Atlantis Beach Day or Blue Lagoon - Which is Better?

[mm126]

We will be on the 3 night March 4, 2004. Originally planned to stay on the ship but I think the kids (5 & 6) would enjoy the "blue" water and if some odd reason they can't do CC, I wouldn't want to miss out on a beach day. So, can anyone tell me which tour would be better.

 

[mm126]

Can't anyone help?! Please!!!!

 

[mjvans]

my husband and I are currently going with this plan after doing some research today........we are going to get a taxi and head to Paradise Beach......spend a few hours there on our own.......hubby may head up to Atlantis and gamble for a short time...........after reading, we found there is too much walking for our little ones on the Atlantis tour and I know they would be whining to go back to the ship..........the blue lagoon sounds like something I might enjoy, but at this point, we are opting to do a non-disney excursion
check out these 2 sites though as they do give some info on the excursions
www.dcltribute.com
www.castawayclub.com

Michelle

 

[mm126]

mjvans...I assume Paradise Beach is a public beach close to the Atlantis. That might be a better idea than Blue Lagoon since the water taxi to the ship doesn't start until 2:00 PM and 9:15 - 2 PM is a very long day at the beach with kids!

When are you going? If you are going before us - could you please let me know how your "plan" worked. Thanks for the info.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, I will 'bite' and jump in here...

After much planning and research, we have decided to do Atlantis on our own... I too have heard that the tour involves way to much PowerWalking! And, may not be the greatest for the kids. So, we found a good rate, and booked a room at the Comfort.

One thing to mention here... About Nassau and the public beach... Be prepared for the local vendors. ( Personally, I would probably not choose to be alone, with my children in an open 'Public' area of Nassau without my DH... )

I have not heard of any public facilities in the area. Some have reported using the restrooms at the nearby hotel. (Sheraton ?????)

If you did reserve a day-room, you would have access to the Atlantis chairs and amenties on the beach, and you could be relaxing at the pools with your children, or enjoying the Aquariums, etc... while your DH is in the Casino. (Children are not allowed to stay in the Casino.)

Happy Planning!!!

 

[mjvans]

that seems like a wonderful option, one that would work for one and all~~ how do you go about renting a day room at the comfort?? That sounds ideal. We are not going until august29, 2004 so I have lots of time, but I just wondered how and who you contact to get a room for the day!
Thanks for your help!
Michelle

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, here is the confusing part.... I had said day-room, but actually we have simply reserved a room just normally. They will let you check in right away if they have a room ready, if not, you still can get your wristbands right away. Some never even actually use the room. In which case you may be able to waive some of the little added fees.

The 'official' word on day-rooms is that they are not available. This is what they will tell you if you call. However, if rooms are available, you may get a room just by walking in to the either the Atlantis or the Comfort. 1.) You would not be assured of availability 2.) They still do this, but I hear that they have changed the price, so it cost just as much as reserving in advance anyhow.

We found a special promotional rate at the Comfort by going to Placestostay.com. Proceed as if you are booking the room... You will see several rates listed. Including promotional rates that I have not seen listed anywhere else. Then, write down that rate code, call the Comfort reservations 1-800 number, and book directly thru Comfort. simply ask for the rate that you want....

Otherwise, Comfort offers a 10% discount internet users rate for booking thru their site online.

Hope this helps!

 

[mm126]

mjvans...I am now thinking about Blue Lagoon. I did a search and got some good reviews on Blue Lagoon. It sounds like the water and beach are really nice.

The public beach from what others have said it not a place to go by yourself with kids. The rooms at Comfort and Atlantis sound risky...what if nothing is available and you go all the way over there. By the time you pay for a cab and the room - Blue Lagoon is a better deal (with food). Just my opinion.

 

[alaskantwinks]

Wishing on a Star, you said: If you did reserve a day-room, you would have access to the Atlantis chairs and amenties on the beach, and you could be relaxing at the pools with your children, or enjoying the Aquariums, etc... while your DH is in the Casino. (Children are not allowed to stay in the Casino.)

