Just a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, Virginia’s Kingsmill Resort & Spa is set on nearly 3,000 protected acres along the James River. The AAA Four-Diamond hotel boasts three championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, biking and hiking trails, tennis courts, fishing, canoeing, plus a line-up of kids-only fun that includes a day camp, kids' night out, and spa treatments just for little ones. 

Kingsmill is offering a two-night Spring Bounce Back package that bundles lodging with Busch Gardens passes and some enticements to return again in the summer.  Starting at $579 for a family of four, is the package really a good deal for families?  We took a hard look at the numbers to find out. The package includes: 

• two nights  in a resort double room (worth $189/night x 2 nights =$378)
• 4 Busch Gardens fun cards, good for unlimited admission through September 5 ($63.99/person x 4 = $255.96)
• 15% discount on return stays through September 5 (average savings of $28/night)

When we test-booked the package for a May weekend stay for a family of four, the two-night stay was priced at $579.  If we booked the same two-night stay plus Busch Gardens passes, the total would have come to $634. In this case, the package saves $55, or about 9%.  

Deal or no deal?  If you are planning to visit Williamsburg this spring, this package will shave some money off your bill—though not what we'd call blockbuster savings.  But for families that live within striking distance of Williamsburg and will likely return for a second visit this summer, this turns into a very nice deal indeed. The big-time value kicks in on your second visit, when you can take advantage of the resort's 15% discount and go to Busch Gardens for free with those unlimited fun passes. 

This package is available through May 20. As always, restrictions apply. Book online or call 800/832-5665 and use promo code "KMBB2011."