Traded a week out - Williamsburg VA Questions

[lrodk]

Kings Arms Menu

This menu is for dinner only. The lunch menu differs slightly and is not as expensive(portions are smaller as well). The food at these taverns have always been very good in my experience. The selling point for me is the atmosphere and setting. The walks throughout the property afterwards are the perfect end to a wonderful meal. There's no other place like it in the world.

 

[lizanne]

WolfpackFan,

We used 160 points for one week - 2 adults in a one bedroom in July 2003.

It's been quite a few years since we've been to Williamsburg (at least 10) and I must agree that while the atmosphere at the Inns (and all of Williamsburg) was great, the food left something to be desired -- we had the cow:cooked menu.

What I gather from these posts is that it seems to have improved and I'm looking forward to trying them again.

Betty Anne

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by lizanne
We used 160 points for one week - 2 adults in a one bedroom in July 2003.

It's been quite a few years since we've been to Williamsburg (at least 10) and I must agree that while the atmosphere at the Inns (and all of Williamsburg) was great, the food left something to be desired -- we had the cow:cooked menu.

Wow, 160 pts. that is not bad at all. This will definitely have to be at the top of our list for trades. We've never been a solid week at Williamsburg and the thought of that is wonderfull. Could do 2 days of historic area, 1 day at Water Contry, then a day of the James River plantations, a day at Busch Gardens and a day down in Norfolk (highly recommend the MacArthur museum).

As far as food, menus haven't changed in years. Maybe it is just us - I love cooked cow; the bigger and rarer the better.

 

[lrodk]

As far as food, menus haven't changed in years.

The menus have remained pretty much the same. The only thing that changes over the years at the taverns, like all restaurants, are the chefs. A good chef can make or break the same recipe. With that said, I haven't had a problem at these taverns, but that's not to say that on any given day there might be someone less experienced than the person before preparing the same dish. That could be a good thing or bad thing.

 

[MCazer]

Because we traded before the new point schedule came out, we had to use 172 points for the same time.

I called member services and asked for the 12 points to be credited back to me, but they said that they had already used those points for someone staying at OKW and they could not trade back.

Sometimes, planning ahead so far in advance does not pay.

We will most likely buy the 4 or 5 day flex ticket! It really is a good deal, especially because since my son is 5, he is free. I believe if I order the "free of charge" ticket for him and he will be able to go into Busch Gardens for free too.

I called to make sure of this, and that is what they said!

Keep the ideas coming..


Oh, how much does it cost for the horse carriage ride? And also, the children's costumes... do they have summer attire? Do the kids wear these clothes on top of their own? Are they cleaned regularly? LOL!

 

[DeeP]

I agree with many of the above posts. We have enjoyed Williamsburg quite a few times and my kids always loved Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, and the flex tickets are the way to go if you are going to be there for a week. They really are an amazing deal for all you get. There is alot to do in this area and everything is top notch. Next to WDW, Williamsburg is one of my favorite places to visit. They are on par with WDW in many ways. We have also always enjoyed the food, and found it to be very tasty and of good quality.

 

[KNWVIKING]

That was just my way of saying our menu had nothing like "oyster stuffed filet". It was all just "meat n' taters" type fare.

Do you think oyster stuffed filet mignon actually appeared on a Colonial menu ?

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
That was just my way of saying our menu had nothing like "oyster stuffed filet". It was all just "meat n' taters" type fare.

I must be dense. I don't mean to argue, but are we speaking of the same place? Here is a link to the current menu and yes it still has the oyster stuffed filet menu -

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/diningExperience/kingsArms/images/kingsarmsmenu.pdf

 

[KNWVIKING]

No, I never saw a menu like that,wish I did. But it's been probably 10-12 years since we've been there, plus I'm not certain the King's Arms is where we ate. There were only a couple "Authentic" places to eat and we picked the pricest one. I'm glad the food has improved because we plan on going back someday soon. Thanks for the menu. Now I'm hungry !!

 

[KNWVIKING]

"Do you think oyster stuffed filet mignon actually appeared on a Colonial menu ?"

I wasn't doubting it was on YOUR menu, I meant would a dish like that actually have been served back in colonial times. If not, what's it doing appearing on an "authentic" colonial menu ?

 

[Lizardbeth61]

We are huge Williamsburg fans, but in an attempt not to make an educational vacation a traumatic phrase, we do it lightly. Our kids 7 & 10 liked Jamestown a lot. We didn't make them listen to every person, but took it at their pace and they look forward to going again. This time we'd like to do the restored area with them and do it the same way . . . at their pace . . . when their eyes seem to glaze over, we do something else.

You can walk into the shops without a pass, but for the fun stuff you will need passes. The costumed interpreters will talk as if they have no idea that it's 2003 . . . or they're supposed to act that way but sometimes they break character. The evening programs are fun too. They tour with lanterns. It's only an hour long but gives you a different perspective.

Water Country is a lot of fun. It's not as thoroughly themed as Disney's water parks, but it's a blast. Busch Gardens is very nice and what you'd expect.

MOST IMPORTANT: Go to the Cheese Shop and get a picnic. It's located in Merchant Square at one end of the restored area and you can ask anyone because it's a Williamsburg Institution. Get Roast Beef with extra house. It's delicious and served on a fresh baguette. House is a dijon/mustard mix that make my mouth water just thinking about it. Want more info? Send me a PM.

