A Taste of Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate World is located next to Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Chocolate World is an exciting destination for all ages, providing an interesting look at how chocolate is made, Hershey's souvenir shops, and a food court to relax and grab a bite to eat.

One of the most exciting parts of Chocolate World is the chocolate tour. You will ride in a factory car and learn everything about how chocolate is made, from its start in the forest where cocoa beans are grown, to mixing the chocolate, and packaging it in famous Hershey's wrappers.

Along the way, you will be entertained by singing cows and special effects, such as riding through a simulated oven (there will be a sign above your head to tell you the "oven temperature) and smelling the chocolate as if you were in the factory while it was being produced.

At the end of the tour, a puppet cow with a camera takes your group's picture and after you depart, you are given a free sample of a chocolate bar.

Another well liked part is the Really Big 3D Show. Admission to the show is $5.95 for adults, $3.95 for children, and $4.95 for senior citizens. Once you are in the theatre foyer, you are shown a short film about the life of Milton Hershey and how his chocolate product became famous. After that, you are given a pair of 3D glasses and can take a seat inside the 250 seat theatre.

Don't put on those 3D glasses just yet though. An actor portraying a college professor will come on to the stage and start lecturing about the history of chocolate. Before you know it, the Reese's, Hershey's, Peppermint Patty, the Kit Kat and many other popular brands will come to life and begin a singing and dancing production about the world of chocolate. The characters can literally jump off the screen and dance, which you will see through your 3D glasses.

The show also features special effects including sprinkling the crowd with water and the effect of raining Hershey kisses. These effects can scare younger kids but it is all in fun and worth a good laugh.

Once you have enough chocolate knowledge, you can stop over to the marketplace shops located on the first floor of Chocolate World. These shops sell everything Hershey's, from apparel to stuffed animals, pillows, and of course, tins of candy. You can even create your own gifts by putting a personalized message on a greeting card or other novelty.

If you want to have something to eat, restaurants including the Kit Kat "Gimme a Break Café" and the Courtyard Café Food Court offer deli sandwiches, pizza, salads, and desserts between them. You can also stop over to the Hershey's Ice Cream shop for a famous Chocolate World milkshake or one of the many flavors of ice cream.

Chocolate World is a great place to go for kids and adults alike. I enjoy going on the Chocolate Tour because being able to see how chocolate is made is a fascinating experience. Plus, what could be a better learning tool than actually smelling the product and going through a (fake) baking oven? The 3D show seems mainly geared towards kids, but adults can enjoy the top notch special effects and catchy musical numbers just the same.

I have never been to the Factory Works part, but now that I think about, being able to have your face on a Hershey's bar would make a great gift idea for family and friends. Well, at least it might be good for your own keepsake.

The best part? Chocolate World is open all year, even when Hershey Park is it. Hours vary according to season though, so make sure to visit www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld to learn more and plan your visit.