Hershey's Dystopian Chocolate Ride

In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the candy garden is one of its most iconic set pieces. The Wonka Factory is a place audiences have wanted to visit for decades, but the now extinct Wonka ride at Alton Towers never really lived up to the promise. However, Hershey has had a chocolate factory dark ride open to the public since 1973 and it now currently resides in Hershey's Chocolate World. Today, we're going to take a look at the different iterations of this strange attraction and its often dystopian elements.
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[@4doorluxurysedan]

I think it'd be a lot of fun if an "educational" ride like this suddenly turned into a thrill ride after they were done teaching you

[@ohitsstar1241]

They could call that second half “Escape from the Ivory Coast”

[@tacodraws5012]

That's basically what Test Track is at Disney World, kinda

[@mouchiecat1]

Funny!! I used to say that!!

[@BallJoinedWing]

Solid bit

[@matthewzepess5721]

@@tacodraws5012love test track, if you want a never know the next move style rides, try journey to Atlantis at sea world Orlando. Minor splash mountain style ride that turns into a roller coaster finale out of nowhere.

[@lukesommer689]

Gotta love the effort and time he puts in to these

[@alexsullo9855]

When I was a kid in the 1990’s I loved this ride!

[@ButterFlyGardenBlossom]

Hello! I’m a person who lives around an hour to Hershey and goes there twice or three times a year, I’m happy you made a video on Hershey Park, Hershey Chocolate World, and the ride there in particular, it’s probably my favorite theme park that isn’t big budget. We used to go on the ride a lot, and we enjoyed it every time, but we couldn’t last time due to time constraints :(((

[@yasminemobley7858]

I used to live in Harrisburg, PA. I loved going to Chocolate World. I loved the little "dark ride" because all I smelled was chocolate. It was magical to little me.

[@Jaden.252]

God I wish the candy garden was real :((((

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

One day perhaps. It seems like a great idea and I have yet to understand why no one has really tried.

[@trevorshaw-mumford2150]

I have fond memories of the Hershey park and rides. That jingle however still torments me to this day...

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

You'll be singing it the rest of the day

[@CooperE.]

Honestly, I really enjoyed this ride when I went to Hershey. It is pretty much like what the original EPCOT pavilions were when they were heavily sponsored.

[@parkds]

Agreed. As a kid, I looked forward to riding this more than any of the real rides inside the park. The rides at EPCOT were my favorites at Disney as well. I think it was so smart of Hershey to put this chocolate ride outside the park, enabling it to be free to everyone and open year round.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It reminded me a bit of early EPCOT as well. It would be interesting to see a revival in World's Fair type of attractions.

[@ColonelCarnage]

I grew up on that ride I love it.

[@drpenguin57]

@@parkds I looked forward to chocolate world as a kid for the free chocolate bar at the end lol

[@lauriesmith4575]

Fun fact about Hershey in general: Milton S. Hershey originally booked passage on the Titanic, but cancelled at the last minute because it wouldn't arrive until later than he wanted. He cancelled his ticket, then booked passage on the German Amerika, which arrived back in America on the 7th of April instead of the 12th. In fact, the Amerika sent a warning to the Titanic that she passed several icebergs on the route Titanic would later take.

[@RubyofTrinity]

Hey there! Hershey native, here. Nice overview of the ride. As someone old enough to remember the original iteration (I had a vinyl place mat with the cocoa plantation scene on it, it is now framed and on display at the Hershey Historic Society), I'd like to add some notes and observations: - There are a lot of people who fondly remember the original iteration. Pretty much everyone local universally loathes the current version. The animatronic cows are terrifying, and we're all mad the original Worlds Fair mural in the boarding area was painted over. The test kitchen mannequin WAS animated at one time. She would turn her head, and her arm would move back and forth as if spreading frosting on the cake. - Chocolate was considered "nutritious" from its inception in the 16th c until about 1980 when people became deeply anti-sugar. It was the RedBull of its day, providing a burst of energy from the sugar and minor nutrition in the form of milk protein. To my knowledge, Hershey is still contracted to provide desserts for rations for the US military. - The cue line has also been updated multiple times along with the ride itself. The current version is three times the size it once was. Originally, it loaded near the "Make your own chocolate bar" area and took you up an incline to an elevated cue that featured jungle theming, and later monitors of people harvesting cocoa beans. It overlooked the retail area and you had to watch your head. I once had a kid drop his lunch box and it came within millimeters of hitting me. - No one likes the new "Taste the Love" song. As obnoxious as the old "Hershey's Chocolate" jingle could be, there is a fond nostalgia toward it much as there is toward the "It's a Small World" theme. - The retail area is also three times the size it once was. The atrium where the fountain and banana and cocoa trees are used to be all there was. The food court and extended retail area were all added in the early 90s. I worked there for two summers. It was not one of my better summer employment experiences. - Re Child labor: I'm sure this was an ongoing issue, but it's actually worse now than it was years ago. If you visit "The Hershey Story" museum, there is a whole sub-section about how Milton Hershey built company towns for all his workers-- this included exotic locations like Cuba and Africa. Not only did he provide housing, but also schools, hospitals, and orphanages after the tradition of the local Milton S Hershey School. Sadly, not much of these company towns survive today. I am given to understand there is only a single building surviving in Cuba, and it is currently a canteen for the Cuban military. - You used to be able to tour the original (now demolished) 1909 chocolate factory. It remained open to the public until the mid-1980s. My second grade class was one of the last public tours to go through in 1987. I still get people asking if they can tour the factory. For obvious health/safety/accessibility issues, this is no longer an option. - Hershey DOES still have a factory, but it's built behind the original site nearer to Hummelstown across the street from the Hershey recycling center. The 1909 factory simply could not be renovated any more, and was eventually torn down in 2012, much to the outrage of the locals. The HERSHEY smoke stacks and barberry bushes are still there. A delusional developer entertains dreams of turning the old cocoa bean silos into apartments. No one thinks this will actually work. - There is a tile mosaic from the old Hershey Dairy on display near the bathrooms in Chocolate world. It's become a sort of Easter Egg for those who are interested in local history. - The 1990s extension of Chocolate World is partially on land that was once the site of the old Hershey Swimming Pool (1911 - 1971). This was quite an extensive complex, and is still in place, just back filled with soil. The light house that stood near the old chute slides is still there.

