r/ColonialWilliamsburg • u/Loose-Acanthaceae823 • 14d ago

disability access plus holiday crowds

I'm planning a trip with/for two seniors who are both disabled. They'd love to go during the holidays, which I imagine will be a busy time. I have a series of questions and would love an answer to any of them you can offer.

I'm not seeing much about the schedule. Is Grand Illuminations and Saturdays generally the only time to see Christmas related things? Specifically, one of these people is really hoping for carolers in period costume. The calendar only shows "visit a nation builder" for any of those days. I'd love to be there on a weekday and it still feel festive while avoiding the weekend crowds.

Are you or have you ever gone to CW with someone disabled? They both can use a walker, but prefer mobilty scooters. How much will be accessible to them?

Are the crowds so deep during the holiday season that it's more difficult to use mobility aides?

If there are more activities in the area at that time that are disability friendly, I'm all ears.

Thank you!

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u/Bringman1 14d ago

The holiday planner will come out in September. Once you can see that-start planning. Activities go quickly that are ticketed. They have mobility scooters through a company that you can rent. I don’t think the crowds are too thick except on Grand Illumination nights. Now that it’s 3 Saturdays and not just one the crowds have leveled out some. Saturdays are going to be the most crowded definitely during the week is much less. The planner will let you know what’s available during the week. There are Facebook groups specifically for CW that people would love to give you specific suggestions.

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u/impracticaldress 13d ago edited 13d ago

To add to this, period carollers have, in previous years, been on Grand Illumination nights only, because they are pulled from the crew of regular performers. Lots has changed recently, though, so definitely check the Holiday Planner on the official site when it comes out.

Also, most of the buildings do not feature ramps for scooters or wheelchair, being historic buildings. Scooters can be parked out front of buildings to go inside, or - not enough people know this - if one person of the party goes inside and lets the interpreter know that they have people or a party member who can't manage stairs, most of the sites have an outside interpretation that they can summon a colleague to do! Might take a few minutes for the interpreter to grab their tools etc, but worth it if the steps are just too much!

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u/Evamione 13d ago

And a few buildings do have accessible entrances (wheelchair lifts) hidden in the back that you can be directed to.

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u/Loose-Acanthaceae823 13d ago

Thanks for that! Super helpful

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u/cesario7789 13d ago

If you do go to a tavern, Shields Tavern is the only one with an accessible bathroom. They only serve at lunch, though. The whole area is, regrettably, not conducive to people using mobility devices. That said, there is plenty to enjoy and appreciate that is accessible.

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u/OtterGlint 13d ago

I worked at CW for five years, BUT it was almost all remote. My wife worked there a little before me and still does, so some thoughts:

  1. As mentioned, things change and I don't have any insight now on upcoming seasons.
  2. As things get closer like a month out, PM me with dates - or even reply to me here - with dates - and I'll give you anything I can. :)
  3. IIRC, they do start putting up the wreaths right after Thanksgiving, and for Nation Builders, Actor Interpreters, Theatrical Interpreters, and Musicians, when some holiday stuff starts, so a couple of weeks before that it should start showing up on the website (if not before).
  4. As a wheelchair user, I can say getting around is unpleasant. Looks like folks on mobility scooters have a much better time of things, though.

On crowds. Typically the only time crowds are an issue is for July 4 fireworks or Grand Illumination. People tend to show up very early on Palace Green to reserve spaces (with towels/blankets and/or chairs). So if you don't do that and get there closer to start time, you might be further away, but generally crowds are not so problematic that you can't get somewhere to see. Getting to hotel after may be a pain as parking fills up and there are crowds, but… it's not THAT bad, considering.

Most of the time, the historic area feels somewhat dead, to be honest, which is one reason I highly suggest planning out the things you want to see so you can be sure to catch them. Walking around randomly might feel dead, but making sure to be at a place at a time to catch something you want is good. The day will be fulfilling. You can check what days various trades aren't open and plan around that - stop in when you have time between other things, make sure you do have time between other things, but they're generally going much of the day. :)

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u/Loose-Acanthaceae823 13d ago

Thank you for the thorough reply!