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Hershey Story Museum vs Chocolate World, find out which 1 is for you
Visiting Hershey PA is the sweetest experience to have in Pennsylvania. There are so many attractions to see and do that sometimes, it feels impossible to check out everything on your tourist list. However, like any other touristic attraction, there are some must-see key points to visit.
Needless to say that two of the most popular places to visit in Hershey are also the sweetest ones: The Hershey Story Museum and The Hershey Chocolate World.
So far so good, but are there any differences between the two of them, is it worth visiting both sweet attractions? Well, let’s find out.
Short Glimpse Over the 2 Key Attractions
This is the question. Well, these 2 beautiful chocolate attractions come with different pros and cons, and it would be unfair to say that only one is worth visiting.
Now, just to introduce you to their worlds, you should know that the Hershey Story is a more traditional museum. There are lots of exhibitions to visit, as well as great information to learn about Milton Hershey’s Life.
This is a perfect place to visit with your kids too, as there are lots of interactive displays and other child-friendly attractions. You can take the Apprentice Program, so the kids will learn a lot of information.
However, the chocolate tasting experience might not be as rich as at Chocolate World lab. So… let’s see some short info about the second sweet place.
On the other hand, Hershey’s Chocolate World is somehow a corporate visitor’s center and the perfect place to be if you want to meet Hershey Foods.
Now, if you are passionate about chocolate and the process of obtaining the best flavor, here you get the chance to get a ride that will take you through all the steps of making a chocolate product. Of course, there are so many other activities to do here, but we will talk about them later.
Spoiler alert: you can make your very own chocolate bar, as well as a true 4D movie. Bare with us to learn everything about this attraction.
The Hershey Story Museum: What to Do?
Learning is fun while you are at The Hershey Story Museum. The exploring part is easy to follow, and the experience is unique. It’s a pity not to learn and explore the life of Milton Hershey, and after that, to try to create your unique chocolate treat.

The History and Legacy of Milton S. Hershey
Different from the Hershey Chocolate World, the museum experience is about learning. Mostly about the history and the legacy of Milton Hershey. It might seem easy to make chocolate, but once seeing how Hershey has invented the chocolate confections, you will change your mind.
Step by step, you will learn about his struggles in order to obtain the sweet success with Hershey Chocolate and also to create one of the sweetest places on Earth.
The Tasting Room
One of the best parts of visiting the Story Museum is the chance to taste a variety of chocolates from all over the world. Moreover, all this experience is even more interactive, as there are lots of different warm drinking chocolates, to warm you up during the cold days.
Chocolate Lab
Never ever thought you could have a lot of fun while cooking with chocolate? Well, get ready to roll up your sleeves and have the sweetest, delicious, and fun experience in the Chocolate Lab.
More than just playing with chocolate, you will get the chance to learn about how cacao is grown, and also how chocolate is made. In the very end, you will create your original chocolate dessert.
Mr. Hershey’s Cuba Exhibit
One of the must-do activities while visiting the Hershey Museum is the special exhibit “Sugar Town”, in Cuba. This town is special because it supported a sugar mill.
Foods and Drinks
If you want to take a break from the visiting part, you can taste a bite right at The Pantry Café. Here you have so many foods to taste, from delicious breakfasts to tasty salads and sandwiches. Needless to say, you can have a delicious signature dessert.
Hershey's Chocolate World: An Even Richer Experience?
Here we are, presenting the second main attraction in Hershey PA.
Hershey’s Chocolate World was first opened in 1973, and it initially replaced another chocolate factory. The outdoor look is by far an attraction by itself and replicates the style of an old factory.

Luckily, the Hershey Chocolate World has been expanded and renovated, so it is a bliss being here. While experiencing the Hershey Chocolate World, don’t forget to check:
- The 4D theater show;
- Chocolate tasting experience;
- Omnimover-style dark ride;
- Building your own chocolate bar.
Comparing the Hershey Chocolate World with the Hershey Story Museum, the experience might seem quite similar, but let’s find out more.
What you need to know is that the Chocolate World is all about Hershey chocolate, and all the chocolate types made in here. Don’t expect from the Hershey Chocolate World just to name the Hershey products.
The experience here will be deeper, as you will connect with each of Hershey’s chocolate brands and their history as well.
Here are the best parts of visiting this attraction:
- The smell is delicious
From the very first step into this world, you will feel the most pleasant aroma of cocoa. And it is impossible not to be like this, as there is chocolate everywhere in this place. The lobby itself will welcome you with a sweet flavor.
- Learn about how Chocolate is made
As soon as you will take the Chocolate Tour, you will be invited to see inside the Hershey’s factory and follow all the steps in creating the perfect chocolate taste. From the roasted cocoa beans to wrapping a full chocolate bar, you will follow all these steps.
- Connect to the 4D experiential show
We bet you have never ever tried to solve a chocolate mystery while being in a 4D movie. Don’t forget to enroll in this stunning digital animation, with lots of special effects. There are over 100 different variations of chocolate to see in this show. Ready?
- Learn to be an apprentice chocolatier
Are you passionate about chocolate? Why not learn more? Just put your hair nets and put your imagination at the right contribution. It’s time for creating your own chocolate bar and choosing the best ingredients for unique flavors.
- Take the trolley through Hershey
Why not continue your adventure through town with this old-fashioned trolley? You will get the chance to see beautiful scenic sights, taste lots of chocolate samples, or just have a glimpse into the inspiring life story of Milton Hershey.
- Buy sweet souvenirs
There is no better place to buy the sweetest souvenirs for the dear ones than the Hershey Chocolate World. From Reese’s coffee mugs to Hershey Chocolate Syrup banks, you have so many options. You can also fill your bags with lots of different Hershey Kisses.
Moreover, you can impress the dear ones with the World’s Largest Hershey Chocolate Bar.
- Pass by the Sweet Bakery
If you want to have the same culinary experience as the locals, then you should go to The Bakery at Hershey Chocolate World. Here you will find the best mammoth chocolate cupcakes, lots of sweet bites, as well as some delicious candy-coated cookies.
The Final Verdict
Now that we are at the end of the article and we know the main key points of each of Hershey’s attractions, it’s time for drawing some conclusions.
Chocolate World
Pros:
Now, talking about trying out Chocolate World, the first thing that comes to mind is that the access is free. All free. And the rides through this amazing, sweet place are so diverse and fun. You learn how to make chocolate, and in the end, you get a free sample of this cocoa dessert.
Another big plus of this place is the food court, but also its beautiful, tropical design. You have lots of tropical trees to admire while enjoying the delicious baked goods. Moreover, you can enjoy each dessert from Hershey’s brands at very affordable prices.
Moreover, don’t forget to try the chocolate tasting experience and all those Reese’s peanut butter desserts.
Cons:
The only disadvantage we found is that the Chocolate World is a place that can get very crowded and noisy.
Hershey Story Museum
Pros:
There are lots to learn while visiting the Hershey Story Museum. The museum is very nicely built, a true emphasis on the history of chocolate in Hershey. The chocolate lab experience is a must, so don’t miss it.
Cons:
The Hershey Story Museum is a more expensive experience all in all, but at least is not that crowded and loud. Another disadvantage is when you visit the chocolate lab, you may find the rules and procedures to be very strict.
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Vacation Guide: Sweetest Place on Earth, Hershey Pennsylvania
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