General info on Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

[marcyinPA]

We're going in June. I see that they have meal tickets for sale on their website. They are all priced differently (gold, silver, ?? bronze??) Does anyone here know if you can buy them in the park, or only on-line? Are they a good deal? What are the food prices like there? Are any of the restaurants "sit down" (servers) or are they all counter service?

Any other info you can give me regarding Busch Gardens, Water Country and Colonial Wmsbrg would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[monkeybug]

We're going in June. I see that they have meal tickets for sale on their website. They are all priced differently (gold, silver, ?? bronze??) Does anyone here know if you can buy them in the park, or only on-line? Are they a good deal? What are the food prices like there? Are any of the restaurants "sit down" (servers) or are they all counter service?

Any other info you can give me regarding Busch Gardens, Water Country and Colonial Wmsbrg would be much appreciated! Thanks!

You get a much better deal if you purchase the vouchers ahead of time online. At least that's how it was last summer when we went.
The food there is pretty typical theme park, expensive for what you get. The meal vouchers saved us money, but I don't think they would have if we bought them at the gate. When my friend went they actually ended up paying more for the voucher than if they had just bought the food. Weird!
Their sit down restaurants are more like a counter service at Disney. You get the food from the counter, pay, and then choose your seat.
The smokehouse place was pretty good, but our favorite so far is the Oktoberfest place. They have a little show, and it's indoors and air conditioned. The food isn't amazing, but none of it was.
I think they do have a traditional sit down place (with sesame street characters) but last time we went that was not included in the vouchers.

 

[monkeybug]

We go to Colonial Williamsburg at least a few times a year.
My tips for there are-
Remember it's not a theme park. It's like a museum. If you go in expecting to be entertained, or a lot of activity to be always taking place, it will be disappointing.
Revolutionary city is a must see!
If you have small children then rent the costumes! It is fairly inexpensive and each costume comes with a letter with tasks for the kids to complete. You only get to do these activity's if you rent a costume, and for my kids they make the day.
Do a ghost tour!!! They are not too scary for young children, and lot's of fun. This was our favorite for sure!
Get reservations at a tavern. We love Kings Arms, they have people who walk around in character and interact with the guests.
The cheese shop down the street (outside of the historical area) has yummy, yummy sandwiches! And there is a candy shop next door!
If you have small kids than Jamestown is a lot of fun too!

 

[monkeybug]

Also wanted to add that if you are a fan of candles, than Yankee candle is a pretty fun place to go see. You can make your own jar candle, and make dipped candles (a lot of times the visitor guide has coupons for making a free dipped candle)
They have a Christmas themed village where it "snows" indoors. My kids get a kick out of it!
There is also a little clock tower animatronic show (it's pretty corny) that small kids might like.
There is a restaurant nearby called Food for Thought that is very, very good!
Oh and Great Wolf is in Williamsburg!
Have fun!!!

 

[Crystal0608]

We've been once last summer for a budget trip, so all my tips are based on that. On Busch Gardens, the parking is crazy and you have to park WAY far way BUT they have cool little trams that take you right to the entrance. A parking pass was a couple bucks cheaper online. I bought a 20% disc code on ebay, b/c I couldn't find one online. I bought 2 food vouchers online for the 4 of us. Oktoberfest was my fave b/c the show was awesome, but some employees have no clue what is included on the voucher and what is not, so I had to pay OOP though the person that served us the food said it was included. The waffle cones and german beer, both not included in the voucher, are great. If you are well endowed or pooh sized (I'm both, sz 22) chances are you can't ride a couple coasters, but they do have ones to try before you get on the ride. We had a lot of fun, my fave was the castle ride.

Colonial Williamsburg was really fun. We didn't buy tickets, so some buildings we couldn't walk in, but we got to see all the outdoor shows and walk through the town. If we were there more than a day I would have bought a ticket. We toured the college, kids got to shoot "arrows", talk to actors doing reinactments (great costumes and kept in character), and got to march with soldiers. There are no water fountains that I saw, so bring your own or pay $$. The kids toy store is AMAZING, I could have played in there all day myself, pricey but very cool stuff. The candy shop has lots of goodies-kids fave spot lol.

