Atlantis/Comfort Suites Day Pass Questions

[vossjemi]

Our Disney Wonder Cruise isn't until 9/18/05, but I'm fairly certain we want to go to Atlantis. I've read some threads on this board that mention the cruise ship excursion doesn't include use of the pools/slides, and that people have booked either through Atlantis or Comfort Suites for the day to get use of everything. So, we'll probably do one or the other.

To get an idea of price, I ckd this year's cost 9/20/04, which was:

Comfort Suites $148.50 +taxes
Atlantis $215 + 7.25per adult + taxes

(not bad considering the Disney excursion would be $210 for our family of 4 w/out use of pools/slides)

If we decide to do a day pass at either Atlantis or Comfort Suites, I have some questions I hope someone can answer.

The main reason we'd pay extra and do a pass through Atlantis instead of Comfort Suites is the idea we'd have a room to use during the day. Our kids will be 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 at the time we go, and may get tired and need a nap. Voilah, room. Plus we'll be in port from 9:30am until 11pm, so we could literally stay ALL day and eat dinner there too. So, for my first question:

1)How early will Atlantis let you ck in? If we're there by 10:30 am, can we ck in and use their premesis right away? Will we get a room right away?

2)If we have weather problems and don't port at Nassau (since we're going during hurricane season), will either place still charge? I'm thinking both had 48 hour or so cancellation policies? And, what if the captain changed itinerary due to weather and we were able to make it last sea day, would they honor reservation for the actual day we ported regardless of reservation date?

3)Due to above risk, will either place let you just show up and get a room? Or, do you absolutely have to have a reservation? I mean even if they are out of rooms, and all we want is the capability to use the full amenities, do they even need to have an available room? Can't I just ck in and out immediately and get our wristbands?

4)Has anyone stayed and eaten dinner at the Atlantis? Any recommendations?

5)Will children 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 be able to use the waterslides? I read somewhere on Atlantis' website about a 48 inch height requirement. Is that even if riding down the slide with the parent?

6)What is the quickest/cheapest way to get to either Atlantis or Comfort Suites? Taxi/ferry? Cost? How long do each take? And, how often does the ferry go?

7)I also read something on Atlantis' website that the motorized water sports were independent contractors so Atlantis had no liability. We might like to take a waverunner for a spin. Are there vendors on the beach or on Atlantis property? Do you have to make a reservation for that or can you just show up? What is approximate cost?

Any suggestions/info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[hborin]

I took the family on the Soverign of the Seas last year and I bought the room at the Atlantis ($250) for the day. Best money I spent on the entire trip.

First, my kids were 3 and 5 and the room at the Atlantis was perfect for a mid-day break. So, I recomend paying the little bit extra.

Second, you can check in at the Atlantis as soon as you arive and recive your wrist bands. In our case, we arrived at about 10:00 a.m. At the check-in, the women asked if we wanted a smoking our non-smoking room. I asked for the first avalible room, because I was not staying the night anyways(important to tell them this at check in to avoid hotel taxes). The women found me an immediate room in the Royal Tower ( a free upgrade from the Beach Tower) so we could get in immediatly.

As far as the risk issue goes, you are right, you are taking your chances booking a non-refundable room. However, you are are already spending several thousand dollars on a Disney Cruise. i say take your chances and risk losing the $200 dollars for what will probably be one of, if not the best days on your trip.

I do not know the exact policy on the waterslides. My kids are somewhat timid, and niether wanted to go on the large waterslides. I can say that there were enough waterslides for kides, zero entry pools, lazy rivers, beaches and other sites to see that my 3 and 5 year olds were entertained every minute of the day.

Enjoy

 

[vossjemi]

hborin,

Thanks for the tips! I really think we want to do Atlantis! I didn't know the thing about hotel taxes though. So, if you don't actually spend the night, you don't have to pay taxes? Did you mention that when you booked or just at check in? And, I'm curious as to how you booked. Did you book online or call? I'm just wondering if it makes a difference so they know you are a cruise ship passenger who just wants day use.

