Kissing Tower Explained

Kissing Tower
Imagedimensions:250px
Location:Hersheypark
Section:Kissing Tower Hill
Status:Operating
Type:Gyro tower
Manufacturer:Intamin
Height Ft:330
Vehicles:1
Transfer Accessible:yes[1]

Kissing Tower is a gyro tower at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The tower tops out at 330 ft, making it the tallest attraction in the park. Riders reach 250 feet, surpassing Candymonium which tops out at 210 feet.[2] Kissing Tower is one of Hersheypark's most famous attractions.[3]

History

The tower, named after Hershey's Kisses, opened in 1975 and features windows shaped like the candy. In 2014, the tower's region was renamed from "Minetown" to "Kissing Tower Hill" after the attraction.[4] In 2020, one of the windows was damaged by wind and had to be replaced.[5]

Ride experience

The queue line is themed around kissing. Riders board an enclosed gondola and sit on benches that encircle the cabin. The gondola revolves as it gently ascends to 250 feet, and information about the history of Hershey is played from speakers.[6] Riders experience a panoramic view of the park and the town of Hershey through the kiss-shaped windows as the cabin completes three revolutions during its ascent and descent.

In culture

Kissing Tower appears in Roller Coaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! as a buildable attraction.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: RIDER SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE . Hersheypark . 29 July 2023.
  2. Web site: Hersheypark: 47 years of incredible views on Kissing Tower. ABC 27 News. James Wesser. 17 July 2023.
  3. Web site: Hersheypark’s Kissing Tower damaged by winds: report . Penn Live . Jana Benscoter. 17 July 2023.
  4. Web site: The History of the Thrills on the Hill. The Amusement Parkives. Harry Michelson. 17 July 2023.
  5. Web site: Hersheypark Kissing Tower Damaged By Wind. The Sun. Drew Weidman. 17 July 2023. 11 April 2020.
  6. Web site: Two Popular Hersheypark Rides Mark Anniversaries in May 2020 . Hershey PA . 18 July 2023.