Atlantis Specials

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Anyone know if/when they have specials for Atlantis for March? I'm thinking we're going to do Atlantis instead of Disney next year because I don't feel like spending so much time planning and I'd like to have more of a relaxing time.

I'm even considering the Comfort Suites which isn't much cheaper than the Coral Towers but includes daily breakfast and full access to Atlantis. Any thoughts about them and if they tend to do discounts?

Any thoughts/input would be appreciated! TIA

 

[PRaffen]

We've stayed at Comfort Suites twice. We found the staff friendly and the rooms were fine.

No matter where you stay ... Coral or Comfort .... it will be a long walk to the water park section. If it's a choice between those two, I'd go with Comfort. Breakfast isn't much, but it sure helps save a few $$$. If you can book through Orbitz and use one of their codes, it would be another 15% off.

I love the Atlantis. We've vacationed there several times. Pack as many snacks as you can. Food prices at some of the Atlantis restaurants will make Disney look cheap! Get a reservation at Carmine's ... one entrée will feed two or three people.

Have a blast. It is a great resort.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

We've stayed at Comfort Suites twice. We found the staff friendly and the rooms were fine.

No matter where you stay ... Coral or Comfort .... it will be a long walk to the water park section. If it's a choice between those two, I'd go with Comfort. Breakfast isn't much, but it sure helps save a few $$$. If you can book through Orbitz and use one of their codes, it would be another 15% off.

I love the Atlantis. We've vacationed there several times. Pack as many snacks as you can. Food prices at some of the Atlantis restaurants will make Disney look cheap! Get a reservation at Carmine's ... one entrée will feed two or three people.

Have a blast. It is a great resort.

Thank you I have stayed at Coral with my husband (I just don't remember it being so expensive a couple of years ago!) and we LOVED it. The entire time we were there we kept thinking, we can't wait to bring the kids! The walk didn't bother us AT ALL-we actually quite enjoyed it I think in part to having time to just be a couple and not mommy and daddy.

My kids are now 3 and 5 (they will be 4 and 6 when we go) and my SIL and MIL have said they want to join us. I was thinking about renting a Harborside villa but it doesn't seem to be very economical. I'm just trying to figure out my options here.

I'm thinking it will be roughly the same price as Disney if we do minimal activities. My boys will be fine swimming ALL day but I think we will include a couple activities including the kid's club- it seems to be something right up their alley.

Thanks for the advice on Carmines-we will definitely do that! I know most of the time we were there we never ate lunch which saved us some money. We'd eat a late breakfast and early dinner and we never felt hungry in between. With my boys I'll just make sure to pack some snacks for in between meals. I just noticed that Ebates offers 4% back for Atlantis so if they offer a special it might be worth it.

I think I'm just jumping the gun here so maybe I just need to be a little more patient to see what specials might come out. I'd like to see a room under $250 a night but not sure if that's even a possibility. I guess we will wait and see!

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Anyone know if/when they have specials for Atlantis for March?

When in March? If you are going during a school vacation week (not yours necessarily, but any week when some state has a school vacation) you won't see huge discounts for Atlantis. If your dates include Easter, those dates are usually completely blocked out of any discounts.

I think I'm just jumping the gun here so maybe I just need to be a little more patient to see what specials might come out. I'd like to see a room under $250 a night but not sure if that's even a possibility. I guess we will wait and see!

Have you seen this discussion thread for budget tips at Atlantis?

 

[JanaDee]

Have you tried looking at http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/caribbean/bahamas/paradise-island/atlantis for rentals?

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Have you tried looking at http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/caribbean/bahamas/paradise-island/atlantis for rentals?

Note that you not get access to Atlantis at non-Atlantis accommodations. Day passes are not always available and run $135 per person per day.

Harborside at Atlantis is considered part of Atlantis, and access to Atlantis amenities/waterpark is included with you accommodations.

Those ads for Sunrise beach club that mention Atlantis are a bit misleading, so beware. Being 'near Atlantis' is pretty useless.

