Photo: Mike Matscherz collection. View full-sized image.
ACE members got an exclusive early morning look inside one of Hershey’s most beloved attractions during a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour ride at Hershey's Chocolate World (Hershey, Pennsylvania). Held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, this unique experience offered attendees a rare opportunity to step off the ride vehicles and into the inner workings of the attraction before it opened to the public.
Attendees began the event with a guided tour.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
The morning began with a guided tour led by the knowledgeable Hershey’s Chocolate World team, who provided insight into the history, design and daily operation of the Chocolate Tour. Participants learned how this iconic ride continues to evolve while maintaining its classic charm that has delighted generations of guests.
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.
One of the highlights of the experience was an exclusive visit to the ride’s maintenance area. Attendees got an up-close look at the technical side of the attraction, including ride vehicles, mechanical systems and behind-the-scenes infrastructure that keeps the “chocolate” flowing smoothly each day.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Characters seen along the Chocolate World ride.
The group was then invited to walk the ride’s track — an incredibly rare opportunity that gave a whole new perspective on the scenes, sets and animatronics typically viewed from the comfort of a moving vehicle. From this vantage point, guests could truly appreciate the detail and craftsmanship that goes into every element of the ride.
To cap off the experience, attendees were treated to the first rides of the day. Boarding the attraction before the doors opened to the public made for a memorable and uniquely immersive conclusion to the morning.
ACE Eastern Pennsylvania was grateful to the team at Hershey’s Chocolate World for providing such an engaging and behind-the-scenes look at this classic attraction. Opportunities like this continue to make ACE events unforgettable for enthusiasts of all kinds.
— Mike Matscherz, ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Representative
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