Atlantis day rooms / waterpark

[laughingplace<3]

Hey there- I was just wondering how one goes about booking Atlantis day rooms. We are interested in taking advantage of their waterpark, but the passes are ridiculously overpriced- for our party of four, that's $400. So we want to book a room, expecting that it will be under that.

So, that is my question. And how much are the day rooms? I'd also love to hear about reviews on the Atlantis waterslides. I like thrills and I don't mind drops and sharks, however steep 60 feet drops I have heard about kind of don't appeal to me.

Thanks in advance

[MidnTPK]

People usually book a room at the Comfort Suites on Paradise Island, but I've heard reports that this is no longer offered. What I've heard is that Atlantis and the Comfort Suites (which is owned by the same company as Atlantis) have implemented a 2 or 3 night minimum. The Beach Tower at Atlantis is the next least expensive alternative, but the same policy might apply.

The price you quoted sounds about right. A day pass costs around $105 per person, when it's available. Atlantis says it doesn't offer them when its hotel rooms are full. So the only way to be sure to get one may be to but through the cruise line.

I'd like to take issue with your characterization of the day pass being 'ridiculously overpriced'. Atlantis is absolutely expensive, no doubt about it. But a single day at a WDW park costs $75.62 per person. Having spent a lot of time in both places, I can say that they are very similar in total value. Atlantis' facilities are on the same level as Disney World's.

The slides and pools at Atlantis are awesome. They Mayan temple is what you are talking about (with the sharks and steep slides), and that's just a small portion of the water features (and you're never in the water with the sharks - the exit tube is clear and you can see them around you). The Mayan temple has 3 speed slides, one tube ride, and a more mile body slide, plus a kids pool area with some nicely sized kiddie slides.

The new area, Aquaventure is unlink anything in WDW and in most of the U.S. and the world. They have a one mile long river (that you ride in single or double tubes) that has two components: a rapids area and a wavy area. They generate 3-6 foot waves in one part that propels you along. The rapids has four sections where you are in a tube doing mild white water rafting. And you never have to get out of the water or your tube or wait in line to get in - when you get to the end of the loop, you just stay in your tube and take a conveyor up a short hill to start over.

Then in the center of the area is the Power Tower. This tower has three master blaster type slides like the crush n gusher at Typhoon lagoon. You can walk up to these or never leave your tube and ride a small offshoot of a river that takes you up another conveyer belt to the mid level of the tower, then choose one of the two slides that are there. The third master blaster slide is atop the tower (which you have to walk up to), and there's a high speed body slide in the dark on the top too.

There's also a giant new kids water play structure with 4 or 5 slides and one of those dumping buckets. Plus a new two acre pool with waterfalls and grottoes.

The day pass also includes access to the rest of the grounds and water features which are full of aquariums, as well as the beach. There's another lazy river near the older towers, an underwater tunnel in a shark filled reef, and lagoons all over the place with rays, sharks, sea turtles and other fish.

When are you going? I'll look at the places I know and see if dayrooms are available.

[MidnTPK]

You can get a look at this stuff at <snip> webcam

[laughingplace<3]

Unfortunatley I don't have an exact date yet... but we are looking into July and August, if that helps.
We just wanted a dayroom that included the Atlantis facilities. For example, if the room was $400 and under, we would book it because we'd either a) save money for the waterpark, b) have a place for the adults to stay while the teenagers went to the waterpark, or c) not save any money but also get a place to shower in addition.

Do you think that two teens could run around the waterpark by themselves while the adults stayed in a hotelroom/somewhere else in the Atlantis resort?

[TammiMcMan]

Unfortunatley I don't have an exact date yet... but we are looking into July and August, if that helps.

Considering that you're looking for summer dates, you most likely will not be able to get a dayroom in advance. I've heard from others who have tried to book at that time of year. They were told to wait until they arrived in port and then call over to check availability at the Atlantis.

I had not heard that the Comfort Suites was switching to a minimum stay. In fact, I know a few people who cruised a week ago, stayed at the Comfort Suites on their Nassau day and used the Atlantis pool. You may not be able to get a day room, but you can simply book an overnight stay. Book it for the day you'll be arriving. Even if the room is not ready, you'll get your wristbands to use (up to 4 per room). Just let them know that you will be checking in and out the same day. It won't be a problem. I just checked some discounted rates for the end of July and a room rate is about $215.

[MidnTPK]

Note: I'm not familiar with the nuance between a day room, and booking the room for one night and not actually staying in it. I assumed most cruisers at Atlantis (or the Comfort Suites) technically booked a room for one night, but the case may be that there is/was some sort of day-room offering. I suspect the dayroom program has ended because the day pass program is new in the past year, when the new features at Atlantis opened up. Atlantis is much like Disney: why let people pay $250 when you can make them pay $400!

