Shaquille O’Neal Makes a Sweet Stop in Hershey

Date: October 6, 2025

Shaquille O’Neal brought his larger-than-life energy—and his Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies—to Hershey for a day full of inspiration and fun, making memorable stops at Hersheypark and Milton Hershey School (MHS).

O’Neal Wows MHS Students 

O’Neal surprised students during the school’s “Our Big Pledge Challenge” event, where he played games and encouraged the crowd to embrace values such as strength, purpose and perseverance. He then joined 2,500 students and staff in signing a commitment wall, leaving both a literal and symbolic mark on the school’s history. 

“Hershey showed up with heart today,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “I came to remind these kids that they’ve got greatness in them. When you believe in yourself and put in the work, there’s no limit to what you can do.” 

“Shaquille O’Neal’s presence today brought energy and a powerful message to our students,” said Peter G. Gurt ’85, President of Milton Hershey School. “His story of perseverance and purpose aligns with our mission  and the values we’ve upheld for a century.”

Bringing Big Laughs to Hersheypark 

The excitement continued at Hersheypark, where O’Neal and a group of MHS students checked out the newly launched Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk, an immersive overlay of the indoor glowing coaster offered as part of its Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights seasonal event, which runs through Nov. 2, 2025. The first-of-its-kind coaster overlay features graphics, lighting and enhanced audio-visual treatments, including a curated voice 
over by O’Neal. 

While in the Park, O’Neal also recorded an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq.

Big, Meet Delicious 

Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk is inspired by Shaquille’s Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, created in partnership with The Hershey Company. The oversized gummies are available now in Original, Sour and new Sneaker Shapes. Following its launch in 2024, Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies became Hershey's #1 sweets launch of the year. 

The day concluded with O’Neal’s keynote address at the PA Chamber Annual Dinner at Hershey Lodge.