Williamsburg trip report with kids
Apr 2nd, 2016, 01:54 PM
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Williamsburg trip report with kids
Circumstances forced us to change our spring break plans, so we ended up going to Williamsburg at the last minute. I'd been many times over the decades and although it had been about 25 years, I thought I knew what to expect. But even in Williamsburg things continually change...
Traveling was DH, our two girls - 7 and 10 - & me. We stayed at the Williamsburg Woodlands buying what's called a Bounce Package - allowing seven days of visiting either Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens as long as we stayed 3 nights (we ended up staying 5). In retrospect I would skip the Bounce package in favor of tickets to CW and Historic Jamestowne. But overall still love the area, my kids came away with a huge appreciation for that period in history and we all were amazed that even three full days weren't enough to see everything in CW.
First the hotel - fantastic. I stayed there as a kid and as a student, and my husband was shocked that it wasn't brand new. Everything is in great condition, the housekeeping staff is incredible and the free breakfast, while crowded, was rather yummy by free hotel breakfast standards. Although we received some differing information from various people everyone was very friendly and nice. Just like medical advice, always get a second opinion.
The food - we ate at Huzzah one night (takeout to the room) - very good. Kings Arms was pretty good (the kids steak and mac & cheese both got high marks); adult meals were good but very pricey for what was served and desserts so-so. Chownings was delicious, great desserts, good prices. Then the Raleigh Tavern bakery was ok for a quick lunch - easy sandwiches, salad or wrap. A little pricey for what you get but my kids don't eat much so I ate off their plates. The Cheese Shop is fantastic. Worth every penny.
Our schedule - we spent 3.5 days in CW and still didn't see everything due to certain places being closed on certain days. I'd suggest asking AT CHECK IN for a schedule for every day you plan to be there. I didn't realize how many buildings are only open certain days, how many programs are only offered one or two days a week. Then make reservations for programs immediately - things were gone quickly. If possible make reservations online or at the visitor's center at 8:45. There was a line every morning. The app & website aren't accurate - many things were missing - so a printed copy of the map and schedule were helpful. That also shows which buildings are open which days (like the shoemaker was only there one of the three days - fortunately we made him a priority on our schedule). And some places close early without warning. Some of it I think is just dumb luck.
My girls were not the best ages for Busch Gardens - rides were either too kiddie-based (great for those 3-6) or too challenging (perfect for pre-teens and above). Several rides were closed so there was huge demand for middle of the road rides (e.g. horrid lines). Really only one moderate-scare roller coaster and a few other rides. With the Bounce package there is a behind-the-scenes tour offered. We asked three different people at the hotel and ticketing office how to schedule, and were continually told to ask at BG. So we did in the middle of our visit there and their staff said they knew nothing about it. Calling the Williamsburg ticket office the next day, we learned that we had to be in a certain place at 10 at the park to meet Williamsburg reps. Were going to try it the last day, but it was raining so we spent time in CW instead.
Other spots: Historic Jamestowne is the original location from 1607. It is an archeological site. I remembered it from 30+ years ago and hated it then. Now they've marked some unearthed buildings and have a museum with artifacts. All of us found it so much more interesting than Jamestown Settlement, which is a recreated park that wasn't worth it for my kids. The only good thing was seeing a wild bald eagle build a nest but that was nature at work versus the park. It's also where one can walk aboard rebuilt ships which was cool, but for the price and time we should have skipped it. The Jamestowne Glassblowing was fabulous also and is in the park with Historic Jamestowne. We estimated two hours total and spent 45 minutes at glass blowing (opens at 8:30), two hours at HJ, and an hour (plus lunch) at JS. We didn't even try Yorktowne as a result.
Highly recommend listening to many guides and doing multiple guided tours in CW. We found that everyone had their own perspective and provided different information, whether a curator, character impersonator, an apprentice or historical volunteer. My little one got a little tired sometimes, but most guides were able to keep her engaged.
Other thoughts: wear comfortable shoes, bring layers and raincoats (it was cooler and warmer than expected several days), gift shops have different items - especially Prentis shop - so don't discount them all as "the same stuff everywhere," ask guides if there are special things occurring (we overheard someone talking about a chance to print a Declaration of Independence on a press), ghost walk was appropriately scary for 10yo but would have been too much for her sister, bus departs visitor's center at 9 versus 8:50 as the map states, walking to CW is long - great for older kids but tiring for little legs, the art museum is one rare thing open past 5 so do that in the evening. Happy to answer any questions!