[@MrSuperpiff4]

Re Military chocolate rations. “Burst of energy” ≠ healthy, the negative effects of eating sugar, especially when not paired with a military style workout regiment, were undoubtedly well understood by Hershey when they made this ride. Another big reason the military contracts with chocolate producers is because chocolate rations are used to boost moral. Also military ration chocolates deployed in combat will be made different and more food energy rich then commercial grade.

[@alllostfootage]

Do you know if the jungle theming was in the queue when chocolate world opened or was it added later? Also, the lighthouse by the old pool was knocked down about 4 years ago.

[@RubyofTrinity]

@@alllostfootageI think so but I couldn’t swear to it. My family moved to Hershey in the mid 1980s and the jungle decoration was there then. My mom grew up in Hershey (1950s-70s) and she remembers the OG version. She never remarked on the theming being different so I’m assuming it was original.

[@RubyofTrinity]

@@alllostfootageand yeah the lighthouse was quite recently torn down to make room for the new entrance to Hershey Park. No on likes that either.

[@theharvardyard2356]

Great comment! That's funny about locals hating it, lol. Obviously the 2004 version is objectively the best one, Because that's the one they had when I was a kid!

[@NinthShinigami]

Yet again expanding your content far beyond the limits of Disney and Universal bringing more attention to lesser known attractions and theme parks. Quality channel good sir!

[@robertwatt5382]

Where is my Disney stuff?

[@NinthShinigami]

@@robertwatt5382 ?

[@robertwatt5382]

@@NinthShinigami I was just joking about where the Disney videos. Never mind that went over your head.

[@twalt]

i think i prefer the non disney content at this point! starting to feel like we know all the stories out of disney

[@bjvincent8786]

I have to agree a quality channel indeed and this is what I love about it. As you stated Poseidon Entertainment brings attention to lesser known attractions and theme parks. While not afraid to to call out and/or praise Disney and Universal when it is call for. To be honest I am not sure if I missed the review but I would love to hear his thoughts and views on the Tokyo Disney Resort seeing how this is the only Disney park; Walt Disney has no ownership of and is considered the by many the best. Instead, Oriental Land Company (OLC) owns and operates them and pays royalty and licensing fees to Walt Disney.

[@FlamingoRadio_]

I feel like Hershey doesn’t get the same amount of love like this compared to other theme park history channels, Hersheypark is super nostalgic for me since I’ve lived less than an hour away from the park my whole life. I’d love to see a Knoebels video at some point from anyone. You’ve gotten a well deserved like and subscribe!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I haven't been to the park in a decade or so. I'd like to go again sometime either this year or next, so another video is likely in the cards.

[@giveroflemons537]

I am surprised no one has done a video about Knoebels. I know it's a smaller park in comparison to that of Bush Gardens or Hersheypark, but there is definitely interesting stuff to be talked about in regards of Knoebels

[@rubiesncreme]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I went there just a couple years ago - before you-know-what - and I had a great time, though what mostly struck me was how short the waiting time was in line for every ride and how you really got your money's worth! (Well, all except for the Laff Track, I don't even want to talk about that one, but all the others were great.) And they were in the middle of expanding it, too.

[@JuriAmari]

I agree. I’m impressed by how much you get in Hersheypark and the town in general! My friends and I are going to the new Chocolatetown area in a couple weeks. I’m so excited!

[@LegoLoos2006]

Alot of my family lives either right by knoebels or Hershey so I went on this ride on numerous occasions and having a knoebels video would really cement my younger years virtually

[@skippermatt7939]

Oh wow, I haven't seen those original Chocolate World scenes in decades. There was another short lived version where a human worker taught an alien robot about chocolate, where each car had a small television monitor. I think it only lasted about a year in the early 90s.

[@alllostfootage]

Yeah, I really hoped he would talk about that as it’s probably the most interesting thing about the ride.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I believe that was the 1988 version, but yeah it did last a year. There only seems to be a partial video of it though, which is why I wasn't able to really cover it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2XPcpuCqJV5rq8

[@LittleLostBunny]

I remember that one too! I had totally forgotten about that. I miss the old song too.

[@gildedpeahen876]

Lmao cashing in on that sweet sweet “et” dollar

[@skippermatt7939]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I actually took part in a survey after the ride about a year before that refurb, where they gathered the families into a room and showed us various characters and asked us to rank them. I remember getting a full sized chocolate bar, and I think my parents got a gift card or voucher of some kind to use in the park. The choices included a factory worker and robot (which of course were used) but also a green alien, some kids, the chocolate bar mascot, a grandmother/mother goose type, and a 50s Frankenstein type monster. I'm probably getting some is those wrong as it's been decades, but I clearly remember ranking potential mascots on a worksheet of sorts.

[@GamerBen87]

I used to go to Hershey Park a lot and never thought of this as a dystopian ride. I always saw it as a nice ride to escape the summer heat and get a free piece of chocolate at the end.

[@backbonepictures78]

Yeah same here

[@HunterWoodlawn]

A dark chocolate ride, if you will.

[@lyokianhitchhiker]

Dad?

[@morrigan908]

You need way more likes than this has gotten.

[@FerreTrip]

Bravo, good sir.

