The Capital BlueCross Monorail: 5 Sweet Secrets And Its Surprising 2025 Operational Status
For decades, the Hershey Park Monorail has offered a unique, elevated perspective of "The Sweetest Place on Earth," but its operational status has been a frequent topic of visitor curiosity and concern. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the Monorail, officially known as the Capital BlueCross Monorail, is officially listed by Hersheypark as an operating attraction for the 2025 season, running from select dates beginning April 5, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This confirmation is crucial for guests planning their visit, especially given the ride's history of intermittent closures and its vital role in providing a scenic audio tour of the park and surrounding attractions.
This iconic transit system is more than just a ride; it’s a living piece of theme park history and a crucial entity within the Hersheypark experience, offering unparalleled views of the park's major coasters, ZooAmerica, and even parts of historic downtown Hershey.
The Capital BlueCross Monorail: Fast Facts & Biography
- Official Name: Capital BlueCross Monorail
- Original Name: Hershey Park Monorail
- Opening Date: June 20, 1969
- Original Purpose: To ease traffic congestion and provide a tour for tourists visiting the Chocolate Factory and the park.
- Original Cost: $.50 (operated as a separate attraction until 1973)
- Manufacturer: Universal Mobility
- Sponsor: Capital BlueCross
- Current Status (2025): Listed as operating for the 2025 season (April 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026), but subject to weather and maintenance closures.
- Ride Type: Elevated, round-trip audio tour
- Key Entities Viewed: Hersheypark, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, downtown Hershey.
The Shocking Truth About the Monorail's Current Status
Despite its listing as an operating ride for the 2025 season, one of the most persistent questions among Hersheypark enthusiasts is: "Is the Monorail actually open?" The reality is that the Capital BlueCross Monorail is often subject to frequent and sometimes lengthy closures, a fact that has fueled numerous rumors of its permanent demise.
The Monorail's age—it opened in 1969—means it requires significant and ongoing maintenance. While Hersheypark is committed to maintaining its classic attractions, an older system from a manufacturer like Universal Mobility can lead to operational challenges.
Recent reports, including videos and forums discussing its closure, highlight that when the ride is unavailable, the entrance is typically secured with chained closures and barricaded turnstiles. This suggests that while the ride is not permanently closed, it is often taken out of service for maintenance, safety checks, or due to inclement weather conditions. Visitors should always check the official Hersheypark app or website on the day of their visit for the most up-to-the-minute operational status.
5 Sweet Secrets and Key Facts About the Iconic Monorail
1. It Wasn't Originally a Park Ride
When the Monorail first opened on June 20, 1969, it was not part of the main Hersheypark admission. It was operated by Hershey Estates as a separate attraction designed primarily to alleviate the heavy traffic and limited downtown parking caused by tourists flocking to the Chocolate Factory. Guests paid a separate fare, originally $.50, to ride. It wasn't until 1973 that Hersheypark integrated the Monorail into the amusement park's ride lineup.
2. The Route Was Shortened in 2017
The Monorail's original route was more extensive, but it was significantly shortened in 2017. The modification involved removing the station off Chocolate Avenue, altering the complete round-trip experience. This change adjusted the focus of the elevated ride, making it primarily a scenic tour of the park's interior and ZooAmerica, rather than a transit route to the downtown area.
3. It's a "Frankenstein" of Monorails
The Monorail system has a fascinating history of acquiring parts. In 2011, after the monorail system at Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) closed, Hersheypark purchased some of their trains and steel components. These acquired parts are believed to be used for maintenance and to keep the existing Universal Mobility trains running, essentially making the Hersheypark Monorail a unique blend of components from different systems.
4. The Audio Tour is the Main Attraction
Unlike many modern theme park transit rides, the Capital BlueCross Monorail is best known for its narrated audio tour. This round-trip journey provides a guided educational and historical commentary on the sights below. Riders get an exceptional, high-altitude view of roller coasters like Wildcat's Revenge and sooperdooperLooper, but the real highlight is the unique vantage point over ZooAmerica, allowing guests to spot various North American wildlife.
5. The Monorail Runs During Christmas Candylane
The Monorail is one of the few attractions that operates during the cold weather months for the annual Christmas Candylane event. While many major thrill rides are closed due to low temperatures, the Monorail offers a spectacular view of the park's holiday lights displays, making it a must-do for winter visitors. However, like all attractions during this period, its operation is highly subject to weather and safety conditions.
Planning Your Monorail Experience in 2025
For guests visiting Hersheypark during the 2025 operating season, riding the Capital BlueCross Monorail remains a recommended experience, especially for those seeking a relaxing break and a comprehensive overview of the park. To ensure you don't miss out, remember these key tips:
- Check Daily Status: Always verify the ride's operational status on the day of your visit, as it is highly susceptible to weather and maintenance delays.
- Ride Early: Like many popular scenic attractions, riding earlier in the day can help avoid potential afternoon closures or longer wait times.
- Look for Wildlife: Pay close attention when the train passes over ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park—it’s the best way to see some of the animals from an entirely different perspective.
- Listen Closely: The audio tour is what makes the ride special. It provides historical context and interesting facts about the park and the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The Monorail's continued operation into the 2025 season solidifies its status as a beloved, albeit temperamental, classic at Hersheypark. It is a nostalgic journey that provides a sweet glimpse into the past while soaring above the park's thrilling present.
Detail Author:
- Name : Clifford Kessler
- Username : rodriguez.keegan
- Email : freda.langworth@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1985-08-29
- Address : 38481 Lilyan Glen Apt. 425 New Corrinetown, MN 51020-9088
- Phone : +1-323-352-1275
- Company : Kautzer LLC
- Job : Rail Yard Engineer
- Bio : Porro quia rerum aut repellat possimus nihil. Est quia eum aut aut assumenda iste. Itaque ut eum deleniti nostrum molestiae rerum.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/amandagislason
- username : amandagislason
- bio : Nihil ad vero architecto ipsum eos officia nesciunt. Veniam veniam placeat nemo voluptatem dolorem praesentium. Placeat labore temporibus alias alias illum.
- followers : 5317
- following : 1375
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/agislason
- username : agislason
- bio : Ut quia minus harum qui aut saepe.
- followers : 4069
- following : 2062
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@amanda2065
- username : amanda2065
- bio : Nihil praesentium perspiciatis ad est doloremque dolorem quisquam recusandae.
- followers : 463
- following : 1472
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/agislason
- username : agislason
- bio : Nihil culpa cupiditate id id. Hic sed et explicabo cupiditate deleniti quae. Minus dicta ut aut.
- followers : 5292
- following : 1686
