{"id":180,"date":"2008-12-21T17:43:32","date_gmt":"2008-12-21T23:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2008\/12\/atlantis-vacation-tips\/"},"modified":"2017-03-30T17:54:28","modified_gmt":"2017-03-30T22:54:28","slug":"atlantis-vacation-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2008\/12\/atlantis-vacation-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlantis vacation tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Atlantis\"<\/a>
\nBy Samantha Chapnick<\/em><\/p>\n

Atlantis<\/strong><\/a> and Las Vegas are so similar they could be
\nsiblings. Both are MEGA resorts with massive hotels<\/a><\/strong>, 24-hour gambling, hot
\nrestaurants, outrageous shopping and ample attractions.<\/p>\n

But where Vegas is the younger brother, still into
\ndrinking games, non-stop entertainment and the thrill of flirting with trouble, this Bahamas vacation<\/a><\/strong> resort is the more mature sister: still seeking thrills
\nbut only accompanied by beaches<\/strong>, upscale restaurants, family-friendly amenities
\nand lots of opportunities for relaxation.<\/p>\n

Especially for families, Atlantis is one of the best
\nmega-resort winter destinations. It’s an easy place to have a holiday without
\nany decisions, compromises or thinking. Part Orlando, part Las Vegas, part
\nCancun vacation<\/a><\/strong>, this is the anti-“I’m bored!” resort.<\/p>\n

With over 3,000 rooms and 12,000+ guests spread over
\nthousands of acres on Paradise Island, just navigating can be anything but simple.<\/p>\n

Here’s part 1
\nof my tips and strategies to get the most out of your Atlantis visit depending
\non your travel<\/a><\/strong> profile.<\/p>\n

Transit lounge: Adding two days to your trip<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of my favorite features of Atlantis, and one I wish
\nothers would emulate is the “transit lounge.” By having a room set aside on
\nlobby level with showers, changing rooms, bathrooms, and even bathing suit
\nquick-dry machines, hotel guests who check in way early or stay way late can “add” two
\nextra days to their trip without extra fees or room nights.<\/p>\n

Lights out<\/strong><\/p>\n

Atlantis very deliberately keeps the outside lighting very
\nlow after sundown to prevent people from using the pools in the evening. If you
\ngo in winter, especially with children, make plans for the evening that don’t involve any of the outside
\nfeatures.<\/p>\n

Dining comparison chart<\/strong><\/p>\n

With 30-plus dining choices ranging from Jamba Juice<\/strong> to
\nNobu,<\/strong> your options will depend on your price point and food preferences. Check Atlantis’ comparison chart<\/a><\/strong> to find the best options for your
\nfamily. If you are going to eat at any of the upscale restaurants (e.g. Nobu)
\nmake reservations in advance. (Note: Atlantis has eliminated its dining plans for 2008, so there are no longer any pay-one-price options).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Map it<\/strong><\/p>\n

Atlantis is huge. Before you take our suggestions of
\nplaces to stay, check out the activities and see if there are a few things you
\nplan to do frequently. A favorite pool? A playground? A restaurant? Then if
\nit’s a choice between two accommodations, stay in the one closest. Check the map<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Using the shuttle<\/strong><\/p>\n

There’s a free shuttle connecting all parts of Atlantis.
\nThat’s nice for occasional usage, but don’t count on it several times a day.
\nWhen I was there, it took a good 20 minutes for it to arrive, way too long for
\nmy child to wait patiently.<\/p>\n

Save on souvenirs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Across the street from Atlantis is a small mall filled
\nwith souvenirs at much better prices than what’s to be found anywhere in the
\nresort. T-shirts, pens, glasses, all the usual schlock. Walk the few minutes
\nand save lots of dollars.<\/p>\n

Photo opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the lobby of the Royal Towers<\/a><\/strong>, close to the casino<\/strong> and
\nNobu restaurant, is the giant gilded throne of Neptune (king of the sea for
\nthose not familiar). Have a kid or partner sit here and look god-like, and
\nyou’ve got the perfect souvenir.<\/p>\n

Water height restrictions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Water-related activities excepting the pools have a
\nheight restriction of 48″ and above. This includes interacting with
\ndolphins and Aquaventure<\/strong> slides. However, kidsof any age (young ones accompanied
\nby an adult obviously) can use the lazy river.<\/p>\n

Aqua socks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Atlantis sits right on a coral reef. Great for diving,
\nhard on the feet. Even if you just plan on wading a few feet in the water,
\nbringing water shoes will make it far more comfortable.<\/p>\n

Related Orbitz resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n