[@hawgfancolby]

As somebody who frequents Hershey, I remember what a big deal the last renovation was in 2016 and how it upset a lot of people. The original 3 cows (which had been added in the 2006 renovation) had been at the end and had a catchy song that would play until you got off the ride, but after the renovation, they were removed and the 6 new ones were added to the beginning and given a new song. That was done to make way for all the new digital projection screens which really seem unnecessary compared to the old ride. Either way, it's free so anybody that goes to Hershey/Hershey Park should check it out - at the very least just to get the free piece of chocolate at the end!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

The new version is a little too projection heavy for my taste. In some situations it seems to assist in showing how the machines work, but overall the middle portion of the ride actually seems kind of boring because of it.

[@saltpnuts]

Are you thinking of this song perhaps? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2fWiZ6baspkla8 My siblings and I would sing it on repeat mercilessly after getting off the ride 😝

[@cooperhoffman8303]

It’s the milk chocolate!!!!

[@alandecker2886]

I had no idea they'd done a revamp in 2016. I remember the version prior to that with the other song for the cows and no screens very well. My kids loved it, and it was a nice free thing to do in what's otherwise a big store.

[@oceanmango]

The 2006 version was my childhood! I remember loving the song that the cows sang

[@DisneyDancer1990]

As a Central PA resident who grew up riding this and witnessing all of its transformations (1990s version will always triumph) I am so glad to see someone cover this!!!! Edit: when they got rid of the classic “Hershey’s Chocolate” song at the end and replaced it with whatever generic song plays now, I wanted to revolt.

[@formerx]

I am always disappointed when the ride ends with no classic earworm jingle. And I miss the announcer saying "disembark".

[@MatthaisUnidostres]

I know right! That song was great!

[@akcalo]

The version the cows used to sing "It's the milk chocolate" was catchy but stuck in our head for weeks after we took the kids We did get a magnet with the cows that says it. I was kinda sad it was changed.

[@hangininhershey7096]

Yes! As it stands now, many visitors leave disappointed.

[@normalhuman9878]

If you listen closely, you can hear a cover of the original song at the end. But it’s quiet and being talked over, so it’s easy to miss

[@MCLegoboy]

From the looks of it, the best effect in the many versions of this ride are the one way mirrors that give the illusion of a vast expansion of machines at work. That's a neat trick, and I love it every time I see something like that implemented.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I observed that to be interesting as well. The characters projected on the mirrors doesn't look great though

[@phishlipsable]

this effect made me feel something liminal and empty from the first time i rode! i'm so glad you said something- grew up less than 30 min from hershey

[@bagea]

woah mclegoboy?!

[@MCLegoboy]

@@bagea No... :smokebomb: [runs away]

[@axelford5514]

@@MCLegoboy The real MCLegoboy??? XD

[@ugaldk31]

I remember riding this and being hypnotized by the pure unadulterated commercialism. Hershey, PA is a really fun place to visit. I really does feel like a real world Wonka Factory, down to the smells that permeate the city. Another great video💜

[@bjvincent8786]

Very informative video; with the Omnimovers system this ride looks like what would happen if Hershey sponsored the Land at EPCOT.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It does remind me quite a bit of EPCOT attractions, especially the earliest versions of the ride.

[@marburymartian]

the queue before the 2016 changes used to be immersive into the jungle and then the docks where cocoa beans were shipped out. Now it's just industrial / brick walls and less interesting to look at.

[@grubby_tuesdays]

The iteration before the current one was the one I grew up with. Maybe it’s just because I was younger but the cows used to host/narrate the entire ride and it all felt a lot less… corporate? It’s kinda hard to explain in one comment but it felt a lot less like Hershey makes people happy around the world and more our chocolate is super high quality

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm not sure if I agree, but perhaps we have different ideas of what corporate may mean. Watching through the earlier videos of the ride, it certainly felt very corporate as well, but reflected a different kind of corporate culture from the 70s and 80s.

[@hangininhershey7096]

The ride is just empty in parts. The holographic characters that are there now feel sterile rather than the comforting feel the chocolate tries to represent. I don't know anyone who enjoys the current ride, locals or visitors.

[@tlaloqq]

Yeah the 2000s version (born in 99 ) was the best as a kid. Bethlehem represent ✌🏼🫡

[@MissionBond92]

Been going to Hershey Park every year since the early 90's. I love this ride as a post park tradition, it's a great way to cool down after a long day in the sun. Though I strongly prefer the pre-2010 ish renovations. Back in the 90's and early 2000's, the entire park/town and building smelled of chocolate since the actual chocolate factory was still open back then

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Honestly, the new version is kind of a bore. I like the figures they added at the end, but the actually "factory" portion could be more interesting.

[@JuriAmari]

Oh man - that’s such a throwback. I loved how the streets would smell like chocolate 🥰 I miss that so much.

[@Matoro2002]

the current version almost feels like parody of a corporate themed ride

[@sarahvanorden670]

As a Disney fan that grew up like 30 miles from Hershey Chocolate world, I rode this many many times as I couldn’t go to Hershey Park because it’s mostly rollercoasters and I can’t ride thrill rides or rollercoasters, thanks for making this on a dark ride I’ve ridden too many times to count, and for anyone coming to Hershey, I HIGHLY recommend during your stop at Chocolate World going to the cafeteria and getting a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup milkshake, they are to die for

[@saaaahduuuuude1228]

Can't or won't?

[@sarahvanorden670]

@@saaaahduuuuude1228 Can’t, I have spinal cord issues and multiple skeletal issues, if I tried I’d get hurt or die

[@saaaahduuuuude1228]

@@sarahvanorden670 I'm sorry to hear about that. Luckily parks like Hershey & Disney have a nice selection of gentler rides. Hope all is well and I'm again sorry for your condition. I have a full leg cast at the moment and thinking about wishing I could ride rides again is driving me insane!

[@JuriAmari]

I second that rec on the Reese’s shake. I’m so excited to get one in two weeks 😋 I also recommend playing some of the crane games and the water park. Even if you’re not a thrill ride person, there’s a lot of good things to do and try while you’re there. Hersheypark deserves a lot more attention - you can do so many things there!

