For years I’ve wanted to brave the streets of Williamsburg as a spy for America, but never had the chance to do that—until now.
If you’re not familiar with Colonial Williamsburg’s RevQuest: Save the Revolution! series, it’s a spy game that puts you as a secret agent set to decipher codes and learn the secrets of the Crown all for one purpose: to save the American Revolution. In the case of RevQuest: The King’s Advance, this year’s edition of the game, the year is 1781 and Gov. Thomas Jefferson needs your help. The British forces are marching toward Virginia, but how many?
History nerds like me recognize 1781 as a very important year in Virginia history. It was then Gen. George Washington defeated Gen. Cornwallis at Yorktown, just minutes from Williamsburg. The defeat essentially ended the Revolution. By participating in RevQuest: The King’s Advance, you’ll help our founding fathers decide how many troops to send to meet the marching British soldiers.
The Making History Team took to the Historic Area with one thing on our minds—to do whatever we could to help Gov. Jefferson and save the Revolution! I won’t give away too much information about the game, because I’m firmly against spoilers, but I will tell you how to begin your mission.
While you can pick up your orders (which includes a map and bandanna) from any ticket location, the easiest and most efficient way would be to head to the Visitor Center, because you’ll need to watch a very important video for your first bit of information that will guide you to your next spot. If you’re a hotel guest, each room contains a DVD of the video, so you’ll be able to watch it from the comfort of your room, but it’s still recommended to watch at the Visitors Center on a bigger screen. A bit of advice: make sure you start your game before 2 p.m. or you’ll miss out on the first task.
We met with another secret agent who gave us very important information on how to go about completing our mission and use the tools given to us in our packet. Make sure to pay close attention so you don’t miss anything! After separating with our fellow spies, we embarked on our journey, heading off to our first encounter with another spy. On which side was the spy? You’ll have to play to find out!
The game is designed to be played at your leisure and can be played across more than one day, so don’t feel like you have to rush through it. It took our team about an hour and a half straight through.
Here are some extra pieces of advice while playing:
- Make sure to stay hydrated and cool. We played on a very hot day and don’t want anyone to get overheated or sick. Gov. Jefferson needs you! Take plenty of breaks.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are numerous interpreters around the Historic Area that will be happy to help you if you’re stuck. Just look for a special ribbon on their clothes or hat.
- Have fun! This is the most important piece of advice I can give you. It’s fun for the whole family no matter what age.
I really got into the whole ’18th-century spy’ thing and found myself using 18th-century vernacular whenever I would encounter someone who may be a spy for the Crown. All that was missing was my 18th-century clothing! Costume rentals are available for kids. Click here for information and look for a special blog post next week outlining an exclusive offer on costumes available during the month of June.
I hope you enjoy playing RevQuest: The King’s Advance! You can start your mission online by clicking here and playing our virtual game.
Happy spying!
Sam monico says
Hi, will Revquest be coming back in a different format? Is it possible a new type of Spy based adventure be introduced? My family and I have participated in every one since 2010 Sign of the Rhinoceros. Participating in RevQuest was the highlight of our trip every year since we have come back to play. With popularity of the television show Turn I would think it would be a natural to keep a program such as this going. It was fun to do and then to watch as other families participated.
Thanks
Sam Monico
chris says
Is this still available in June 2016?
Rachel West says
Hi, Chris! It is not available this year.
Joanne says
How much of the spy game can be played on-line?
Rachel West says
Joanne, the online portion is separate from the on-site portion and can be played separately! Every year I would play the online portion but wouldn’t get a chance to come out to play in person. I hope that helps!
Elizabeth Doye says
Hey Rachel,
Are they still offering this awesome activity? I am coming to CW in a couple weeks and would love to do this but cannot find any new info online.
Thanks!!
Rachel West says
HI, Elizabeth! We are not offering this program this year.
Karla West says
Sounds like great fun! Thanks for providing all of the background information! CW has grown so much since I visited as a child, but continues as a great place for families to visit!
nicole parkerson says
thanks! I am coming with my 11 year old in early June for our 2nd annual mother daughter CW day and we have not done revquest before! I was just getting ready to start researching it. Appreciate the info! She loves to rent the costume too so the discount will be much appreciated.
Jessica A. Ross says
Nicole - that blog will post next Friday so be on the lookout. I can tell you the offer will be specific to Annual Pass members. But no worries if you don’t have that particular pass! I’ll break down a couple of costume options (including pricing). I’m not sure if your daughter owns an American Girl Doll - but we will include how much it costs to purchase matching outfits and accessories for the two! Makes for a great Halloween costume too. 🙂