What is it like to Make Chocolate at Hersheypark? | CoachSweetTooth

Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey through Hersheypark? Let me take you through what it’s like to make chocolate at Hersheypark.

Making chocolate at Hersheypark is an experience like no other. You'll get to choose your own ingredients, design a personalized wrapper, and watch your creation come to life right before your eyes. The best part? You’ll take your candy bar home as a sweet souvenir from your Hersheypark adventure.

At Hersheypark, chocolate is a serious business. The park's Chocolate World attraction is a testament to that. With over 100 years of chocolate-making history, Hershey's Chocolate World is the perfect place to learn about the sweet treat we all love. I’ve done all the research on your behalf to provide you with all the details you need to know to make the most of your visit to Hersheypark.

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Making Chocolate at Hersheypark

If you're looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family, making chocolate at Hersheypark's Chocolate World is a must-try experience.

Not only will you get to learn about the history of chocolate making at Hersheypark, but you'll also get to see and participate in the chocolate-making process yourself.

You’ll be taken on a trolley ride through the park's Chocolate Adventure attraction, where you'll learn about the history of chocolate and get to taste a free sample. But that's not all! You’ll also go to the Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction, where you'll get to make your very own chocolate bar.

History of Chocolate Making at Hersheypark

Milton Hershey, the founder of Hershey's Chocolate World, was passionate about chocolate making and was determined to create a high-quality product that would be affordable for everyone. He established the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894 and built a chocolate factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he used fresh milk from local dairy farms to make his chocolate.

Today, Hersheypark's Chocolate World offers guests a journey through the history of chocolate making at Hershey's. You can take an old-fashioned trolley ride through the park and learn about how Milton Hershey built his chocolate empire.

The Chocolate-Making Process

Making chocolate at Hersheypark is a fun and interactive experience that allows you to learn about the ingredients and assembly lines used to create your favorite chocolate treats.

During your visit to Hershey's Chocolate World, you'll get to see and participate in the chocolate-making process. You'll get to see a live demonstration of how Hershey's chocolate is made, from roasting the cocoa beans to molding the chocolate into candy bars.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Ingredients Used

Hersheypark uses a combination of chocolate, milk, and chocolate chips to create their delicious treats.

The chocolate used in the process is typically dark chocolate, which has a cocoa content of 33-65%. Milk is also used to create a creamy texture, and chocolate chips are added for flavor and texture.

Assembly Line

Once the ingredients have been selected, the chocolate-making process moves to the assembly line. The assembly line typically consists of 1-6 stations, each with a specific purpose.

  1. At the first station, the chocolate is melted down and mixed with milk to create a creamy texture.
  2. At the second station, the chocolate is tempered to ensure it has the right texture and consistency.
  3. The third station is where the chocolate is molded into the desired shape, and the fourth station is where the chocolate is cooled and hardened.
  4. The fourth station is where the finishing touches are done to the chocolate.
  5. At the fifth station, any additional ingredients such as nuts or caramel, are added to the chocolate.
  6. The chocolate is packaged and prepared for sale at the final station.

How to Create Your Own Candy Bar

If you're visiting Hersheypark, you don't want to miss the opportunity to create your own candy bar at Hershey's Chocolate World. You’ll choose your ingredients and customize your own candy bar.

Choose Your Ingredients

You'll be given the option to select up to three ingredients from a variety of choices, including chocolate cookie bits, pretzels, toffee crunch, and more.

You can choose to have your candy bar filled with one ingredient or mix and match it to create a unique flavor.

Designing Your Wrapper

Once you've selected your ingredients, you'll move on to designing your own wrapper. You can choose from a variety of pre-designed wrappers or create your own using the available templates. You can add your name, a special message, or even a photo to make your candy bar truly one-of-a-kind.

After making your selections, you'll watch as your candy bar is created right before you. You'll see the ingredients being mixed and melted down before being poured into a mold to create chocolate bars. Once it's cooled and hardened, your candy bar will be wrapped and ready to take home.

