Tidal Force Closure
Hersheypark permanently closes its 32-year-old Tidal Force water ride after the summer season.
Anonymous
Key Points
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Hersheypark had announced Tidal Force’s retirement earlier in 2026, with the ride scheduled to close when the summer operating season ended.
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Hersheypark’s fall events, Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, are included with standard admission; optional Fast Track access and tasting passes cost extra.
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Most fall operating weekends are scheduled to run Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.; Dark Nights runs later on each of those days.
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Tidal Force’s splashdown also soaked spectators near the ride, not just passengers, making its closure notable for guests who watched the attraction from The Boardwalk.
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Hersheypark had not announced its exact 2027 reopening date, and visitors were advised to consult the park’s official calendar because fall hours could change.
Hersheypark closed its iconic Tidal Force water ride on September 7, 2026, ending a 32-year run at the Pennsylvania amusement park. Lehigh Valley Live reported that the Boardwalk attraction made its final voyage on Labor Day after more than three decades of thrilling visitors with 100-foot climbs and 50+ mph splashdowns. The park has not explained why it retired the ride or what will replace it.
The closure marks the end of Hersheypark's 120th summer season. The park will stay open on weekends through November 1, featuring Halloween events and Dark Nights attractions before shifting to Christmas Candylane dates. Wide Open Country noted the decision came after the park announced several changes to its Boardwalk area this year.
A Water Ride Icon for Three Decades
Tidal Force opened in 1994 and became a signature water attraction at Hersheypark. The ride launched riders up a 100-foot incline before sending them down at speeds exceeding 50 mph. SI Live reported that the splash zone soaked not just riders but spectators standing nearby on The Boardwalk, making it a memorable part of the park's atmosphere for families and visitors.
Fall Events Continue With Weekend-Only Hours
Hersheypark remains open most weekends from September 12 through November 1 with two major events. Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights are included with regular admission. Most fall weekends run Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 9 p.m., though Dark Nights extends later.
Optional add-ons like Fast Track passes and tasting passes cost extra. The park did not announce its exact 2027 reopening date, so visitors should check the official calendar because fall hours may change without notice.
Holiday Season Shifts Away From Drive-Thru Format
Hersheypark ended another attraction this year: Hershey Sweet Lights. Inside the Magic confirmed that the drive-thru holiday light show will not return after 20 seasons. The park is redirecting focus toward expanding its Christmas Candylane experience instead of offering the separate drive-thru experience.
No Details on Tidal Force Replacement
Hersheypark has remained silent about why Tidal Force closed or what attraction might take its place. The park announced the retirement earlier in 2026 but provided no explanation for the decision. Fans and visitors have been left to speculate about the Boardwalk's future without official details from park leadership.
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