Traded a week out - Williamsburg VA Questions

[Dean]

Williamsburg is an easy trade even in summer if anyone is interested. Try to do a direct exchange with a Marriott member as you can get free golf if you do.

 

[NCRedding]

The Trellis is wonderful but is NOT kid friendly. Our babysitting fell through the last trip, so we took DD (7) as the last resort. I think if we had brought a pile of crap in we would have been more welcome. Second the recommendation for Aberdeen Barn. Avoid the Applebees at all costs!! I love Williamsburg, and Busch Gardens. Have a great trip

 

[mooses41]

I still don't understand how that theme parks wins awards - WDW is much better my opinion.

Two words- B&M hypercoaster.

 

[micKIM mouse]

Right outside of Colonial Williamsburg is a great outlet mall! Don't miss it!

Water Country is a lot of fun. I haven't been in a while, but I think they have recently added some new rides. Williamsburg is also only one hour to VA Beach. It's an easy day trip!

 

[MCazer]

I purchased the Entainment Book for Williamsburg Virginia. Alot of buy one get one coupons.

Anyone ever use the book? If so, any recommendations?

 

[lrodk]

I still don't understand how that theme parks wins awards - WDW is much better my opinion.

I'm curious as to why you think BGW is unworthy of it's accolades. Are you a frequent visitor?

I do agree with you 100% that WDW represents the best family vacation experience, if that's what you were eluding to. You do pay a premium for it however, unless of course you're a local and get to take advantage of ticket/hotel discounts. With that said, there are other factors that play into trade awards, such as the IAAPA's(International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions) recent Aplause designation. This award is is given in honor of a park's "management, operations and creative accomplishments that have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development. BGW has also received, for 10 years running, NAPHA's(National Amusement Park Historical Association)" Favorite Theme Park" award, Amusement Today's "Golden Ticket Awards" for "Best Landscape", "Best Food", and "Cleanest". The awards IMHO are justified.

Without a doubt BGW's beauty cannot be denied. It's design and incorporation into existing landscape is far superior to any other theme park that I've been to. The park looks as if it was built around the land, rather than the landscape being accented around the park. It's almost as if they carefully dropped each attraction in place without damaging or altering the surrounding area. And there are so many interesting visual focal points, streams, rivers, beautiful old trees that seem to have been there forever, suspension bridges, gorgeous flower beds, wildlife, etc., that add authenticity and beauty to the old world charm. I'd be satisfied just walking through the place, let alone doing any of the rides/shows. And the place is squeeky-clean. Speaking of shows, there were more than 10 at last count, which means that there are plenty of places to escape from the heat. These types of attractions are very well done and are extremely family friendly.

The architecture is on par with anything at WDW. The themes of each hamlet are created to represent a sampling of each of the countries(ie Epcot). It is a more rustic, old-world representation.

The food at the walk-up counter restaurants and concession stands are much more diverse and generally better than WDW IMHO(especially the desserts). Portions are also much more generous. It's also nice that they offer alcoholic beverages at some of these establishments, and that their consumption is limited to the establishment.

With the recent addition of Imaginique, the night time extravaganza, BGW has become an even greater value. That show is simply amazing(kind of a mini Cirque du Soleil), with a nicer pre-show than Fantasmic(get there early so as not to miss it).

The ticket value cannot be argued. BGWs flex tickets, which would be equivalent to Disney's Hopper passes, represent a 50% savings over regular admission.

Water Country USA is a first rate water park, consistantly ranked as one of the top 4 best water parks in the world. You will have as good a time there, if not better, than at any of the other best ranked parks.


The other factor that makes BGWs such a great value for my family is it's proximity to my home. The 6 hr drive is easier to swallow than an 18hr plus trek to WDW, and even more attractive than spending $1000 plus on airfare. Plus I get to use my own care, which saves me additional $$ on what I usually spend on rentals in orlando.

To be sure, BGW is a viable alternative and greater value than WDW for folks that live in the northeast and mid-to-southern states. If i lived in Georgia or Florida then I would probably say that WDW offers a greater value overall. After visiting for over 12 years I've come to a firm conclusion that BGW comes closer to Disney's standards(and even exceeds them in certain respects)than any other theme park in the region. And having Colonial Williamsburg a few minutes away is without question an added bonus. I enjoy Colonial Williamsburg almost as much as I do the parks.

BGW is a beautifully well-executed park. Disney has much more to offer and is more intricate for sure, but the economics and other subtle advantages tilt the advantages toward Williamsburg's favor. For us it's a viable and extremely attractive alternative for those instances where we are not able or are unwilling to pay the premium that's required to do Disney in any given year.

Luis

 

[NCRedding]

Luis: I agree with your post. BG is a great value and the most beautiful theme/amusement park I've been to. Like you, I feel it is on-par with WDW. It does help that it is only 4 hours from us, but even if it were further, I would still want to visit frequently.

 

[DizneeNuts]

We went to CW a couple of years ago with our 3 kids then 1, 8, and 9. CW was not their favorite part of the trip but they did enjoy it. They were jailed (shackels and all) and put to work to make bricks from mud. We visited a house where they were shown family life of the era and enjoyed that also. They shown military life at the time and even got to shoot a rifle. Now the adults in our group loved CW.