[@Undecided0]

My mother grew up in Philadelphia & Baltimore & went to Hershey Park every summer as a kid. So she continued that tradition with me. I used to get the Skor/Heath Bar milkshake. I couldn't get the Reese's, because I have a peanut allergy.

[@Detaur]

This attraction is insanely nostalgic for me despite the crazy “buy our stuff, praise Milton Hershey” overtones. I think it was the first ride I was ever on. Something interesting you missed is that they actually give you free samples of the products when you exit the ride (unless that’s been removed). I haven’t been on this latest version of the ride but it looks like they added TONS of screen based elements which is kinda lame. I think last time I was on it was like 2014. Imo the new version of the Kiss mascot looks creepy, adding hyper feminine features to a piece of candy is unsettling. Before it looked more generic. I have also been to the Milton Hershey Museum which is just as bad as it sounds. Very “praise our founding corporate overlord” esque and like painstakingly details every moment of his life while endlessly praising him.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

They still do hand out pieces to my knowledge. I suppose I should have mentioned it. I also agree that it's a little too projection heavy for my taste. I found the older versions of the ride far more interesting.

[@Ganey16]

Was just there a few weeks ago, they still do it! It's usually a small bite sized thing though, and yeah the screen elements kind of suck.

[@Dreader1962]

The main reason screen elements are bad is when they mess up, it is just a monitor screwing up (which we all know). With a physical animated element, weird things can happen when they screw up!

[@chompythebeast]

This is _exactly_ how Disney parks exalt and venerate the image and corporate character of Walt™

[@zthegreatandpowerful285]

I remember the first time my family went they gave full size chocolate bars. We went back years later and they reduced it to fun size. Truly a sad day in Hershey History.

[@KarzKreated]

I lived in Maryland most of my life, so traveling a couple hours to spend the day at Hershey Park was a frequent occurrence. The Chocolate World ride is my favorite attraction there oddly enough 😅. The ride experience is embedded within my memory from my childhood trips to Hershey Park. My favorite part of the ride is the section with the chocolate scent. It smells sooooo good! 😆 One thing to note is the earlier version of the ride's oven section was actually uncomfortably warm when traveling through it. It did make you feel as if you were in a oven. I actually kinda miss that a little bit compared to the current version of the ride. It's just unsuspecting to get blasted with 100 plus degree heat on a slow moving ride. 😁

[@TalonKOfficial]

I’ve heard about this attraction. The fact they can implement that many chocolate into one tour dark ride is just an amazing feat on its own. Man hersheypark looks so much fun. I’ve been wanting to go there for several years now. Hats off to Poseidon Entertainment for yet another great video!

[@sonic23233]

I was just there last summer

[@onecleangti]

It’s a great time. They’ve been updating it

[@Hopelesslittlekilljoy]

It’s my home park, you should definitely go if you have the opportunity!

[@singbike5832]

I wouldn't go to Hersheypark at this point, frankly. It used to be great, and you could go during a Saturday in summer and it was perfectly manageable. It's not that way anymore. I last went in 2019, and it was so crowded, it wasn't even fun. Food massively overpriced. Many of their recent TripAdvisor reviews are abysmal...so much so that their rating actually dropped.

[@emmettbattle5728]

when i went as a kid it was a blast and the hershey botanical gardens is across the street.

[@phobos258]

Oh man, I love the Hershey's ride! I lived just outside of Hershey, Pennsylvania for a little while and I'd loved how the town smelled like chocolate.

[@TweetsieRailroader]

I've visited Pennsylvania twice, and I've also ridden this attraction twice, once in 2009, and again in 2017. I remember the 2009 version featuring the cows much more heavily (and one of the cows taking our ride photo.) It seems that this attraction has gone through many, many changes over the course of it's history.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It was difficult to find information on this and there weren't too many older videos available. Were the cows moved to the beginning, or are they entirely different?

[@brycewalker3167]

There used to be a male cow in the beginning and end of the ride that would speak to guests and serve as the narrator of the ride. The cow animatronics used to have fur and seemed more life like, and there was another scene where they sang which is now the screen that shows reeeses delivering milk to the factory

[@brycewalker3167]

The scene where you get your picture taken now used to be where the banners were which was unchanged from the 2004 version and after the hersheys song and video portion the male cow would appear again to take the photo

[@brycewalker3167]

I believe this update took place around 2006-2007 I lived about 45 minutes and visited the park and chocolate world frequently with my family

[@TweetsieRailroader]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I believe they were still at the very beginning.

[@agentM1991]

I grew up in Central PA (now live in Central FL), and I've done version all versions from 1990- 2016. I'm a 1990's baby and never did do the versions pre 1990. Out of all the versions, the 2006 version is my favorite. I always loved smelling the chocolate in the refining room. I vaguely do remember smelling chocolate while visiting Hershey from 1995-2005. But now it's very rare that you DO smell chocolate. What you'll smell likely is roasting peanuts at the Reese's plant.

[@PandaWithAJetpack]

I miss Melody, Olympia, and Harmony. Rip 2006 renovation, gone but not forgotten.

[@kathygoodman6159]

I grew up going to Hershey. I remember the factory tour, it was HOT and the smell of chocolate was so overpowering that by the end it made you feel sick. When I took my kids to Hershey we went to Chocolate World (when it was just the ride and the shops and a small eatery). We really enjoyed the ride (I guess it was the 90's version) and looked forward to it every year. We also loved the museum, they had a clock that was amazing. We also enjoyed the amusement park until it became mostly roller coasters (we're not fans). Then my kids grew up and we stopped going. Now my kids bring their kids. My son recently went for the first time since he was a kid and was very disappointed in Chocolate World. Now that I see your video I can see why.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I know almost nothing about the history of Hershey Park. What was it like before it started focusing on coasters?