Can anyone else help out with my other questions? Thanks.

 

[Dcanoli]

I'd really like to hear the answers to all of the questions asked above too!

Atlantis sounds great, but there are so many options thrown into the mix.

If you know the answers to the questions, would you please post for the rest of us "newbies?" Thanks!

 

[cjsmith]

The day rooms at the Atlantis are subject to availbility and you don't know until that same day whether or not you have one. It one respect it's great, if it's raining, you don't waste any money. But if it's the height of the travel season and you have your heart set on it, you may be out of luck. I called the Atlantis from the ship in the am and booked the day room prior to leaving the ship. It was about $12 for the call but I knew that we had it. I wasn't able to book a room ahead of time at either resort because we're a family of 5 and both resorts will only allow up to 4 people. The Atlantis will allow up to 5 people for the day rooms. We paid $250 for the Royal Tower day room and it would have been $200 for the Coral Towers, they don't do the Beach towers for day rooms. Keep in mind that there is also tax, cleaning fees for each adult in the party as well as electricity charges, so it does add up. It was worth every penny and we'll do it again when we take another 4 night.

 

[vossjemi]

Ok, so the price I got above off Atlantis' website was their cheapest room (i don't remember which category), but they only use certain rooms for day rooms? Why? Is one category better than the other?

 

[vossjemi]

Ok, the price I found on Atlantis' website was $215 for the Beach Tower Terrace. The next price was $260 for Beach Tower Water View. Why don't they do Terrace for day use? How would they know if I booked it online? What category of room is best to get for day use?

Thanks for these and any add'l tips re: your experiences w/Atlantis!

 

[buzz2400]

I just came back. We had booked a room at Comfort Suites, it was only I and ds. Cost $204. The taxi is $4 per person each way. This is standard rate. Water taxi no good because it will not bring you right to hotel. I checked in around 9 a.m. Room was ready. I asked if I could get a discount because I was only going to use room for the day and I was told no. Was also still charged the tax. We walked a very short distance to Atlantis. Just across the street. Found the towel place to get our wristband and towel. DS loved it. I thought it was a little pricey. TL and BB are much better however the beach was beautiful (DS does not like beaches). Don't know about height for slides but the lines are very long. I did see a few smaller slides. They have alot of pools all around. Glad I went but won't do again. Also I was told I had 48 hours to cancel.

 

[vossjemi]

Thanks for the info so far. Anyone else?
Also, does the beach have umbrellas/loungers? Are they included in pass or cost extra? And, are there waverunner rentals if we decide to do that too? Cost?

 

[jenschaef1]

Can't tell you about loungers at the beach because the day we were there the beach was very rough (red flags were posted)...I have heard this happens quite often. The pools had really neat loungers with overhead sun shades. I Don't think they will let your little ones down the big slides but there are some small ones for the little kids. Our dd3 and ds6 loved the lazy river.

Jennifer

 

[vossjemi]

Since we will be going in september, I hate to reserve if a hurricane comes and we skip nassau or its raining or whatever. Can you just walk up to atlantis or comfort suites the day of and get a room? Price the same or more? Has anyone done this?

Also, has anyone rented waverunners? cost?

And, what restaurants do you recommend at the atlantis? Something not too expensive (if such a thing exists)

Thanks!

 

[vossjemi]

Ok, some changes since my last post. Grandparents have decided to go with us on this cruise, so now there are 6 of us. Can I pay for a day room at Atlantis for 6 people so that we all get wristbands? Or do we have to have 2 rooms? The problem is I know my Mom & Dad won't really use the pools, slides, and whatnot, but they would sit in a lounger watching us do it all....so I hate to pay for a whole other room if I don't have to. Any suggestions? And would it be better to book at Atlantis versus Comfort Suites in this situation? It is my understanding I would definitely have to have 2 rooms at CS, so I'm leaning towards Day Room at Atlantis if it'll work. Also, where is the best place to book this...directly online, on the phone, some other website, or just show up on the day?

