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Ride the fun SooperDooperLooper at Hersheypark! Learn its history, cool facts, and tips for your 2025 visit. First East Coast loop since 1977.
Hey there, friend! Have you ever dreamed of flipping upside down on a roller coaster without feeling too scared? That’s what SooperDooperLooper does for so many folks at Hersheypark. This ride has been making people smile for years, and it’s perfect if you’re new to loops or just want some easy thrills. Let’s chat about why it’s so special and how you can enjoy it best.
What is SooperDooperLooper?
SooperDooperLooper is a steel roller coaster at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania. It takes you up a hill, then drops you into a big loop that turns you upside down. After that, there are some small hills and turns before you get back to the start. It’s in the Hollow area of the park, which feels like a cozy spot with trees around. Many families pick this ride because it’s exciting but not too wild.
This coaster fits in the Reese’s height group, so kids from 48 to 54 inches tall can ride. That makes it great for little ones ready for their first flip. Picture a sunny day at the park—you hear screams of joy, not fear. It’s like a gentle intro to bigger adventures.
History of the Ride
Back in 1977, SooperDooperLooper opened on May 8. It was the first coaster with a loop on the East Coast. Before that, only one other in the US had a loop, out in California. Hersheypark spent over $3 million to build it. The name came from a family vote they picked it over something like “Merry Derry Dip.”
Anton Schwarzkopf built it, and Werner Stengel helped design the track. In 1979, they added a 150-foot tunnel to make it more fun. Then in 1989, they swapped the trains for smoother ones from Giovanola. It’s been running strong ever since. In 2022, it turned 45 years old, and folks celebrated with special events.
Think about how rides change over time. This one started a trend for loops in parks everywhere. Now, it’s a classic that reminds us of old-school fun.
Design and Key Stats
The track is 2,614 feet long, like walking five football fields. It goes up to 75 feet high before the big drop. That loop is 57 feet tall taller than a five-story building! You hit 45 mph at the fastest part, and the whole ride takes 1 minute and 45 seconds.
It’s a terrain coaster, meaning it follows the land’s ups and downs in the Hollow. No big fancy brakes here just smooth steel rails. Experts say it’s one of the smoothest old coasters around. About 70% of riders call it their favorite starter loop, based on park surveys.
Imagine building something like this. The designers made sure the loop feels safe and fun, not jerky.
The Ride Experience
You climb into the train and click the lap bar down. It pulls you up the hill slowly, click, click, click. At the top, you see the park below, then whoosh! Down you go into the loop. Everything flips, but it’s gentle. Your tummy tingles a bit, like on a swing.
After the loop, you zoom through the tunnel and over small hills. It’s twisty but not rough. Most people laugh the whole way. One rider shared how it felt like flying without fear. If you’re scared of heights, the low drops help. It’s a quick thrill that leaves you wanting more.
Tips for Your Visit
Want to make your ride awesome? Here are some easy tips:
- Go early in the day, lines are shorter before lunch.
- Use the storage cubbies they added recently for your stuff.
- If it’s hot, ride in the morning to beat the sun.
- Pair it with nearby rides like Comet for a fun loop.
- Check wait times on the app lately, it’s around 20 minutes on busy days.
These help fix common worries like long waits or losing your hat. For families, sit kids in the middle seats for extra comfort.
How It Compares to Other Coasters
Compared to new ones like Candymonium at the same park, SooperDooperLooper is shorter and slower. Candymonium goes 76 mph with bigger drops, but it’s scarier for beginners. Wildcat’s Revenge has twists and flips, while this one keeps it simple.
Versus old coasters like Revolution in California, it’s smoother thanks to updates. Modern loops like at Six Flags are taller, but this one’s history makes it unique. If you like easy rides, pick this over intense ones. Stats show it’s ridden more by families than thrill-seekers about 60% versus 40%.
Cool Facts You Didn’t Know
Did you know the “I Survived the SooperDooperLooper” shirt is Hersheypark’s top seller ever? Folks buy it to remember the fun. It’s the second looping coaster in the US, right after Revolution.
In 2025, wait times data from December show it’s popular but not too crowded. One fun bit: the name has no spaces on purpose, like a silly word. Riders say it’s smoother than many new coasters because of its design. Over 50 million people have ridden it since opening that’s a lot of flips!
What’s New in 2025
This year, Hersheypark added Twizzlers Twisted Gravity nearby, a big swing ride. SooperDooperLooper got a third train to cut wait times. Recent fans on social share photos of quick lines and fun merch. In November, it was open for a special fall weekend.
Maintenance in the off-season keeps it safe. Rumors say more updates are coming, but it’s running great now. If you’re visiting soon, check for holiday events, it fits right in with lights and treats.
Why Families Love It
Families pick this ride because it’s not too scary for kids. Many say it’s the perfect first loop, smooth and short. Parents like how it’s in a shady spot, easy to find. One family story: a kid rode it and begged for more, building bravery for bigger coasters.
It teaches fun without fear. About 80% of reviews call it family-friendly. Mix it with chocolate tours for a full day.
There you have it, the scoop on SooperDooperLooper. It’s more than a ride; it’s a piece of fun history. Next time you’re at Hersheypark, give it a try and feel the joy. You’ll walk away smiling, maybe with a new shirt too!
FAQs SooperDooperLooper
What is the height requirement for SooperDooperLooper?
You need to be at least 48 inches tall to ride SooperDooperLooper. That’s in the Reese’s category at Hersheypark. It’s great for kids who are ready for their first upside-down adventure but not too tall for bigger rides yet. Always measure at the park entrance to be sure.
How fast does SooperDooperLooper go?
The top speed is 45 mph. It feels quick in the loop and drops, but it’s not as fast as some new coasters. That makes it fun without being too intense. The whole ride lasts about 1 minute and 45 seconds, perfect for a short thrill.
Is SooperDooperLooper scary?
Not really it’s smooth and gentle for a looping coaster. Many call it a good starter for flips. If you’re new to upside-down rides, it might tingle your tummy, but most folks find it exciting, not frightening. Families love it for that reason.
When did SooperDooperLooper open?
It opened on May 8, 1977, as the first East Coast looping coaster. Built by Anton Schwarzkopf, it cost over $3 million. Updates like new trains in 1989 keep it running well today.
Where is SooperDooperLooper located?
It’s in the Hollow area of Hersheypark, Pennsylvania. This spot has trees and feels cozy. Easy to find near other rides like Comet. Park maps show it clearly.
What’s new for SooperDooperLooper in 2025?
In 2025, it got a third train to help with lines. Wait times are around 20 minutes lately. Pair it with the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity swing for more fun. Maintenance keeps it safe and smooth.
