Hersheypark Dark Nights: A Halloween Attraction Craze
As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, theme parks across the country undergo a spooky transformation to cater to Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. One of the standout Halloween experiences in recent years has been Hersheypark’s Dark Nights, an immersive and chilling event that promises thrills and scares for those brave enough to enter. However, Dark Nights at Hersheypark is more than just a typical Halloween attraction—it reflects a larger trend in the theme park industry towards creating fully immersive Halloween events.
The Evolution of Hersheypark’s Dark Nights
In 2022, Hersheypark introduced Dark Nights, an event that has continued to grow and evolve each year. EPIC Entertainment Group, a renowned producer of themed entertainment and immersive environments, has been instrumental in shaping the eerie transformation of the park. With EPIC’s expertise, Hersheypark has been able to create unforgettable experiences that draw in visitors from near and far.
Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a leisure park for his chocolate factory employees (now The Hershey Company). For over 30 years, the park has offered a popular Halloween attraction, but it was not until 2022 that Dark Nights was introduced in response to guest feedback seeking a more intense scare experience. This four-acre addition includes multiple haunted houses and scare zones, representing the park’s most significant investment in a seasonal event.
Brewer Lister, managing director of special events at Hersheypark, explains that Dark Nights now offers something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to families with younger children. The event features five haunted houses and three scare zones, along with special activities like lights-out coaster rides and trick-or-treating in costumes through Treatville. With a diverse range of offerings, Hersheypark has truly become “The Sweetest Place on Earth” to enjoy Halloween festivities.
The Immersive Experience of Dark Nights
Dark Nights at Hersheypark kicks off every evening at 6 p.m. during the Halloween season, offering various intensity levels for guests. This immersive haunt experience caters primarily to an older audience, providing a different perspective of the park once the sun sets. Unlike many Halloween events that require separate admission tickets, Dark Nights is included with the standard park ticket, allowing guests to enjoy both the classic Hersheypark attractions during the day and the hair-raising experiences of Dark Nights after sunset.
The Growing Popularity of Halloween Events in Theme Parks
Halloween-themed events have become a staple in the theme park calendar, with parks worldwide embracing haunted houses, scare zones, and immersive experiences to entertain and thrill their guests. Charity Hill, co-founder of EPIC Entertainment, notes that Halloween events have always been at the forefront of creating immersive experiences, offering guests the opportunity to step into alternate realities and enjoy safe thrills. As consumers seek out experiences that mimic the digital worlds they engage with, Halloween events provide the perfect blend of escapism and excitement.
Steve Sheldon, co-founder of EPIC Entertainment, emphasizes the importance of creating multi-layered experiences that engage guests and keep them coming back for more. By offering a blend of storytelling, immersive details, and operational efficiency, theme parks can provide guests with a truly unforgettable Halloween experience.
EPIC Entertainment’s Role in Dark Nights
EPIC Entertainment Group has played a significant role in the creation and evolution of Dark Nights at Hersheypark. From designing haunted houses to managing talent recruitment and direction, EPIC has brought creativity and flexibility to the collaboration with Hersheypark. By focusing on storytelling, immersive details, and guest engagement, EPIC has helped elevate Dark Nights into a must-visit Halloween event for thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts.
What Makes a Great Halloween Event?
According to Hill and Sheldon, the success of a Halloween event lies in its ability to tell a compelling story that engages guests on multiple levels. By creating fully realized worlds, immersive queue environments, and engaging in-queue experiences, theme parks can offer guests a complete and unforgettable Halloween experience. By focusing on storytelling, immersive details, and operational efficiency, theme parks can provide guests with a truly unforgettable Halloween experience.
The Benefits of Halloween Activations
Halloween events like Dark Nights offer theme parks numerous benefits, both operationally and from a guest experience standpoint. By extending the operating season, driving dwell time, and attracting a broader audience, Halloween events help parks generate revenue and foster guest loyalty. For Hersheypark, the success of Dark Nights has led to increased visitation, higher per-cap spending, and a boost in overall park attendance.
Hersheypark Dark Nights 2024
As Hersheypark Dark Nights continues to grow in popularity, the park has introduced new experiences for the 2024 season. With five haunted houses, three scare zones, and a range of themed food and beverage offerings, Dark Nights promises to deliver more creatures, chaos, and intensity than ever before. By focusing on immersive storytelling, elevated costume and makeup designs, and pushing the boundaries of horror, Dark Nights 2024 is set to be the park’s best Halloween event yet.
In Conclusion
Hersheypark’s Dark Nights exemplifies the power of immersive storytelling and collaboration between a theme park and a creative team like EPIC Entertainment. As the popularity of Halloween events continues to rise, Hersheypark has positioned itself as a leader in providing thrilling, multi-layered experiences that keep guests coming back year after year. With a focus on storytelling, immersive details, and guest engagement, Hersheypark Dark Nights sets the standard for immersive Halloween events in the theme park industry.
