First Time in Williamsburg - Can anybody answer some ???? for me, please :)

[dtuleya]

I know that someone on these boards can answer my questsions......

I was going to buy the tickets to Colonial Williamsburg, but a coworker is telling me that I don't really need to. It will be our first visit and my oldest son (14) is a history buff. My youngest, unfortunately will probably be bugging to go swim at the hotel pool the entire time we're at CW. What are the pros of buying the tickets?

Also, we have both the Powhatan Plantation and Hilton Garden Inn booked for our first night stay before we check into our timeshare for the rest of week. I'd love feedback and/or opinions on location. We wanted to try to stay in one of the CW properties, but the prices are outrageous. We could probably get a room for about $100 (I forget which CW hotel this is at), but it would be that, strictly a room. Our other accommodations are suite type. Is there any advantage to staying on CW property?

 

[AspiringCindy]

Have been there twice in the last couple of years. Never stayed on property though. We stayed at the Radisson 1 mile away for $75. a night(entertainment rate). Also stayed at Kings Mill at 1 of the condos(very expensive). I don't see much of a benefit for staying on site, except for time or convenience of location. All on site properties(except for value) are expensive.
As far as the tickets are concerned, you will need CW passes to enter most of the exhibits, but you don't need a pass to walk the oudoor areas. If you are planning on visiting Busch Gardens, they have a combo pass that offers a savings. Just check their web site(sorry I don't have that info).

 

[dtuleya]

I checked into the entertainment rates. Unfortunately they aren't available May-September.

I should have elaborated more so you knew why I was asking about staying onsite.

We will be arriving the on a Tuesday afternoon. We'd like to try and see some of CW and finish up the next day so we can spend the rest of our trip at Bush Gardens and Water Country. Would it save anytime staying onsite so that we don't have to drive back and forth and park, etc., or doesn't it really matter?

 

[AspiringCindy]

Colonial Williamsburg historical sites and Busch Gardens are not that far from each other or off-site hotels. I don't think staying on site would save you that much traveling time. Besides, some of the hotels offer shuttles.

 

[mtemm]

you don't need to buy tix to walk around outside in Colonial Williamsburg, or to go into some of the shops, but in order to really experience it you should. Without tix you won't be able to go into most of the buildings and talk with/listen to the re-enactors. My dh and I frequent Williamsburg, and I'll tell you that we don't always buy the tickets. But we definitely would if we had older kids (we have a 15 month old) or if we had some time to spend there.

Make sure to look into some of the evening programs. They cost a bit more, you have to buy a separate admission to them (discount with your Patriots Pass (tix to Col. Williamsburg). So worth it! Especially for a history buff. Go see Cross or Crown. Facinating debate that you can get involved with if you are interested. Loved the ghost tour, too (not about ghosts). Also, there is a ball at the governor's palace that we have yet to get to...its always sold out by the time we try. Someday!!!!

We've stayed on-site and we've stayed off-site. Shouldn't be any problem staying off-site...its really not far from most hotels.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the help!

 

[piratesmate]

The last time we went, we bought passes that allowed us to "park hop" between 5 attractions: CW, BG, Yorktown, Jamestown & Water Country. We ended up doing one of the historical places in the AM, the went to the hotel swim & to BG for the rest of the day - since it's open much later than CW.

Something that might help your younger one enjoy CW - we rented a costume for DD which includes activities that are designed to help them get something out of the experience. I don't know the details of the boys' version except that they either apprentice or join the militia.

The girls' version has them going from house to house & interacting with the interpreters. She started with lessons in manners, had to pick up a letter, go to the milliner, help in a garden, deliver some onions...it may sound boring, but it wasn't. DH & I really got a kick out of it & learned things that we wouldn't have otherwise. We found the interpreters paid more attention to the kids in costume. In fact, those just walking down the street would interact DD, but didn't seem to "see" the tourists - not that they were rude...they just made an effort to draw in the kids in costume.

We were hesitant to spend the $$ at first - thinking we weren't going to be there that long, but it was well worth it! They also do a deal that you can do it a second day for just a little more $.

Hope you have a great time!

Deb

 

[caitycaity]

i would also suggest you buy the tickets -- you can't go into most buildings without them.

 

[laceemouse]

We own a t/s week at Powhatan Plantation. We trade it through RCI so we have not stayed there in several years, but when we did stay there it was very nice! I agree that the evening activities are worth the money. We hope to go back there summer 04 so I have enjoyed reading everyones comments and suggestions also. We were waiting until our kids were old enough to enjoy the history there and I think we are getting close. The Busch Gardens there is nice, and now they have a water park also. There are also some battlefields in the area. I will check into the combo tickets too!!