[@kathygoodman6159]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I was pretty young since we were coming from NJ and once Great Adventure opened we went there. There were lots of what I think they call flat rides and thrill rides there like the scrambler, the monster, tilt a whirl, the whip, etc. There was enough of that kind of thing that it kept us busy for a full day and into the evening. Even when my kids were young and we went every year from MD there were flat rides and thrill rides, although there were more coasters at that time. I only remember one wooden roller coaster from my childhood, but as we didn't do coasters I can't swear to that. I did the Super Duper Looper (not sure of the spelling) once with my son and when I got off I could hardly stand up and walk. My kids got scared because I was so pale and I was shaking. I can do every single ride in Disney World including Rock & Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror now, but I'm still so afraid of heights that I can't do a regular outdoor coaster at a theme park.

[@luciddreamqueen812]

As someone who grew up an hour away from Hershey, I’d go in this ride in the store again and again to get that free chocolate sample they gave out at the end. Later on in my visits, they started putting an employee in charge of handing out samples so they’d be able to spot if they’d already given you some :( I stopped going in the ride as much after that and eventually stopped going entirely

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Wait, how did you get the samples before? Were people not always handing them out?

[@saltpnuts]

@@PoseidonEntertainment There were times when you'd just walk past large bins filled with the candy sample, and be able to reach in and grab one as you exited. But I suspect too many people started taking extras (heck I know me and my siblings did 😝) and so they added a person/moderator to hand the samples out.

[@Goldv0]

@@saltpnuts Came back to this video because I went yesterday. They didn’t have anyone hand them out, they were just in a big tub with a “please take 1” sign like you said.

[@kevynonvideo1643]

Chocolate World was our consolation prize family vacation for several years. Pretty cruel to drive your kids 4 hours to Hershey Park then not take them to Hershey Park if you ask me, but I do have fond memories of taking the tour ride. Free piece of candy after every ride. The version I rode did not have the anthropomorphic chocolate bars, and I gotta say they're appearance upsets me in a obvious-first-draft kind of way.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

At least it's a quality attraction for free (or was in the past I figure)

[@shinigamiryan5837]

I remember the 2004 version. Jeez, seeing this makes me realize how time flies by and was part of going to the park. Still have a stupidly sized mug from that trip and remember the smell of that chocolate to this day.

[@jrios29]

I completely forgot about this ride! It definitely had some Living with the Land vibes in the early 90's.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It reminded me a bit of that as well. It makes me wonder if Disney Imagineers had taken inspiration from it.

[@jonmadison9137]

Growing up in Hershey PA this brought back flashbacks

[@ashleighnichole8197]

An extra tip...if you don't like chocolate they will give you something else at the end of the ride...usually an individually wrapped twizzler.

[@joshseibert]

I grew up nearby and as a young child would go to Chocolate World quite frequently - mostly because it was a free activity that kept you cool from the summer heat. Plus we loved that it came with a complimentary piece of candy at the exit. Oh and I also remember the cookies and milkshakes in the food court area of Chocolate World being delicious.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's kind of wild that it's free. Still, I understand that it's meant to get you to buy something.

[@Undecided0]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I never felt manipulated by the ride, because my family planned on buying something anyway.

[@laureladelle]

At some point in the late 90s the combining room was alien themed. It was bizarre.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I believe you're referencing the 1988 version? Is this it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2XPcpuCqJV5rq8

[@laureladelle]

@@PoseidonEntertainment yes!!!!!!!! It almost feels like I imagined it.

[@TheCodeMan95]

I live about 25 minutes from Hershey and am a long-time passholder. This ride is corny as hell but is still fun from time to time. Would love to see you do more Hershey content!

[@Patchwork101]

Haven't finished watching yet, but I grew up going on the Chocolate World Ride and showing it to friends in college like "guys, you HAVE to see this," so I'm excited to see this quirky little piece of my childhood getting attention :)

[@NinthShinigami]

Just woke up and got a Poseidon Entertainment video as an awesome start to the day!

[@AvivaKitty]

I went to Hersey every summer with my youth group as a teenager. One year it started absolutely pouring rain, and group I was with got soaked before we were able to get inside. We ended up going through this ride nearly a dozen times trying to get dry from the few seconds of hot air blown on you in the roasting tunnel. Needless to say it didn’t work at all and we eventually gave up and just bought some new clothes from the gift shop.

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

Another thing to add regarding the town of Hershey and vacationing is the Hotel. The Hershey Hotel puts chocolate in damn near everything including using it in the spa parlor. Back rubs using chocolate scented oils, chocolate infused mud bath, you name it, it has chocolate in it somehow. And no don't think you can consume any of the stuff used in the treatments.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Welp, didn't know that.

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

@@PoseidonEntertainment it's definitely on my bucket list of places to visit. Not everything they serve to eat incorporates chocolate but they do use the cocoa powder as part of dry rubs for some of the meats. For as much flak as Hershey gets for being bottom of the barrel chocolate, and not unwarranted I admit, the town itself and the company involvement is absolutely amazing and very much something I feel Disney could take some notes from. There is a very good sense of community there.

[@beneciotheperson]

I've stayed in both the hotel and their moderately priced Lodge. Both are surprisingly clean and well kept, and I like getting free tickets to Hersheypark I never use everytime I go.

[@sararobinson6571]

@@davidfitzsimmons2451 Milton Hershey and his wife did a lot for the community as far as employing people and taking care of them and their families :) they even opened a boarding school for orphaned boys that’s still there today, although I believe it’s a general boarding school now

[@sararobinson6571]

Actually it’s still free boarding school

[@Wolf_Mama]

I remember going on this when I was younger! I My family went to Hershey for a chorus competition and we went on this ride. It was interesting to say the least. Unfortunately, I don't remember much from when I went on it, but seeing the older versions of the ride brought some of them back. I do hum Hershey's song from time to time - it's weirdly catchy lol

[@paulm.newitt3246]

Fun Fact: Disney Imagineer Harper Goff (Jungle Cruise, Golden Horseshoe Saloon, 20K Nautilus designer)...was also the set director for the original Willy Wonka movie.

