Traded a week out - Williamsburg VA Questions

[MCazer]

Hi,

We traded a week out to go to Williamsburg VA this summer.

I have a few questions for anyone out there who could answer.

I have a 5 and 7 year old and wanted to know if we can just walk around Colonial Williamsburg and not pay an admission for the museums and such. Don't know how much the kids will appreciate the area.

I have heard from different people (who have gone years ago) that you can walk around, but was also told that you can't.

If you can, I will just buy the flex ticket for Busch Gardens and Water Country and then just visit Colonial Williamsburg.

However, if you need to pay admission to just walk around, then I will purchase a different type of flex pass.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I have been to that area 3 times and never thought of not paying to get into the old historic section of Williamsburg. I really can not answer your question. What I can tell you that an amusement park like Bush Gardens is a lot more inviting to children then looking at a bunch of old houses and a couple of ships. I always took a bus from where we stayed to the attractions so again I would not be able to tell you about free entry.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by MCazer

I have a 5 and 7 year old and wanted to know if we can just walk around Colonial Williamsburg and not pay an admission for the museums and such. Don't know how much the kids will appreciate the area.

Sure you can. Over the last 32 years we have been to Williamsburg many, many times. In fact we spent our honeymoon there 31 years ago. You can most certainly walk around the historic free of charge. There are a number of shops you can go into that are free. You only need a pass if you are going into one of the historic buildings that are not a Colonial Williamsburg shop. But don't pass up the historic attractions because of the age of your kids. It is a fantastic learning experience. You can even dress your 5 and 7 year olds up in historic costumes they will rent to you for the day. Great fun. And they gear many of the historic buildings to be interesting for kids. We've taken our children there many times and they loved it each time. Also, if you get a chance eat a meal in one of the colonial taverns (King's Arms is our favorite). As far as the tickets, they are not expensive at all compared to WDW passes. We usually get an annual pass and go back at least 2-3 times during the year (we live less than 4 hours away). Busch Garden's is great also, but we do the historic area alot more often than BG. Also nearby is Yorktown and Jamestown which are both very interesting also.

 

[spiceycat]

yes you can walk around Colonial Williamsburg - remember that Jamestown is not far away either - now I just did the federal parks one - not the other one.

remember you need a car at this place - I heard of people complaining about needing a car at WDW if they stay at OKW - OKW is next door - compare to Col Williamsburg - if you are staying at the Marriott - be prepared to drive.

Pets are allowed at Colonial Williamsburg - they just can't go inside anything - Spicey had a good time - several people stop me to take a picture of him....

the first part of Bush Gardens they are also allowed - the pet kennel is not at the main entrance. So go through the ticket line before you take your pet to the kennel.

Mother on the other hand - did not enjoy this trip - wheelchair although available - CW was not really wheelchair excessible - so we did not stay long on the day that I brought tickets. BG has a lot of hills - so since mother is scare of the type with a motor - I got tired - we spend around 4 hours there - I still don't understand how that theme parks wins awards - WDW is much better my opinion.

 

[NCRedding]

As Wolfpack fan stated, don't rule out Colonial Wlliamsburg just because of the ages of the children. My DD as been going to Williamsburg since she was 6 and loves it. The passes are relatively inexpensive (Last trip, it was $52 per adult for a whole year) Your kids would probably also enjoy Jamestown, and Yorktown Victory center--they have a kids center with dress up colonial clothes, and computers. You can just walk around--park at Merchant Square and stroll through the streets.

 

[KNWVIKING]

Several years ago we did CW with our DS's. The only regret was that we did it in Aug: WAY TOO HOT. Maybe it was an unusual heat wave,don't recall,but it was miserable. Even though the CW shops had a/c, it was minimal. Every store we went into all you saw were the men clustered around the one a/c vent that was trickeling out a little relief. We must have looked pathetic.

