Purchasing Versaille Tickets for a Small Group

I bought three tickets for Versailles this May and I had to input each person's name but how much time will it take to enter five names all of which you theoretically know given that they are family members. They will not even check the names so if you make typos in the names or use first initials no one will care.

I agree with this. Just put the first initial - or if there is someone who has the same initial, put the middle initial - and the last name.

Really, nobody checks.
The most important thing is that you make sure you are going when the English tours are scheduled at Versailles.

Many thanks! I'll be ready on Saturday!

Remember having the tickets ahead at Versailles does not let you circumvent the enormous line out front, so get there half an hour before the chateau opens so you are at least fairly close to the front of that line which will be blocks long by mid morning.

Am I mistaken here? I thought if one was taking the English tour that one reported to a different area across the square and went through security there, not having to stand in the same security line as those visiting the palace without the tour. Is that incorrect?

Nance, if you have tickets for the Kings Apt Guided tour then yes you check in at a different area and bypass that long security line at the front. You go through a separate security line once inside.

We plan to book the private tour as well so it sounds like we will be able to bypass the long security line.

Just have someone scout out the dedicated Pass Holders ticket lines and head right there.
I'd get to Versailles about 45 minutes ahead of time, especially if you have slower walkers in your party.
Wear walking shoes, not sandals, there is a lot of gravel round the entrance.

I highly recommend the Kings Apartment Tour. You skip the long security line and it is only one that ends with you being dropped off right inside the palace. Our guide was excellent. The entrance for the private tours is on the right hand side of the palace as you face the building from the main gate. As said above, there is a security check but it is done right before the tour begins. I'd buy those tickets sooner rather than later for a summer visit because that tour can and does sell out.

We're going in October and I plan to buy them this Saturday, the first day they are available, so I think I'll be okay.

On the time of day, do I purchase the regular tickets for the same time as the Kings Tour tickets?

There is no time of day for the regular ticket purchase. The time of day limitations are for the tours. I find the 9:30 AM tour to be the best one to do.

I love this forum! Thank you all for your great suggestions and information!