Victoria Wade, Author at ThemeParkHipster

Best Hersheypark Roller Coasters Mix'd Jolly Rancher Roller Coaster

7 Best Roller Coasters at Hersheypark You MUST Ride

Are you ready to take a ride on the BEST roller coasters at Hersheypark?

Most northern United States theme park lovers are mostly familiar with Hersheypark. To backtrack a bit, Hershey was a company town created by Milton Hershey.

Amongst his plans was a leisure park for the employees. On May 30, 1096, Hersheypark was born!

The first big event was a baseball game with other events and performances that took place on the land over the years. Hersheypark would not get its first coaster, Wildcat, until 1923, which is still there today. It was placed to commemorate the park’s 20th anniversary.

In the park’s 115-year history, 142 attractions have come and go, with 72 currently in operation today. It now boasts several themed lands including the latest addition, Chocolatetown, which was the park’s most expensive addition in the park’s history.

Hersheypark has become a rite of passage for some families to experience their first coasters and perfect for solo travelers to get their thrills, enjoy delicious food and have a great time.

Guests can even take a quick stroll to Zooamerica, which showcases over 200 animals from five regions of north America year-round and part of your park ticket admission.

Duff Man Beer in Simpsons Land at Universal Studios Florida

Top 10 Fun Things to Do at Universal Orlando for Adults (2022)

Are you looking for some fun things to do at Universal Orlando Resort that’s perfect for adults?

The Universal Orlando Resort has the reputation of being the polar opposite of its neighbor, Walt Disney World. Universal Orlando also has the ability to cater to families and solo travelers, with its well-balanced attractions, shows and dining options.

Ultimately, with its plethora of thrill attractions combined with its over the top and full of energy events, it can occasionally give its competitors a run for their money.

And this is BEFORE, we come upon the addition of Epic Universe and AFTER, the beloved addition of VelociCoaster in Islands of Adventure.

Today, I will be focusing on the “big kids” and what they can do while they visit the park. From its immersive themed resort hotels, exciting nightlife at CityWalk and, of course, the theme parks, there are a few hidden gems that you may miss out on during your visits.

Not to worry, I’ll drop some good ones for you to add to your list! Let’s dive in.

Pocahontas and Meeko sail down Discovery River as part of the holiday celebrations happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kent Phillips photographer

Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World?

Question of the Week: Where to meet Disney World characters inside the parks?

One of the things frequent Disney parks visitors have been looking forward to the most since they reopened during the pandemic, was the return of Disney character meet-and-greet experiences.

These experiences are essential to what makes the Disney parks so special. Everyone, no matter the age, always recalls how special it is when they meet Mickey Mouse for the very first time.

Every person nostalgically looks back on that moment when they met their favorite princess, Pixar or Star Wars character in real life in the parks.

This is because these characters are given so much life, personality and relatability. The ability to be able to see a part of yourself in these characters are what truly make these such pivotal and iconic moments in the lives of those who visit.

Disney Genie Plus vs Lightning Lane: Everything You MUST KNOW!

We have officially left the FastPass era and have entered the new golden era of Disney Genie and Lightning Lane. In early August of this year, Disney Parks provided us with the first details regarding Disney Genie, the new in park planning tool within the My Disney Experience app.

They also mentioned that the system would debut at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts this Fall.

This new addition was first announced during the 2019 D23 Expo and Disney had been tight lipped ever since up until that point.

In early September, rumblings sparked that Cast Members were beginning their training. Finally, Disney Genie’s rollout was announced to debut on October 19th at Walt Disney World, with Disneyland’s version following shortly with no date reveal as of this post yet.

Those who do not frequent the parks often might be overwhelmed by such a big change that is highly dependent on the My Disney Experience app. But many of your questions will be answered here today, so have no worries or fears!

Today, I will be going over Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, Lightning Lane and everything in between that comes with it!

This includes how to navigate, purchase, what is included and much more.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Harambe Railway Station Sign

Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Animal Kingdom’s Best Kept Secret

Have you ever heard of Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

I find that when guests visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, most people are so focused on getting to the Avatar: World of Pandora, Expedition Everest or any of the other bigger attractions.

What people fail to remember is the purpose of the park, which is to educate about nature, creatures and how to help with conservation.

Guests also fail to take some time to slow their roll. And so, Disney decided to resolve that problem with Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It’s so hidden that most guests do not even realize what or where it is despite it being on a park map or asking questions to Cast Members.

And yes, Rafiki’s Planet Watch is still open at Animal Kingdom.

Now if you prefer certain attractions or shows, that’s understandable. However, allow me to gather your attention as we dive into what makes Rafiki’s Planet Watch worth a visit.