Traveling was DH, our two girls - 7 and 10 - & me. We stayed at the Williamsburg Woodlands buying what's called a Bounce Package - allowing seven days of visiting either Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens as long as we stayed 3 nights (we ended up staying 5). In retrospect I would skip the Bounce package in favor of tickets to CW and Historic Jamestowne. But overall still love the area, my kids came away with a huge appreciation for that period in history and we all were amazed that even three full days weren't enough to see everything in CW.
First the hotel - fantastic. I stayed there as a kid and as a student, and my husband was shocked that it wasn't brand new. Everything is in great condition, the housekeeping staff is incredible and the free breakfast, while crowded, was rather yummy by free hotel breakfast standards. Although we received some differing information from various people everyone was very friendly and nice. Just like medical advice, always get a second opinion.
The food - we ate at Huzzah one night (takeout to the room) - very good. Kings Arms was pretty good (the kids steak and mac & cheese both got high marks); adult meals were good but very pricey for what was served and desserts so-so. Chownings was delicious, great desserts, good prices. Then the Raleigh Tavern bakery was ok for a quick lunch - easy sandwiches, salad or wrap. A little pricey for what you get but my kids don't eat much so I ate off their plates. The Cheese Shop is fantastic. Worth every penny.
Our schedule - we spent 3.5 days in CW and still didn't see everything due to certain places being closed on certain days. I'd suggest asking AT CHECK IN for a schedule for every day you plan to be there. I didn't realize how many buildings are only open certain days, how many programs are only offered one or two days a week. Then make reservations for programs immediately - things were gone quickly. If possible make reservations online or at the visitor's center at 8:45. There was a line every morning. The app & website aren't accurate - many things were missing - so a printed copy of the map and schedule were helpful. That also shows which buildings are open which days (like the shoemaker was only there one of the three days - fortunately we made him a priority on our schedule). And some places close early without warning. Some of it I think is just dumb luck.
My girls were not the best ages for Busch Gardens - rides were either too kiddie-based (great for those 3-6) or too challenging (perfect for pre-teens and above). Several rides were closed so there was huge demand for middle of the road rides (e.g. horrid lines). Really only one moderate-scare roller coaster and a few other rides. With the Bounce package there is a behind-the-scenes tour offered. We asked three different people at the hotel and ticketing office how to schedule, and were continually told to ask at BG. So we did in the middle of our visit there and their staff said they knew nothing about it. Calling the Williamsburg ticket office the next day, we learned that we had to be in a certain place at 10 at the park to meet Williamsburg reps. Were going to try it the last day, but it was raining so we spent time in CW instead.
Other spots: Historic Jamestowne is the original location from 1607. It is an archeological site. I remembered it from 30+ years ago and hated it then. Now they've marked some unearthed buildings and have a museum with artifacts. All of us found it so much more interesting than Jamestown Settlement, which is a recreated park that wasn't worth it for my kids. The only good thing was seeing a wild bald eagle build a nest but that was nature at work versus the park. It's also where one can walk aboard rebuilt ships which was cool, but for the price and time we should have skipped it. The Jamestowne Glassblowing was fabulous also and is in the park with Historic Jamestowne. We estimated two hours total and spent 45 minutes at glass blowing (opens at 8:30), two hours at HJ, and an hour (plus lunch) at JS. We didn't even try Yorktowne as a result.
Highly recommend listening to many guides and doing multiple guided tours in CW. We found that everyone had their own perspective and provided different information, whether a curator, character impersonator, an apprentice or historical volunteer. My little one got a little tired sometimes, but most guides were able to keep her engaged.
Other thoughts: wear comfortable shoes, bring layers and raincoats (it was cooler and warmer than expected several days), gift shops have different items - especially Prentis shop - so don't discount them all as "the same stuff everywhere," ask guides if there are special things occurring (we overheard someone talking about a chance to print a Declaration of Independence on a press), ghost walk was appropriately scary for 10yo but would have been too much for her sister, bus departs visitor's center at 9 versus 8:50 as the map states, walking to CW is long - great for older kids but tiring for little legs, the art museum is one rare thing open past 5 so do that in the evening. Happy to answer any questions!
Apr 2nd, 2016, 04:41 PM
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Sounds wonderful. So happy to see parents helping their kids o the right road to enjoy learning as well as fun.
IMHO too many parents just drag kids to all sorts of mindless amusements rather than giving them a grounding for a much fuller education and adult life.
IMHO too many parents just drag kids to all sorts of mindless amusements rather than giving them a grounding for a much fuller education and adult life.