Sal's is an italian restaurant very close to Colonial W'burg in the corner of the Bloom shopping center. I found it by reading reviews online on tripadvisor and it is wonderful food and very reasonable, around $10+/- an entree. We were one of few in there with kids, but my kids loved the music and my son got a HUGE plate of spaghetti for like $5, enough for 2 meals.

The Yankee candle shop smells soooo good. My kids dipped candles, wrote a letter to Santa, and stood on the bridge watching in snow indoors. Good place for 30-45 minute air conditioned break.

The outlet is large and outdoors. They have a...wait for it....Hanna Anderrson outlet! My dd loves their dresses and I'd never been in a real store, just ordered online. $15-20 per dress....good times, good times. It is right on the strip.

Have fun, everything is a short driving distance and the area is very clean.

 

[alexensmom]

Totally agree with all the suggestions. Our family loves Busch Gardens. I grew up in Va so I have been there many times. It is my favorite theme park besides Disney. We all love the shows and rides. We really like Water Country and usually spend one day there each trip. My DH, and DD arent much into Colonial WB, but I love it. My dad is a history buff so I think it's just genetically in me.
As far as food goes, it is much like CS at WDW. Love Oktoberfest for food too. The show is great and the food isnt bad. My DD loves the cake thats as tall as her head! We have stayed at Kingsmill Resort so we can eat their breakfast buffet. Very good. And KMill also has a shuttle bus to BG so we dont have to drive and pay for parking. We usually do dinner at a seafood restaurant off site. As far as vouchers go I have never looked into them because our family doesnt do alot of sit-down meals when we are visiting theme parks. We mostly stick to light counter service type meals and snacks. KMill has rooms with a kitchenette so that is an option if you wanted to BYOFood.

 

[monkeybug]

Totally agree with all the suggestions. Our family loves Busch Gardens. I grew up in Va so I have been there many times. It is my favorite theme park besides Disney. We all love the shows and rides. We really like Water Country and usually spend one day there each trip. My DH, and DD arent much into Colonial WB, but I love it. My dad is a history buff so I think it's just genetically in me.
As far as food goes, it is much like CS at WDW. Love Oktoberfest for food too. The show is great and the food isnt bad. My DD loves the cake thats as tall as her head! We have stayed at Kingsmill Resort so we can eat their breakfast buffet. Very good. And KMill also has a shuttle bus to BG so we dont have to drive and pay for parking. We usually do dinner at a seafood restaurant off site. As far as vouchers go I have never looked into them because our family doesnt do alot of sit-down meals when we are visiting theme parks. We mostly stick to light counter service type meals and snacks. KMill has rooms with a kitchenette so that is an option if you wanted to BYOFood.

How is Kings Mill? It's part of the armed forces vacation club, and we've thought about trying it sometime.
What seafood restaurant to usually go to? My kids love seafood, and we are always looking for new places to try!

 

[KPeveler]

How is Kings Mill? It's part of the armed forces vacation club, and we've thought about trying it sometime.
What seafood restaurant to usually go to? My kids love seafood, and we are always looking for new places to try!

WE LOVED KINGS MILL!!

It was wonderful! So quiet and the pools were great.


we were not fans of colonial williamsburg, but we are from Boston, so colonial buildings are kind of an everyday thing. Also, I use a wheelchair, so colonial buildings are not known for their accessibility!

 

[monkeybug]

WE LOVED KINGS MILL!!

It was wonderful! So quiet and the pools were great.


we were not fans of colonial williamsburg, but we are from Boston, so colonial buildings are kind of an everyday thing. Also, I use a wheelchair, so colonial buildings are not known for their accessibility!

