Blog

Jan 24, 2024

Wildcat at Hersheypark History

Wildcat is back and seeking vengeance with the debut of our all-new Wildcat’s

Wildcat is back and seeking vengeance with the debut of our all-new Wildcat's Revenge hybrid coaster! As one of 15 coasters at Hersheypark, the wood and steel hybrid joins one of the largest and most iconic coaster collections in the United States this summer, 100 years after the first Wild Cat ride debuted at the Park.

Many people may not realize the unique history of the name "Wild Cat" at Hersheypark. Check out the Hersheypark Wildcat timeline below:

The Wild Cat was purchased by founder Milton S. Hershey as the very first coaster at Hersheypark in 1923. Exactly 100 years later, Wildcat's Revenge reclaims the name and adds an all-new steel track with unique elements to the wooden framework for a one-of-a-kind thrilling ride experience found only at Hersheypark.

Insider Tip: The hybrid coaster design was carefully chosen to offer something new while honoring the past. As guests enter the Midway America region of Hersheypark, they will be welcomed by a fully renovated coaster station with a design featuring low-pitched gables that harkens back to the iconic 1923 Wild Cat station.

Here's more information about how our first coaster came to life:

Wildcat at Hersheypark opened in 1996 and was the 5th coaster open at the park. Wildcat was 85 feet tall, reached speeds of 48 MPH and sent riders over hills, bumps and turns for 1 minute, 15 seconds. This was the first roller coaster designed and manufactured by Great Coasters International (GCI) and would be the first wooden roller coaster installed at Hersheypark since Comet in 1946.

Insider Tip: Wooden track from the GCI Wildcat hangs at the entrance to the 2023 Wildcat's Revenge

Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), Wildcat's Revenge adds an all-new steel track with unique elements to the existing wooden framework for a one-of-a-kind thrilling ride experience found only at Hersheypark. The hybrid coaster features a 140-foot hill, maximum speeds of 62 miles per hour and four inversions, including the World's Largest Underflip.

The 2-minute and 36-second experience begins as riders climb a 140-foot hill, plunge into an 82-degree drop and hit a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour along 3,510 feet of red track on a black steel and wood structure. The pursuit continues as riders stalk their prey through four inversions, including the World's Largest Underflip, an inversion that begins with an upward climb, followed by a counterclockwise 270° roll and a dive down towards the side.

Join us for the opening of our all-new wood and steel hybrid coaster with tickets to visit Hersheypark this summer. Save on 2023 tickets now when you purchase directly online. Start celebrating our 15th coaster with themed food and retail throughout the park and make sure you show us your excitement for Wildcat's Revenge by sharing your photos and videos with us on social media using #WildcatsRevenge and #HersheyparkHappy. See you this summer!