One other warning...and it may not even apply because it was so long ago, is dinning at one of the "authentic" colonial restaurants. How do I put this; We knew what to expect, got what we expected, but were suprised it really was as authentic as advertised, (make sense ??? ). Let me put it this way; I'm glad I didn't live in Colonial days. Not that the food was bad, it was just bland,boring,simple,in other words-Authentic. I'll take Le Cellier anytime.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I stayed at the Kingsmill Resort that had bus service to the amusement park and the Colonial Williamsburg, but I had to drive to where the ship and fort was at ,I believe it was Jamestown. I would recommend using a car to get around unless you are staying at a resort that provides a bus service.

 

[DVCPAT]

Williamsburg is great for a day. You can drive past the large parking lots and drive into town. We have always been able to find a parking spot without any problem. My kids enjoy Jamestown more than Williamsburg, you can visit the settlement and board the sailing ships. The river front is a little cooler and it's shaded.

Another nice area attraction is the "Waterside" in Norfolk. Nauticus (Maritime Center) is within walking distance and you can board ( FREE) the WWII battleship, Wisconsin. Its an awesome sight.

 

[LisaR]

Can I ask where you traded into and what type of accomadations you are getting? How long did it take for the trade to take place? Thanks!

Lisa

 

[MCazer]

Thanks so much for all the responses (keep them coming)

I traded last year (around October). We got a one bedroom in the Williamsburg Marriott Sequal. I found out it was available that same day, and felt I was lucky since we are going 4th of July weekend. July 6-13.

We are driving down, so a car won't be a problem. We are also doing Washington DC before and after the trip (so much to see).

I will probably buy one of those flex passes so we can see everything.

Anyone ever do Water Country?

 

[lizanne]

Hi Lisa,

I didn't start this thread but DH and I also traded to Williamsburg this summer. We're staying at Marriott Manor Sequel at Fords Colony and as far as I know we have a one bedroom suite. We're going in July and made the ressies back in October..

Sorry, but I don't know how many points. My husband took care of everything.

 

[lizanne]

MCazer,

We'll be there the same time. Small world!

 

[dcfromva]

MCazer,
I haven't been to Williamsburg, lately, but the last time I was there you could walk around the historic area without admission--but, you couldn't go inside the buildings.
While it is interesting to see the outside of the buildings, it is even more interesting for children to go inside and learn more about the goings on.... My experience has been that kids love Williamsburg.
The other factor is parking close to the historic area is scarce, difficult and it is discouraged. They have an enormous central parking lot and visitor's center and they bus everyone over to the historic area. It is very efficient and allows them to accomodate the huge numbers of visitors. ( In order to ride the busses, you need to have a pass. )
My favorite tip--be sure and sign up for a carriage ride first thing. (The carriage rides are lots of fun and they are very popular!)

There is Jamestown and Yorktown national parks (the kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program and earn special badges)
Here is a link to the National Park Service Web page on Colonial National Parks

While the National Park has the real historic sites. Also, worth at look are two re-creations of the historic sites: The Jamestown Settlement (which features lots of hands on activities and includes replica ships Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery which the kids can walk around) The other is The Yorktown Victory Center.
Link the The Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Vistory Center

You will have no shortage of things to do there. Have fun!
-DC

 

[natt]

Call the Williamsburg Hotel/Motel Association and request a copy of Williamsburg Great Entertainer Magazine (ask for Summer 2003) edition). The magazine is free, but you have to pay postage (it's like 3.50 - maybe $4 since the increase). It's a great publication for restaurant info and other things. 1915 Pocahontas Trail, Suite E-3, Williamsburg, VA 223185
(757) 229-8508

 

[sandieb]

Hello - I thought I would add my two cents. I definately recommend getting the pass in order to obtain admission to the buildings. Also, Colonial Williamsburg has many events in the evening for which you need a ticket...they are around $10. They are great! We went to a mock trial in the Govener's Building where freedom of religion was debated by historic men. The audience also participated.

We went to plays - one was about witches in Salem - this was around Halloween.

We took a lantern tour one night - we carried lanterns and our "host" led the tour with great stories.

We also went to a concert featuring the hurdy gurdy...wow.