 

[JanaDee]

Note that you not get access to Atlantis at non-Atlantis accommodations. Day passes are not always available and run $135 per person per day.

Harborside at Atlantis is considered part of Atlantis, and access to Atlantis amenities/waterpark is included with you accommodations.

Those ads for Sunrise beach club that mention Atlantis are a bit misleading, so beware. Being 'near Atlantis' is pretty useless.

Yes, I was referring to renting at Harborside, which is the Atlantis timeshare resort. Renting directly from owners is much cheaper than going through Atlantis, just like at Disney.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

When in March? If you are going during a school vacation week (not yours necessarily, but any week when some state has a school vacation) you won't see huge discounts for Atlantis. If your dates include Easter, those dates are usually completely blocked out of any discounts.Have you seen this discussion thread for budget tips at Atlantis?

We want to go March 7th-14th. It's the best time for our work schedules and DS has that Friday off. We can't go during his spring break (he'll be in kindergarten so I'm not too worried about him missing). I know some have spring break during that time but not as many towards the end of the month.

I also did look at those threads and that's how I found out about the rentals and Comfort Suites but I'm finding that the Comfort Suites isn't as inexpensive as I thought and the rentals are more expensive. I'm just curious as to when they will release specials and if they even do have specials.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Yes, I was referring to renting at Harborside, which is the Atlantis timeshare resort. Renting directly from owners is much cheaper than going through Atlantis, just like at Disney.

That's my #1 recommendation on this thread.

We want to go March 7th-14th.

That's early enough that you might get some discount, but late enough that the discount will be pretty minor...think 10% to 20% off what you see now, possibly with some freebies thrown in (2 for 1 dolphin interaction, free margaritas a a few bars, etc.).

I'm just curious as to when they will release specials and if they even do have specials.

Yes, they have specials, but they are usually released 60-90 days or so ahead of time, so you'd see March deals start to pop up in December or January. The problem with this timing is that you usually miss the best airfare prices.

Comfort Suites operates differently, with different reservation system run by another company, and you can sometimes catch deals if you check prices frequently.

Also subscribe to Travel Zoo newsletter (free). Occasionally, Atlantis offers discounts through codes they exclusively advertise on Travel Zoo. Pus, Travel Zoo keeps pretty good track of Atlantis' current general public discounts.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I just got two quotes for my dates for 2 bedroom Harborside rentals and they were for $5600 and $7200. I can get better rates without a discount through Comfort Suites or Coral Towers. No kitchen but at Comfort is free breakfast. I'll stick to those options and wait for better rates.

As far as airfare goes- I'm not thrilled about spending $300+ a night but we're still going to do it so we'll pay for airfare when it's at it's cheapest. Southwest will start flying to Nassau so we'll see what their rates are. Sounds like everything is on hold. Until then I can get my kid's passports.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I just got two quotes for my dates for 2 bedroom Harborside rentals and they were for $5600 and $7200. I can get better rates without a discount through Comfort Suites or Coral Towers. No kitchen but at Comfort is free breakfast. I'll stick to those options and wait for better rates.

That's spring break for you....

How many people in your family/group? Larger units at Harborside are priced high because they get 6 to 9 people (dedicated 2 BR vs lockoff) daily access to Atlantis. One room at the CS or the Atlantis towers get you access for 4. The larger units are nice at Harborside, but you're paying quite a bit extra for the additional people.

I own at Harborside and that's where i stay, but I've had family stay at the CS...if the room size suits your family, then its a great budget option.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

That's spring break for you....

How many people in your family/group? Larger units at Harborside are priced high because they get 6 to 9 people (dedicated 2 BR vs lockoff) daily access to Atlantis. One room at the CS or the Atlantis towers get you access for 4. The larger units are nice at Harborside, but you're paying quite a bit extra for the additional people.

I own at Harborside and that's where i stay, but I've had family stay at the CS...if the room size suits your family, then its a great budget option.