Disney Magic Kingdom Cinderella rose gold castle during the 50th Anniversary

5 BEST Shoes for Walking Around Disney World (2022)

Are you looking for the absolute BEST shoes for Disney World?

One of the few things we fail to consider when we prepare for our visit to theme parks is the footwear. I personally average 13-14k steps during one theme park day where on a normal day, I hit 9-10k steps.

Safe to say, leg day will be every day during your Disney visit. When visiting the Sunshine State, you should be mindful to make sure your hydrated in order to adjust to the Florida heat and humidity.

What you will most likely not get told is to get comfortable shoes. You will have to be ready to stand in long lines and walk for several hours.

Comfort and care for your feet should be one of your biggest considerations. The question remains then, “What kind of shoes should I wear to Walt Disney World?”

You will want to consider a shoe that will give you sole support, especially in your arch and heel. Also, you will want something with some sort of cushioning and not too tight. You wouldn’t want to get any pain or injuries that could do damage.

I have compiled a list of some appropriate footwear from Amazon that would best fit the needs of a theme park visitor!

Links will be included for easy access and some in fact I own and have been given the theme park test and seal of approval. If you have suggestions that you didn’t see on the list, be sure to share in our Facebook group!

Fantasmic At Disney’s Hollywood Studios: See The Stars Like Never Before!

One of the Crown Jewels of Hollywood Studios at Disney is its nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! It’s the best way to end your park day and highly recommended to at least see once.

You will join Mickey Mouse as he faces off with some familiar Disney villains such as Scar, Ursula, Jafar and Maleficent.

His dreams turn into an overwhelming nightmare and you will dive in with him as he goes through the laughs, romance and adventure that we have seen in some beloved Disney classic films.

But how did such a nighttime spectacular come to be? Is it one of its kind or one of many?

We will answer these questions and share the history of the show. We’re also going to share some tips and tricks on how to best navigate your journey into Mickey Mouse’s dreams.

Flume Water Ride at Islands of Adventure

5 Best Rides and Attractions at Islands of Adventure for Solo Travelers

Are you ready to go on a virtual ride through some of the best attractions at Islands of Adventure?

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a casual rider, Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure really serves up attractions for everyone! Yes! Even you, solo traveler!

The theme of Islands of Adventure (IOA) and its lands are all inspired by books. If you pay attention to the lands of IOA, they are based on stories of some sort.

Marvel Superhero Island and Toon Lagoon is comic books, Lost Continent is based on Greek Mythology, Seuss Landing is based on the Dr. Seuss stories, Jurassic Park is based on a book by Michael Crichton and of course, Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade is based on a location from the Harry Potter book series.

This park allows you to really test the limits of your imagination and step into the pages of these truly jaw dropping worlds. But while you’re in these spectacular places, you might want to enjoy some experiences.

In today’s list, I will be showcasing various attractions throughout the park that are especially perfect for solo travelers to enjoy! Let’s dive into some adventure, shall we?

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Figment Topiary

Figment at Epcot: The Purple Dragon Who Sparked YOUR Imagination!

Recently, the popularity of Figment at Epcot became the topic of global speculation, leading to some slight ridicule of adult Disney fans as the world could take a glimpse into the Disney fan bubble.

Publications like CNN and platforms like Twitter and TikTok showcased hours long lines during Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts for what?

A Figment shaped popcorn bucket filled with rainbow flavored popcorn.

These buckets started memes and were being sold on Ebay for hundreds of dollars for an item that cost no more than $20. But this raised the question to outsiders of the fandom, “Who is Figment?”

Epcot purists and Disney fans alike debate about Journey into Imagination, home to the purple dragon. One thing we usually all agree on is that Figment is a delight and that his legacy in Epcot is important.

And yes, the Figment ride is STILL at Epcot…

Join me as I dive into the history of Figment the purple dragon who has sparked the imagination of people for generations!

Kraken Roller Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando

5 BEST SeaWorld Orlando Rides You MUST DO!

Are you ready to take on the BEST SeaWorld Orlando rides for your visit?

Even this solo traveler has some firsts and recently, I completed another one!

At the urging of some friends, I was convinced to visit SeaWorld Orlando for the first time ever. I went in with little research, which I would never recommend you do.

The only reason I didn’t was that I was being guided by very knowledgeable and trusting annual passholder friends and I wanted my experience to be pure.

SeaWorld Orlando opened just two years after Magic Kingdom on December 15, 1973.

With the addition of Discovery Cove and Aquatica parks, it’s the third of the SeaWorld Chain and the message and theme is the same: Conservation and the Ocean.

Almost 50 years since its opening, the park brings in 4.6 million visitors every year.