# Hersheypark vs Universal Orlando Resort

Hersheypark and Universal Orlando Resort both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 67% of Hersheypark's written reviews are positive against 41% of Universal Orlando Resort's. Hersheypark also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and device support (3 vs 1). Universal Orlando Resort's advantage is ratings volume (531K vs 41K) and chart position (#57 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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 4.8 for Universal Orlando Resort. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Universal Orlando Resort has 531K ratings behind it against 41K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of Hersheypark's written reviews are positive against 41% of Universal Orlando Resort's.

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, Universal Orlando Resort monthly. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hersheypark | Universal Orlando Resort |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hersheypark/id372038569/reviews) | **[4.8 (531K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-orlando-resort/id878217080/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 41K | **531K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.8% of reviews** | 41.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#57** |
| Size | 58 MB | 289 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/415318286) | [NBCUniversal Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/303544359) |

## 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


### Universal Orlando Resort

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-orlando-resort/id878217080)

**Currently charting:** #57 Top Free · Travel (US App Store)

Plan your visit or enhance your current trip with this app. Purchase tickets, make dining reservations, order food ahead, and navigate the resort with a dynamic map. Access exclusive experiences and manage your park tickets seamlessly.

**Highlights:** Purchase tickets, Mobile food ordering, Dining reservations, Dynamic park map, Attraction wait times, Connected gameplay, Virtual Assistant

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful app for navigating the parks
- 👍 Useful for checking wait times and dining options
- 🤩 Amazing experience at the parks
- 🤳 Convenient mobile ordering

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and glitches
- 🤔 Inaccurate wait time information
- 💸 Overpriced food and merchandise
- 😤 Poor customer service and accessibility
- 🤯 Frustrating virtual queue system

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to link tickets and passes to the app
- Frequent app crashes and login issues
- Unreliable virtual queue system
- Brightness issues and other UI problems

**Requested features**

- Add GPS navigation and directions within the app
- Improve mobile ordering functionality and customization
- Provide more transparency on ride closures and maintenance
- Integrate hotel and ticket information into the app
- Allow users to view show schedules and park maps more easily


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hersheypark free?

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

### Is Universal Orlando Resort free?

Universal Orlando Resort is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hersheypark or Universal Orlando Resort?

Universal Orlando Resort is rated higher. Hersheypark averages 4.8 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while Universal Orlando Resort averages 4.8 from 531K ratings.

### Do Hersheypark or Universal Orlando Resort have ads?

Neither Hersheypark nor Universal Orlando Resort shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hersheypark or Universal Orlando Resort?

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, and Universal Orlando Resort monthly. Most recently, Hersheypark was updated on November 6, 2026 and Universal Orlando Resort on November 6, 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.*