 

[jimmytammy]

We have been many times to Williamsburg. You can walk around the Historic area without admission. You can go to the visitor center and ride the bus over to that area for free in fact. I know this because we did it 2 yrs ago. Visit the Wyeth Candy store which is just beyond the colonial area in a shopping area within walking distance. Your kids might enjoy the buildings inside the colonial area. Their is a bakery that you can go in for free that has homemade lemonade and cookies for sale in that area.
If you let the kids watch Pochantas (Disney version of course) before the trip, take them by Jamestown where she actually lived. They have some replicas of the ships that came over from England that you can get onboard. Ive been there several times as well. Also Yorktown is another place that may be of some interest.
Busch Gardens is very cool! I would rate it as my 2nd favorite to WDW which is getting a very high mark. I would plan on 2 days there and take your time. Your kids should be able to ride Big Bad Wolf if they are the adventourous types. Really neat suspended coaster. This park is very nice and clean with a neat theme around it, old Europe. I have never been to the waterparks so dont know anything about that.
Norfolk is not a far drive, maybe 45 mins. They have a huge Naval base and sometimes they will take you on a tour of a ship in dock(unless something has changesd since 9/11).
All in all Williamsburg is a very nice area, good places to eat albeit a little pricey, but what vacation destination aint.
Youll enjoy if youve never been before.

 

[RobinMarie]

We enjoyed a week in Williamsburg for April break. The water park was not opened yet but we saw most of the sites.

I found some fabulous reviews on epinions.com regarding the trip from single folks views, those with kids and from local folks. You do not need a pass to walk around CW but my 5 yo daughter definitely thought she was missing something by not going into the Governor's Mansion. We wanted to do the Witch Trial but we had several days of rain.

We ate at the Seasons Restaurant, in the heart of CW for an o.k. meal but I got a 25.00 gc off of ebay for about 7.00 or so.

HTH!

 

[hoosiergirl]

For low crowds and decent (not extremely HOT or COLD), what time of year is the best to visit Williamsburg? Also, is there anything special during either Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays?

 

[RobinMarie]

Hoosiergirl:

Though we've never visited at Christmas time, when reading through reviews many of them mentioned how beautiful Colonial Williamsburg is decorated for the holidays.

HTH

 

[Lizardbeth61]

You really need passes if you're going to get the full flavor and experience of Williamsburg. DH and I do it now sometimes without going into the exhibits because it's a very romantic place to sit and talk while people watching. However, we learn something new everytime we go into the exhibits. One of my favorites is at the Wyeth (think I'm spelling wrong!)House exhibit. I love to go to the Wyeth Kitchen and ask questions about cooking. They are usually making something we would find repulsive using methods of the time. While they're cooking, they keep a discussion going which is so informative.

By the way, if it's Marriot you've traded too, my neighbors joined that timeshare and say it's great.

Have fun. It is a memorable time

 

[Lizardbeth61]

Sorry. This must have come through while I was typing another response. Summer is VERY hot and not our favorite time. The time of the year we like to go best is late September/October. The leaves change later than in the north and it's still a nice temperature without being oppresive. Never been through the holiday season but am told it's great with Illuminations (no not EPCOT). It's a festival of candlelight. The decorations used are all natural greens and fruit. Really intersting. Not tinsel and glitter like we're all so used to.

 

[Lisa F]

It's not a colonial tavern, but I highly recommend Berrets in Williamsburg. It's in that little shopping area that is right between the start of the colonial area and William and Mary College. A friend of mine who did his undergrad at W&M recommended it (he used to be a server there) and said everything is delicious except for the parchment wrapped specials, which tend to be a little on the bland side. Anyway, both times we've eaten there it's been delicious. We have needed a reservation on a weekend night, not sure about the weekday (probably not though). They do have a website (you can click here) complete with menu.

Lisa

 

[Lizardbeth61]

It's wonderful, but it isn't that kid friendly. We love it though!

We've never been particularly fond of the Colonial Taverns. Sorry to disagree with others. They are expensive and to us the food was mediocre as was the service. Their appeal is that they are themed to the time. They also seem to be pushing you through some kind of mill. For instance, if you've got 7 pm reservations, so does everyone in the room in which you're seated. You all get your appetizers at the same time, salad at the same time etc and you all pretty much finish at the same time. I guess this doesn't matter, but it did make me feel rushed.

Another place we like is the Aberdeen Barn for prime rib. Stay away from the famous Captain George's. It used to be quite good and I guess if your main goal is to eat all you can, it's fine, but the quality has gone down hill a good bit from when we started going there almost 20 years ago. Eee Gads. Has it been that long? Wow.

Don't forget the Cheese Shop. Has anyone else tried this? It is great. Order your sandwich at the counter and while waiting for it, gather all kinds of gourmet and non-gourmet goodies for an impromptu picnic. Yum!!!! I could go to Williamsburg just for the Cheese Shop!

 

[dcfromva]

One of our favorite restuarants is The Trellis Restaurant (Link to The Trellis Restaurant's web site)

They are located just off from the historic area. I would recommend a reservation as they usually get crowded.

-DC