great day for traders!!!!

[Dean]

Impressive Werner, still I think the distinctions you make are deal breakers. The other and likely more important point is that Doral was in the CC before Marriott ever started the development there. I'd suggest it would never have been added later and wouldn't be surprised if it were actually dropped from the program in the next couple of years. I think Doral entered the CC in 98, if not before.

I've made no bones about the fact I think the CC is a missed opportunity for DVC and it's members. I do understand that DVC must pay them cash and then recoupe the costs through unit rental. That's why I feel an alliance between other top points systems under the BVTC umbrella could be a win-win situation. No reason to deal with cash, only give up accomodations equivilent to what is received. By using reduced booking times and putting limits on how many points/units are given up fron one side until matched on the other, members of all systems could have the best of all worlds. I don't know how BVTC works out the exchanges they fascilitate, but do know they give up units to do so and I do not believe they pay in cash.

 

[fkj2]

For those of us who might find your discussion a little daunting, could you interpret for us just what the trade between DVC and Atlantis really will be? DVC and a hotel room or DVC and a timeshare and what quality timeshare?

 

[Jdubbs]

I think I started a frenzy here!!I dont know the difference between atlantis and harbourside,because it says atlantis in the guidebook.I still will try it some day.I know atlantis is huge but this timshare must still be on the grounds.thats good enough for me!!! thanks everyone

 

[sloneta]

I was at the Atlantis resort in July 2000 when they were building the timeshare part. The timeshare part is a small walk to all the amenities the Atlantis resort has to offer. Given the hugeness of the resort, you would not notice the distance. It took us 3 days to find the putt-putt golf course there.

It would be interesting if the resort itself were to become a part of the CC. I have no idea how they would begin to figure out the points for that. The resort is divided into 3 "Towers": the Beach Towers (lowest cost), the Coral Towers (moderate) and the Royal Towers (newest and most expensive, this is also the one in all the pics with the bridge suite). The amenities of the resort are definitely world class, but the rooms in at least the coral tower are nothing special. You pay for the aquariums and restaurants there.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by fkj2
For those of us who might find your discussion a little daunting, could you interpret for us just what the trade between DVC and Atlantis really will be? DVC and a hotel room or DVC and a timeshare and what quality timeshare?

Now that I've seen the new Guidebook, I can be more exact. This is a timesahre exchange from what I can see. It's listed under the Member Getaways as a World Passport option. It specifically lists Harborside at Atlantis. This should be one of the few timeshares in the world that is comparable to DVC from what I can tell. Like any other exchange option, it must be done for a week and one must put in a request and wait and see what happens.

 

[stlphil]

We stayed at Atlantis in January. Beach Tower, right over the beach and it was awesome. As stated in another post, the rooms are nothing special, but the location was incredible. The grounds of the hotel are much better than anything at Disney World. After a week there we were still discovering new wonders around every corner. I would love adding Atlantis to the CC.

However, we took the tour at Harborside while we were there and were less than impressed. It is technically at Atlantis, but did not feel like it at all. The closest I can describe would be like a sedate version of the Caribean Beach Resort at WDW.

It is quite far from the beach, not really any great views (except possibly of the Royal Towers of the hotel), and was separated from the rest of the resort by a section of water as if it was on its own island and felt quite isolated. We had to ride a bus from the hotel part of the resort to get there. You could walk, but the roads to Harborside did not appear to be too pedestrian-friendly and it appeared to be a long walk since there was no direct path. Finally, there was nothing really special about the grounds at Harborside, which certainly pale in comparison to the resort which had themed aquariums, water-slides, pools, waterfalls, lagoons, caves, etc. right outside your door.

 

[ng6ny]

Here's a link to Starwood's site for Harborside Atlantis if you want more info.
http://www.starwoodvo.com/overview.jsp?resortID=14

 

[Tanya]

The Atlantis resort from what I understand is the hotel part and from pictures and stuff - is gorgeous!.... It is not a timeshare.

Harbourside is the timeshare section of the Atlantis. Although they may not be exactly next to one another, I would still at least maybe trade in once. I always wanted to go and if I can spend less money exchanging through II and go to Harbourside - why not? I have to look into this abit.

Thanks.

 

[nezy]

So does thid mean that if you stay at Harborside you can use the amenities of the entire Atlantis Resort? I know this may seem like a ridiculous question, but you never know these days.

