Forgive my very old joke, but we’re very excited about our brand-new mobile app, now available on Apple and Android devices! Here’s a look at some of the features and how you can use them to create the very best Colonial Williamsburg experience (including discounts just for downloading).
You may have seen me out in the Historic Area with two phones in my hand surrounded by a group of my colleagues doing the same thing just a few weeks ago. We may have looked a little lost walking back and forth and changing directions quickly. I was part of the testing team for the new and improved Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app and part of the testing was actually getting some real world experience with it. These features are easy to use and super fun, including a real-time locator to find Liberty! You heard me, if she’s out in the Historic Area, you’ll be able to find her on a map and get walking directions to her location.
Let’s start with the obvious. Overall, the new app is visually appealing. It was designed with the new look of the website in mind and the two go hand-in-hand. Things are easy to see and the font is very readable. Buttons are easy to press and getting around the new app is easy.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s dive into some of the newer features.
On the “Meet” screen, you’ll find characters like Liberty you’ll often run into in town. See the little star icon? Tap that and she’ll be added to your favorites list, which can be accessed on most screens. This favorites feature is found on events, trades, buildings, and restaurants, too, so you’ll have the Official Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk, the Anderson Armoury, the Capitol, and Chowning’s Tavern all in one place. If you’ve favorited an event, you’ll receive a push notification on your device to remind you it’ll start soon.
Next to the star icon is a little destination icon, tap that and you’ll be taking to a map with Liberty’s real-time location if she’s in town. Follow the map’s directions and meet Liberty! The same goes for any location page, just tap the icon and get walking directions to your destination. The map, which is downloadable for offline use, includes filters for what’s open at that time, wheelchair accessible locations, and restrooms just to name a few.
One of my favorite new features is the addition of the Colonial Camera. This fun tool will let you take pictures with fun filters all around town. You’ll be able to save your photo to your camera roll or quickly share on social media.
If you’ve already downloaded the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer app, you’ll only need to update it to get the new version! If you haven’t downloaded it yet, what are you waiting for? Click here for more information.
Now here’s the fun part. If you download or update the app, you can receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree at any Colonial Williamsburg restaurant as well as 10% off purchases at Colonial Williamsburg retail stores. All you have to do is show the app on your device. Be sure to let your server know when you place your order.
Let me know what your favorite feature is on the new app and be sure to tell your friends!
I wish you could also include Blackberry devices on your app. Some of us still use & actually love Blackberry (especially your Canadian visitors since it is a Canadian product)!
Good post, keep
I still only have an ancient flip phone and not other devices. Its all I can do to make a phone call much less download and use an App.
But thank goodness there is still the daily guide and “This Week” available. I get around just fine!
But I bet the App is good for brand new or nearly new visitors.
That is good. I have seen so many people wandering around confused. I try to help them if they are in obvious need or ask me. And the employees always help, but I think some new visitors are a bit shy about asking for directions from James Madison or George Wythe. If only they knew how friendly and just great they all are.
Hi, Jeff! I know that feeling, I didn’t have a smartphone until a few years ago myself. I’m glad you love the daily guide and This Week! And thank you for helping us with wayfinding!
Excellent app…..used it today while visiting! Found it far superior to the previous app and gives tons of info……We’ll done!
Thank you, Brian! I really love it myself. That Colonial Camera is so much fun!
To be effective, the CW app has to be updated with last minute changes in the schedule. (cancellations, change in location of programs, building closures) We were at CW last weekend. If we had not seen on Facebook that the special weekend activities were cancelled we may have never known otherwise. We picked up the daily calendar of events at the ticket office and was not told that much of what was listed was cancelled. A note should have been attached to those daily calendars. Sunday we assumed that the Martha Washington program at the coffeehouse stage would be cancelled, so we decided to just go see her at the Museum at 1:15 that day. When we arrived at the Museum for that program, we realized the museum was closed due to having no power. We were sitting in front of the Raleigh with many guests who were waiting for the Music in the Air program. Lee Ann Rose was able to inquire about it and tell the guests that the program was cancelled. It was not until later Sunday that we were told that Martha Washington’s 11:00 program was moved from the coffeehouse stage to the Raleigh,
Another issue we had was being able to connect to the CW wifi. Since we do not have the most recent linked annual passes, the wifi would not longer accept our ticket numbers, EVERYTIME when logging on via our e-mail, an e-mail message had to sent to our account first before connecting. Our passes do not expire until next spring, but we will be there often before that, Is there a way we can get a new ticket number to expedite our connection to the Making History wifi?
This is definitely something the new app addresses. Any chances to programs should update soon in the app! I’ve also sent our IT team your other question about the WiFi. I can say changes are coming for that as well to make our connectivity even better.
Rachel West, Thank you. Since we are there often, we understand that schedules can change at the last moment. My concern was that some of the guest there last Sunday may have been first time guests and left with a less than positive impression of CW,
I had the old app and found it helpful . This sounds even better. I like the idea of it reminding when something we want to do is going to happen. So many times we get busy and miss something we want to do. And i think find Liberty will be fun. Make sure it gives reminders for the auctions to. I love them and sometimes we are late because of distractions. I know technology may interfere but it is helpful too. And I just enjoy looking at it at home and thinking about what I wish I were there doing . LOL
Auctions are listed as events, so you can favorite them and get the reminder! It’s so great to help plan a day by quickly glancing at the phone and grouping everything into one area. The walking directions are awesome, too!
Debbie I so agree with you
The whole point of going back in time at Colonial Williamsburg is to get AWAY from modernity.
Hi, Debbie! Just like with our modern restrooms and air conditioning/heat for the buildings, we want to make sure the experience we give all guests is the best it can be. This app is an updated version of our previous app, which has been in the app store for quite some time. I’m very proud of my colleagues for the time and talent invested in this project, which will help those looking for a fun way to interact with us and help organize their trip!