That is, if you are renting from Atlantis directly, right? Not if you are renting from the Comfort Suites! Because if I'm not mistaken, if you book @ Atlantis, than you get to use their facilities for the day, such as the Aquarium, beaches, etc? But how much does the Atlantis cost for the day? I think we will just grab a cab and do a little touring on our own, and than head back to the ship before lunch!

 

[mjvans]

The day room at Comfort suites does sound like a solution to our situation, making sure everyone gets what they want out of the day, but, having thought about it further, why rent a room for the day on our own, when we can do a disney planned event. The cost alone is reason enough to stick with disney events!! I have heard great things about the blue lagoon too.......I guess if my hubby wants to gamble, a trip to Vegas may be in his future!! I know for sure that whatever we do, we do together ...........I guess I'm getting kind of nervous about being separated during excursions off the ship...........since you are going before me, please make sure to give me a full report!!
Michelle

 

[Wishing on a star]

FYI - Yes, guests at the Comfort Suites recieve a wristband and have full access to all amenities at Atlantis... even room charges.

Also, just to clarify... While it does sound more convenient to do the DCL excursion.... It does include major walking, being hustled along with the group... It does not include the pools etc... I have heard that their section on the main beach is where the surf and slope of the drop-off are not the best for little ones... etc... I have been researching this for the past year while planning my cruise, and it seems like the vast majority say just grab a cab and go over on your own... Enjoy what you like, Return when you like... It is a very short cab ride... You can even see Atlantis from the ship! ( DCL excursion takes the water-ferry, which docks just down from Atlantis, and then you walk up to Atlantis. Much more time and walking involved.... So, this is the reason why I have mentioned going on your own, instead of the excursion. Also, For a family of 4, when you look at the cost.... going on your own is not much more than what you would pay DCL.

I will definately make a full and detailed trip report when I return!!!

You have plenty of time to gather all the info and decide what will work best for your family!!!

We booked our cruise a year ago.... The time will pass before you know it!!!

 

[mm126]

mjvans...

I will certainly get in touch with you when we return in March 2004! In the meantime I'm going to keep checking the posts to see how people rate Blue Lagoon.

Another idea...However, I'm not sure what time the ship leaves but you may be able to go to Blue Lagoon for the day and catch the 2 PM ferry back and then he could grab a cab to Atlantis for some gambling while you relax on the ship with the kids

DH and I were to the Atlantis last November- its really nice but not worth spending the extra $ to use some of the facilities. If I were staying at the Atlantis and pay $$$, I would be a little annoyed that they rent out rooms to "day" people.

 

[mitcam]

I am sure it is out on the DIS but what is the distance between Comfort checkin and Atlantis?

Do all members of our party have to be present for a wristband?

What are the rates (approx.) I would love to go to Atlantis but the $$ would be important

Thanks.

 

[Wishing on a star]

mitcam,

I have the map printed off of the Comfort site, and the Atlantis site. On the map of The Atlantis that you can print off their site, the Comfort Suites is located in the curving intersection on the top right-hand corner of the page, about where the Atlantis Sea-creature logo is shown. I am not sure exactly how far it is, but I know that they do have a walk-way. Keep in mind that neither of these maps are true to scale... I hear that the big concern with walking is that the Atlantis itself is HUGE!

There is a strict limit to four guests, therefore four wristbands, per room at the Comfort Suites. I am not sure about all persons in your party being present at one time to get wristbands???

Right now the intenet users rate at the Comfort Suites is $175.00 plus fees and taxes... We got a promotional rate of $136.50. I am not sure what the rates are for your date. Go ahead and check online to find out.

I notice that you will be traveling in December. Remember that the pools at Atlantis are not heated, and some slides, etc. may be closed????

If you mostly want The Dig, the Casino, etc... You can buy wristbands for around $25.00 that will allow you to tour The Dig and check out the rest of Atlantis. Of course, the Casino is open to the public (no children) for free.

Hope this helps!