OT: LIVE Report from Colonial Williamsburg: Final PHOTO update

[Mouse Skywalker]

Our family is leaving on vacation tomorrow. Yahoo! So I may be a little scarce around here. DW really wanted to go somewhere different this year besides Florida . So we decided to go to Colonial Williamsburg. I'm really excited to go somewhere I've never been before, and soak in a little of America's history. The girls, Maggie (DD11) and Evie (DD8) , are really into history and the reinactments. So it should be fun.

We rented a 2 bedroom condo with our own hot tub - so we should have lots of room to spread out.

Here are some things I'm looking forward to.
Seeing some period buildings in Colonial Williamsburg
"Revolutionary City" dramas acted out in the streets
Fife and Drum Corps
Eating in Shield's Tavern
Witch Trial evening show

We have a pass that will allow us to go back and forth between Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg too. So we are definitely going to get our amusement park fix too.

Have a great week everyone. I may check in with some updates along the way.

You can jump down to the next report and photos here.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32995853#post32995853

 

[AnneR]

You'll have a great time Dave.

Just remember it can be almost as hot in Colonial Williamsburg and they don't have air-conditioned lines. Get some cookies and apple cider from the Raleigh Tavern for me.

 

[safetymom]

I am jealous. I have had that on my list of things to do for years. Looking forward to hearing about your vacation.

 

[auroralark]

Have a great trip! My sister and I LOVED Williamsburg when we were kids. I'm sure your girls will have a great time. Make sure to have some root beer - it's the best!

 

[heidijot]

We loved CW when we were there 4 years ago!! Check out the pizza and beer at Hazzauhs(sp), and also the farmer's market that was there on the weekends. If you have a chance got to Water Country USA!! We had a tripass that gave us unlimites 3 day access to CW Busch Gardens and Water Country. Did not care for Busch Gardens but went to Water Country a few times. It was a great way to cool off and they made their own waffle cones!!

Enjoy....I am a DW who also like to vacation somewhere other that Disney everyonce in a while....my fav is a guest ranch in Georgia...if you like horses check out Southern Cross Guest Ranch!!

That said we are heading to Disney in 22 days!!


Heidi

 

[hideeh]

Safe travels, Dave! I am looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back!

Enjoy!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I have never been to Williamsburg, but am sure that you will have a great time. Enjoy yourself!

 

[mikelan6]

Witch Trial evening show

This sounds interesting. I wonder if they'll do like a magic show ... or more like a Judge Judy type show?

 

[mejkjj97]

We went a couple of years ago and loved it!! It's such a beautiful area and I can't wait until my DD is old enough to enjoy it.
Busch Gardens and Water Country are there also and both are really fun parks. We had also done the Tripass which was a great purchase!
Just check out the events that are happening and sign up for the right away.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Just check out the events that are happening and sign up for the right away.

Oh yeah, we have our reservations and tickets already. Called yesterday. I booked our condo back in March, and was shocked when I asked when I should make dinner reservations, etc., and was told - "I don't know a couple days or a week before." I'm so trained to the Disney planning.

The tickets are called "Bounce Tickets" now, and give us unlimited admission to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Water Country.

Here are some things we have reservations for if anyone's interested.

Monday 8/3
7:30p A Grand Medley of Entertainments -- an 18th-century traveling show! There should be amazing feats, strange beasts, and fast-paced hilarity, but things aren’t going well for the company. Their misfortunes provide a comedy of errors for the entire family to enjoy.

Tuesday 8/4
5:45p dinner at Shield's Tavern: Tavern guests today dine on southern comfort foods inspired by “colonial receipts.”

7:30p Cry Witch: Participate in a re-creation of a dramatic trial and weigh the evidence to determine the guilt or innocence of "The Virginia Witch."

Wednesday 8/5
7:00p The Air Force band is giving a free performance in Merchant's Square. [I had a good friend in the Air Force Band for many years, and we saw a number of his performances. So this should be fun.]

Thursday 8/6
Busch Gardens Day

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

This sounds interesting. I wonder if they'll do like a magic show ... or more like a Judge Judy type show?

Mike. Here's the description from the website. I'll let you know if Judge Judy shows up.

Cry Witch: Participate in a re-creation of a dramatic trial and weigh the evidence to determine the guilt or innocence of "The Virginia Witch."

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We loved Colonial Williamsburg. The historic re-enactments were interesting and thought provoking.

At one of the house tours we did, the kids were taught how to bow (DS) and curtsey (DD). And also learned the respectful way to speak to adults back then.
It was fun and we made them practice off and on during the trip - with us and with other characters. DS hated it.

We skipped the witch trial though. DD was young and we didn't think she could handle that.

We also went to Busch Gardens that trip.

Have a great time!

Connie

 

[disneym2m]

Dave:

Some hints from someone who lives nearby:

1. Bring plenty of water. Williamsburg historic site is huge and it is quite warm now. And there really isn't air conditioning in the buildings. The site is HUGE so wear comfortable shoes and dress lightly. I always feel bad for the performers wearing such heavy clothing during this time of year. I didn't care for Shield's Tavern but you might. Just be careful. If the top floor is full, then they will take you down stairs and it is very dark. May take your eyes a few minutes to adjust. Be warned that the ham whatever is very, very salty. We ate there for lunch and it was expensive, but dinner might be different. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about it.

2. Watch where you step...ALWAYS. The horses that walk around the area tend to use the bathroom where ever and there really isn't any clean up. BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!!!