A couple of other points: Atlantis has showers to use, even if you don't have a room. The hospitality cavern and transit lounges are intended for people checking in and out before or after they have access to their room. I assume people with day-passes may use these facilities.

Two teens alone would be safe....I'd say most teens at Atlantis are alone during the day. Atlantis is a big area, but very controlled by security and there are lifeguards everywhere.

And you didn't ask this, but you gave me an idea: in the Bahamas, the hotels do not 'own' the actual beach, it's public land. Locals are allowed to roam freely on the beach, and cruisers frequently make there way up and down Atlantis' beach. People not staying at Atlantis may not come on Atlantis' grounds or use Atlantis's' chairs, but they may use the beach. If you wanted to save money, you could buy day passes for the teens and have the adults just spend a day on the beach. Depending on where the adults situated themselves on the beach, they could be pretty close to where the teens were 'playing' (though it's a ways down the beach from the public restroom).

[MidnTPK]

FYI...I just did a search for a random one night stay for a weeknight in July (7/16 through 7/17) and it came out to $397.50 for a party of four at the Comfort Suites (the cheapest available). So there dosne't apper to be a multiple night minimum at that time of year. And for a little bit less than the day pass cost, you get a room to use at the end of the day. If you have AAA or one of the other discounts that Comfort Suites honors, you might be able to save a few more.

[TammiMcMan]

Note: I'm not familiar with the nuance between a day room, and booking the room for one night and not actually staying in it.

A "day room" covers that time between checkout and checkin. Basically, you can get a discounted rate for only occupying the room between 10am and 3pm.

I suspect the dayroom program has ended because the day pass program is new in the past year, when the new features at Atlantis opened up. Atlantis is much like Disney: why let people pay $250 when you can make them pay $400!

Not all cruise lines offer the day pass program though and the Atlantis would be sharing a percentage with Disney anyway.

FYI...I just did a search for a random one night stay for a weeknight in July (7/16 through 7/17) and it came out to $397.50 for a party of four at the Comfort Suites (the cheapest available).

I found a rate of $215, so there are definitely discount deals out there.

[MidnTPK]

Was it $215 for 4 people? That was around the sticker price I saw, but it turned into $397 after taxes and a $40 per person over 2people 'occuping' the room fee.

[TammiMcMan]

It didn't ask me for ages, so I had 2 adults & 2 children. That total was $215 plus $24 in taxes. For 4 adults, the total was $295 plus $35 in taxes.

[adoptionislove]

What is the reason for a day pass? We are going in March and I am just curious!

[laughingplace<3]

What is the reason for a day pass? We are going in March and I am just curious!

I am not positive if you mean you are going to Atlantis in March or stopping at Nassau on Disney Cruise. If you mean Atlantis, this day room discussion has nothing to do with it. Basically we are talking about when the cruise stops at Nassau, and we want to get passes to the waterpark and a room, although not overnight- a room for only a couple of hours.

It didn't ask me for ages, so I had 2 adults & 2 children. That total was $215 plus $24 in taxes. For 4 adults, the total was $295 plus $35 in taxes.

We have 2 adults and 2 children, and that price sounds great for me! Clarifying since I get a bit confused- this is including waterpark, right?

A "day room" covers that time between checkout and checkin. Basically, you can get a discounted rate for only occupying the room between 10am and 3pm.

I found a rate of $215, so there are definitely discount deals out there.

Just wondering where you found that rate because that is the lowest one I've heard about and would like to check it out.

A couple of other points: Atlantis has showers to use, even if you don't have a room. The hospitality cavern and transit lounges are intended for people checking in and out before or after they have access to their room. I assume people with day-passes may use these facilities.

Two teens alone would be safe....I'd say most teens at Atlantis are alone during the day. Atlantis is a big area, but very controlled by security and there are lifeguards everywhere.

And you didn't ask this, but you gave me an idea: in the Bahamas, the hotels do not 'own' the actual beach, it's public land. Locals are allowed to roam freely on the beach, and cruisers frequently make there way up and down Atlantis' beach. People not staying at Atlantis may not come on Atlantis' grounds or use Atlantis's' chairs, but they may use the beach. If you wanted to save money, you could buy day passes for the teens and have the adults just spend a day on the beach. Depending on where the adults situated themselves on the beach, they could be pretty close to where the teens were 'playing' (though it's a ways down the beach from the public restroom).

I know this might be a bit naughty as a parent but I was just wondering what people thought about dropping the kids off inside of the resort, going to the beach, and then going back to the cruise of relaxing- and then going back to the resort to pick them up. I don't like the idea of having the kids get off the cruise and walk through Nassau to Atlantis by themselves, as responsible and trustworthy as they are. So just as long as I bring them back and forth from Atlantis, I should be safe, right?

I was also wondering how the conditions of the showers, etc. and what else there is at the hospitality cavern.

