Exploring Chocolate World and The Chocolatier
This summer, my family and I have been spending a lot of time in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It’s an exciting experience to bring my husband and our three children, ages 4, 3, and 18 months, back to my hometown and take advantage of all the activities and attractions the area has to offer. One of our favorite things to do as parents of toddlers is to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and indulge in a meal at The Chocolatier.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is a perfect destination for families with young kids. Located just outside Hersheypark, Chocolate World houses the famous Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, which is FREE and an absolute must-see. As we wait in line for the ride, we are surrounded by photos of Milton Hershey, HersheyPark, and the surrounding areas, along with a brief history of Hershey, PA. The best part is that the tour runs continuously throughout the day (don’t forget to grab the delicious free chocolate sample at the end of the tour!).
Inside Chocolate World, you can find various food options, and a visit to the World’s Largest HERSHEY’S Store is a must. There, you can check out aisles and aisles of unique gifts, chocolate-themed apparel, and sweet souvenirs, not to mention all the delightful candies from HERSHEY’s family of brands.
Check out my video experience below!
It’s important to note that Chocolate World is wheelchair and stroller accessible; HOWEVER, if you are bringing in a stroller, you will need to park it in their designated stroller area before getting on the Chocolate Tour ride. The stroller area is located outside of the building in a covered area. Car seats and chest carriers are allowed on the ride.
Insider tip: Ride during the first and last two hours of the day when the crowd is usually lighter.
Additionally, Chocolate World offers other fantastic experiences, such as the Great Candy Expedition, Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Unwrapped, and Hershey Trolley Works. Ticket information for these attractions can be found on the Chocolate World website.
After we wrap up at Chocolate World, and before we head to The Chocolatier, we always make a quick stop at the inviting entrance of Hersheypark. The kids love measuring themselves next to the Hershey characters, taking pictures with their favorite sweets, and watching the coasters go by. While we plan to visit Hersheypark as a family next year, for now, we let the kids safely get some wiggles out and enjoy these surroundings. Plus, with a new addition to the family on the way, it feels best to wait until next year for the full park experience.
Next up, we head over to The Chocolatier for a delicious meal. This time, we started our day at The Chocolatier for their Character Breakfast, and it was truly a memorable experience for our family. The characters were available for photos and autographs, making it extra special for the kids. The breakfast buffet offered a delightful spread, including French toast sticks, mini pancakes, bacon, sausage, and more. The kids were thrilled to add sweet toppings like Mini Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s Pieces to their pancakes!
This particular dining experience did require advanced reservations through Open Door, but we did not have a problem scheduling it the day before. This could change during peak travel times. Our reservation also gave us FREE parking in the Season Pass Holder Lot, saving us the usual parking fee for Hersheypark visitors.
Hersheypark Season Pass Holders can also enjoy their Pass Discount for Breakfast with the Hershey Characters! Interested in a Season Pass? Check them out here!
Although this specific character breakfast experience ends on August 6, 2023, we were told by a Chocolatier employee that a special Christmas Breakfast Buffet with the Hershey characters AND Santa is planned again for the 2023 holiday season. If you’re interested in learning more about this holiday event, check out their website for updates.
Check out my video highlights of our breakfast below!
We absolutely adore our time spent in Hershey, and we try to visit every season. Being close to extended family and showing my own family around my hometown brings us so much joy. I’ll be continuously updating my blog with each visit we make to the area, so stay tuned for more updates on our sweet adventures in Hershey, PA!
Let me know in the comments if you are planning to book any Hershey travel days!