[@cgimovieman]

Hershey was definitely a pioneer and for their earlier times, brought milk chocolate to the masses in the United States. But if you’ve ever had chocolate from virtually any other country or company, you’ll likely realized how much you’ve been missing. Even more common types in Europe like Cadbury Dairy Milk are absolutely worlds better than a Hershey bar. On top of that their are so many better alternatives for chocolate today even within the U.S. Hershey had its time and definitely deserves its place in history, but I could honestly do without them today. The same way that beer has changed and you’ll likely realize how much beers like Budweiser or Miller Lite are absolute swill, or that pre-ground coffees made in a percolator or basket filter Mister Coffee machine are pretty awful. For their times, yes, they were innovative and brought those products to the masses. But most have just not evolved. Even if some of them are owned such huge conglomerates today that they own some of the newer better alternatives.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I don't drink coffee, but I definitely recognize what you mean regarding beer. Even most "craft" menus have become pretty boring. I don't need the same six brews on every menu.

[@benfowler2470]

Former Chocolate World employee here! I grew up going to Hershey basically my whole life. Everyone around there agrees the original version is the best version and HATES the cows and new chocolate animatronics. I was a cast member at Chocolate World and our dressing rooms are right behind the ride, with my area in particular being right behind those dumb cows. If you think listening to the "Taste the Love" song is rough just once going through the ride, try listening to it on constant loop, 5 days a week. It's what Milton would've wanted.

[@donvid8969]

I remember going on this ride with my Mom during a visit to Hershey for the Hella Mega Tour a few years ago, and by the end of it, we were both confused, scared...and crying laughing. At least we got a free chocolate bar out of it.

[@Jaheartsjonas]

Crazy you released this video today, I was literally just on this ride for the first time less than two weeks ago, keep in mind it's not a local attraction for me so the chances were pretty low that the timing would work out so perfectly lol. I live in FL but am from MD, I visited for the first time in years this month and went on a weekend trip to PA with my friend while in the area and we went here (last time I was in the Hershey Park area was probably around 2004/5). But yeah the ride wasn't bad to me, just mid. Not bad for something free. Great video, interesting to learn about the history of the ride! I agree with the commentary as well

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It seems fine, and I remember it being just kind of fine whenever I last visited as well. I think that it could definitely be a bit... weirder though.

[@CMWaters910]

Wow, that is drastically different from the last time I went to Hershey Park....

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It seems to change every 10 years or so

[@dnijulie]

This ride gets an update about every ten years or so. 2006 was a major refurb, so I'm surprised it's not mentioned here. That's when the singing cows were first introduced. The cows were updated in the 2016 refurb, which also added projection mapping and digital Pepper's Ghost illusions, and the three big Candy Characters (Hershey, Reese, and Kiss) were integrated throughout as projected media, onscreen content, and animatronics. New vehicles were also added for the first time ever, now with on-ride video. There was a version of the ride in 1988 that involved aliens visiting Earth, with guests learning about Hershey's chocolate from their perspective. It was short-lived.

[@scottyPsychotty]

I’m so glad I’m not cracking up and others remember the weird alien version.

[@dnijulie]

@@scottyPsychottyNot imagining it! Haha. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2XPcpuCqJV5rq8

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

There's so little information on this available, that I couldn't really develop a timeline for changes. I do know of the 1988 version, but there only appears only a short segment of it up on KZbin.

[@partyharry7585]

Loved this ride as a kid, the convey belts of Reese you showed in the video is where countless people tried to reach over and take one for themselves each time lol.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I didn't think about that, but I suppose i shouldn't be surprised.

[@KingHarambe_RIP]

Somehow the more recent refurbs make the ride feel more dated as the messaging feels very safe and even more corporate. The screens feel cheap and sterile when compared the animatronics that had an interesting retro style to them.

[@brianedner8125]

I loved the ride, but the constant changes to it (mainly adding the animatronic chocolate people) have ruined it.

[@ezraoberheim1081]

I'm honestly surprised all the cows were working in that footage. I live about an hour away and every SINGLE time I've been there at least one cow (usually the far left one) isn't working right and is just swinging its head back and forth instead of singing. I like the older 90s design better though, the campy animatronic cows ruined it for me, and I started going when I couldn't even remember it yet. I was pretty young when they redesigned it.

[@memethyst]

"wherever you go, no matter how far, you're always near a hershey bar" that line sounds like the hershey bar is stalking you like you're about to be it's prey

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It would make the ride a lot more interesting if this was the context.

[@memethyst]

@@PoseidonEntertainment they should do a halloween overlay about the killer hershey bar apocolypse... i don't think that would make people want to eat their chocolate though

[@mambas2353]

i leave near hershey my favorite part about this ride is the free piece of chocolate at the end:) rides actually kinda fun tho too

[@DKGifford19608]

I grew up in the area and the Chocolate World ride was a big part of my childhood. Now I have lots of family in Hershey and we often take guests (or ourselves) to Chocolate World. The ride is free and silly. I'm not quite sure where your dystopian angle is coming from. I recognize the depressing realities of globalism, agribusiness, and consumerism. Though all realities of entertainment and food in the US corporate system carry these issues. Is it propaganda marketing? Yeah. But you are at a theme park that is entirely chocolate themed in a town that is chocolate themed. My sister lives on Cocoa Ave for example. It's not like you have to go on this ride to enter the park. There's no subcontext to any of the themeing or this ride itself- it's all very direct. We're Hershey, we make chocolate, people seem to like it. The Chocolate World ride always felt like an EPCOT ride (which were all sponsored and a bit future rosie too). Much like Disney or Busch Gardens or WB-owned Six Flags, these attractions serve multiple purposes including being brand builders and an opportunity to sell products. Dystopian is a pretty loaded summation. While Hershey is a big corporation that is driven by profits over good-doing, the company has done great things for the area and gives back in positive ways (see Milton Hershey School, Hershey Gardens, free events for locals). The company has also tried to better vet their suppliers in recent years. Let's hope those efforts made some positive changes. Again, Hershey is a big corporation operating within an evil capitalist system so I get being cynical about any celebration of that, but we also live in that world and joy needs to be found where it can be found. For me, part of finding that joy is this stupid free ride with singing cows.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

After having written the script, I realized that the context I framed it in was rather thin. I was reminded of Brave New World's corporate worship and distantly related consuming a Hershey bar to soma. I know that it's not even an apt comparison, but I wanted to see how people would interpret it.