[TammiMcMan]

Guests of the Atlantis and Comfort Suites get a wristband, which allows them access to all areas of the Atlantis resort. That includes the pools and waterslides. Anyone can visit the Atlantis, but you're restricted to the main building and marina area.

DCL now offers an excursion that includes access to the waterslides and pool. Depending on how many people are in the group and what discount you can find, booking a room at the Comfort Suites can save you money over the excursion.

[TammiMcMan]

We have 2 adults and 2 children, and that price sounds great for me! Clarifying since I get a bit confused- this is including waterpark, right?

That is the overnight rate for a Friday night and it does include all resort access. I'll send you a PM with further information.

I know this might be a bit naughty as a parent but I was just wondering what people thought about dropping the kids off inside of the resort, going to the beach, and then going back to the cruise of relaxing- and then going back to the resort to pick them up. I don't like the idea of having the kids get off the cruise and walk through Nassau to Atlantis by themselves, as responsible and trustworthy as they are. So just as long as I bring them back and forth from Atlantis, I should be safe, right?

Considering the number of people who approached us trying to sell illegal substances, I wouldn't leave my teenagers alone there.

[laughingplace<3]

My goodness!

I'll wait for the pm about the room.

Also, whoever posted a webcam link... it's not showing up, however I'd love to view.

[adoptionislove]

Oh sorry, I better claify my last post.

We are going on the Cruise and will be stopping there just for the day. (Mamma wants to gamble a little)!!!!

[TammiMcMan]

Also, whoever posted a webcam link... it's not showing up, however I'd love to view.

Sorry, but the link was removed. Maybe the poster can send it to you via e-mail or PM.

We are going on the Cruise and will be stopping there just for the day. (Mamma wants to gamble a little)!!!!

I was a bit disappointed in the casino. It was very smokey and I missed hearing the quarters drop down. Your winnings are printed on a piece of paper, like an ATM receipt.

[MidnTPK]

Considering the number of people who approached us trying to sell illegal substances, I wouldn't leave my teenagers alone there.

In my five visits to Atlantis, I've never had this happen. I've heard about it, but only on the beach, not on Atlantis grounds.

Note: there's a little bit of a discrepancy about your kids: you describe them as teens, but are considering them children when getting a rate quote. I think adult stars at 12 at Atlantis. But regarding dropping them off: I'd say it depends on their maturity. I went off to boarding school when I was 14, so I think a trustworthy teen would know how to say 'no thanks' to someone selling pot. Personally, I think it's much safer (and drugs are much less available) on Atlantis grounds than it is at most U.S. shopping malls. Atlantis' grounds are tightly controlled. Not as tight as a theme park, but pretty close. Someone selling drugs on the grounds would a) stand out and b) be quickly arrested.

TammiMcMan: Have you been to or stayed at Atlantis before, or is your experience from visiting on a cruise?

[MidnTPK]

I was a bit disappointed in the casino. It was very smokey and I missed hearing the quarters drop down. Your winnings are printed on a piece of paper, like an ATM receipt.

All casinos are smoky. Atlantis' is a little less smoky than average. The slots are kind of tight but I've had some nice wins from time to time. And the quarter comment is a little bit of an anachronism - most casinos are converting to ticket payouts. I go to Vegas once a year, Atlantic City two or three times, and local slot parlors several more, and all of them have moved to tickets.

I was also wondering how the conditions of the showers, etc. and what else there is at the hospitality cavern.

The hospitality cavern is like a fitness club locker room, but a bit nicer than an average gym. They have private showers, lockers that can be rented (or are free), hairdryers, towels, and a machine that spins suits dry. There is an attendant in front who provides locker keys. The transit lounges have the same features but I've heard are nicer (I've used the hospitality cavern several times, but not used the transit lounge). The only difference between the two is location on Atlantis grounds.

Something to note about booking an overnight room: check-in is at 3 pm. Like WDW you can check in very early and use all the facilities, but your room might not be ready until later afternoon. So banking on having a room is risky, because it will depend on hotel occupancy, etc.

[TammiMcMan]

I've been to the Atlantis three times now, but only for day visits. I'm glad that your experiences were different in regards to my mention of illegal activities. Not sure if you travelled with teens, but considering we did and they were the ones approached, I'd be concerned to have my kids there on their own. I don't mean to put a black mark on a resort that you obviously enjoy. As a parent asking a question about an area I'm not familiar with, I'd prefer to hear both the good and the bad and then decide on my own. And as you pointed out, the term "teen" was mentioned, but that is a very broad age group. I imagine 2 girls would be approached more aggressively than 2 boys and 18 is the legal drinking age. I agree that security was tight in regards to the water area, but we saw very little along the beaches and in the general area of the hotel itself.

I guess all casinos would be smokey as they're probably not part of the non-smoking movement and my only gambling experience is a 3 day trip to Atlantic City 15 years ago. Part of the fun was having the quarters drop down. Just something that I missed, but obviously times have changed.