Virginia Beach Fun Blog

Wow! An 8 day/7 night Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda for only $509? Thanks to the new Norfolk, Virginia cruise terminal, cruises to Bermuda have never been cheaper for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region, and if you can travel last minute, your savings could be huge.

Vacations to Go, a travel site specializing in last minute cruise discounts, is advertising the week-long cruise departing from Norfolk, Virginia, on May 5 on Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas. Prices start at $509 for an inside cabin, and $909 for an oceanview cabin.

As with the listed prices on most cruises, prices are US dollars per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and do not include airfare or airport and government taxes or fees (if applicable). However, they do iinclude port charges. The cruise stops in Hamilton and St. George's, Bermuda.

Discounts are also available on the same itinerary for slightly higher prices on May 19 ($799 inside cabin) and June 2 ($699 inside cabin). Don't wait: these last minute deals are extremely limited.

For details, call 800-338-4962 or go to www.vacationstogo.com.

Before and after your cruise, why not take advantage of beautiful Norfolk, Virginia? Mermaids, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin, Virginia Beach, charming antique shops, fantastic restaurants, and more. For details on visiting Norfolk and Virginia Beach, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 3, 2007 20:39 - Busch Gardens Offers New Game Pass

Playing games at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia, is easier than ever, thanks to the new game play card called "Game Pass."

Purchase a Game Pass at the park and you can load or reload it at the kiosks (located in the Oktoberfest and Italy game areas). Ready to play a game? Just have the game attendant swipe your game pass and you're off! No need to carry cash around!

Game Passes have no expiration date and can be used in any Anheuser-Busch Adventure Park participating in the Games Pass program.

Don't forget! Griffin, the world's tallest, floorless dive coaster, opens May 25th!

For information on buying a Game Pass, go to www.buchgardens.com.

For tips on getting discount tickets to Busch Gardens Europe, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

May 4, 2007 09:57 - Tallest Dive Coaster to Open at Busch Gardens Europe

Griffon, the long-awaited tallest dive coaster in the world, opens May 25th at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. The ride shoots riders up 205 feet, then plunges them down at a 90 degree angle at a speed of 75 mph.

Named after the mythical creature that was part eagle and part lion, Griffon is also the first floorless dive coaster and the first to incorporate two Immelman loops (an inverse diving loop named after a World War I German fighter pilot). The 3-minute ride incurs a maximum G-force of 4 G forces.

For tips on getting discount tickets to Busch Gardens Europe, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Griffon is located in the France area of Busch Gardens Europe. Riders must be at least 54" tall.

May 6, 2007 20:04 - Virginia's Great Wolf Lodge Has a Howlin' Tornado--And Perfect Weather

At Virginia's Great Wolf Lodge, there may be a Howlin' Tornado...but the weather's perfect. That's because the 55,000 square-foot indoor waterpark/resort near Williamsburg recently opened the Howlin' Tornado--a six-story "extreme" tubing ride. Under a clear sky dome, guests climb up a heated tube, then drop into a 65-foot funnel (the eye of the tornado) in tubes that twist back and forth like pretzels and drop 30 feet each second, before shooting into a pool.

Innovative. Yup. Still, it's just one of many attractions at the weather-oblivious waterpark, including six pools, eight waterslides, and the signature attraction, "Fort Mackenzie", a four-story interactive waterfort featuring a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Just in case you feel like getting drenched.

Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg was ranked one of the "Top 10 Best Pools in the US" by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for the second year in a row.

With its woodsy, log cabin theme, Great Wolf Lodge is a full-service family vacation resort that captures the atmosphere and adventure of the northwoods. For families, it's a great package of amenities, including: 300+ family-sized suites; a 66,000 square-foot indoor entertainment area featuring the waterpark, an arcade, fitness and children's activity rooms; two family restaurants; a huge outdoor pool (just in case the weather is perfect), and a gift store.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit greatwolf.com or call 1.800.551.WOLF (9653).

While you visit the Lodge, why not check out Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Virginia Beach? For more information, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 7, 2007 19:48 - Visit Museums for Free? This Week's Cheap Travel Tip

No cheap family vacation is complete without a visit to a museum. Discount tickets are great, but how'd you like to visit a local museum and "get paid" to visit others?

You can. Certain museum memberships reward you by allowing you to visit similar participating museums around the world for FREE. By doing so, you can easily save hundreds of dollars a year. (Last year, we saved over $200! You could save even more--it just depends on how much you travel and how many museums you visit.)