Busch Gardens and the waterpark were the kids favorite. But they definitely look back at CW fondly.

When the kids are gone I would love to go back again and take the time to see CW again.

Enjoy your visit!

 

[spiceycat]

mother tried once an electric chair and now won't touch them - trying pushing an 81 year old person in that park in a wheelchair and you will begin to see my problems

plus there are no exits signs in that park - you must ask a cm - and they kept saying just go right well it that case you would be back where you started.

If you are in good health and can walk around - then yes it is a beautiful park - but alot of people can't - I found that the other places in Williamsburg weren't wheelchair friendly either - I have never had that problem in Orlando. the only places I didn't have a problem were in the national parks.

do you see where I am going from? I don't mean to insult your favorite place - but why couldn't they make it more wheelchair friendly? and put up a few exit signs - especially where you have to make a decision - they have signs to the different parts of the parks - how about an exit sign.

and why is the pet kennel so far from the main entrance - I don't understand that at all?

I am sorry but as long as mother travels with me - we are not going back to Williamsburg - it is not friendly access for the elder who do not like the electric chair. also even renting the wheelchair was a big effort - we waited in line 45 minutes - now I could see if the line was long - no - there were 4 people in the line in front of us - at WDW this would have taken 5 minutes. they were very unorganizated and bring it back - it was silly - there was no one there - the cm next door had to go find someone so we could return the wheelchair. No I am sorry - this park needs some really work on the CMs before it will be on my best list.

also the cms in the park were rude - when I asked for directions her reply was if she got a nickel for everytime I answered that questions - this is a serious problem - rude CM are rude CM sorry that is how I feel. - oh my reply was (kept in mind that I was very, very tired) - is well if there were sign up for the exit I won't have to ask - she then say like the last one just kept going right - I finally ask one of the cleaning ladys who gave me the correct instructions.

I see no reason for the "BEST" theme park to have rude CM - and a park that is not accessibly to people who won't use the electric chair.

 

[Halle]

I would definitely buy the passes. We went when our kids were 8,9,9,&10 and they had a great time. When we got home they spent months making bricks in our backyard!! They loved the interacting with... to quote them people from the past. We did Busch Gardens and also took a trip to Norfolk and toured a battleship. We were there just as the Gulf War was about to begin so there was a lot of activity, we saw Patriot Missiles and didn't know that's what they were until the war started 5 months later. You'll have a great trip and many wonderful memories.

 

[lrodk]

I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experiences Pat. I can see how BGW would be challenging for handicapped people in a regular wheelchair. The paths are very hilly at times and would be challenging to say the least if you had to push someone around all day. I would like to point out to anyone who is handicaped and a bit hesitant about going to BGW that there are access ramps just about everywhere in the park. Also, Electric wheelchairs are readily available in the park, Regarding rude CMs, I've encountered them in WDW as well. Disney has great CMs, admittedly the best I've ever seen, but no organization is free of the occasional disgruntled or improperly trained worker. People are people, some nice, others not so nice. My experience at BGW has been, as in WDW, that the CMs are by and large very nice. Most are responsible college students from the area that supplement their expenses by working during the summer. There are also many older semi-retired CMs that work the turnstiles and gift shops. Most of these mature CMs are a genuine pleasure to talk to. They're very patient and are genuinely happy to be doing what they're doing. The other thing that I noticed, whihc could possibly account for some of the things that you experienced Pat, is that the locals are extremely laid back. That I will grant you. They don't seem to be rushed like we are up in the North. It's part of the culture, which might explain why you waited so long for certain basic services. In retrospect I suppose it's a healthier trait to have than the hectic grind that many of us city folks in the northeast have become accustomed to. Fortunately I'm able to switch modes quite readily when I'm on vacation and have not had a problem becoming acclimated to the change of pace. Part of what I love about Williamsburg is the fact that I'm able to take it easy and not feel rushed. A week there feels like two weeks in WDW. It is truly a relaxing vacation for us.

Luis

 

[musical2]

I have to agree with Luis (Irodk). I have found that not only is the Busch Gardens park in Williamsburg one of the most beautiful parks I've seen outside of WDW, but the CMs have always been nice to me and my family when we have visited. Last year we had season passes and used them quite often. We live about 3 hours from Williamsburg.

I find the park very relaxing and fun for me and my family. There is quite a bit to do there. Last year they had a wonderful "Cirque de Soleil" type show in the evening (free to persons already in the park.

Colonial Williamsburg is a "must see." My children also enjoyed it as there is much there to children to do besides look at museums. They can play children's games and do theater for instance. Also, go to Jamestown, Yorktown, and the local Plantations.

An hour away is Virginia Beach. This makes for a good daytrip if you like the beach.

I also happen to own a Platinum week at the Marriott Manor Club resort in Williamsburg. It is a beautiful resort and gets high marks over on TUG.

Williamsburg is my favorite place to vacation in the U.S. (so far) after WDW. This year, however, I traded my Manor Club week for a week at Marriott Barony Beach at Hilton Head, SC.

Bart