Hersheypark Speaks Out Following Reports That Park May Close for the Summer
With one week until the summer season begins, Hersheypark is pushing back against the uncertainty surrounding its plans to open seven days a week beginning May 21.
What Hersheypark Had to Say
Faced with growing public concern over a potential union strike impacting the summer 2026 operating season, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts issued an official statement to ABC27:
“Hersheypark is preparing to open for the 2026 summer season as scheduled on May 21. We are focused on delivering the experience our guests expect, and we look forward to welcoming them.
We continue to engage in contract negotiations with Local 464, and we have been in discussions with union leadership about a time to reconvene for further discussion. We value our long standing relationship with our union-represented team members and remain committed to the bargaining process. We are not going to speculate on outcomes, but we can confirm that our opening plans are proceeding on schedule.
We will communicate directly with our guests if anything changes.”
The Pennsylvania vacation destination repeated that message directly to worried fans on social media as well, with a representative responding to comments on Hersheypark’s most recent Instagram post: “Hersheypark is planning to open on May 21 as scheduled, and we are preparing for a great summer season.”
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How the Dispute Reached This Point
The labor tension driving the uncertainty has been building for months. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and Chocolate Workers Local No. 464 agreed in mid-March to extend their existing contract by 60 days, buying time for continued negotiations. That extension expired without a deal. Last week, more than 200 union maintenance employees rejected the company’s third contract offer — the one Hershey Entertainment & Resorts had characterized as its “last, best, and final” proposal.
This week, union members cast ballots on whether to authorize a strike. Chocolate Workers Local No. 464 has not yet announced the outcome of that vote.
The employees in question are the operational foundation of Hersheypark. The union represents carpenters, HVAC technicians, ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, sign artists, laborers, central plant operators, garage auto mechanics, and utilities technicians. Their core demands are straightforward: meaningful wage increases, healthcare plans that don’t strain their budgets, and stronger pay premiums for the shifts nobody wants to work. The union has drawn a firm line against any agreement it believes could be used to devalue skilled trades or suppress wages in future contracts.
Union member Todd Tranquillo spoke to FOX43 about where things stand from the workers’ perspective:
“The next step is to potentially strike. Nobody really wants to, but we’re hoping that they’ll come back to the table and give us a more amicable agreement. …The company does really well. The town has been doing amazing. We’re constantly expanding and growing, and we want to make sure it’s going toward the betterment of everyone… We’re all ready to work hard. We just want to make sure we’re met with the same energy.”
The Ripple Effects of a Potential Strike
Should union members vote to authorize a strike, the consequences would reach well beyond the theme park gates. The Boardwalk water park — scheduled to open for the summer on May 23 — would face an uncertain start. The Giant Center next door is also affected: a Nate Bargatze performance is scheduled for May 16, and other union contractors who handle venue setup are widely expected to honor any picket line that goes up before then.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts declined to address potential strike impacts on Giant Center events. They offered no comment on whether Dark Nights — the resort’s annual haunt event slated to begin September 12, 2026 — could also be at risk.
For now, Hersheypark is open Friday through Sunday, May 15 through 17, and The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and the newly opened Hershey Inn & Suites are all welcoming guests. Pennsylvania’s biggest theme park is scheduled to open seven days a week beginning May 21.
Have you ever visited Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, or The Boardwalk water park? Share your favorite memories with Disney Dining in the comments!