[@starryneitz]

The 2004 version will always hold a special place in my heart with the queue line being a walk through a cocoa tree forest and the end with the circular images and light up globe. Today, though, the animatronics barely work and it feels soulless.

[@CaptainCretaceous91]

I've been visiting Hershey my entire life, so the Chocolate World tour holds a special place for me. Seeing how Hershey's Chocolate is made gives me a greater appreciation for it.

[@AuthorCertifiedGoof]

Over the weekend a teenager got Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” stuck in my head. Your video finally replaced it with the “Hershey Chocolate Theme Song” which is an improvement

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I've been whistling it for the last two days and I can't stop

[@AuthorCertifiedGoof]

@@PoseidonEntertainment it reminds me of 80s Epcot music, in a good way

[@seekittycat]

Ahhh love the smell of dystopia in the morning /breaths in chocolate smell

[@SilverOnTheCloud]

Now I have that theme song stuck in my head! We always went through the chocolate tour before heading out to the park. (Got to get that free sample!) I was never a fan of the singing cow addition though.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I've been whistling it for the last two days and I can't stop

[@RubyofTrinity]

I forgot to mention: the "static figure frosting a cake" is an actual portrait figure of the real live person who was the head of the Hershey Test Kitchen at the time. My mum went to school with her. I will not disclose her name on ye internets for obvious reasons, but I thought you might like to know. ^^

[@Tigertame4]

That is really neat.

[@croissantqueen4415]

I grew up in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, and while I lived there, my family really didn’t have much money. Vacations wise, to save money, every year we would visit family in Illinois, and go on a day trip to Hershey Chocolate World. I have such fond memories of being there with my family, especially riding the dark ride. Me and my family moved out of Pennsylvania at the very bringing of 2016, so most of what I remember comes from the ride’s second revamp. However, I did get the chance to go back to PA in 2018 and experience the newest version. I have never really seen a deep dive video like this about Hershey before, and this brought back so much nostalgia for me. Chocolate World really needs more internet content lol

[@AnnaNoelleXOXO]

I grew up in Central PA and now actually live in Hershey! Before I was a Disney person, I wasn't really aware of the idea/concept of omnimover rides and dark rides. I'm in my 20's, so I didn't see the original inside of Chocolate World, but it definitely gives Epcot vibes. I used to really enjoy the ride until they started adding the singing cows. The last renovation of the queue made me sad because I really enjoyed the immersion factor of the rainforest. I understand with the ethical issues why they changed it, but now the queue is a sterile and boring steampunk kind of thing. I feel like Hersheypark and the related attractions went from being truly unique to now really catering towards tourists. They have been really copying off of Disney with fast passes, meal plans and things like that.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

What's your opinion on Chocolate Town? Having not been to HP in at least a decade, it seems like an attractive reason to go back.

[@AnnaNoelleXOXO]

@@PoseidonEntertainment so they really hyped it up and we thought it almost sounded like it was going to be a super tiny version of Disney Springs. It’s really just the entrance though. I will say though, I have never heard of a bad review of the Chocolatier restaurant, which is a big part of it. Everyone loves it. The merch store is nice and big too. It’s really interesting how insanely different the entrance is now compared to ten years ago! I think they’re kind of going for nostalgia there with stuff about Milton Hershey, the kisses fountain and the original carousel there.

[@MSmithNYC]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Maybe you shouldn't make a video calling the Chocolate World ride dystopian if you haven't been there in at least a decade.

[@LaLaLaLaNom]

Personally I think the concept of ‘Chocolate brings people together’ is actually a think that is absolutely true! My father and I still to this day bond over our love for chocolate and go out of our way to visit ‘gormet’ chocolatiers, and I also have friends with whom chocolate is also something we bond over. While I wish that thing wasn’t commercialized like it is, I defdjnitly believe it’s true.

[@OlafMetal]

I remember this ride fondly from when I was 11, mostly because I was a fat kid mesmerized by the chocolate. And then the huge store that sells nothing but candy. I was literally a kid in a candy store.

[@NopWorks]

This ride isn't dystopian at all. Now, I need Raytheon's Sum of All Thrills back at EPCOT. Make the ride bigger & more elaborate and give it its own building.

[@oceanmango]

I gotta say, I never really knew the ride was like that in the 1990s! I’m more familiar with the late 2000s and early 2010s version. It was similar to the current one with the singing cows, but I remember preferring it to the current version. Maybe it’s just the nostalgia? I remember the song at the time went like “hershey’s milk chocolate (tasty treats!) it’s the milk chocolate”. The new song just doesn’t hit the same :/

[@MichelleAlexandria-EM]

Why is this “Dystopian”? Because you don’t like it or to generate hate clicks and comments? this channel is so toxic, all you do are hit pieces.