There are two museum membership programs:

- ASTC (Association of Science - Technology Centers)
- ACM Reciprocal Program (Association of Children's Museums)

To find out exactly how much you can save, and how the ASTC and ACM programs work, go to
www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 8, 2007 09:10 - James River Plantations: Williamsburg's Less Crowded Neighbor Offers Relaxing Historic Treasures

Historical fun without the crowds of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown? A tour of the James River Plantations is a relaxing alternative. Just a short drive from Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, the James River Plantations provide remnants of Virginia's colonial and Civil War past.

These huge old estates--called the James River Plantations because they overlook the James River--include Shirley, Berkeley, Westover, Evelynton and Sherwood Forest.

You can tour several of the mansions; others, like Westover, only allow garden tours. At three of the mansions--Piney Grove, Edgewood and North Bend--you can actually spend the night. On beautiful days, bring a picnic to enjoy the lovely vistas of the James River.

Kid alert: Little ones may find the mansion tours boring, so choose one that's best for kids. However, some of the tours are more kid-friendly than others. For a recommendation and description of the top family-friendly plantation, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Tip: Most of the James River Plantations are located on a secluded stretch of Highway 5. To avoid running out of gas or going hungry, check out the James River Plantation tour tips at www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 8, 2007 13:09 - Virginia Beach Added to Military's List of Affordable R&R Spots

Virginia Beach was recently added to the U.S. military's of destinations where servicemembers and their families can get affordable rest and relaxation. The military has been making the list--which includes Hawaii and Florida--since 1946. The suggested resort areas are recommended as places to provide rest for soldiers returning from military duty, as well as their families.

Last month, the military's Army Community and Family Support Center took over the Cape Henry Inn, which is located on the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Military-sponsored resorts like this are open to active-duty and retired military, as well as current and retired Department of Defense civilians, reservists and family members.

The resorts feature gourmet restaurants, guest services, pool and fitness centers and other organized activities.

Many Virginia Beach area attractions offer military discounts. For example, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA have a "Here’s to the Heroes" program, which provides a single day’s free admission to any one park for the service member and up to three of direct dependents.

For reviews and money-saving tips for Virginia Beach, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and other area attractions, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 10, 2007 16:07 - Jamestown 2007 Celebration Weekend Causes Jamestown Ferry Disruptions

If you're planning to celebrate the Jamestown 400th events this weekend, you may not want to use the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry to get there. Regular ferry service will be disrupted Friday through Sunday because of increased security precautions during the commemoration.

At best, ferry riders will experience increased security screenings; at worse, they might find ferry service suspended without notice for more than an hour due to security precautions. Plus, bicyclists and pedestrians will be unable to ride the ferry during the weekend; only car passengers will be allowed.

To help with the increased traffic, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will run three ferry boats (rather than the usual two) from 1 pm to 10 pm on Friday, as well as from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Jamestown 2007 organizers will provide a free park-and-ride shuttle service from the Surry County Recreation Center to the event site.

For more information on the ferry schedule, visit the VDOT site or call 800-VA-FERRY.

To find out why a ride on the ferry is such a popular, free local attraction, or to get details on planning a trip to Jamestown, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: The Daily Press.

May 10, 2007 16:21 - Jamestown Commemorative Stamps to Go on Sale

Stamp lovers, prepare for something unusual. A triangular-shaped stamp commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown is now on sale. The 41 cent stamp (reflecting the 2-cent postal increase) features a 1949 painting by artist Griffith Baily Coale, and shows the three ships that carried the first English settlers to Jamestown--the Godspeed, the Susan Constant, and the Discovery.

Why the triangle shape? It represents the shape of the original Jamestown fort, whose ruins were recently discovered at Historic Jamestowne. You can actually view the ruins and various archaeological artifacts at Historic Jamestowne.

This is the third Jamestown commemorative stamp for Jamestown issued by the United States Postal Service. The first was issued in 1907, and the second in 1957, on the 350th anniversary.

The stamp will be on sale at Jamestown's Anniversary Weekend events, as well as at post offices across the country. Souvenir envelopes with designs created by Virginia students will be for sale at Jamestown gift shops this weekend.

To inspire kids to collect stamps, the Williamsburg Stamp Society will give away a variety of stamps at Anniversary Park (located near Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne) this weekend.

For more information on the Jamestown Anniversary Weekend, or to plan a visit to Jamestown, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: The Daily Press.

May 11, 2007 11:40 - Paramounts Kings Dominion Offers New Discount Tickets

It pays to plan ahead. Here's why...

