The soaking, screaming, poncho-soaking days of Tidal Force are numbered. Hersheypark is retiring its long-running splashdown ride after the 2026 summer season, and Hershey’s Chocolate World is tweaking how it handles parking on those packed Hershey weekends. The change means the 100-foot flume, a Boardwalk staple since 1994, is scheduled for its final run on Sept. 7, while short visits to Chocolate World could be routed to paid Hersheypark lots once its own lot fills.
Hersheypark has confirmed that Tidal Force will close on Sept. 7 at the end of the summer season, ending the attraction’s 32-year run, according to PhillyVoice. The flume opened in 1994 after a three-acre expansion and cost about $4 million to build, with a roughly 100-foot lift hill and splashdowns that can top 50 miles per hour.
In its announcement the park leaned into nautical language, saying, “When a vessel takes its last voyage, we believe it deserves a proper send-off,” and added that it will “share any future plans when appropriate,” per Daily Voice. Park officials have not said what, if anything, will replace the ride once the final splash settles.
What the parking changes mean
HERSHEY’S Chocolate World says quick trips remain free for the first two hours when space is available, and that attraction ticket bundles still come with complimentary all-day parking in the Chocolate World lot, according to HERSHEY'S Chocolate World. When that lot hits capacity on busy days, visitors may be redirected to Hersheypark’s parking lots and charged that lot’s daily rate.
Hersheypark’s directions and parking page notes that Hersheypark parking is not valid in the Chocolate World lot and explains how refunds are handled for Chocolate World guests who stop at the Hersheypark toll plaza by mistake, per Hersheypark. Translation: where you park and what you tell the attendant matters if you are just popping in for chocolate and not riding coasters.
Fans, speculation and the next chapter
The Tidal Force news has already set off waves online, with longtime fans lamenting the loss of a classic summer drenching and others guessing what might come next. Some speculate the Boardwalk footprint could be used for new water-park features or other attractions, Daily Voice reported. Enthusiast forums are full of similar theories, but Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has so far only promised to go public with plans when there is something concrete to share.
If you are plotting a summer trip, it is worth checking Hersheypark and HERSHEY’S Chocolate World online before you hit the road to confirm ride status and parking rules. Both operators update their visitor information regularly, especially ahead of busy weekends and holiday crowds, so you know whether you are lining up for a final plunge or just a parking detour.
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