Our family is planning on visiting Williamsburg this August. We have two children ages 11 and 5. Does anyone have any idea on how long the lines are at these parks. Are their certain times of the day when they are less busy? Also another question is how is the restaurants in the parks, quality, cost, etc. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

This (Busch Gardens) is a popular theme park -- and really the prettiest in this part of the country. Lines are less of a problem on weekdays, but I don't recall their being particularly bad even on weekends. Can't help you with the Water Park. Food is better at BG than at many theme parks I've been to, but like all it is more expensive than outside the park. We usually ate at the Octoberfest hall, but I also remember seeing my son walking around with a huge turkey leg from Merry Olde England. Not your typical "fast food."

We live in Richmond, VA and go to each of these parks at least twice a summer. Go on a weekday and you will not have long lines. If you can pick your days, go to Water Country on an overcast day - that will keep the locals away! Arrive at Water Country when it first opens and go straight to the individual rides that you want to try. Save the play areas (there are at least 4 of them, 2 for younger kids) and the huge tidal pool for the afternoon when it's more crowded. We always get lunch at the area at top of the tidal pool. Then we can watch the great diving shows during the meal. Your kids are perfect ages for these parks - have fun!

We go every summer & live nearby. Try to go on a weekday, lines are less. The Land of the Dragons area has rides for little ones - your 5 yo would enjoy - and a huge treehouse play area both kids will like. Lines here are never bad even on weekends. The coasters are terrific, but have height restriction, 5 yo may not be tall enough to ride everything. I also like food at Oktoberfest and also the Italian restaurant. Go to Oktoberfest & eat when Oom-Pa band is playing, great fun! to save money be sure to bring your own sunblock, hats, towels, and film from outside. Don't miss a side trip to the Jamestown site with a boat the kids can climb on, you could do that in an afternoon. They sell a combo ticket with the Yorktown Victory Center.Lots of history!

Hi Kassie - My husband and I live in that area of VA and have visited both parks many times. In August both will be crowded, but overall, we've had better luck with going through the week and getting there right when they open. Lines won't be quite as long as in the afternoons. Even for the big roller coasters at B.G., though, the most I've ever had to wait in line was 30 minutes to an hour and less for the rides at W.C. We feel the food is relatively expensive, but we always spurgle, since we feel there's no sense in going to enjoy ourselves and then trying to watch every penny. One main meal and a few snacks/drinks thoughout the day for the two of us usually costs us about $50.00. If your family likes German food, do go to the Oktoberfest hall at B.G.. Very yummy! Also, there's a shop not far after going into the park that has THE best strawberry sundaes! I agree with an above poster about going to W.C. on an overcast day. Not as many locals will be there and you'll greatly reduce your sunburn odds! Enjoy your vacation.