Voters Choose Williamsburg Over 'The Mouse'

By Amber Lester Friday, May 14, 2010

It’s official: Tricorner hats are in and Mickey Mouse ears are out.

Williamsburg has been named the “Best Destination for a Family Vacation” in the first annual Readers’ Choice Awards conducted by Budget Travel Magazine. Williamsburg won 47 percent of the votes, besting Disney World, Washington, D.C., the Grand Canyon and Branson, MO. Disney World took second place, with 36 percent of the vote.

Other nominees in the poll were Wisconsin Dells and Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin and Six Flags San Antonio.

The online poll was conducted from Feb. 10 to April 9. More than 164,000 votes were cast for 38 travel topics; the category nominations were suggested by Budget Travel readers and magazine staff. The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance learned of their win Friday morning and shared the news with staff while participating in the Alliance’s Prepare-Care-Share Historic Triangle Familiarization Tour.

“This Budget Travel award, like our Top 10 ranking from TripAdvisor’s millions of travelers, brings great exposure for our area as an ideal family vacation destination,” said Bob Harris, the Alliance’s vice president for tourism. “That’s a great message and positioning.”

When the Alliance staff first heard of Williamsburg’s nomination, they circulated e-mails to all their contacts to rally voters. They also put the information on the Alliance’s Facebook page. Within 24 hours after the start of the contest, Williamsburg had moved to second place. At the time, Alliance spokeswoman Linda Stanier said, “’We’re out to beat the Mouse!’ is our rallying cry now.”

The results of the Budget Travel poll will be featured in the magazine’s October 2010 issue, which will appear on newsstands Sept. 21.