Also, I assume that this would mean that you could not book for anything less than a week. I'm thinking use minimum points for a day at the Atlantis while on the cruise. Crazy stuff.

 

[Dean]

From the TUG Reviews

Owners/guests get full access to Atlantis amenities. If you are familiar with Atlantis, they are very protective of the amenities and have a strict daily wristband access policy to keep out non guests and cruise ship patrons. Only Atlantis , Comfort Suites, and now HRA owners/guests will have access.

They have an internal shuttle so one can get to the other areas. All II exchanges are for a week. It seems to me that I've heard one can pay a fee for a days access but I am not certain about it.

 

[nezy]

I have heard that too, where you can get wrist bands for the day. I have not heard anything about cost.

Perhaps DVC should offer something in conjunctionw/Atlantis if you are on a cruise-option of points or cash for the days use of the pool at Atlantis.

sounds very complex, I know, but so is all of this DVC stuff!!(or it least it can be)

 

[Dean]

I can't see DVC offering a day trip to Atlantis as a shore excursion but you never know. No reason anyone can't make these arrangements on their own and report back here how it went.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Disney Cruise Line offers two different shore excursions to Atlantis for DCL passengers visiting Nassau -- but use of the pools and water slides is not included.
<blockquote><b>Discover Atlantis (2-5 hours)</B>
Immerse yourself in the legend of Atlantis during this exciting excursion. After a 35-minute historical harbor cruise to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal across from Atlantis, you'll be escorted to the resort to begin a guided journey through the attraction, Discover Atlantis. Home to more than 120,000 fish representing 150 species, this attraction re-creates the lost city of Atlantis while providing a fascinating look at life in the ocean's depths. Return ferry transportation is included and available until 5:30pm. After this time, you will need to take a taxi (additional cost) back to the ship before departure.
NOTE: This excursion involves extensive walking. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Adult Price:_$33 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price:_$23 (ages 3-9)
Departure Times: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm

<b>Atlantis Beach Day (2-7 hours)</b>
There's something for everyone on this full-day adventure that begins with a 35-minute historical harbor cruise to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal across from Atlantis. Upon arrival, we'll provide you with a beach chair and towel and escort you to a reserved location on the beach to bask in the sun and surf. Enjoy lunch at the Dive In snack bar (coupon provided), and the day is yours to spend as you like. Enjoy gaming at the casino, shopping at a variety of unique stores or visiting Discover Atlantis, a unique marine habitat that's home to more than 120,000 fish representing 150 species. Return ferry transportation is included and available until 5:30 p.m. After this time, you will need to take a taxi back to the ship by 1:30 a.m.
NOTE: This excursion involves extensive walking. Please wear comfortable shoes. Use of the pools and water slides is not included.
Adult Price:_$60 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price:_$45 (ages 3-9)
Departure Time: 9:00 am</blockquote>

 

[Dean]

Thanks Werner, I stand correct though I guess we were really talking about the pool, etc.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Dean, I think we're really in agreement. I can't see any way in which DVC members would somehow get pool and water slide use at Atlantis just because they're DVC members, or because they're on a DCL cruise with DVC points, or because DVC and Atlantis work out an arrangement whereby DVC members can pay for Atlantis pool passes using DVC points. And DCL's expensive shore excursions to Atlantis exclude use of the pools and water slides.

It seems that the only way to get use of the pools and water slides is a book a room at a resort that's part of the Atlantis development.

One trick that people used to discuss over on the DVC board was to book a room at the Comfort Suites at Atlantis. According to the Comfort Suites Paradise Island web page, "Our guest enjoy full use of all facilities at Atlantis, Paradise Island including: swimming pools, magnificent waterscapes, Lazy River Ride, waterslides, health spa, tennis and Discovery Channel Camp for children." But a quick look at an arbitrary date in March 2003 shows the cheapest rate to be $198 + 12% tax ("Max Occupancy: 4 persons"). That seems like a lot of money just for pool and water slide use, even for a family of four.

For a while, some people on the DCL board were able to get a day rate at Comfort Suites Paradise Island from one manager. But from more recent posts, it seems that the manager and the day rate may now both be gone.

So the best bet for DVC members who aren't on a cruise would seem to be to try to trade into Harborside at Atlantis. For those on a cruise, the only option seems to be to book the cheapest room rate at one of the resorts at Atlantis -- or to wait until they're back in Florida and go to Typhoon Lagoon instead.