Hershey Park lovers had a chance at one last ride on a beloved attraction over the weekend, with the park shutting it down after more than 30 years.
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The South-Central Pennsylvania park reminded longtime fans on Sept. 6 that Tidal Force, a water ride that was a favorite to generations, whould be permanently closed on Sept. 8.
"After 32 years, it's time for Tidal Force to set sail. Visit us for one last ride through Monday," the park wrote on Facebook. The post included a majestic photo of the ride, complete with a swan-song rainbow.
Tidal Force was the crown jewel of Hershey Park's "The Boardwalk," which is a nautical-themed area of the park. The attraction came complete with a splash zone, so spectators could watch friends and family roll down the 100-foot incline, then get drenched by the resulting supersized splash.
Labor Day marked the final day of Hershey Park's 2026 summer season (it reopens, revamped for Fall, on Sept. 12). The park previously announced Tidal Force's final voyage back in June.
"When a vessel takes its last voyage, we believe it deserves a proper send-off. After 32 years of making the biggest splashes #Hersheypark has seen, we'll dock the boats permanently after Sept. 7, " the park wrote on X at the time.
Hershey Park Fans React to Longtime Ride Shutting Down Forever
Hershey Park fans sounded off with nostalgic words under the park's announcement.
"I remember when the splash was full power. No glass; No nets; No kids allowed on the bridge. The path in front of the ride would get soaked. The ride itself wasn't exciting but the splash made it fun before the splash was cut to 1/3 what it was," one longtime fan wrote.
"Not u guys basically taking my whole childhood away from me," another fan wrote, adding a crying emoji. "Boy do I feel old; I remember when that first opened. How time flies!" another fan chimed in.
Meanwhile, other Hershey Park fans were looking forward to the future.
"It's time! Let's replace it with something that can run year round!" they gushed.
When the park reopens, it welcomes spooky season in full swing with "Dark Nights," complete with scare zones...
Make a date with the Decayed Brigade, back in the Midway of Misery!
Slide into Dark Nights starting Sept. 12 with 13 coasters, 5 haunted houses & 5 scare zones, including the all-new Reese's Depot of Doom with one ticket. https://t.co/E2yhvdoeW8pic.twitter.com/2EYdSwPDwk
