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Hersheypark has had numerous additions over the past decade or so that have dramatically altered their skyline. Whether it be Lightning Racer, Storm Runner, or Fahrenheit, Hershey has grown rapidly over the years. However, as one first enters Founder’s Circle, one thing has remained constant in Hershey’s skyline over the years: The Comet. Hershey’s oldest coaster that is still operating, the Comet is definitely everything that a good, classic wooden coaster should be, and despite its age it still remains one of the park’s best attractions.
Fittingly located in Comet Hollow, the Comet looks fantastic considering its 65 years old. Sporting a beautiful, snow white paint scheme, the Comet perfectly embodies what a traditional wooden roller coaster should look like. Additionally, the ride’s station looks fantastic as well. From off-ride, it appears as if it boasts a classic, curved loading station. While ultimately that proves false, the Comet’s station still looks fantastic and compliments the ride perfectly. Finally, the Comet’s two trains look incredible as well with their navy blue paint schemes and non-restrictive, red buzz bars.
Being Hershey’s most classic coaster, the Comet still is very popular despite its age. Lines for the Comet are entirely dependent on the time of day one chooses to ride. Due to its location towards the front of the park, it usually has half hour wait early in the day. However, starting in the late afternoon, the Comet’s line is almost always 5-10 minutes or less, as crowds have dispersed throughout the park. Despite two train operations, the Comet’s line can move somewhat slowly at times due to occasionally slow loading. I highly recommend the back seat, not only because it inexplicably tends to have less of a wait than every other seat (including the middle ones), but it also provides the best ride by far.
Once dispatched, the Comet begins with a leisurely climb up its 84 foot tall lift hill. I have always been fascinated with the little bend in the lift hill about three quarters of the way up. Honestly, I can’t think of another roller coaster off the top of my head with a lift hill that has the same feature. Regardless, soon enough the Comet crests the lift and treats riders to its first drop, which begins with a slight curve and then dives straight down to the creek. While the first drop lacks airtime, the curve produces some decent laterals. Following that is a gigantic turnaround. The drop off the turnaround provides incredible ejector air in the backseat thanks to the minimalist restraints (just a seatbelt and buzz bar). Next comes a large hill that provides a small pop of air followed by the Comet’s second turnaround. The drop off the turnaround provides a good pop of air in the back.
Following this drop is a large, curving hill that leads riders into the Comet’s second half. This hill provides some good laterals. Next are a series of small bunny hills. Unfortunately, they do not provide too much airtime due to gradual slope of the hills; however, a couple of them do provide some nice pops of air. But for me the highlight of the second half is the third turnaround hill. Taken at considerable speed, the hill provides some very powerful laterals on the curving drop. Succeeding this turnaround is a series of bunny hills that again aren’t too heavy on the air, but they still are definitely fun and some do produce some weak pops. Finally, the Comet zooms into the break run, ending a truly classic coaster.
The Comet may not be quite as flashy as Hershey’s newer coasters, but the Comet is a perfect example of a traditional wooden roller coaster. Additionally, despite the ride’s age, the coaster is glass smooth from start to finish thanks to how well Hershey takes care of this classic. My favorite seat by far is the back seat, as several of the drops provide some great air making the ride really fun for enthusiasts. The front seat is by no means bad, but the air is far weaker and the laterals aren’t quite as strong. Plus, as usual the front has a longer wait as well. Despite the Comet’s senior status at Hersheypark, it’s still one of the best attractions at the park (only Storm Runner, Fahrenheit, Great Bear, and Lightning Racer are better). A visit to Hersheypark isn’t complete without a ride on the Comet.
Favorite Seat: Back (4:3)
Best Part: Second Drop
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