Colonial Williamsburg

[charabby]

I'm starting to plan a trip there. Anybody been? I bought the Frommer Virgina book, but it just doesn't go into too much detail and so I was wondering what it's like and what the 'must sees' are. Also, has anyone done the dolphin or whale cruises with the Virginia Aquariam? That looks cool too. I am trying to decide between going to Virginia this summer or Disney next fall. It would be wrong to do both in the same year.

 

[OhioTony]

We went to CW last year..It is Very educational & enlightening. Hopefully if u are taking kids they are at an age where they won't rush you through exibits! It is, however, very expensive. If you are going for more than 1 day you will be better off buying a season pass! The food in also costly, but what are u gonna do? you're on vacation! We took our kids on 2 nightly GHOST WALKS and they loved them! I am a history nerd and was blown away buy just how much influence a lawer by the name of George Whythe had on our constitution! You must check into his house & history while there. Outside of CW the is the Jamestown settlement as well, and u can purchase pakages that include CW, Jamestown and Busch Gardens amusement park.

Hope I Helped & Have Fun!

 

[welovewdw]

Definitely buy the passes - they are much cheaper if you do all the exhibits or spend more than one day wondering around. We go pretty often although we haven't been in about a year. Our kids love it - it's very educational, but fun, too. Our favorite time is in Dec. for the "Grand Illumination" night - not sure if that's a possibility or not for you.

Have to see the Governor's Palace, Capital and the Magazine - but really,it's all good! So much of US history happened in VA at this time, it's very cool to see what it was really like. It gives you a great sense of history and the founding of our country. Definitely check out the craftsmen that you can watch make things like the did in the 1700's -

Try the gingerbread & cider they have along DOG Street (Duke of Gloucester Street) - my kids love that part.

Characters are scattered through out CW and that is my kids absolute favorite part - it's fun to talk to them! They never break character (close to disney quality! LOL)- and are often hilarious as well as educational.

Also Busch Gardens is great - and there's some good shopping at the outlets. (doesn't thrill my ds or dh at all. LOL)

 

[rcyannacci]

There's also a bunch of other stuff to do around the same area. Virginia Beach is great, and has a nice Aquarium. Also the Nautilus museum in downtown Norfolk is a fun day.

 

[welovewdw]

There's also a bunch of other stuff to do around the same area. Virginia Beach is great, and has a nice Aquarium. Also the Nautilus museum in downtown Norfolk is a fun day.

Yep - I second that! I especially enjoy the Nautilus museum!

forgot to add about the whale cruises - the only caveat is that you don't always see whales! I've been once and it was cold so not as much fun, but I've had friends who have LOVED it.

 

[christinou]

We are looking into going to williamsburg next summer, I was actually planning on 2 weeks, (we camp) and getting the 7-4-1 flex tickets, does anyone know if they are as good as sound unlimited access for the lenght of your stay. We are planning to stay in Williamsburg and then go to Virginia beach, how is the drive there?
I really would appreciate any information.

 

[momof2minnies]

OMG- No one mentioned the best part and that is Water Country USA. We go every year and have done Disney's water parks and this is by far better- even my kids, 11 and 14 think so. Not to be missed.

 

[charabby]

Thanks for the information. We're still deciding, but I think we are leaning towards going in the summer - to maximize the amount of activity going on while we are there. I'm a little afraid of the summer weather, though.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

We did the 7-4-1 pass when we went last year.

It was awesome. We were there for 9 days and were able to come and go as we pleased.

The best part was that DD was still 5. Thus, she was free on the 7-4-1, just had her picture taken with DH on his pass. She was even allowed free into Busch Gardens and Water County (both which charge for 5 year olds).

It was well worth the $. We saved a ton.

 

[christinou]

Thank you for the information about the pass, it does seem like such a great deal. Do we have to buy them in advance or can we buy them when we get there. Where do we get the picture taken?

 

[nancycg56]

I'm a little afraid of the summer weather, though.

Trust me, it will be hot and humid! I have a much worse time doing outdoor things here than I do in Florida in the summer.

I live about 35-40 miles from Williamsburg and go pretty often. It's a great place to visit with lots to do...don't forget that Jamestown and Yorktown are right there as well and I *think* you can get a pass that includes them as well (not positive about that).

Try eating at the Trellis and one of the taverns while you are there

 

[diskids2]

We are planning a summer trip as well! I've done alot of research and compared prices (this summer, ala carte and pakages) and it seems that my family of four will save money with the 7-4-1 deal. We will be going for about 9 days as well.

Can anyone comment on the hotels that they stayed in. This is an area where I have lots of information but am looking for first hand experiences.

 

[gooseberry]

THAT IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE VACATION SPOT!!

I got a tricorn hat from there.