In 2007, Paramounts Kings Dominion announced that a regular one-day admission ticket (valid for visitors ages 3-61 who are 48 inches and taller) would be $44.95, a $5 savings over the 2006 price.

BUT...buy your Paramounts Kings Dominion ticket online and you'll pay only $39.95! Want to save even more? Purchase a ticket online at least 3 days before you go and you'll pay only $37.95 for a regular adult ticket.

Families, check this out: the Paramounts Kings Dominion Junior/Senior ticket--valid for guests ages 3-61 under 48 inches tall or ages 62 and older-- is only $24.95 when purchased online. Children age two and under continue to be free.

Paramounts Kings Dominion will also continue to offer its Starlight admission ticket, which provides admission after 4 pm for $29.95.

Save even more with "Picnic in the Park"

Dining in Paramounts Kings Dominion can easily add up to a big expense. One way to save some money is to purchase their "Picnic in the Park" package online. For $47.95 (for adults) you'll get reduced admission to the park, plus an all-you-can-eat buffet from 3:30-5:00 pm. The buffet includes fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, soft drinks, iced tea and ice cream treats.

"Picnic in the Park" tickets are $31.95 for juniors and $37.95 for seniors. If you're going during the week, "Picnic in the Park" tickets are even cheaper-- $3 less for regular adult tickets, and $2 less each for junior and senior tickets.

Want to go again and again?

Paramounts Kings Dominion offers Season Passes:

For adults: $69.95

Juniors/Seniors (ages 3-61 and UNDER 48” tall when ID photo is taken or 62 years and older): $49.95

Season Parking Passes are $35. (Yes, you do have to pay for parking.)

Season Pass holders can also buy all you can eat "Picnic in the Park" tickets. They are $13.95 for adults/seniors, and $7.95 for juniors (remember, you need to purchase them in advance online).

Directions

Paramounts Kings Dominion is located off I-95, 20 miles north of Richmond and 75 miles south of Washington, D.C. Open daily during summer; weekends in spring and fall.

Location: 16000 Theme Park Way - Doswell, VA 23047 - 804-876-5000
For more information, go to www.KingsDominion.com

May 15, 2007 16:39 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount Tickets? Here's Where to Get 'Em!

Next time you pick up a Big Mac or buy groceries at Food Lion, you can save big on Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets. Once again, McDonald's and grocery chain Food Lion are offering coupons that can save you from $7 to $24 per ticket. But don't wait: the coupons are only good until June 10, 2007.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (officially known as Busch Gardens Europe) charges $54.95 for adult tickets, and $47.95 for a child's ticket (ages 3-9). With the McDonald's coupon, you can save $7 on adult tickets and get a child's ticket half price (about $24). Coupons, which are available at McDonald's counters and Food Lion checkouts (no purchase necessary), are good for up to six discount admissions.

To find out even more discount ticket secrets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg--including a discount coupon that will last all season long--go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 16, 2007 13:49 - Williamsburg and Virginia Tops for Motorcoach Travel

In an annual survey conducted by the National Motorcoach Network, Williamsburg and Virginia rank near the top travel spots. Williamsburg was rated among the top 10 destinations, while the state of Virginia was rated as one of the top motorcoach states. The survey also ranked the top motorcoach restaurants, which inluded Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Golden Corral, Shoney's, and Olive Garden.

Source: Yahoo.Com

May 16, 2007 16:02 - More Last Minute Summer Cruise Deals from Virginia

Wow! They're doing it again. An 8 day/7 night Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda for only $599? Thanks to the new Norfolk, Virginia cruise terminal, cruises to Bermuda have never been cheaper for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region, and if you can travel last minute, your savings could be huge.

Vacations to Go, a travel site specializing in last minute cruise discounts, is advertising the week-long cruise departing from Norfolk, Virginia, on June 2 on Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas. Prices start at $599 for an inside cabin, and $749 for an oceanview cabin.

As with the listed prices on most cruises, prices are US dollars per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and do not include airfare or airport and government taxes or fees (if applicable). However, they do iinclude port charges. The cruise stops in Hamilton and St. George's, Bermuda.

Discounts are also available on the same itinerary for slightly higher prices on June 10 ($649 inside cabin) . Don't wait: these last minute deals are extremely limited.

For details, call 800-338-4962 or go to www.vacationstogo.com.