Thanks!

 

[cjsmith]

Ok, some changes since my last post. Grandparents have decided to go with us on this cruise, so now there are 6 of us. Can I pay for a day room at Atlantis for 6 people so that we all get wristbands? Or do we have to have 2 rooms? The problem is I know my Mom & Dad won't really use the pools, slides, and whatnot, but they would sit in a lounger watching us do it all....so I hate to pay for a whole other room if I don't have to. Any suggestions? And would it be better to book at Atlantis versus Comfort Suites in this situation? It is my understanding I would definitely have to have 2 rooms at CS, so I'm leaning towards Day Room at Atlantis if it'll work. Also, where is the best place to book this...directly online, on the phone, some other website, or just show up on the day?

Thanks!

You can't prebook a day room at the Atlantis. A true day room is one that is booked there the day you arrive. You run the risk of not being able to get a room if it's a very popular time of the year. The advantage that a day room gives you is that you don't pay it ahead of time so if the Magic can't make Nassau for some reason or it's cold and rainy you don't have to pay for anything. Also, 5 people are allowed to use a day room so you will get 5 wristbands. The room is ready the minute you arrive in the morning and you get the use of it until 6:00 PM, but can use the resort past that time.
If you prebook a room at the ATlantis ahead of time, you will pay for it and if it rains or you don't make it you are out the deposit. The official check in time is not until 3 or 4 in the afternoon so you may not get use of the room until then. You can also only have 4 in the room, so only 4 wristbands. However you are guaranteed that you can go to the Atlantis, something that you are not with the day rooms.
This all being said, for 6 people you are going to have to get 2 rooms, where you do a room at the Comfort Suites or the Atlantis or get a "day room" at the Atlantis. The Comfort Suites does not have a day room program, but you can also chance it and book the room when you arrive I guess.

 

[scrapperjill]

We did the day room at Atlantis this past Sept. There were four of us..and it cost a total of $150 for the day room...Total...So from the sounds of it we got a good deal...

The height limit on the water slides are 48 inches...and depending on who is guarding the slides will depend on if a person under the 48 inches will be allowed on. Our daughter who was 6 at the time was under by a few inches...(2-3 inches). But the lifeguard maning the first big slide said as long as he was there he would allow her to go. Now keep in mind..the slides are big..and you go real FAST. I went down the slide first so I could catch her at the bottom (no you can't double up and have them sit with you)...well the whole time I was going down I was thinkink OMG!!! My little girls is going to be terrified. The slide was much faster than I expected...it also got real dark as you went through the tunnels...not to mention catching air a few time with the whoops and dips along the way. I was prepaired for the worst when she came out. But very much to my suprise she had the BIGGEST grin on her face...and couldn't wait to go some more. She was able to do the first slide and the speed slide. The however didn't let her do the free fall...(like i'd let her go...) She could have but didn't want to do the tube ride through the shark tank. And Lazy river wasn't open due to renovations.

We were able to check in as soon as we arrived...however they didn't have the "day room" ready. We were given our info and keys and headed to the aquarium, followed by the pools and slides...by the time we needed a break the room was ready. We did have to be out of the room by 6pm...but could stay and use the hotel/casino as late as we needed. Bummer for us since we had to be back to the ship by 6...we were sailing out early...(out running Hurricane Jeanne)

We ate dinner/lunch out at the pool. The food was alright..but VERY $$$ If my memory is correct we spent around $35 for two KID'S meals and four 6oz bottled waters. (we had chicken nuggets...which were about the size of a McD's nuggets...and not there new adult ones...the regular old kids ones) So I would recomend packing a lunch of some sort...and having a good breakfast before leaving the ship...Also don't forget to pack your water.

