🌊🌈
Tidal Force has thrilled — and drenched — riders since debuting in 1994, sending guests up a 100-foot incline before a splashdown that reaches speeds exceeding 50 mph. Hersheypark hasn’t explained its reasoning for closing the ride, nor has the park revealed any plans for what might eventually fill the now-empty space on The Boardwalk.
Not Quite the End of the Season
While Labor Day marks the close of Hersheypark’s main summer season, founded generations ago by chocolatier Milton Hershey, the park isn’t shutting down entirely. Starting September 12, Hersheypark will reopen every weekend through November 1, 2026, bringing back its two annual fall events: the family-friendly Hersheypark Halloween by day and the horror-themed Dark Nights after dark. Both are included with standard admission, though guests can pay extra for Fast Track access or tasting passes.
Most weekends through November 1 will follow this schedule:
- Friday: Hersheypark from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Dark Nights from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Hersheypark from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Dark Nights from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Hersheypark from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Dark Nights from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Guests should still check the park’s official calendar before planning a visit, as hours are subject to change.
What Comes After Halloween
Once the Halloween season wraps on November 1, Hersheypark will transition to its holiday event, Christmas Candylane, which runs on select dates through January 3, 2027. The celebration features more than two million lights throughout the park, meet-and-greets with Santa and his reindeer, and holiday overlays on select roller coasters.
The park will close for the winter following Christmas Candylane, typically reopening sometime in early April, though Hersheypark has not yet announced an exact date for its 2027 reopening.
Have you ever visited Hersheypark? Share your favorite memories with Disney Dining in the comments!
