Busch Gardens/Williamsburg in Summer

[Magalex]

We are planning a June trip to Williamsburg VA. They have an offer for a bounce ticket which includes Busch Gardens/Colonial Williamsburg/Water Country USA. On the Busch Gardens website they have listed an summer event called Illuminights starting June 25th. We were planning the week before but should we wait & go when all the summer hours & summer events are in full swing. We have one 10 yr DS. We know it will be HOT but I also like to be at vacation spots when everything is open late & all the events are going on. More festive!

 

[rie'smom]

We were there a couple of years ago at the beginning of July and the heat was not bad. Of course, we live in south Louisiana, home to 100% humidity and 90+ degree heat. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of my favorite parks. Our daughter LOVES the coasters.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Illuminights was pretty disappointing last year. Just a few not so great activities in each country that only took a few minutes. We got to each place early to have a good view and it was a waste of time. Maybe I am just spoiled by Disney but I was really unimpressed. The fireworks were the only part that nice. Unless you just love fireworks I wouldn't worry about changing your dates.

 

[Frantasmic]

We went 4 years ago in early June. It was a great vacation because the local kids were still in school and we had most of the facilities to our selves then.

The weather was cooler that year and my son and I were a bit chilly at the waterpark, but otherwise, it was better for us to go earlier since the locals weren't at the parks (nothing against Virginians, just that we enjoyed them being at the local school playgrounds as opposed to the tourist areas).

 

[bas71873]

Curious as to what you mean by the week before the 25th. Just FYI - schools around here get out for summer break around the 16th of June, so if you are there that week, it will be much less crowded than when us locals invade the following week

 

[Magalex]

Has anyone stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge? We might stay at a newer Hampton Inn-Central on Bypass Rd or "upgrade" to the Lodge.