Yeah I had trouble in some spots with a stroller, I could see how a wheelchair could be a problem. It was almost impossible to dodge the all the horse doo doo with the stroller!
We live in Annapolis, and when we first went we were like "Oh wow. We just drove three hours to come to a place that looks exactly like home!"
Turns out they were designed by the same person.
We still love it though!

 

[hiwaygal]

I would buy the dining vouchers online before you go. Last year was the first year they offered them and at first (opening weekends) you could buy them at the park. Later in the year (we tried in August I believe) we tried to buy them at the park and were told we couldn't.

All of the restaurants are cafeteria style - no servers. But there is usually plenty of seating.

We are AP holders and we feel that the vouchers are a great deal! The only place they aren't honored is the Bistro in France (by the Griffon) because that's an all-you-can-eat place already.

If you haven't checked out the website lately, you might want to do that. They have a lot of new tours and events you can get tickets for (like Dining with Elmo if you have young kids).

Unfortunately, I can't offer any advice on the hotels and stuff...living here does have its limitations!

 

[marcyinPA]

Thanks everyone!

I booked the Best Western Colonial District right after Christmas, for $40 a night cool1 so we are good there. They have a free breakfast which we'll plan on having and supplementing with food from home if need be. I plan on bringing a case of water, snacks and stuff from home.

This has turned out to be a budget trip because DH was laid off three weeks ago. Since the hotel was so cheap, and already paid for anyway, we've decided to forge on with our plans and go anyway.

I think we're going to go with the BG/CW/WC bounce pass tickets for the four of us. We won't be there a full 7 days, but I think it will save us money. We're going a Monday-Friday... From what I can tell, the bounce pass tix include parking which is good. They really aren't that pricey either...$90-something for adults, and $80-something for kids up to age 17 (which is GREAT...normally kids end at around 9 or 10!) I will buy these passes on line before we go.

We have two boys, who will be 15 and 11 when we go. They are both history buffs, especially my youngest. I think they will really enjoy CW. I don't think we're going to hit Jamestown this trip. Do you think there is enough for us to do at CW/BG/WC to fill up three full days and 2 half days? I'm hoping to take things somewhat leisurely and not at the pace we do Disney!

Thanks for the info on the food vouchers. I think maybe I'll buy four, and try to see if we can just eat off of two at a time (to give us two meals a piece). The higher priced voucher give you an entree, two sides, a dessert and drink. That's quite a bit of food!

How is Water Country? How does it compare to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon? Any good tips for visiting there?

 

[marcyinPA]

Yeah I had trouble in some spots with a stroller, I could see how a wheelchair could be a problem. It was almost impossible to dodge the all the horse doo doo with the stroller!
We live in Annapolis, and when we first went we were like "Oh wow. We just drove three hours to come to a place that looks exactly like home!"
Turns out they were designed by the same person.
We still love it though!

My IL's live in Annapolis! We are actually thinking about driving down there at the beginning of our trip, staying with them for the weekend, and then driving from Annapolis to Wbg on Monday. About how far of a drive is Wbg from Annapolis?

 

[monkeybug]

My IL's live in Annapolis! We are actually thinking about driving down there at the beginning of our trip, staying with them for the weekend, and then driving from Annapolis to Wbg on Monday. About how far of a drive is Wbg from Annapolis?

I think it usually takes us 3 1/2 to 4 hours. My husband usually takes 301, which takes a bit longer, but saves you from DC slow downs.

 

[DisneyMissy318]

I bought a 20% disc code on ebay, b/c I couldn't find one online.

I've often wondered about the "promo" code. There is a box for one on the order form and no amount of searching has ever turned one up. We are platinum pass holders - so you would think I might have seen one! Just checked ebay and none listed - just wanted to see what it would go for. Thanks for mentioning it.