Before and after your cruise, why not take advantage of beautiful Norfolk, Virginia? Mermaids, Nauticus, USS Wisconsin, Virginia Beach, charming antique shops, fantastic restaurants, and more. For details on visiting Norfolk and Virginia Beach, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 18, 2007 09:38 - Busch Gardens Williamsburg Opens Griffin

Griffon, the long-awaited tallest dive coaster in the world, is now open at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. The ride shoots riders up 205 feet, then plunges them down at a 90 degree angle at a speed of 75 mph.

Named after the mythical creature that was part eagle and part lion, Griffon is also the first floorless dive coaster and the first to incorporate two Immelman loops (an inverse diving loop named after a World War I German fighter pilot). The 3-minute ride incurs a maximum G-force of 4 G forces.

Griffon is located in the France area of Busch Gardens Europe. Riders must be at least 54" tall. Griffon broke ground in July 2006, and the first train was installed on the track in March. Since then, Griffon has been put through rigorous safety tests.

For secrets on getting discount tickets to Busch Gardens Europe, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: Busch Gardens Williamsburg

May 18, 2007 09:56 - "Royal Virus" Does it Again at Jamestown

"The Royal Virus--a.k.a. Britain's Prince Philip, has done it again. A few weeks ago we reported that the infamous prince would tag along with his wife, Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Jamestown's 400th Anniversary celebration.

Prince Philip, who has a long-tradition of foot-in-mouth disease, earned the nickman "The Royal Virus" with this stellar comment: "In the event that I am reincarnated, I would like to return as a deadly virus, in order to contribute something to solve overpopulation" (Reported by Deutsche Press Agentur (DPA), August, 1988; see http://www.propagandamatrix.com/prince.html).

U.S. reporters waited with baited breath for the Prince's latest scintillating comment. Here it is...

Former Virginia House delegate L. Ray Ashworth, a member of the Jamestown greeting committee for the royal couple, said that the chatty prince saw his 400th-anniversary pin. "I told him what it was and said, 'Do you want one?'"

The prince declined, noting "I decided not to wear pins a long time ago. In the first place, you might stick yourself when you put them on, so I don't wear them."

To find out what the Royal Virus saw on his visit to Jamestown, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: 2006 U.S.News & World Report, L.P. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/16/usnews/whispers/main2819764.shtml)

May 18, 2007 10:26 - Cruise Line Adds Jamestown Stop to Itinerary

Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines is scheduling stops to Jamestown in honor of Jamestown's 400th anniversary. The cruise line is adding the site of the first permanent English settlement to its Chesapeake Bay cruise package.

The 49-passenger American Eagle, which starts from the port of Baltimore, also makes stops at Yorktown, Tangier Island and Annapolis, and tours the Patuxent River, Tangier Sound, and other destinations.

The American Eagle has 31 staterooms with picture windows and satellite TV's, as well as four lounges and four decks. Unlike most cruise ships, which feature glitzy, casino-style entertainment, American Cruise Lines provide excellent cuisine and relaxation with a local, historical flair. Onboard activities include lectures by naturalists, historians, and other experts, who "bring the local history, nature and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage." Local experts are also lead shore excursions, providing "behind-the-scenes tours of some of America’s best-kept secrets and favorite treasures."

Evening activities and entertainment onboard also take on a hometown, authentic flair, with musicians from the local towns, minor theatrical performances and games. Rates for a 7-day, 6-night cruise range from $2560 to $3790 per person.

For more information, see www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880.

For information on what to see in Jamestown, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 22, 2007 11:48 - Norfolk, Virginia, Restaurant Boasts To-Die-For Crepes

Chocolate, Nutella, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, coconut, toasted almonds...oh, and a crepe. What could be more heavenly? Oh, I think I'm drooling...

Bakers Crust in the Ghent district of Norfolk, Virginia, has--hands-down---the most delicious, decadent crepes we've our favorite family reunion spot in the area. The fact that Norfolk International Airport is just a short drive away is a plus, too. (Last time our California relatives visited they boarded the plane home clutching their Bakers Crust doggie bags. They came in handy when their flight was delayed!)

Now back to the crepes...

Um, well, if you listen to mom (and we do), you know that you really should eat "real" food first. Luckily, the food at Bakers Crust is delicious too. When you walk in the door you're immediately greeted with a medly of aromas...fresh baked bread (everything from cranberry walnut to jalapeno cheese), pastries, espresso, and succulent soups.

Although it's tempting to just grab a loaf of their signature bread, don't. The best is yet to come. For lunch, they have a wide selection of sandwiches--from turkey clubs, to cream cheese and vegies, even PBJ for the kids--all served on their fresh baked bread. Dinner entrees are even more delicious. Our latest favorite: their chicken canneloni.

