# Hersheypark vs ParkRTC

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hersheypark at 67% against ParkRTC's 23%. Hersheypark also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 10 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Hersheypark holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hersheypark has 41K ratings behind it against 809, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Hersheypark's written reviews are positive against 23% of ParkRTC's.

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, ParkRTC every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hersheypark | ParkRTC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hersheypark/id372038569/reviews)** | [3.7 (809 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkrtc/id1114413585/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | 809 |
| Positive reviews | **66.8% of reviews** | 22.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 58 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/415318286) | [Boston Properties Limited Partnership](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464570968) |

## What reviewers say

### Hersheypark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hersheypark/id372038569)

Enhance your visit to Hersheypark and its associated attractions with this official app. Navigate the park, find detailed information on rides and shows, and personalize your experience with custom maps and alerts.

**Highlights:** Customizable park map with navigation, Ride wait time alerts, Attraction details and schedules, HPGO account for ride stats and photos, Food and shopping information, Service location finder

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to navigate
- 👍 Helpful map and directions
- 💡 Ability to view ride wait times
- 👍 Useful for planning visits
- 🚀 Informative about park offerings

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate ride wait times
- 🐛 Inconsistent ride status information
- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable performance
- 🔍 Confusing user interface
- 🔍 Lacking key features for season pass holders

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and app freezes
- Inability to get past splash screen
- Incorrect parking information and directions
- Concession stands not properly stocked
- Unreliable park Wi-Fi connectivity

**Requested features**

- Ability to view only ride wait times
- Option to lock in child height restrictions
- Display all-day meal plan icon on map
- Easier access to park hours information
- Integration with family/friend location sharing


### ParkRTC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkrtc/id1114413585)

Manage your parking at Reston Town Center directly from your mobile device. Pay for parking securely with a credit card, extend your session, and receive notifications. Enjoy shopping and dining with convenient parking management.

**Highlights:** Mobile parking payment, Extend parking sessions, Parking session notifications, Parking history tracking, Retailer validation and discounts, Secure credit card payment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient
- 💡 Allows for quick parking payments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and glitches
- 💰 Expensive and predatory fee structure
- 🤖 Overly complicated setup process
- 🚫 Lack of integration with common payment methods
- 📵 Requires permanent app presence on user's device

**Reported bugs**

- App starts charging time before payment is complete
- App doesn't recognize user's PIN/account information
- Validation process is inconsistent and unreliable

**Requested features**

- Allow payment in smaller time increments
- Integrate with popular parking apps like ParkMobile
- Provide more transparent and user-friendly pricing
- Offer more flexible payment options (e.g., Apple Pay)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hersheypark free?

Hersheypark is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ParkRTC free?

ParkRTC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hersheypark or ParkRTC?

Hersheypark is rated higher. Hersheypark averages 4.8 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while ParkRTC averages 3.7 from 809 ratings.

### Do Hersheypark or ParkRTC have ads?

Neither Hersheypark nor ParkRTC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hersheypark or ParkRTC?

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, and ParkRTC every 10 months. Most recently, Hersheypark was updated on November 5, 2026 and ParkRTC on November 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*