Funny thing is it isn't OUR spring break. And I'm almost positive it isn't peak spring break time either. There will be 6 of us. We CAN go in February BUT I'd rather have my tax refund in time (my husband makes a large chunk in commission and a buttload gets withheld) AND we're going to the Super Bowl the week before and I'd rather not take two weeks off in a row either.

I'm finding that two rooms is cheaper than one 2 bedroom at the Harborside. It would make sense if it were 3 couples but not for us. We'd split the cost with my SIL and MIL (us half) and it just wouldn't make sense even with the lower cost of food.

 

[brymolmom]

We've done Comfort Suites. Not sure if the Atlantis Towers includes a frig but that was HUGE for us. We made a grocery and alcohol stop on the way to our hotel (set it up in advance with our cab company - so it was included - can be VERY EXPENSIVE to make this stop if you don't set it up beforehand) - We had drinks, snacks and sandwich stuff. Brought a small cooler with us and packed it with drinks and some leftovers and snacks every day at the water park. Breakfast was included, we only bought lunch one day by the pool and bought dinner every night - so food was very reasonable for us.

Just as a heads-up - don't let your little ones in the lazy river or on the bigger slides. I saw 3 teenagers and adults hurt by getting flipped over on the rapids part of the lazy river and some of the slides were STEEP. My kids were 8 and 9 when we went and I am happy they were that old. If they were too little there wouldn't have been a lot for them to do in the water park.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Funny thing is it isn't OUR spring break. And I'm almost positive it isn't peak spring break time either. There will be 6 of us. We CAN go in February BUT I'd rather have my tax refund in time (my husband makes a large chunk in commission and a buttload gets withheld) AND we're going to the Super Bowl the week before and I'd rather not take two weeks off in a row either.

I'm finding that two rooms is cheaper than one 2 bedroom at the Harborside. It would make sense if it were 3 couples but not for us. We'd split the cost with my SIL and MIL (us half) and it just wouldn't make sense even with the lower cost of food.

You are catching college spring breaks in early March (example). I've been around that time in the past and Atlantis isn't a major spot for college kids, but many other parts of Nassau are quite busy. Mid-February to mid-April is peak tourist time in Nassau, so prices stay up there.

I think two rooms at the CS or Atlantis towers is a good plan...the other benefit of staying that way is flexibility. Most timeshare rentals with individuals are unchangeable, and you can move your dates around if necessary booking with a hotel.

 

[mjkacmom]

Atlantis is great, but if this is a one and done, I'd wait. We stopped here on a cruise when the kids were ages 4 - 11, and we only took the 9 and 11 year olds. The slides have some high height restrictions, and as a PP mentioned, the lazy river can be dangerous (I was actually nervous about my 10 year olds the last time we were there!). It's also REALLY fun.

My sister wanted to bring her kids to Atlantis when they were your kids' ages, but when she saw the slide height restrictions, she waited until her youngest was 8 (and they had a great time, and were able to utilize everything).

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

You are catching college spring breaks in early March (example). I've been around that time in the past and Atlantis isn't a major spot for college kids, but many other parts of Nassau are quite busy. Mid-February to mid-April is peak tourist time in Nassau, so prices stay up there.

I think two rooms at the CS or Atlantis towers is a good plan...the other benefit of staying that way is flexibility. Most timeshare rentals with individuals are unchangeable, and you can move your dates around if necessary booking with a hotel.

Thank you for all of your insight! I appreciate it

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Atlantis is great, but if this is a one and done, I'd wait. We stopped here on a cruise when the kids were ages 4 - 11, and we only took the 9 and 11 year olds. The slides have some high height restrictions, and as a PP mentioned, the lazy river can be dangerous (I was actually nervous about my 10 year olds the last time we were there!). It's also REALLY fun.

My sister wanted to bring her kids to Atlantis when they were your kids' ages, but when she saw the slide height restrictions, she waited until her youngest was 8 (and they had a great time, and were able to utilize everything).

One and done, I agree. Now or never, you should go even if you have little ones.

