Way OT! Williamsburg

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We went to Williamsburg this summer with DD7 and DD3. We stayed two nights at the Great Wolf, which in DD7's eyes, made up for the whole "educational" aspect of the trip! We were not impressed with Colonial Williamsburg - it seemed to be a big money-making venture. Disclaimer: we didn't buy the Williamsburg passes - we just walked around outside (I think we paid $2 each to ride the bus from the visitor center). We did get pictures of the girls in the lacy bonnets in one of the stores, but they didn't want to buy them (fine by me!). We paid for the four of us to do a horse and carriage ride instead of buying passes - we got the history lesson in a fun way, and the girls thought the carriage ride was cool! I probably wouldn't have done it if we had paid $30 each for the passes, but it was a worthwhile expense since we had just paid for the bus ride.

We all LOVED Jamestown settlement. The girls talked to a young lady dressed as a Native American who was making tools from a deer bone, and each DD got to try. They loved "driving" the ships and using shells to tan a hide. They put on armor and watched tools being forged. It was much more interesting for them because it was hands-on - Colonial Williamsburg just was not that interesting to them. The people at Jamestown Settlement were all very friendly, and it was explained to us that it is a National Park instead of a for-profit venture like Colonial Williamsburg. We could tell a difference, and our kids definitely enjoyed Jamestown Settlement more.

We didn't do Busch Gardens or Water Country. We all enjoyed Great Wolf because we could play as long or as short as we wanted - we didn't feel like we had to stay all day at a water park since we had paid for it. There was plenty for DD7 and also for DD3, and the little kids' areas were VERY well life-guarded. We played at the water park each day for a few hours. We loved that it was inside and we weren't baking after being outside in Williamsburg.

Hope you have a fun trip!

 

[bnorm27]

Williamsburg is nice. Some younger kids may not appreciate the "colonial" portion of the trip, or Jamestown. Busch Gardens is always a winner.

One poster mentioned about driving into Shenandoah. They obvioulsy didn't do their homework! 105 miles of twisting, turning, up and down roads and a 25-35 MPH speed limit. The lodges are all almost dead center, so it will take awhile to reach them. I recommend staying in Shenandoah overnight, as it is quite beautiful. So many deer running around. My DD4 loved it. We have gone several times and plan on going back now that my other DD is over 2. Bring a portable DVD player for the kids. TV reception is iffy at best, that is if you get a room with a TV!

Go to Williamsburg.....

 

[grlpwrd]

Well, we live about 30 minutes away. Please remember that the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational institution that receives no regular state or federal funding. Yes, it's pricey, but they are preserving a part if US history. Not only are the historic buildings maintained, but they also offer unique places and experiences like taverns, specialty tours like ghost walks, etc. You do have to pay to get into certain buildings and programs, though, but you can still walk around the grounds. It just doesn't give you a full colonial experience.

Be sure to check out the official website: www.history.org

As for Virginia Beach ... I have a beef with the city (lol) because there is a lack of public restrooms. The only one along the boardwalk as far as I know is located behind Dairy Queen. If you know of any others, please let me know.

 

[princesspwrhr]

As for Virginia Beach ... I have a beef with the city (lol) because there is a lack of public restrooms. The only one along the boardwalk as far as I know is located behind Dairy Queen. If you know of any others, please let me know.

There are 3 public restrooms (not enough) They are on 17th, 24th & 30th. But I haven't been there this summer so I don't recall which one is the DQ one. I do remember big signs 'No changing in the bathrooms'. I laughed becuase we'd be arrested for changing in the middle of the boardwalk. Not that the bathroom was clean enough or big enough to want to change in, but still...

Thank you suffolkprincess for the quiet beaches. We have been out to First landing before, we wanted to check out the campsites for camping but they won't let you in that area unless you have a reservation. So we picniced over at the playground near the cabins and thought we'd check out the beach and walk down there to the campsites. Then it rained.... oh well. another time.

 

[grlpwrd]

There are 3 public restrooms (not enough) They are on 17th, 24th & 30th. But I haven't been there this summer so I don't recall which one is the DQ one. I do remember big signs 'No changing in the bathrooms'. I laughed becuase we'd be arrested for changing in the middle of the boardwalk. Not that the bathroom was clean enough or big enough to want to change in, but still...

