Okay, here’s my experience about getting a disability pass at Hersheypark, especially with my diabetes.
So, I decided to hit up Hersheypark this summer. It’s been a while, and I was really looking forward to it. But, you know, with my diabetes, I was a bit worried about how the day would go. Long lines and all that can really mess with my blood sugar.
First off, I did some digging online about Hersheypark’s disability pass. I needed to know what to expect and how to get one. I saw some stuff about an “accessibility program” and that got me interested. I mean, it’s great that they have something like that, but I wasn’t sure if diabetes would qualify.
When I got to the park, the first thing I did was find their accessibility services. It’s right there near the entrance, so you can’t miss it. I went in and talked to one of the staff. Told them about my diabetes and how it can be a real pain to manage in a theme park setting. The guy was super nice and understanding, which was a relief.
He explained how their Boarding Pass Program works. Basically, you get this pass that lets you schedule times to get on rides without waiting in the regular line. It’s like a fast pass, but for people with disabilities. He asked me a few questions about my condition, nothing too intrusive, just enough to understand my needs. And yeah, they do consider diabetes as a qualifying condition, which was good news for me.
- I had to fill out a short form. It was simple, just basic info and a quick description of how my diabetes affects me.
- They took my photo for the pass. I guess it’s to make sure no one else uses it.
- Then, they gave me this card with a barcode. You show it to the ride operators, and they scan it.
Using the Pass
Using the pass was pretty straightforward. You go to the ride you want, find the person with the scanner (usually at the ride’s exit or the fast pass entrance), and they give you a time to come back. It’s usually about the same time as the current wait time, but you don’t have to stand in line. Instead, you can go sit down, grab a drink, or whatever.
Throughout the day, I used the pass for most of the big rides. It made a huge difference. I didn’t have to worry about my blood sugar dropping while standing in a long line. I could plan my snacks and insulin better. Plus, it just made the whole day more enjoyable. No stress about rushing from one ride to another.
Honestly, the whole process was smooth. The staff at Hersheypark were really helpful. They made sure I understood how everything worked and were always around if I had any questions. Even the ride operators were cool about it. No weird looks or anything.
I also want to give a shoutout to the parking situation. They have designated accessible parking spots close to the entrance. It’s a small thing, but it really makes a difference when you’re dealing with a condition like diabetes. It was a relief to know I could park close and not have to walk a mile just to get into the park.
All in all, my experience with the disability pass at Hersheypark was great. It made my day so much easier and more enjoyable. If you’re heading to Hersheypark and have diabetes or any other condition, don’t hesitate to check out their accessibility program. It’s a game-changer. They made me feel like a normal person.
