119-Year-Old Theme Park Announces Final Day Approaching for Ticketed Guests

A Six Flags theme park competitor has announced on social media that all guests must adhere to the expiring tickets as the end of the season approaches. This means many guests will not be able to walk through the gates of this 119-year-old theme park.

Guests riding Candymonium at Hersheypark, the theme park roller coaster — Credit: Hersheypark

Theme Park Makes Difficult Announcement to Millions of Guests

It’s the kind of message no theme park guest wants to see flash across their phone: a reminder that time has run out. For Hersheypark fans, that reality has arrived. Buried in the fine print of summer passes and tickets lies a date that now matters more than ever—September 7, 2025.

This isn’t just another casual calendar update. It’s a final call that could leave families, friends, and thrill-seekers locked out of one of Pennsylvania’s biggest attractions. For those who haven’t double-checked the details of their Hersheypark summer ticket, tomorrow could be the difference between sweet memories and bitter disappointment.

So what exactly is happening, and what can you do to make sure you don’t waste your hard-earned money—or your last chance to experience Hersheypark this season? Let’s break it down.

family with Hersheypark character in front of Candymonium rolller coaster — Credit: Hersheypark

Hersheypark Issues Official Ticket Expiration Alert

On September 6, Hersheypark made an urgent post on its official social media channel, X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Be sure to check the expiration date of your #Hersheypark ticket – all summer tickets expire TOMORROW Sept. 7, which is the last day they can be used!” – @hersheypark on X

📣 SWEET REMINDER ‼️

Be sure to check the expiration date of your #Hersheypark ticket – all summer tickets expire TOMORROW Sept. 7, which is the last day they can be used!

⏳ Hours: https://t.co/18abxi8zUS
🍫 See you soon for more #HersheyparkHappy: https://t.co/SB4nu81FzD pic.twitter.com/dV0qUJ7W7R

— Hersheypark (@Hersheypark) September 6, 2025

This means all summer-specific tickets will officially expire after September 7, 2025. Guests arriving beyond that date will not be able to use them for entry, regardless of when they were purchased. Unlike season passes, which remain valid for the duration of the purchased season, these one-time summer tickets are now on the clock.

jolly rancher remix at hersheypark, where as theme park incident took place. — Credit: Hersheypark

How Guests Can Still Make It Into the Park

If you’re holding onto a summer ticket, here’s how to secure your spot before the deadline:

Arrive early – Expect heavier-than-usual crowds as locals rush to use their last available day. Getting there at opening could save you hours in line.
Use the Hersheypark app – Check real-time ride wait times, mobile food ordering, and even locate the fastest walking paths between attractions.
Plan for parking delays – With a surge of last-minute visitors, leave at least 30–45 minutes extra for arrival and entry.
Double-check your ticket type – Some promotions or partner deals may look like “summer tickets” but carry different rules. Verify through the park’s official site or guest services before heading out.

Candymonium roller coaster, one of the most popular theme park attractions at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where a theme park incident took place. — Credit: Hersheypark

Insider Hacks for a Sweet Final Visit

For those sprinting to Hersheypark before the deadline, here are a few insider tricks to maximize your day:

Hidden entrance hack: Skip the main gates by parking near the Chocolate World entrance, where security and entry lines often move faster.
Ride strategy: Hit popular coasters like Candymonium and Fahrenheit early, as they draw the longest waits. Save family rides and water attractions for mid-afternoon lulls.
Food shortcut: While most head to The Chocolatier restaurant, locals know the Boardwalk’s “Dispatch Pizzeria” serves big portions with shorter waits.
Stay late: Hersheypark often clears out in the final two hours, making it the best time to re-ride your favorites with minimal lines.

A Ferris wheel with rainbow-colored accents on its spokes rises against a clear blue sky at a theme park, viewed from below. The white gondolas are evenly spaced around the vibrant wheel at Hersheypark. — Credit: Hersheypark

Why This Deadline Matters to Fans

For Hersheypark, this expiration isn’t just about crowd management—it’s about keeping the season on schedule. But for fans, it’s personal. Missing the cutoff means losing the chance to ride roller coaster favorites, indulge in seasonal food offerings, and close out summer with family traditions.

Social media already shows mixed reactions: some thanking the park for the reminder, others panicking over forgotten tickets buried in wallets or desk drawers. Historically, Hersheypark has seen a surge in attendance on “final-call” days like this, with crowds swelling beyond average summer numbers.

For families in Pennsylvania and neighboring states, the emotional weight is clear: use it now, or lose it forever.

Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane at this 119-year-old theme park. — Credit; Hersheypark

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on This Theme Park

If you’ve got Hersheypark summer tickets, tomorrow—September 7, 2025—is the absolute last chance to use them. After that, they’ll expire with no rollover, refund, or second chances.

Whether you’re chasing one last ride on Candymonium, taking in the smell of chocolate wafting through the park, or creating family memories that stick longer than melted candy on a hot day, this is your moment.

Don’t let your sweet summer end on a sour note. Check your ticket, grab your bag, and head to Hersheypark before it’s too late.