You may have already read my recent post on Hersheypark and Food Allergies. This post is about Chocolate World, an attraction just outside the gates of Hersheypark.
Chocolate World is much smaller than Hersheypark and in my opinion much less food allergy friendly. There are approximately 8 attractions, six of which I will cover in detail below. (The other 2 being a Trolley Tour around Hershey and a put your photo on the wrapper of a Hershey Bar.)
Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour
The Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour is a ride that takes you on a journey from beans to chocolate. You’ll learn how chocolate is made by the use of all of your senses.
This ride is free and a small wrapped sample of chocolate is passed out at the end as you are leaving. We received a mini Hershey’s Chocolate Bar. However, the website states that the sample may change from time to time.
This ride is allergy safe, with the exception of the sample at the end. Also keep in mind that scents are used during this ride. This may be an issue if you are sensitive to scent.
From the Chocolate World website:
HERSHEY’S GREAT AMERICAN CHOCOLATE TOUR ride – is a simulated factory tour. There are no peanut or peanut related products on the tour itself. As for our free sample, some products may contain peanuts/tree nuts and will be noted. Please ask our attendant for an alternative peanut-free sample. TWIZZLERS Candy and sugar free samples are available upon request.
Hershey’s Create Your Own Candy Bar
The name says it all. In this attraction you get to create your very own candy bar. Sounds great but not at all allergy friendly.
From the Chocolate World website:
HERSHEY’S Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction – Some of the ingredients used do contain allergens and all bars are produced on the same production line. PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, MILK, SOY, AND/OR WHEAT SHOULD NOT CONSUME THESE PRODUCTS.
Hershey’s Great Chocolate Factory Mystery in 4D
This is a 4D movie meaning a 3D glasses movie with scent pumped into the auditorium. There are also points in the movie in which what I assume is water is sprayed onto you.
Relatively allergy friendly with the exception of another chocolate sample passed out at the end.
From the Chocolate World website:
HERSHEY’S REALLY BIG 3D SHOW – Samples are distributed at the end of the show. Please refer to the allergen statement on the back of the product if you have any concerns. TWIZZLERS Candy is available upon request.
Hershey Chocolate Tasting Adventure
Exactly as the name implies, a chocolate tasting. Likely not safe for individuals with food allergies.
From the Chocolate World website:
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE TASTING ADVENTURE Attraction – Various samples are distributed as part of the experience. Some of the samples do have an allergen statement regarding whether or not the line the products were processed on was used to process almonds or nuts.
Hershey Kisses Packaging
This attraction is really geared towards younger kids.
The website states “Now’s your chance to become a factory worker for the day and package your own HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates!”
What really happens is your child will hold a kiss shaped container and collect already wrapped Hershey Kisses as they come off a conveyor belt.
This is a free attraction and allergy friendly with the exception of dairy if you are worried about contact. You have the option of purchasing the box of Kisses your child packaged, with a photo of him/her on the box, at the end.
Hershey Dessert Creation Studio
Like the make your own candy bar, this one sounds like a blast. However, it’s not at all allergy friendly.
I scoped out the area and it’s basically a glorified sundae bar. You can decorate cookies, cupcakes etc. The toppings bar is not divided by allergens and was quite messy with numerous items mixed together. I would steer clear of this attraction if dealing with food allergies.
From the Chocolate World website:
HERSHEY’S Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction – Some of the ingredients used do contain allergens and all bars are produced on the same production line. PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, MILK, SOY, AND/OR WHEAT SHOULD NOT CONSUME THESE PRODUCTS.
For the most part, if you are dealing with food allergies, Chocolate World is a skip it attraction in my opinion. While there are things that a food allergy family can do, those attractions are limited. The overall attraction is also very loud, crowded and primarily focused on getting you to purchase things.
If you are planning a trip to Hershey, there are numerous other things to do. Check out Hersheypark, Hershey Gardens, the Hershey Story Museum and Zoo America.
For more information on Chocolate World and their allergy page visit the following link: http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/accessibility#allergies
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