Fan Favorite Hershey's Chocolate Tour Receiving Major Renovation

© Hershey's Chocolate World

Located just steps from the gates of Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World is one of the busiest company visitor centers on the planet.  Chocolate World features a handful of attractions, dining and retail options that make it an essential stopping point when in Hershey, PA.

One of the oldest attractions in the center is the Chocolate Tour, which opened in 1973 and takes riders on a pretend tour of the Hershey chocolate factory.  Riders are treated to an in-depth look at how some of Hershey's most popular treats are created, and as everyone knows there's a piece of candy waiting for visitors at the end of the ride.

The attraction is currently closed, however, since Chocolate World is giving it a major redo during this off-season.  This will be the 5th version of the Chocolate Tour, having been renovated about each 10 years since opening.  A major change going on now is new passenger cars, which will replace the original vehicles and feature themes of Hershey's products as well as an in-car monitor displaying additional information in multiple languages.

© Hershey's Chocolate World

Fans of the ride will have to say goodbye to Gabby, Harmony and Olympia, who were added in the last renovation.  They're catchy song will also be replaced with a new tune, however the gals will be able to be spotted somewhere else in the new ride.  New animatronic animals, including new cows that will be named by a contest, will be added, along with changes to scenery and lighting throughout.  Digital projection technology will also be added, keeping the ride fresh and relevant to modern audiences while still telling the story of how chocolate is made.

This article features more details on the renovations - which are being done by Granaroli Design and Entertainment and On Track Themes.  The ride is currently closed for three weeks but will reopen as a work in progress at the end of February.  When all the changes are complete the Chocolate Tour will have a grand reopening in May.