Amusement Park News

Hersheypark soared to new heights last summer with the debut of Twizzler's Twisted Gravity, the world's tallest pendulum swing ride. This massive attraction carries 40 passengers in two sets of 20-passenger gondolas. Once aboard, riders are whisked 137 feet into the air at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour.

The 70-second ride delivers repeated moments of zero gravity, providing an intense and exhilarating experience for thrill seekers. Designed and built by S&S Worldwide, Twisted Gravity offers a dynamic combination of height, speed, and weightlessness that makes it a standout addition to the Pennsylvania theme park.

According to Jason Mons, president and CEO of S&S Worldwide, “The Screamin' Swing is an amazing experience with both positive and negative G's. Because it's built on the side of a hill, riders actually experience heights beyond 137 feet, offering views across the park—or, depending on your seat, a direct look down the hillside into the creek.”

The ride isn't just thrilling—it's also sweetly themed. Each gondola area is branded with a signature Hershey candy, including Twizzlers Strawberry and Cherry, Hershey's Chocolate, and Black Licorice. Between the two swings, guests can find color-coded seating areas that enhance the ride's playful, candy-inspired atmosphere.

Vikki Hultquist, vice president of Hersheypark and entertainment operations for Hershey, explained, “We continue to invest in attraction experiences that leverage our unique Hershey brands. The ride offers ultimate thrills and never-before-seen views of our park's beautiful 121 acres as guests soar to record-breaking heights and leave gravity behind.”

From Concept to Construction

The idea for a Screamin' Swing had been on Hersheypark's radar for years, says Jeremy Underkoffler, senior director of attractions. “We wanted to add more flat rides. Our guests told us we have great coasters and a strong variety overall, but we were missing high-thrill flat rides.”

With that in mind, Hersheypark reached out to S&S to begin developing the new attraction. Mons recalls that the Hershey team considered several potential locations within the park before settling on the final site. To make room for the new swing, the park removed its former amphitheater, which had closed in 2016 and was used mainly for Halloween events in recent years. “We felt the location we chose would make it unique—not just another flat Screamin' Swing,” Mons said. “We're thrilled with where it ended up.”



The new ride now anchors the Comet Hollow area, serving as a striking focal point for visitors. The project first took shape in 2017, and by July 2023, the park finalized its placement decision. Delivery took about a year, followed by a complex installation process. “It looks amazing,” Underkoffler noted. “We think it will revitalize the area by opening up new walking paths.”

Overcoming Challenges

Building next to a creek brought logistical challenges, particularly during winter construction, but the team still met its Memorial Day weekend opening goal. “Having a great relationship with S&S was key,” Underkoffler said. “They were with us every step of the way through commissioning. They're great partners.”

Mons echoed the sentiment: “Our team worked extremely well with Hersheypark and their installation contractors. It was a true collaboration.”

He added that S&S swing rides are “very underrated,” noting, “The sheer thrust and airtime you get from swinging back and forth is incredible. The positive and negative G's make it an unforgettable experience. Hersheypark really hit it out of the park with the theming.”

A Sweet Success

Mons believes the ride's energy and design will help draw guests deeper into the park in the future. “For us, this wasn't just about building another ride—it was about contributing to Hersheypark's legacy. That connection made the project special for everyone involved.”

With its commanding height, scenic setting, and candy-inspired theme, Twizzler's Twisted Gravity stands apart from other S&S swing rides. Overlooking the park's Spring Creek green space, Underkoffler describes it as “a flat ride with elements of a coaster—offering both height and speed. We're thrilled to bring that kind of excitement to Hersheypark.”

The new swing joins more than 70 rides across the park, which also includes a water park and zoo. The previous addition, Wildcat's Revenge from Rocky Mountain Construction, debuted as the world's largest hybrid coaster underflip.

Beyond Hersheypark, the Hershey Company is expanding its brand experiences. In Chicago, the company recently announced Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, an interactive attraction set to open in the 4th quarter of 2025.