Hersheypark Just Demolished a Portion of a 50-Year-Old Roller Coaster — Here’s Why
Hersheypark Just Demolished a Portion of a 50-Year-Old Roller Coaster — Here’s Why
Colson ThayerMon, October 5, 2026 at 10:51 PM UTC
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sooperdooperLooper’s loading station is demolished at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania.Credit: Logan Dennison/American Amusement Park Museum -
sooperdooperLooper’s loading station is being replaced ahead of the coaster’s 50th anniversary next year
The ride will feature immersive lights, enhanced audio and a new boarding experience
The ride closed for refurbishments on Sept. 7, the same day Hersheypark permanently retired its Tidal Force water attraction
Hersheypark fans are watching an iconic piece of amusement park history crumble, but it’s all part of a major upgrade.
On Monday, Oct. 5, PEOPLE obtained photos of the ongoing demolition of the Pennsylvania theme park’s sooperdooperLooper roller coaster’s loading station. The pictures, courtesy of Logan Dennison, owner of the American Amusement Park Museum, show construction equipment at the site where a building once stood.
The demolition is part of the park’s previously announced improvements to the nearly 50-year-old roller coaster. Back in August, officials revealed the ride would get a new station for the milestone anniversary next year.
The ongoing demolition of the sooperdooperLooper’s loading station at Hersheypark.Credit: Logan Dennison/American Amusement Park Museum
“To keep it ‘sooperdooper’ for generations to come, the ride will close after Labor Day and reopen Summer 2027 with a new arrival and boarding experience, including immersive lights and enhanced audio,” the attraction’s webpage says.
The attraction dates back to 1977 when the Anton Schwarzkopf-manufactured steel coaster first debuted to the public.
The ongoing demolition of the sooperdooperLooper’s loading station at Hersheypark.Credit: Logan Dennison/American Amusement Park Museum
Today, the ride measures 2,614 feet in length, 57 feet tall and reaches speeds of up to 45 mph. A minimum height requirement of 42 inches allows even the smallest thrill-seekers to ride.
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“I’m very happy to see that the park is investing in history and tradition for the coaster’s 50th anniversary,” Dennison says in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Looper was mine and my daughter’s first looping coaster growing up, along with many others.”
The closure of the sooperdooperLooper wasn’t the only change the park made on Labor Day. Sept. 7 also marked the final day for guests to enjoy the Tidal Force water attraction. After 32 years, the ride provided one final splash before its permanent retirement.
In a Facebook group called Hersheypark Connoisseurs, one post invited fans to celebrate Tidal Force’s final day by riding the attraction and sharing their pictures.
“We’re at Hersheypark today to celebrate, say goodbye to, and of course RIDE Tidal Force on its final day of operation!” the post read. “If you’re here, or have ridden recently, share your Tidal Force photos in the comments! Farewell, Tidal Force! You’ll be missed!”
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The attraction first opened in 1994 and became known for its steep drop and massive splash. The ride took guests up a 100-foot incline before reaching downhill speeds exceeding 50 mph.
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