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Virginia Vacations: Then vs. Now – A Family Fun Comparison

 Hey everyone, Katelyn Mayer here, your PA & MD REALTOR®! As someone who helps families find their perfect home base, I know how important it is to plan for a life full of moments that matter. And sometimes, those moments are on vacation! We're gearing up for another exciting trip to Virginia this year, and it got me thinking about how it compares to our last visit in August 2022. Let's break down the differences and upgrades for our upcoming family adventure!

The 2022 Virginia Getaway: A Quick Dip

Our August 2022 trip was a split adventure, focusing on two distinct experiences:

  • Williamsburg (August 12-14, 2022):
    • Accommodation: We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Williamsburg Busch Gardens Area. While it served its purpose for a couple of nights, I rated it a 3 out of 5 and honestly, wouldn't choose to stay there again. It was adequate, but lacked that extra something.
    • Activities: Our main focus was Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. We utilized all-day passes with included meals to maximize our time on rides and enjoying park food. It was all about high-energy fun at the parks.
  • Virginia Beach (August 15-20, 2022):
    • Accommodation: We then moved to the SureStay Studio by Best Western Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Staying right on the ocean was fantastic, providing a more relaxed atmosphere after the theme park thrills.

This past trip was about hitting the highlights and enjoying both the excitement of theme parks and the relaxation of the beach.

The 2025 Virginia Family Vacation: An Elevated Experience!

Fast forward to June 25th - July 2nd, 2025, and our upcoming Virginia Beach family vacation is shaping up to be a much more comprehensive and upgraded experience! We're investing in more time and more intentional planning for a truly memorable trip.

Here's how this year's adventure stacks up:

  • Longer Duration: This year, we're extending our stay significantly, from a combined 8 days/7 nights in 2022 (3 nights Williamsburg + 5 nights VB) to a full 8 days / 7 nights this year, with a more concentrated focus on quality time.
  • Upgraded Accommodations & Amenities:
    • Williamsburg (June 25-27, 2025): We're starting at The Historic Powhatan, Hilton Vacation Club. This is a significant upgrade from our previous Williamsburg hotel. With a check-in at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 25th, after our approximately 3 hr 42 min drive, we're anticipating a much more comfortable and amenity-rich stay.
    • Virginia Beach (June 27 - July 2, 2025): We're moving to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. This is a major step up! For 5 nights, we'll be paying $22/night for parking, but we gain fantastic value with free breakfast and evening reception included. This will not only save us money but also offer more convenience and a higher level of service right on the oceanfront, checking in at 4:00 PM on Friday, June 27th after our ~1-hour drive from Water Country.
  • Enhanced Theme Park Experience:
    • Busch Gardens (Thursday, June 26, 2025): We're still hitting Busch Gardens from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, but this time, our 2 (1-day) tickets include Quick Queue, All-Day Meal Pass, AND Parking! The Quick Queue addition will be invaluable, especially for navigating the park with kids. Meal options like Trappers Smokehouse, Marco Polo’s Marketplace, and Squire’s Grill are already planned.
    • Water Country USA (Friday, June 27, 2025): We'll enjoy the water park until about 1:00 PM, making sure to pack a change of clothes for the kids before our drive to Virginia Beach.
  • Diverse Virginia Beach Itinerary & Activities:
    • Our 2025 Virginia Beach schedule is packed with intentional activities beyond just beach time:
      • Saturday, June 28: King Neptune Mini Golf ($8/person) and extensive beach time.
      • Sunday, June 29: Go Karts at Motor World (starting at $12/race, $9 for Kiddie Karts).
      • Monday, June 30: Virginia Aquarium (Admission: $30/adult | $25/child) with touch tanks and a nature trail.
      • Tuesday, July 1: Grommet Island Park (accessible beach playground) and Mirror Maze ($12/person).
    • We've also outlined numerous non-seafood lunch and dinner options to cater to family preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their meals.
  • Detailed Planning & Budgeting: This year's itinerary includes specific check-in/out times, drive times, parking costs, and admission fees, allowing for a much smoother and more predictable trip. The grocery essentials list is also comprehensive, aiming to save money and ensure we have what we need.

The Evolution of Family Vacations

This comparison really highlights how our family vacations have evolved. While the 2022 trip was a great snapshot of fun, our 2025 itinerary shows a commitment to creating a more comfortable, convenient, and deeply planned experience. It's about maximizing value, minimizing stress, and truly savoring every moment with the family.

Just like finding the perfect home, planning the perfect vacation is about understanding your needs, setting your priorities, and making choices that enhance your quality of life. Whether you're planning your next big family adventure or searching for that dream home, I'm here to help you make those important decisions that lead to a life full of cherished moments.

Katelyn Mayer

📍 PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

Contact Me

📧 katelynm359@gmail.com

🌐 kmayer.ironvalleyrealestate.com

📱 Cell: 717-446-1640 | ☎️ Office: 717-563-0008

🏢 121 Towne Square Dr. Suite 203, Hershey, PA 17033

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

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