I didn't mean for this to be a trip report, but the idea is there is a ton of things to do. Enjoy. Sandie

 

[WolfpackFan]

Someone mentioned dining in the historic taverns. Yes, it is authentic food - but I never found it boring or bland as described. It has always been delicious to us. We've eaten at each of the taverns (there are four of them) numerous times. As I mentioned, our favorite is King's Arms. I usually get the oyster stuffed filet mignon and it is wonderfull. The places are just full of atmosphere - strolling musicians, wait staff dressed in period costumes, etc. The prices are about on par with the more expensive restaurants at WDW. One warning though, you have got to get reservations for dinner in advance and sometimes way in advance. Usually I make my dinner reservations the same time as I book our lodging. There is one tavern that does not take advance reservations (Chownings Tavern), but you have to make them on the day you are there. The taverns are really the highlight of our trips to Williamsburg and we usually try to eat at several while there.

Another question about the DVC trade - how many points did it take to book a week at the Marriott resort there? This is one trade we will definitely be interested in doing? We would want the smallest accomadation available, seeing as there are only two of us.

 

[kathleena]

http://www.history.org/

Colonial Williamsburg information. There is an annual pass (49/24.50), or a one day pass that is cheaper and you can add a second day (37 plus 3, 18.50 plus 1.50) . Under 6 is free, so you will only be paying for one child.

I would go, take the kids and just enjoy! There's more there for kids to enjoy than you think. My step-son, who is 24 now, still remembers the mock trial that we saw there when he was 12.

Water Country is one of the top water parks in the nation. It's a don't miss.

Enjoy!

 

[KNWVIKING]

"We've eaten at each of the taverns (there are four of them) numerous times. As I mentioned, our favorite is King's Arms. I usually get the oyster stuffed filet mignon and it is wonderfull."

How long ago was this. I think King's Arms is where we ate. My menu was a little different. Where your said "oyster stuffed filet mignon", mine said "cow:cooked".

I hope the menus have improved. The atmosphere was great.

 

[lrodk]

I will probably buy one of those flex passes so we can see everything.

Those flex tickets are the best value. I've helped two friends plan their trips and they can't believe the value they're getting with these all-inclusive passes. The 5 day Flex pass gives you unlimited admission for 5 days to Busch Gardens, Water Country USA(which is one of the top 5 water parks in the USA), Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. It only costs $135 for adults and $107 for the kids. If it were Disney you'd be paying @$250 for 5 day passes. The value is fantastic. And yes, you can just walk around the Colonial area without passes. many of the shops, and all of the taverns, are open to the public. The more interesting buildings with guided tours however require ticket admission. If it's your first time then those passes would be worth while in order to get a good grasp of the significance of the period. I highly recommend that you reserve a dinner reservation at one of the taverns on Duke of Gluocester. They're a real throw-back to the colonial period and offer atmosphere that's unmatched anywhere else. Prices are high, but well worth it IMHO. There are also special lantern-guided night tours through some of the trade shops that don't cost very much. You could opt for one of those tours which are a nice way to get access to certain buildings if you decide not to get the passes. I've visited BG/Williamsburg for over 12 years and have found it to come as close in quality(and actually I think it's a better value in many respects)to Disney as any other place I've been to. It's my second home-away-from-home. If you have any further questions feel free to email, pm or post your question here. I'd love to help.

Regards, Luis

Ticket information
http://commerce.4adventure.com/store/dept_tickets.asp?dept_id=206

Tavern menus and descriptions
http://www.history.org/visit/diningExperience/

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
How long ago was this. I think King's Arms is where we ate. My menu was a little different. Where your said "oyster stuffed filet mignon", mine said "cow:cooked".

Last time we were there was last Fall. Not sure what cow cooked means. We've always enjoyed the food there. Maybe folks just have different tastes. We also enjoyed the seafood at Christiana Campbells and the fried oysters at lunch at King's Arms. King's Arms also has a colonial dinner special that includes chicken cooked with country ham that is very good.