Foodservice

Shaquille O’Neal celebrates Shaq-A-Licious ride, candy launch in Hershey

Photo: Hershey Company

October 8, 2025

Shaquille O'Neal brought his Shaq-A-Licious brand to Hershey this week, surprising students at Milton Hershey School and visiting Hersheypark to celebrate the launch of the Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk ride, according to a press release.

At the school, O'Neal appeared during the "Our Big Pledge Challenge" event, encouraging students to embrace perseverance and purpose before joining 2,500 students and staff in signing a commitment wall. "I came to remind these kids that they've got greatness in them," O'Neal said in the release. "When you believe in yourself and put in the work, there's no limit to what you can do."

The basketball legend later joined students to experience the new Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk, an immersive overlay of Hersheypark's indoor glowing coaster. The first-of-its-kind experience features themed visuals, lighting, sound design and voiceovers recorded by O'Neal. While at the park, he also recorded an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq.

The ride is inspired by O'Neal's Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, created in partnership with The Hershey Company. Available in Original, Sour and Sneaker Shapes, the gummies became Hershey's top candy launch of 2024. O'Neal's visit concluded with a keynote address at the Pennsylvania Chamber Annual Dinner at Hershey Lodge.