With a variety of ingredients and wrapper designs to choose from, you can create a candy bar that is truly your own. And with the option to add sprinkles on top, your candy bar will be the perfect sweet treat to enjoy at the park or take home as a souvenir.

Additional Attractions at Hersheypark

If you're visiting Hersheypark, there's more to do than just making chocolate. Here are some other attractions you might want to check out:

Hershey's Chocolate Tour

Take a ride on the Hershey's Chocolate Tour and learn about the chocolate-making process as you also create your own candy bar review.

You'll get to see how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate and even get a chance to taste some samples. This ride is suitable for all ages and a great way to learn more about the history of Hershey's chocolate.

Hershey Trolley Works

Hop on an old-fashioned trolley and take a ride through Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction. You'll learn about the town's history and see some of its most famous landmarks.

The trolley ride is narrated, so you'll get a lot of interesting information about the area. This is a great way to see the town and learn more about its history.

Souvenirs and Gifts

When you're done making chocolate, be sure to check out the gift shop. You'll find a wide variety of Hershey's chocolate products and other souvenirs and gifts.

You can purchase everything from t-shirts to mugs to keychains. This is a great place to pick up some gifts for friends and family back home.

Food and Drink Options

When you visit Hersheypark, you’ll find plenty of food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. With a variety of restaurants and snack stands throughout the park, you won't have to go far to find something delicious to eat or drink.

Food Court

The Hersheypark Food Court is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat. With a variety of options, including pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, there is something for everyone.

Plus, the Food Court is conveniently located near the entrance of the park, so you can grab a bite before you start your day of fun.

Sweet Treats

If you have a sweet tooth, Hersheypark has you covered. From classic Hershey's chocolate treats to unique desserts, there are plenty of sweet options to choose from.

Visit one of the many snacks stands throughout the park to try a chocolate-covered pretzel, a Hershey's milkshake, or a funnel cake dessert topped with your favorite candy.

Other Food Options

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, Hersheypark has plenty of food options to choose from. Visit the Pioneer Frontier area of the park for BBQ and smoked meats, or head to the Midway America section for classic American fare like hot dogs and fries.

For a healthier option, visit the Simply Grilled stand for grilled chicken, salads, and fruit cups. If you have any dietary restrictions, Hersheypark offers gluten-free and vegetarian food options at select restaurants throughout the park.

No matter what you're in the mood for, Hersheypark has plenty of food and drink options to choose from. So go ahead and indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a hearty meal – you're on vacation, after all!

Visitor Information for Hersheypark's Visitors

If you're planning a visit to Hersheypark to learn about chocolate-making, you should know a few things before you go. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect when you arrive.

Tickets and Pricing

To enter Hersheypark, you'll need to purchase a ticket. There are a variety of ticket options available, including single-day tickets and season passes.

Prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket you choose, so be sure to check the Hersheypark website for current ticket pricing information.

Opening Hours

Hersheypark is open year-round, but hours vary depending on the season. During the summer months, the park is typically open from early morning until late at night.

In the fall and winter, the park may have more limited hours. Check the Hersheypark website for current hours of operation before you go.

Hersheypark also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. These events can range from concerts and festivals to holiday-themed events like Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Check the events calendar on the Hersheypark website to see if there are any special events happening during your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Making chocolate at Hersheypark is a fun experience, perfect for all ages.
  • You get to experience the chocolate-making process from start to finish.
  • The process includes from roasting the cocoa beans to packaging the finished product.
  • You can customize your chocolate with different mix-ins and toppings.
  • With knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, the experience is informative and enjoyable.

About THE AUTHOR

Lori Gilmore

Lori Gilmore

Lori has been a Culinary Arts instructor for twenty years. She has taught in the public school setting, at the collegiate level and through adult continuing education as well as running several cooking and baking camps for children. She has participated in several cooking, cake & chocolate contests and has been well recognized. She has raised thousands of dollars for charities using the byline “Saving the World one Cupcake at a Time”. Additionally, she has had several articles regarding food published in various magazines.

Read More About Lori Gilmore