 

[monkeybug]

I think there is plenty to keep you busy for your entire trip! If you run out of things to do you could always just explore the town. They have some neat things (including a Ripleys believe it or not). At your kids ages I would definitely do one of the night programs at CW if you can swing it. The ghost tours are fun, and we have heard good things about cry witch.
Are you going to spend any time in Annapolis? If your sons enjoy history, they might enjoy the Naval Academy. It sounds boring, but it's actually pretty dang interesting! It's also right near downtown which has awesome restaurants and shops (and a cool tunnel in starbucks!). There is a fun restaurant called Chick N' Ruths that has the entire restaurant stand and say the pledge of allegiance every morning, and they have giant 6lb milkshakes. Sometimes one of the owners goes around and does table magic too. It's pretty affordable as far as Annapolis is concerned.

 

[alexensmom]

How is Kings Mill? It's part of the armed forces vacation club, and we've thought about trying it sometime.
What seafood restaurant to usually go to? My kids love seafood, and we are always looking for new places to try!

We liked it. It was very nice. The rooms were very clean, a studio style that had a kitchenette with a table, large bed (at least a queen size) and a living area with a foldout couch. The one we stayed in connected to another studio so you could go with a larger group and still be together. We went with another couple without our kids and took turns sleeping on the sleeper (not the most comfortable one Ive ever been on). They have golfing and spa services, but we just werent there long enough to do either.
Its been many years ago, but we liked the Whaling Company and Captain George's. Last couple times we ate at Pierce's Barbeque . A family member was working there at the time so we went to see him and hang with family.

Hope this helped

 

[marcyinPA]

I think there is plenty to keep you busy for your entire trip! If you run out of things to do you could always just explore the town. They have some neat things (including a Ripleys believe it or not). At your kids ages I would definitely do one of the night programs at CW if you can swing it. The ghost tours are fun, and we have heard good things about cry witch.
Are you going to spend any time in Annapolis? If your sons enjoy history, they might enjoy the Naval Academy. It sounds boring, but it's actually pretty dang interesting! It's also right near downtown which has awesome restaurants and shops (and a cool tunnel in starbucks!). There is a fun restaurant called Chick N' Ruths that has the entire restaurant stand and say the pledge of allegiance every morning, and they have giant 6lb milkshakes. Sometimes one of the owners goes around and does table magic too. It's pretty affordable as far as Annapolis is concerned.

We've driven in the direction of the Naval Academy a time or two, but it's been a few years since we've been down for a visit. I'm sure we'll spend some time downtown. The last time we were there, my IL's took the kids on that pirate cruise...that was fun! We'll have to check out Chick N Ruths...6 lb milkshakes?? Wow!

The last time we were supposed to go to Annapolis was Labor Day weekend a few years ago. I think there was a hurricane (or a bad storm)....my IL's lost power for a few days and we couldn't go. We were supposed to take the train into D.C. to see the Spy Museum. I have a feeling my MIL might want to do that this time around.

Thanks for all the good info on Wbg AND Annapolis! (I'm going to check the ghost tours now...see what I can come up with!)

 

[CindysGusGus]

We live 3 hours away and will literally drive to Williamsburg to eat at the Mongolian restaurant in the KMart shopping center. It has won best of Williamsburg several times...I also agree with Sals! Also across from the Cheese Shop is a restaurant called the Trellis...the food is expensive but I would recommend going for just desert. The original "Death by Chocolate" is there.

 

[chrissydisp24]

I see this is a popular thread, so I will post my questions here to see if I can get any replies.

I just printed out my "etickets" and on them it says I need ID and they will be doing a bio-scan. What is a bio-scan? And what kind of ID do I need for my 11 year old?

Thanks for any help!

 

[bigsis1970]

Hello everyone, I am traveling as well to Williamsburg this year for Summer vacation (Mid July) with my family (hubby, dd 16.5 and ds 13.5) it's a 12 or so hour drive for us and we'll be staying at the Williamsburg KOA in their cabins.. I checked on line and saw the dining vouchers as well and they seem like a pretty good deal (Disney use to offer these same type years ago) I am going to purchase the buy one day get 7 consecutive free ticket combo for Busch Gardens and Water Country USA ..