I think the quickest way is to get there is by Taxi..it really only took a few min. It's four dollars per person...along with a one dollar toll fee to go over to the island. We got lucky and ran into a white taxi limo...he charged us $20-25 (I can't remember exactly) for the ride to Atlantis...just for our family...we didn't have to cram into a mini van...or mini bus with other travlers. (I thought it was a little spendy for the short distance...until we took a regular mini bus taxi back along with some other people...and were charged 20.00 for the four of us...the other family was charged the same...If you'd like the limo info...I'd be glad to look it up for anyone.

We started at the public beach next to Atlantis...and there were a few wave runners for rent out that way...along with the para sailing. They are not on the Atlantis property..but right by them. I don't remember how much they wanted.

Beware on the public beach....there are hair braiders.

We didn't make it to the private beach...the pools and slides were enough to keep us busy so I'm not sure about the chairs...but I'd guess they did have them. There are multiple pools on the Atlantis property...and most are beach like with sand leading into the water. So it's almost like sitting on the beach. The chairs were everywhere....with umbrellas.

They also had paddle boats and those big water trikes that could be used in another lagoon area.

There was so much to do there..one day isn't enough. If you do do the day room...or regular room...don'f forget to check out the aquarium. I think the cost alone for the aquarium is to much just to do it....$25 per person...but included for guests.

 

[vossjemi]

Thanks! Again, we'll have 6 people. The grandparents won't swim. They'll just watch from loungers. The 3 and 5 year old may or may not get to do a whole lot of the slides depending on height/scare factor. So, I'm wondering if we'll really have to get 2 rooms. I mean if the Atlantis gives us only 5 wristbands per room, could I get by with not putting one on one of the kids? Or what? Any suggestions?

 

[scrapperjill]

vossjemi...I sent you a pm.

 

[vossjemi]

Got it scrapperjill. Thanks.

I'm sure I'll call the Atlantis before going, but I'd sure like to be able to get 6 in our room...even if we had to pay a little additional for the extra person. That sure is better than having to get 2 rooms! And, I'd feel like a heel telling my parents they had to pay for a room for themselves while my family of 4 pays for their own. It just kind of sucks, thats all.

 

[scrapperjill]

Yea...I know what you mean. Good luck....Atlantis makes for a great day so I hope your able to figure something out.

One idea...if you have to get two rooms...maybe get one at Atlantis so your on site and get the second one at Comfort suites. You wouldn't even have to use the Comfort Suites room at all..(i know seems like a waste of money...but it would get the braclets you need).... Or hey another idea would be to check in your cruise meet board to see if there are any fellow cruisers going at the same time that may be intrested in sharing the cost of a room at either atlantis or Comfort suites....even if you split the cost seeing that you'll have your own room that your family and your parents could share and the other family would have their own room also. Being that you can have five (?) in a room at Atlantis...you would need to find a group with less than four...which shouldn't be to hard. You may want to check about the five person per room first...I thought it was four to a room...but I could be wrong. That would be a way for you to get all the braclets you need and a lower cost than renting two rooms...and the other group would get a "discount" on their room as a perk.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I've eaten at the Atlantis and I thought the food was terrible but outrageously expensive and hey... I'm used to WDW food!

Has anyone ordered sandwiches from room service the day before and packed them for the next day?

Would Atlantis let you in the room with the cooler and will DCL let you off with a cooler?

I really don't mind paying alot for food when on vacation but I despise bad food anytime.

TIA!!

 

[scrapperjill]

Well the food at the pool was tolerable..it really wasn't that bad...it wasn't at all what I expected from such a resort...but considering we were very very hungery from all the activites around the pool....it wasn't that bad.

I don't think the people at Atlantis would say anything about about bringing in a soft cooler...we packed alot of crap with us (wish it would have been a cooler)...but we had a stroller and what not...and no one said a thing about what we had.

I know DCL will let you off with a cooler....because they sell soft coolers on shore days packed with water and stuff. And I know others have posted about taking food off the ship...and it didn't sound like they had any trouble. Just make sure you bring some zip locks because the room service food dosn't come wraped...or bagged.