Yes, that's right, but I am talking about public restrooms along the boardwalk. So far I have found only that one behind DQ. Hotels have big signs "no public restrooms." I know I could walk over to the others or even try to go to a fastfood place like at Wendy's, but I would think with a beach they would make more accomodations for folks, not just for tourists. I guess I am comparing it to how Hawaii is.

Sorry, vent over. lol

 

[newtowdw1]

we're less than an hour away and have gone several times. My daughter has dressed up twice in a rented costume, once on our own and once our whole Girl Scout troop did it and she purchased a costume similar to the rented one that she's worn on other visits. If you pm me I will send you photos, but I don't want to post photos of her online. The costume rental is $20, the girls get a white shift type dress, and a colored sash. You also get a choice of 3 different caps, costing anywhere between $7 and $12, those you keep (sanitary issues and all) and there is a refundable deposit of $25 when you rent the costume. It is not the whole ensaum with petticoats, shift, shirt, waist coat & apron. They are a bit wide and tie in the back, so bring safety pins (the shop is frequently out). The boys costume is shirt (muted calico type fabric ties at neck) a cloth messanger bag a wooden gun (or not) and a tri corn hat ($12 or $15 depending if you want the gold band on it), price is the same $20 rental, $25 refundable deposit, pay for and keep the hat. The costumed children also get a letter with some errands to complete. It's lots of fun.

As others have said - you will be outside a lot, and our weather can be unpredictable in April.

This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for! Thanks so much! DD will be very happy. DS is a costume nut, so will want to participate as well.

 

[newtowdw1]

I have to agree that Jamestown Island in it's current state leaves much to be desired for 'fun', especially if you have already been to Williamsburg. Jamestown Island is a National Park run by the NPS ($8 p/adult last time we went $10 for Jamestown Island/Yorktown Battlefeild combo, both good for 7 days). Although it does show promise when the new museum is complete and if you happen to be there when the archeologists are it's really cool. get the Jr Ranger pack for the kids from the gift shop -$2 There's a few Picnic tables but no grills, parking is sparse, check out the glass blowers when you first enter the island and the veiw of the river is great.

Jamestown Settlement on the other hand is really cool. I haven't yet had a chance to explore the galleries, my girls always want to go straight outside. It's $12 p/adult here and $6(?) for kids (www.historyisfun.org) Outside starting at the dock are replicas of the 3 ships John Smith & the colonists came over on, the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery. You can go on the ships and explore all over them, there are interpreters on each one, as well as some kind of off to the side that will talk to the kids about all manners of ship life, charting courses by the stars and show them how to figure out how many knots the ship is going etc. They've always been great. The Godspeed replica is currently sailing the east coast to promote the 400th anniversary of America and the celebrations that you'll be in time for next year. Just up from the dock are restrooms and the Riverwalk Discovery area. This is the favorite of my oldest. You'll find interpreters showing different things of the Indian and colonists way of life, everything from smoking fish, making nets, scraping and hollowing a canoe, cooking, herbs, farming, it depends on the season, but it's hands on and tons of fun. Up from the Riverwalk discovery area is a recreation of Jamestown Fort. Interpreters abound and will give you a tour of the fort, tell you how thngs worked and every so often (I think on the hour) there's a firearms demonstration. Again, what the interpreters are doing depends on the season. Between the Fort and the museum is the Powhawtan (sp) Indian village. They had to move it from it's previous location due to flooding so it's not set up quite right anymore, but that doesn't make it any less neat to look around and talk to interpreters, learn how to make rope, grind corn, play games etc. Activities vary by season. In April I would guess that you would be finding a lot of planting. Jamestown Settlement does have a cafe. Food is decent quality, not outstanding, but not gross and is priced what you would expect.

Yorktown Battlefeild, Yorktown and Yorktown Victory Center are a short, gorgeous 20-30 min drive down Colonial Parkway. There are lots of pull offs on Colonial Parkway with great picture opportunities and information.