Click here to follow a link to the Bakers Crust menu (try not to drool too much).

Now for the crepes. We already described the Nutella crepe (called Crepe Noisette). We also love their Crepe Jamaica (flambéed bananas in rum and brown sugar) and their Crepe Diablon (filled with chocolate mousse and fresh berries). Make sure you watch them making the crepes--it's a great way to keep the kids busy!

One caution: Baker's Crust is very popular (gee, we wonder why?), so you may have a wait. But it's worth it. Afterward (if you can still move), head to nearby Rowena's Tea Room where you can get free samples of her award-winning pound cake.

They also have locations in Virginia Beach and Richmond.

May 23, 2007 10:18 - Williamsburg's Kingsmill Spa Lets You Luxuriate Without a...ahhh...

The assignment: go to Williamsburg's Kingsmill Spa and write a review. Someone had to go...wish it had been me, but alas, I couldn't leave the kids. Guess who got the job? Someone with both more time and more disposable cash on her hands: Grandma! Lucky girl. Here's what she had to say...(Caution: Grandma's writing style is highly "stream-of-conscious"...just go with the flow!)

"Luxuriate!...It’s the only word that can express a day at the Kingsmill Spa.

Put on a luscious white fluffy robe...waited in a tranquil reading room (what? I'm actually taking time to lounge here and read a paperback book?) to wait for treatments. Massages take place on heated pads with warm blankets; rooms are kept a wee bit cool, but the heated pad, warm oils and hot river stones are sooooo refreshing...

Time for the facial. The charmingly helpful attendants only use the most exotic cleaners...then exfoliate and moisturize. While they mist my face, delicate fragrances add to the delight...

On to the body wrap - the entire body is exfoliated with subtle scrubs, rinsed and then moisturized; wrapped in fine paper, again more warm towels. While relaxing, I receive the best head massage in my life. Oooh, I'm melting...

Finally, a pedicure and manicure -- primped on every end. Top it all off with a hot wax hand dip that seems to reach the marrow of my bones. Scintillatingly delicious!

Practically floating to my charming room, I spent the evening at the resort. The spacious rooms overlooked the James River, where I was treated to a breath-taking sunset (no extra charge). Still floated, I fell into a luxurious bed, pilled high with a feather comforter and pillows.

Would I go again to Kingsmill Spa? What do you think? Go! I couldn't have been more pampered and the staff couldn't have been more gracious and skilled. No doubt, when you arrive, you'll be stiff with tension, pressure, or stress. No worries. By the time this efficient staff finishes, you won't have a care in the world..."

(Thanks for the review, Mom. Next time, YOU take the kids and I'll go...)

How much does such a decadent spa experience at Kingsmill Resort cost? Click here...

May 23, 2007 14:26 - Busch Garden Williamsburg Hotel Packages...What's the Catch?

So you're dying to try Busch Gardens Williamsburg's latest uber-coaster Griffon and you want discount tickets? A Busch Garden Williamsburg hotel package could be just the ticket to significant savings. But beware of the catch...like a timeshare sales pitch. Yeah, one of those.

We scoured the internet investigating Busch Garden Williamsburg hotel package deals, and found one fact: the better the deal, the more likely that you'll have to sit through a timeshare sales pitch to get it.

For some of you iron-clad deal chasers, that's no problem. If you see timeshare pitches as a challenge, be our guests and take the deals! For the rest of you, here are some of the facts.

We found a Busch Garden Williamsburg package advertised on www.discountthemeparkvacations.com. It looks just like the official Busch Garden Williamsburg website and offers TWO Busch Gardens 1-day Passes for only $25. Sounds great! So I called to check it out.

In talking to them, I found out that "all" you have to do is spend at least one night at the Williamsburg Westgate Resort (includes a "free VIP buffet breakfast") and pick up your discount tickets. The Williamsburg Westgate Resort was booked up on the night I requested (June 1), but they offered me a night at the Days Hotel for $88, or the Howard Johnson for $84. Both included the VIP buffet breakfast. That's what immediately flagged me...

I went back to the website and clicked on "terms and conditions." After slogging through quite a bit of legalize, I saw what I was looking for:

"Offer limited to individuals between the ages of 30-68 with an annual household income of at least $50,000, and must attend a 90-minute sales presentation...Failure to qualify and attend the sales presentation will result in a penalty equal to the retail cost of your vacation package..."