[@Aidan_minotti]

Hersheys fun, I work at Hershey park, the theeme park right across from chocolate world, like it’s got a theeme park, imo top 3 coaster lineup in America, and top 10 in the world, and we got a huge town, a giant store, chocolate world, where u can make ur own Reese’s, and chocolate bar, the tour (the dark ride) a “train” screen interactive thing, and a taste test thing, the Hershey museum, a auto mobile museum, a trolley tour at chocolate world, and other stuff😊

[@Thoralmir]

9:58 If you look closely to the lower-left, the footage of the Hersy Kisses being made is from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

[@Katesaprincess]

I live near Hershey and I have been going here since I was a kid. I’m a season pass holder so I’m here very often and sometimes ride this ride when it rains as something to do. I definitely think the ride is kind of bs and Hershey’s chocolate isn’t that good. But it’s still a fun little dark ride.😭 I was low key shocked you did a video on a ride at my home park!😭 Also Hershey park is actually a very good park and has focused on detail and even started hiding Hershey kisses in chocolate town, making spirit jerseys, and re-theming rides. I’ve been impressed by its growth. I’m so happy this park is getting into the public eye!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Chocolate Town looks great, and I'm highly interested in Candymonium. I can see myself visiting within the next few years.

[@latenightnerdery8238]

It's free and they give you a free Hershey bar. It isn't the best version of the ride anymore, but my kids love it because hey, free chocolate bar.

[@clogiz]

I absolutely love this ride. I think it's cute, simple fun that educates you on the products

[@ravenpotter3]

1:45 I just had a flashback of being with my cousin on that ride. I remember that scene! I remeber the dairy cow version

[@mrziiz6893]

Gives me big World of Refreshment from Fallout 4’s Nuka World DLC vibes

[@daddiodizzle8990]

Two minutes in and I get a strong "Nuka World" vibe, from Fallout 4.

[@josiahshelly8422]

It’s great for what it is, a free ride. So I expect the advertising nature of the ride. I do miss how the ride used to be when I was growing up (90’s), more animatronics and educational, less screens.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It seems to be approaching the time for another renovation again. Perhaps it'll see some substantial improvements next time.

[@spikeworks]

its really sad going on the ride nowadays. its all really projections and not as impressive anymore. alot of the aspects are broken and rarely maintained the last time i went, which was june 6th

[@KristinBerkery]

I went on the ride as a little kid in 1980 and remember some of the old scenes in this video 🍫

[@triciahutchins5407]

Hershey, Pennsylvania and Milton Hershey have a fascinating and complex history. He was a genuine benefactor to the city, in many ways, and his fortune still underpins a teaching hospital and a school for orphans and other needy children, a public library, etc., etc. On the other hand, the only reason that anyone would consider Hershey chocolate "good" or "enjoyable" is that they grew up thinking that this is what chocolate is supposed to be like. Hershey bars are cheap garbage. Expand your horizons, try some European chocolate or local hand-crafted varieties. The test is that it should melt at mouth temperature, and release a magnificent flavor experience in the process. Go out there and try some. You will never want a Hershey bar again.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I've heard that Hershey as a town has declined quite a bit over the last few decades. I know that it was once highly regarded for its schools. I don't know enough to judge or to speak on it, but I have seen that sentiment expressed.

[@mikeyesko7606]

Still is a great town to live in. Hershey high school is one of the best in Pennsylvania. The Milton Hershey School donates a lot of money to the Hershey Schools. It is a great community to live in. As far as their chocolate they have taken all the cocoa butter out of their chocolate. The cocoa butter is sold for beauty products.

[@sc6658]

As a Pennsylvanian who lives west of Hershey and goes through the area on the way to the beach and has therefore gone on that ride a ton, this was a great watch.

[@joechabus1220]

can you do a video about Hershey's theme park they have a Dark Ride too.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It could be a possible video in the future

[@pinoarias8601]

As an ecuadorian I am at least pleasantly surprised that they included us by name, even showcasing one of our volcanoes.

[@raydgreenwald7788]

I was on this ride. The dystopian pars so much more fitting after the child slave labor lawsuit……

[@xarynfields7902]

Come with me and you’ll be…in a world of OSHA violations

[@eechauch5522]

I lived in the area as a kid in the early 2000s and very fondly remember this ride. Seeing the 2004 version and the factory again very much hit home. The roast tunnel probably was my favorite part, no idea why, but I remember always looking forward to that part. I honestly don’t see a problem with the ride being an obvious advertisement for the company and its products. That’s the idea behind all factory tours, seeing the completely industrialized process is interesting and kind of the point.

[@MovieFan1912]

I’m not sure if I would call those parts of this ride dystopian, so much as I would call it a product of it’s time.

[@vaimantobe3034]

Ah, yes the 'chocolate' manufacturer. It tastes more like puke than chocolate...

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

Growing up going to the factory and riding this, on one hand it is kinda disturbing and very knock off like almost to parody levels, but on the other hand it changes nearly time I been to it so it never gets a chance to get old.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's actually a great example of how to update an attraction to keep it fresh, but still keeping its core content intact. Perhaps Disney could learn a lesson here.

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

@@PoseidonEntertainment most certainly. I feel the attraction with the biggest potential for that could have been the great movie ride. A handful of those sets could have been designed to be changed out every now and then and really keep it fresh. They already had the multiple track routes, just changing up some sets too would have added to the rerideability. And they already see the concept being used with success in star tours. They did do this with Tower of Terror in Anaheim but... Well putting aside any opinions on the ride itself being good or bad it definitely went above and beyond just 'refreshing things'

[@ThemeParkAvenue]

I plan to ride it soon so that’s cool.

[@TheFrostFilesPodcast]

I heard from a developer this inspired the Nuka cola ride in fallout 4

[@tabby5228]

I remember going on this ride repeatedly with my cousins when we were kids because we weren’t going to the park next door, it was free and at the end of the ride, you would get a piece of candy.

[@disunityholychaos7523]

nah this is nukaworld but my favorite if it comes to chocolates

[@sonicsega6]

My grandparents used to take me on this ride all the time as a kid, I remember asking them to take me there all the time just to go on the ride