The height for the major slides is 48 inches, but there is still a lot to do for little ones. There are several great kids pool areas, and there is no height requirement fro the Aquaventure river system, with its wavy and rapids sections.

I don't agree that the river system is dangerous...I've been taking my kids on it since they were three years old. Now if you have a physical issue that would prevent you from controlling your tube or being able to hold on to your kid (if necessary), I could see someone being concerned, but that's about it.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Atlantis is great, but if this is a one and done, I'd wait. We stopped here on a cruise when the kids were ages 4 - 11, and we only took the 9 and 11 year olds. The slides have some high height restrictions, and as a PP mentioned, the lazy river can be dangerous (I was actually nervous about my 10 year olds the last time we were there!). It's also REALLY fun.

My sister wanted to bring her kids to Atlantis when they were your kids' ages, but when she saw the slide height restrictions, she waited until her youngest was 8 (and they had a great time, and were able to utilize everything).

I don't anticipate it being a one and done vacation. But I understand your point of view. My older son might actually be tall enough (he's 5 1/2 and nearly 46 inches). I'm not counting on it but it's a possibility. My other son who is 3 1/2 is only 42 inches so he definitely won't be tall enough.

I'm looking for a vacation where we can hang by a kid friendly pool, by the beach, get some activities in possibly (maybe dolphins and kids club; casino, spa and golf for adults). I'm still looking at other possibilities. Maybe an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean where kids are free? I'm open to suggestions. I love Disney World but I don't feel like doing all the planning (FP, dining etc.) and it's a lot of work while there. Fun, but I want to relax a bit, too.

 

[jimandami]

I don't anticipate it being a one and done vacation. But I understand your point of view. My older son might actually be tall enough (he's 5 1/2 and nearly 46 inches). I'm not counting on it but it's a possibility. My other son who is 3 1/2 is only 42 inches so he definitely won't be tall enough.

I'm looking for a vacation where we can hang by a kid friendly pool, by the beach, get some activities in possibly (maybe dolphins and kids club; casino, spa and golf for adults). I'm still looking at other possibilities. Maybe an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean where kids are free? I'm open to suggestions. I love Disney World but I don't feel like doing all the planning (FP, dining etc.) and it's a lot of work while there. Fun, but I want to relax a bit, too.

I think at your kids ages, an AI or even a cruise would be a good choice!

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I'm looking for a vacation where we can hang by a kid friendly pool, by the beach, get some activities in possibly (maybe dolphins and kids club; casino, spa and golf for adults). I'm still looking at other possibilities. Maybe an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean where kids are free? I'm open to suggestions. I love Disney World but I don't feel like doing all the planning (FP, dining etc.) and it's a lot of work while there. Fun, but I want to relax a bit, too.

I often describe Atlantis as Vegas meets Disney on the beach. That concept makes some people cringe (umm...like my in-laws). For me, its an awesome mix.

There's no place else that matches the scale of Atlantis. Its kind of like Disney in that the individual elements are not record breaking, but the whole thing (beach, casino, restaurants, aquarium, entertainment, and location) put together under a great theme and in one place makes its uniquely world-class. There are some awesome smaller resorts in the Caribbean, but I don't know of any that have all those elements, and most usually just have one or two.

I wrote this a few years ago on this thread about how I like that Atlantis can be a lot more relaxing compared to Disney, especially at night, but still an active theme park like vacation:

I actually like that the day at Atlantis is more defined than a day at WDW. Once the sun is down and you've had dinner, you can relax, rather than strategize for the spot you need for the MSEP or Fantasmic...and there spend an hour standing there defending it from the Brazilian hordes. Meaning you can actually RELAX at Atlantis.

That being said there are quite a few things to do...its just that the pools close at sunset and there aren't usually any fireworks....that's the big difference from WDW. But there are a bunch of low-key activities: movie theater, arcade, live music, junkanoo musician parade through the marina village, Radio0Control car speedway, one kids activity club and two teen night clubs, the sea-life exhibits are open...and just a nice walk on the beach.