So should you avoid all Busch Garden Williamsburg hotel packages? Absolutely not. My parents went to Kawaii, stoically sat through a 90-minute timeshare pitch, bought nothing, and were rewarded with a free helicopter ride over Waimea Canyon (well over a $100 savings). It CAN be done (it depends on your will power!). Just be aware of what you're getting yourself into.

Never fear...you CAN find no-strings-attached Busch Garden Williamsburg hotel deals.

We checked into a www.williamsburgvacations.com package deal. It offered two nights lodging at the Days Hotel (June 1 and 2) as well as tickets for two adults to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. Price: $307.
So is that a good deal? Well, if you go directly to the Days Hotel website, you'll see that the price for those two nights is $170. Two one-day adult passes to Water Country USA are $78, while two one-day adult passes to Busch Gardens Williamsburg are $110. So, you're saving about $51 over buying the hotel and tickets a la carte.

But if you're a local, you're far better off buying a "Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA Two Day Ticket with a Bonus 3rd Day" ticket offered on both park websites for only $69.95 per ticket.

To find out about other multi-day passes, click here... For secrets on getting discount tickets without a hotel package, click here...

May 27, 2007 18:36 - Virginia Beach One of Top Ten Speed Traps in Nation

Going to Virginia Beach? Take it easy on the pedal. Virginia Beach was recently listed as one of the top ten speed traps in the nation, by the site SpeedTrap Exchange.

SpeedTrap Exchange defines spots as speedtraps if they have "arbitrarily low speed limits combined with heavy enforcement." One of the major offending areas in Virginia Beach is Shore Drive. According to SpeedTrap Exchange "Cops hide among the bushes at the eastern terminus of Shore Drive (aka Rte 60)...Speed drops quickly from 55 to 25. Cops on your left, on median. Be equally cautious when returning on Shore Drive from the beach; speed drops from 35 to 25 before zooming up to 55. Cops will pop you unless you do strictly the limit."

For a list of the other top speedtraps at Virginia Beach, as well as insider info for planning a trip to Virginia Beach, go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

Source: www.speedtrap.org.

May 28, 2007 17:20 - New! Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount Tickets? Here's Where to Get 'Em!

Next time you pick up a Big Mac or buy groceries at Food Lion, you can save big on Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets. Once again, McDonald's and grocery chain Food Lion are offering coupons that can save you from $7 to $24 per ticket. But don't wait: the coupons are only good until June 10, 2007.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (officially known as Busch Gardens Europe) charges $54.95 for adult tickets, and $47.95 for a child's ticket (ages 3-9). With the McDonald's coupon, you can save $7 on adult tickets and get a child's ticket half price (about $24). Coupons, which are available at McDonald's counters and Food Lion checkouts (no purchase necessary), are good for up to six discount admissions.

To find out even more discount ticket secrets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg--including a discount coupon that will last all season long--go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.

May 30, 2007 17:30 - Why We "Flip" for the Wigmaker at Colonial Williamsburg

Hands down, our favorite part of the Colonial Williamsburg tour is the Wigmaker's Shop. Why? Here's our recent review...

"The guy playing the "wigmaker" was funny as all get out, and kept offering to buy the hair of the red-haired 8-year-old girl in front of us (apparently, red hair was highly prized back in colonial times).
Wig makers, it seems, went around the world to get hair of different colors. To get red hair, they went to Ireland. Black, straight hair? China. Yellow, flaxen hair? Sweden. Now you can see why wigs were so expensive!

Among the hoi polloi (the upper classes), wigs were a status symbol-- even women shaved their heads (hmmm, maybe Britney Spears took this tour too...) Apparently, the trend was started by the French king Louis XIII, who was bald (I guess you could consider him the father of the toupe).

You wouldn't have found a wig at ol' George Washington's house. Why? Believe it or not, he didn't use one! (Could've fooled me from his portraits.) Guess he thought they were ridiculous (gee, that makes two of us)...he just had someone style his own hair.

The wigmaker told us that poor people couldn't afford wigs; in fact, they often made money by selling their hair to wigmakers. The middle class? If they could afford wigs, they usually bought cheaper ones made of goat hair (oooh, itchy!). Only the very wealthy could afford wigs made of human hair. One wig could cost as much as one acre of land or an oxen..."

To read the rest of this review, to learn our top five favorite spots at Colonial Williamsburg (as well as the spot you should skip), and find read our "Secrets to a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation", go to www.virginia-beach-family-fun.com.