Yorktown Battlefeild & the historic houses of Yorktown are run by the NPS ($5 p/adult $10 combo pass, good for 7 days). You can walk around the battlefeilds for free but you can't go in the museum or any of the historic buildings without paying (You get a bright orange sticker to wear that shows you paid). Jr Ranger program here was $1. Yorktown itself is so neat. It's still an inhabited town with people living in many of the historic buildings so not everything is open to the public. There is a public beach and a gorgeous picnic area overlooking the river. No grills that I remember, but we always brought ours so I didn't really need to notice. Riverwalk Landing is a new area in Yorktown with quaint little shops, a Ben & Jerry's ice cream and an expensive table service place (I think it's reservations only).

Up the hill is Yorktown Victory Center. It's run by the same foundation as Jamestown Settlement so the website is the same. When you first make it through the ticketing area you follow a path down towards the museum that is dotted with informational boards about the revolution before you end up at the museum. Before entering the museum there is a set up of a colonial army camp that you can explore. Don't be afraid to ask the interpreters questions, they are more than willing to share and the answers are usually fascinating. The museum itself is huge and full of really cool artifacts. Downstairs tucked ina corner is a kids room where they can dress up, play, read books and escape the museum if they want. (Must be supervised). Upon exiting the museum you'll walk uphill into a colonial tobacco farm. There are various buildings, chickens, interpreters etc there and also stuff the kids can do to 'help'. From there you can exit through a gate or through the gift shop. Plenty of parking, covered picnic tables and snack machines.

If you have daughters that are Girl Scouts, our council Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast has patch programs designed for the exploration of Jamestown Island, Yorktown Battlefeild and Colonial Williamsburg as well as other cities, towns and historic buildings in the area. http://www.gsccc.org/Programs_Activities_Patches.asp

Forgot to add - also fun for the kids is the time travelers passport. The program runs from March to October and each year has a different theme. By visiting different museums and historic sites in VA the kids get a stamp on their passport. When you visit 6 and send in your passport you get a certificate deeming you a VA Time Traveler, more than 6 locations earn a gold seal announcing your master traveler status. If at least 2 of the locations you visit are within that years theme you also get a free patch. Last years theme was 'Before 1607', this years theme is 'From Colonists to Countrymen' and with the 400th anniversary next year the theme will proabbly have something to do with that. The website for information and to download the passport is www.timetravelers.org

Wow! Can't wait to start running these leads to the ground! Thanks!

 

[newtowdw1]

We did the costume thing with my 2 girls and they LOVED it!! It was a hot day but even that didn't sway them--they kept the dresses on for hours. The poster above described them perfectly. We had our own bonnets that we brought with us, and at Jamestown you can buy Mob Caps for about $3. But what she didn't mention is that the kids are given a "Quest" of sorts with the costume rentals.

I only have girls, so don't know about the boys quest, but the girls get a letter asking them for help from a Mother that had to go out of town suddenly. They have to go and help plant her garden, pick up an ad at the post office, deliver it to the printing office, and learn how to curtsy. My girls had the best time and it really helped them to get into the experience. They were so into doing the job right and making sure it got done.

We went to the gardens first and they got to plant an entire row of some vegetable, complete with hauling water from the cistern. (while in the white dresses). The we had curtsy lesson from one of the "ladies" of the town. While doing this all the characters know the story contained in the letter so they ask questions and keep in character with the story. We went to the post office and had to ask for a letter, which contained the instructions to take an ad enclosed in the letter to the Printing office.

Following the instructions take you through most of the main street through town. My girls were so eager and having the "tasks" really helped them to talk to the characters/interactors. They know that kids dressed like that are involved in the "tasks" so they know what they need to ask and can help them out if they are shy.

I VERY HIGHLY recommend this experience!!!!!! Please reconsider and think about doing this. Especially if your kids enjoy dressing up and have any interest in this time period. Oh, and FYI, you put the outfit on OVER your street clothes so weather won't be a problem if it is cold. Just dress them in extra layers! I have some photos of my girls during this experience that I can send you in an email if you would like to PM me .

I think the reason you don't see many doing this is because it is not very well advertised so most don't know about it. We had several people stop and ask us about it. Especially since my kids got to do special things not normally allowed (like planting the seeds, and handing over a special letter in front of everyone at the printing office). And honestly, with so many people of all ages dressed up around there, you really don't "stick out"!!! Many just thought my girls were part of the reenactments!

