Kissing Tower
{{Short description|Observation tower at Hersheypark}}
{{Infobox attraction
| name = Kissing Tower
| logo =
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| image = Hersheypark Kissing Tower.jpg
| imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = Gondola at the top of Kissing Tower
| location = Hersheypark
| section = Kissing Tower Hill
| status = Operating
| cost =
| opened = {{Start date|1975|05|18}}
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| coordinates = {{Coord|40|17|14|N|76|39|12|W|region:US-PA_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| type = Gyro tower
| ride =
| manufacturer = Intamin
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| height_ft = 330
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| vehicles = 1
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| website = {{Official website|https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/kissing-tower/}}
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| transfer_accessible = yes{{cite web |title=RIDER SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE |url=https://www.hersheypark.com/assets/pdf/info/accessibility/safety-accessibility-guide.pdf |website=Hersheypark |access-date=29 July 2023}}
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{{About-distinguish|the observation tower|List_of_Hersheypark_attractions#Family_rides{{!}} Kisses Tower, the drop tower that opened in 2017}}
Kissing Tower is a gyro tower at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The tower tops out at 330 ft, making it the tallest attraction in the park. Riders reach 250 feet, surpassing Candymonium which tops out at 210 feet.{{cite web | title= Hersheypark: 47 years of incredible views on Kissing Tower|url= https://www.abc27.com/hershey/hersheypark-47-years-of-incredible-views-on-kissing-tower/|website= ABC 27 News|author = James Wesser|access-date=17 July 2023}} Kissing Tower is one of Hersheypark's most famous attractions.{{cite web |title=Hersheypark’s Kissing Tower damaged by winds: report |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/hershey-parks-kissing-tower-damaged-by-winds-report.html |website=Penn Live |author = Jana Benscoter|access-date=17 July 2023}}
History
The tower, named after Hershey's Kisses, opened in 1975 and features windows shaped like the candy. In 2014, the tower's region was renamed from "Minetown" to "Kissing Tower Hill" after the attraction.{{cite web| title= The History of the Thrills on the Hill|url = https://amusementparkives.com/2016/08/02/the-hill/#:~:text=In%202014%2C%20the%20Minetown%20theme,been%20called%20Bowling%20Alley%20Hill|website = The Amusement Parkives|author = Harry Michelson|access-date = 17 July 2023}}{{Unreliable source?|date=July 2023}} In 2020, one of the windows was damaged by wind and had to be replaced.{{cite web| title = Hersheypark Kissing Tower Damaged By Wind| url = https://news.thesunontheweb.com/articles/hersheypark-kissing-tower-damaged-by-wind/| website = The Sun| author = Drew Weidman|access-date = 17 July 2023| date = 11 April 2020}}
Ride experience
The queue line is themed around kissing. Riders board an enclosed gondola and sit on benches that encircle the cabin. The gondola revolves as it gently ascends to 250 feet, and information about the history of Hershey is played from speakers.{{cite web |title=Two Popular Hersheypark Rides Mark Anniversaries in May 2020 |url=https://stories.hersheypa.com/two-popular-hersheypark-rides-mark-anniversaries-in-may-2020/ |website=Hershey PA |access-date=18 July 2023}} Riders experience a panoramic view of the park and the town of Hershey through the kiss-shaped windows as the cabin completes three revolutions during its ascent and descent.
In culture
Kissing Tower appears in Roller Coaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! as a buildable attraction.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}