Candymonium Media Preview

Today, we were lucky enough to get a preview of a new-for-2020 coaster, Candymonium at Hersheypark. The anticipation for new roller coasters in 2020 has been high as we haven’t seen too many that have been able to open. Besides Orion at Kings Island and Texas Stingray at SeaWorld San Antonio, Candymonium is the only other coaster to open so far amidst the current pandemic and we were there to check it out!

Along with the new coaster, Hersheypark renovated their entire entry plaza and gate and it is extremely well done. As we see with some refurbishments, you sometimes get a sleek new area right next to an older area and it can feel a little off, but Hershey did a great job really seamlessly blending a new modern entry gate into the classic park. The brickwork matches perfectly with the next door Chocolate World and there are a number of easter eggs in the plaza including Hershey Kiss spires on the buildings and a giant Reese’s Cup in front of the main gate.

The new trend among parks seems to be creating an iconic main entrance with a roller coaster being primarily featured as the backdrop. Candymonium has been incorporated into the layout of Hersheypark to do just that. From the main plaza it towers over the entry gate and once you enter the park the coaster just begs you to photograph it. It is the very first thing you see and the landscaping is well on its way to developing it into quite the picturesque mascot for the park.

When you think of Hershey you think of all things chocolate and candy and the park has also realized this. We’ve seen them turn from ride themes and names such as Skyrush and Farenheit to Hershey Triple Tower, Reese’s Cupfusion, and now Candymonium. Hershey has decided to lean on what they do best to draw in the crowds and with Candymonium they have something that can represent them as a whole. The theming is Hershey itself and the iconic names behind the brand.

The track and supports are Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar colors and the train colors represent Twizzlers (red), Reese’s (yellow & orange), and Kisses (blue). We absolutely loved the station and the new signage that lines it, paying homage to these brands in new, fun, bright graphics. There was also plenty of multicolored lighting throughout the queue building and station, which promises to elevate Candymonium to a whole new level for night rides.

Candymonium has everything you would expect a new B&M Hyper to deliver: loads of airtime, quick turnarounds, and a smoothness that is second to none. The airtime hills give fantastic floater at the top of every single one, and the speed hill and off-axis airtime moment are a great indictor of what B&M have up their sleeve in the future.

There is also a really unique feature in between the two break runs, a smaller, low to the ground turnaround that gives Candymonium one final glossy element before it hits the final breaks. The trim breaks on the ride vary each time, sometimes only one hits, sometimes both, or sometimes none. However, when they were on, they added a unique feeling of being thrown over the airtime hills after each one, creating another mini drop of sorts.

The Hershey’s Kisses fountain is currently still under construction, but when it opens, it will give riders and observers alike a beautiful new feature to admire about Candymonium, and is a perfect example of parks incorporating “Instagrammable” features with their new additions. The foliage and scenery was under construction also, and when those trees are finally in place around the ride, it will give the coaster and area a whole new life, and bring a new feel to the experience.