This sounds amazing. Definitely on our list now!

 

[suffolkprincess]

Yes, that's right, but I am talking about public restrooms along the boardwalk. So far I have found only that one behind DQ. Hotels have big signs "no public restrooms." I know I could walk over to the others or even try to go to a fastfood place like at Wendy's, but I would think with a beach they would make more accomodations for folks, not just for tourists. I guess I am comparing it to how Hawaii is.

Sorry, vent over. lol

I am in TOTAL agreement about the inadequate restrooms... That said,
my favorite business to use for the restrooms is Cuisine and Company on 31st and Pacific. They have LARGE single-stall very very clean bathrooms. All you have to do is just buy some stuff-- and they have all kinds of great things to buy-- chips, sodas, awesome cookies. If you are on your way home, buy something to carry out for dinner (they have all kinds of salads and stuffed chicken breasts and such there.) I used to work there, and she'd no doubt KILL me for posting this to a public forum, but, HEY-- I gotta hook up the DISers.

But for going to the beach with kids I must say that Little Island Park (not sure if it is City or State or both) is great-- the restrooms can get a mite funky towards the end of the day, but they are nice and large and there are also additional changing booths.

 

[lovetoscrap]

This sounds amazing. Definitely on our list now!

I am really glad to hear that you have reconsidered! I hope you have a great time.

Oh, FYI, it can be kind of hard to find the costumes because it is not obvious. They are located to the right of the center information desk near the gift shops. This is the same side as the book store. The close fairly early in the afternoon, but you just return the costumes to the gift shop and get your depost back.

 

[Belle5]

We spent Labor Day with some friends who spend a week in Williamsburg/Jamestown every year. The past couple of years the mom has sewn her children costumes to wear while in Williamsburg. They claim the interpretive staff at Williamsburg interacts with costumed visitors totally differently (in a good way). They also said that people who think Williamsburg is a waste of time and money just don't plan and research enough (or just have no interest at all in American History). This rang true as a possibility as it is always our unprepared friends who just don't "get it" about WDW. (They just show up without researching it) When our friends sat down and showed us how to "work" Williamsburg we became very excited about all there is to do there.

 

[booger73]

I have to agree with the person that said 'it does feel weird when you read a thread about where you live'..

Anyways.. just to throw in another opinion on Williamsburg - I really don't think Colonial is that interesting myself either - I think it's more good for shopping than anything - if you're up to that, check out the Pottery factory/Williamsburg outlet and the main Colonial area.. perhaps it's not as interesting to some of us (myself included) because we're not 'that into history'

ANd I"ll echo another great fun place to stay as Great Wolf (stayed 3d with DS5&2) and they absolutely loved it..

Busch Gardens is just too darn crowded though, imo..

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

They also said that people who think Williamsburg is a waste of time and money just don't plan and research enough (or just have no interest at all in American History).

Or perhaps, despite extensive research and planning, some families find other places in the area to be a better value and more interesting and suitable for their family (like Jamestown Settlement, which was way cooler) . After all, some people (although I don't know any personally ) might not "get" WDW because it is not for them, not because they didn't plan or research. For them to suggest someone is unprepared because they don't like something they like is pretty narrow-minded - everyone here has their favorite parts of WDW and things they don't like, despite lots of research and planning. Otherwise, we would all want ADR's for the same restaurant every day!

 

[princesspwrhr]

You can also rent (or return) the costumes in Market Square where they sell hats, costumes and other things. They also sell some yummy and bug cookies there. It's open air and near the magazine and church.

 

[Belle5]

Or perhaps, despite extensive research and planning, some families find other places in the area to be a better value and more interesting and suitable for their family (like Jamestown Settlement, which was way cooler) . After all, some people (although I don't know any personally ) might not "get" WDW because it is not for them, not because they didn't plan or research. For them to suggest someone is unprepared because they don't like something they like is pretty narrow-minded - everyone here has their favorite parts of WDW and things they don't like, despite lots of research and planning. Otherwise, we would all want ADR's for the same restaurant every day!