3. Visit Jamestown. You can see all the excavation they are doing. And it is quite pretty. I actually enjoy Jamestown more than Williamsburg.

4. Busch Gardens is so much fun. Don't forget to visit the new Sesame Street area. There is a buffet lunch near the Griffon roller coaster...skip it...not worth the money. Festhaus in Germany has some good food, yes it is German, but they also have American food, plus you might be able to see the show during your meal. BG is large as well. I have learned that when you walk past the Big Ben and you see the sky ride to the left, attack the park starting on the right. Just doesn't seem as crowded going that direction. OH BE WARNED. To the left of the Loch Ness monster roller coaster there is a long staircase down. If you go this route, do this route early, because once you go down and at the other end of the bridge back to the top is a huge hill. If you are exhausted DO NOT GO THIS WAY. By the time you go up the hill or up the stairs your legs will be mad at you....LOL. It is fun to go to the bottom, you can stand under the Loch Ness Monster and see the roller coaster coming down the huge hill.

5. Have a great time. I can only go to BG on the weekends, so I will miss meeting you. Just take it slow and drink a lot of water. The weather isn't as bad as Florida but it can get very hot and humid.


P.S. I probably shouldn't tell you this, but this isn't the "real" Williamsburg. Rockefeller "rebuilt" it to look somewhat like the real Williamsburg. But it is still great to see.

 

[disneym2m]

Just a taste of Williamsburg....

The Governor's Palace...beautiful gardens behind the building. You can also hear how they create laws and performed court cases here.

This place is absolutely beautiful during the Holiday season. They decorate the area in the traditional Williamsburg decor.

 

[disneym2m]

A taste of Busch Gardens:

Big Ben.

Escape From Pompei. There is a glass shed to the right that you can stand and watch the boat come down....be careful...you will get wet.

The Griffon. If you stand near the fence...you will get wet.

In the background you can see the Griffon (blue) and the Loch Ness Monster (yellow) and the boat landing for the Rhine River ride. You can also see the bridge that I was talking about...to the right is a huge staircase and to the left in a huge hill.

I don't want to spoil it too much, but bring your camera....there is a lot of photo ops.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Melissa - this is great and wonderful. Thank you so much for the info, and the pictures. I really appreciate it. I'm taking the attitude that it's going to be hot and humid. Since we have a few days, we won't try to see all of Williamsburg in a day. I figure we'll go, see some buildings, people, and things, and then head back to the condo to rest and cool off.

BTW, I just realized you were "that" Melissa who did the cool drawing for the team. When do I get my "special correspondent" character?

OK, we're heading out this morning to drive to my Sister's in Baltimore. We'll spend overnight visiting with them, and then on to Williamsburg on Sunday.

 

[bcvdreamer]

Dave,

We did Busch Gardens last summer, and I have a few tips for you.

Go to DarKastle early, the lines get really long. We rode it twice and it was a walk on early in the day day, but later we waited over 60 min. Once the cue is inside it's really cool...like Disney inside cues used to be. They do have fans for the outside cue. It was a great ride. - this one reminded me of a Disney ride.

http://themeparks.about.com/od/darkrides/fr/DarKastle.htm

Griffin was the favorite for the 14 and up. and Apollos Chariot - 8 yr olds favorite.

Also, take a look at the map before you go, the park doesn't flow like a Disney park. Know which sections of the park open earlier, we got there when it opened, and the whole park didn't open at the same time.

Have a great vacation.

Lisa

 

[kbelle8995]

OK, OK, I'm just kidding...

Our family is leaving on vacation tomorrow. Yahoo! So I may be a little scarce around here. DW really wanted to go somewhere different this year besides Florida . So we decided to go to Colonial Williamsburg. I'm really excited to go somewhere I've never been before, and soak in a little of America's history. The girls, Maggie (DD11) and Evie (DD8) , are really into history and the reinactments. So it should be fun.

We rented a 2 bedroom condo with our own hot tub - so we should have lots of room to spread out.

Here are some things I'm looking forward to.
Seeing some period buildings in Colonial Williamsburg
"Revolutionary City" dramas acted out in the streets
Fife and Drum Corps
Eating in Shield's Tavern
Witch Trial evening show

We have a pass that will allow us to go back and forth between Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg too. So we are definitely going to get our amusement park fix too.

Have a great week everyone. I may check in with some updates along the way.

You will enjoy Colonial Williamsburg. I have been there three times and think they do a wonderful job. They do activities for the children so make sure that your girls check that out. They have employees that walk around as Thomas Jefferson and other revolutionary luminaries. We went on tour of the Palace and were treated like we were guests in one room and servants in another. I remember being asked if I was trading with the Indians again due to my sneakers. Have a great time.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Everyone: Here are some updates from our trip. On Saturday we drove 6 hours from Rochester, NY to Baltimore, MD to visit with my sister. We stayed overnight, and had a good time visiting and playing RockBand.

Saturday, August 1

Sunday morning we woke up, and drove 4 hours from Baltimore, MD to Williamsburg, VA. Wow, the traffic was heavy the whole way. Stop and go and it was a much more tiring drive than the 6 hour drive to Baltimore.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

We couldn't check in until 4:00p. So we went right to the Visitors Center, picked up our Bounce Passes I ordered on the internet (saving 20%), and just got a lay of the land.

Sunday, August 2

I always loved this type of fencing.

The landscaping is really pretty.

Visitors Center Entrance

There it is, Colonial Williamsburg. OK, we saw it... let's go to Disney now