Wildcat’s Revenge at Hersheypark named among the best new attractions in the nation

Wildcat’s Revenge, a steel and wood hybrid coaster that opened at Hersheypark last year is continuing to garner awards.

Wildcat’s Revenge opened at Hersheypark on June 2, 2023. It is the park’s 15th roller coaster and debuted 100 years after the Wild Cat ride opened in 1923.

In September, the ride received the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster of 2023.

Monday, it came in second in the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice awards for the best new theme park attractions.

Wildcat's Revenge has been voted one of the top new attractions in the country as part of @10Best! Thanks to all of our fans who helped us get to the #2 slot in the country - what a wild debut for our first hybrid! https://t.co/nM4RKZCf8V pic.twitter.com/PZFWs0j3gB

— Hersheypark (@Hersheypark) January 5, 2024

“Each year, theme parks across the United States introduce park goers to a new lineup of attractions, from extreme thrill rides that push our adrenaline-pumping limits to themed experiences that awaken our imaginations. And the past year has been no exception.

To find the best new theme park attractions, we asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorites, then readers voted for their top picks,” USA Today said.

Another Pennsylvania park also landed on the list. Spinvasion at Kennywood in West Mifflin came in at No. 8.

Primordial at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah, was voted No. 1.

Wildcat’s Revenge is a 2-minute, 36-second ride that climbs a 140-foot hill, has a maximum speed of 62 mph, an 82-degree drop, four inversions and 3,510 feet of track.

Spinvasion, Kennywood said, is “the first multi-action spin ride of its kind in the U.S.”

In November of 2022 when announcing Spinvasion, Kennywood said the ride “puts its daring pilots in the middle of the ‘Battle for the ‘Burgh.’

Set against a giant interplanetary space mural, riders strap in to their solo manned aircraft and prepare for a classic swing experience after takeoff. Next-level fun quickly begins by crisscrossing with other pilots, flying sideways at certain points parallel to the ground.

The light package on Spinvasion looks incredible at night! ???? #Kennywood #CoasterNation pic.twitter.com/zrwTYSbHjS

— Coaster Nation (@Coaster_Nation) June 11, 2023

Spinvasion thrills with every revolution while gliding along the giant waves. The illusion of close encounters with the rider in front fuels the excitement and energy while in flight. The whole experience is enhanced by a spectacular, colorful light display that makes riders feel as if they’ve entered the fourth dimension.”