I visited Colonial Williamsburg about 10 years ago and found it charming. I revisited July 11,2008 and found an entire town designed to seperate the maximum number of dollars from the gullible tourist. The entrance charge was high (and higher still if you want to visit the most interesting building in town - the Governor's Palace), the buildings that were open to tourists were mostly shops or resturaunts (expensive to very expensive), and the people hired to portray the villiagers were obviously bored with the tourists and their questions. This was a very disappointing and expensive visit but I think what I regret the most is the realization of what commercialism can do to a historic treasure.

I agree with some of the other reviews that remarked how Williamsburg has changed. We had family of all ages from 70 - 9 years. I was there last in 1986 and I agree that Williamsburg seems to have lost some of it's atmosphere, but it is great for a day trip. My son and daughter enjoyed Jamestown much more. For those with children, I would suggest that you make it a point of studying the history of CW before going; then find out what the children are most interested in and search it out on the Williamsburg website.

Colonial Williamsburg is an amazing place to spend the day, however, I could very easily spend several weeks there. The town spans a huge area of several blocks and it is very difficult to see all of the different homes, shops and sites in one day. The day we went, Williamsburg was doing a weekend long program in which the Redcoats were invading. Therefore, we were extremely lucky to not only see how Colonials lived during this time, but also the camps and dress of the British Soldiers.

The town is immaculate. The costumes the staff wear are extremely fitting to the time period. The various shops in town show you how different trades are done - from cabinet and wig making, to metal smithing, to baking - you get to see it all. The homes in the town are all beautifully restored and are amazing to tour. If you speak to anyone in costume, they will gladly tell you what their profession is, what they do, how they do it, the significance of their duties, etc. It is fascinating. You can become completely immersed in the history.

We went to Chownings for dinner and had a bit of a wait - about an hour - but it was well worth it. The stew was great, the crab cakes better...

John Wythe house is amazing, as is the Royal Govenors Mansion. We also went on the Myths, Mysteries and Legends lantern tour at night - which was fun but also very family friendly. We were hoping for something a little spookier, maybe next time we will do the ghost tour. :)

Speaking of spooks, don't miss the Randolph House. We were unable to tour it as it was closed the day we were there - however it has been voted one of the ten most haunted homes in the US and THE most haunted in Williamsburg. I plan on returning just to see it...

The Church is a great place to stop and visit - you can see the actual pews in which George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and all the signers of The Declaration of Independence sat.

I think this would be a great outing for anyone, there are also special programs just for children - in case you have little ones who are bored with the historical aspect of the town... I highly recommend it and can't wait until I can return there again.

Myself and husband and 3 children 12,12 and 10. We had a bounce ticket which included 7 days admission to 3 parks. Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and Water Country USA. The bouce ticket included admission to everything in Colonial Williamsburg with the exception of the evening programs. My kids enjoyed the interaction with the costuemed characters but they were hit and miss some of them were excellent and others seemed to be there because it was a job they were hired to do! I think my kids most enjoyed the activies around revoluntionary city thats where the received the most interaction. We had a snappy lady to guide the tour through the public goal (jail). Most of the buildings are recreations there are some that are original buildings. For the most part it is interesting but I don't plan on returning we will travel to Jamestown and Yorktown when we return.