# Hersheypark vs Busch Gardens

Hersheypark and Busch Gardens both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 67% of Hersheypark's written reviews are positive against 39% of Busch Gardens's. Hersheypark also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Hersheypark against 4.9 for Busch Gardens. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40K and 60K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of Hersheypark's written reviews are positive against 39% of Busch Gardens's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hersheypark | Busch Gardens |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (40K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hersheypark/id372038569/reviews) | **[4.9 (60K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/busch-gardens/id452815667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 40K | **60K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 39.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 58 MB | 69 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) | [SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/393159818) |

## 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


### Busch Gardens

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/busch-gardens/id452815667)

Enhance your visit to the theme park with this essential companion app. Plan your day, find attractions, check wait times, and access your tickets and passes. Discover dining, shows, and rides, and navigate the park with interactive maps.

**Highlights:** Interactive park maps, Real-time ride wait times, Showtime schedules, In-park navigation, Digital ticket access, Annual Pass management, Purchase add-ons

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient app features
- 📍 Helpful park map and navigation
- 🕰️ Ride wait times (when accurate)
- 🍽️ Dining information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate ride wait times
- 🔍 Lack of information on ride closures and park operations
- 🔒 Difficulty linking/managing passes and tickets
- 🔁 Constant redirects to website
- 🤔 Confusing app flow and functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Login/account issues
- Crashes and freezes
- GPS/location tracking problems

**Requested features**

- Calendar view for park hours and schedules
- Ability to link and manage passes/tickets in-app
- Real-time ride status and queue updates
- Mobile ordering and dining integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hersheypark free?

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

### Is Busch Gardens free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Hersheypark or Busch Gardens?

Busch Gardens is rated higher. Hersheypark averages 4.8 out of 5 from 40K ratings, while Busch Gardens averages 4.9 from 60K ratings.

### Do Hersheypark or Busch Gardens have ads?

Neither Hersheypark nor Busch Gardens shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hersheypark or Busch Gardens?

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, and Busch Gardens every 6 weeks. Most recently, Hersheypark was updated on September 25, 2026 and Busch Gardens on September 25, 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.*