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PENNSYLVANIA.: Hershey's Chocolate World is sweet

April 2, 2006

Every kiss has a story - and it's a tale that starts in the rain forests of Africa and Latin America and ends in a factory about two hours west of Philadelphia.

At least that's what you learn on the newly renovated Great American Chocolate Tour Ride at Hershey's Chocolate World in Pennsylvania. Here, visitors slip into the role of cocoa beans and are shipped, sorted and roasted through the attraction, which explains the origin of Hershey's chocolate bars, syrup, Kisses and other products.

The ride, which opened in 1973, has just undergone its third major renovation - a $5 million update to ensure scenes along the ride reflect the latest chocolate-making technology. Brighter colors, more multimedia entertainment and a hip new soundtrack greeted the public when the attraction reopened.

Now drawing about 3 million visitors a year, the Great American Chocolate Tour ride opened when growing interest in touring Hershey's factory (and concerns about how rising temperatures from body heat was affecting the chocolate) made it impossible for the company to continue offering tours.

Passengers wait to board the ride among broad-leafed plants typical of tropical rain forests where cocoa beans flourish. Then they hop into cars reminiscent of a conveyor belt that would transport those beans into the factory and through a giant revolving roaster, emerging ready to be powdered, pressed and combined with milk and sugar. The ride ends in a store where guests may satisfy their pent-up cocoa cravings.

Hershey's Chocolate World, www.hersheys .com/chocolateworld, 717-534-4900