Before calling these folks narrow-minded, let me explain. I was asking them why many reviewers on tripadvisor.com make comments like "everything was closed", "not much to it" etc. These folks, on the other hand, find a weeks worth of interest in the place each year. They attribute that to planning and knowing what is available at Colonial Williamsburg. Having been on the DIS for many years and having watched the topic come up in many threads, I think most folks here would agree that when their friends come back from WDW and say that it "wasn't so great" it's because they went on the busiest day of the year, walked into the parks at 11 am, etc... My friends were not being narrow-minded when they said the other group of people who would not like Colonial Williamsburg would be people like her father who just have little interest in American History. He prefers park vacations and beach vacations. That is not knocking him. It's understanding his preferences.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Before calling these folks narrow-minded, let me explain. I was asking them why many reviewers on tripadvisor.com make comments like "everything was closed", "not much to it" etc. These folks, on the other hand, find a weeks worth of interest in the place each year. They attribute that to planning and knowing what is available at Colonial Williamsburg. Having been on the DIS for many years and having watched the topic come up in many threads, I think most folks here would agree that when their friends come back from WDW and say that it "wasn't so great" it's because they went on the busiest day of the year, walked into the parks at 11 am, etc... My friends were not being narrow-minded when they said the other group of people who would not like Colonial Williamsburg would be people like her father who just have little interest in American History. He prefers park vacations and beach vacations. That is not knocking him. It's understanding his preferences.

I'm not trying to start an argument here - just saying that there will be as many different opinions as there are posts. That doesn't make someone unprepared or uninterested in American history if they don't agree with your friends, who apparently stated (as you posted) that you must either be unprepared or uninterested in American history if you think Colonial Williamsburg is a waste of time and money. (There didn't seem to be a third choice as you presented it.) While we thought it was overpriced, especially compared to Jamestown Settlement, we didn't think it was a waste of time, just not as interesting for our family as other places. However, if someone does think it is a waste of time or money, I think it is narrow-minded for someone to group them into only two categories - unprepared or uninterested in American history. Most people probably wouldn't even go in the first place if they are uninterested in American history, and all the planning in the world doesn't mean that you would necessarily think Colonial Williamsburg was the best place in the area after you have experienced it and other places. It is just personal preference (and understanding that we can all have different preferences no matter how prepared or interested we are in something).

 

[lovetoscrap]

I think the important thing is to know your own family's and kid's interests. My kids LOVE Williamsburg, and Jamestown (both of them!). But my kids love history and the entire Early American Period. They have always loved this type of field trip. When my youngest was 4 we went to Biltmore House. I was sure she would be bored and not really enjoy it, but older dd and I wanted to go so she had to tag along. She LOVED it!! She still talks about it to this day. At the end of the house tour we bought her a book of photos fo the house becaue she was so excited and diappointed we couldn't take pictures for our scrapbook.

But, we took our best friends to Williamsburg once and their girls hated it! Even the Mom was not overly impressed. That is just not their "thing". Incidently this is also the same family we went to Disney with in Feb (see my siggy) and they had fun, but definitely did not enjoy it as much as us, or most others on the DIS. They are one of the families that just don't get "it". They are more Six Flags/Universal people! They want rides, lots of rides and they couldn't care less about "theming" and "backstory" etc. Ride the ride and lets move on to the next. They made my commando touring style look like a walk in the park!!! They didn't want to tour commando, they wanted a full scale, take no prisoners, bombing raid Get in, do the job, and get out quick!!!

To each their own. They will go back to Disney (without us!) and probably only go to MK and MGM. They didn't like Epcot (way to educational!!!) or AK (also educational and "just a bunch of boring animals and shows"!)

OP, you know your kids. You know what they like and what they don't like. Use that to decide if your kids will like Williamsburg. It is a very expensive day. You can tour without paying, but then you really are only shopping! You just can't get the experience without going into the buildings. And, like Disney, you really can't see it all in a day, so if you think they will really enjoy it, you might consider doing 2 days. But if you have other things to do, then look around on the Williamsburg website and find what they will like most and make sure you do those. The costume rental is a great way to get them involved in the experience.