mikeef

We're looking into our family vacation for next April and Atlantis was suggested. I don't really trust Trip Advisor, so I thought I'd ask here. Here's our situation:

• We have a boy and girl who will each be nine. They tend to do very well in kids' programs and are fairly independent.
• We want warm but not hot. The heat and humidity in Orlando burned us out.
• We're looking for something where we can get away from the kids for a few hours if we want to.
• We like upscale, but don't need true luxury. The Four Seasons isn't necessary.
• We'll have about a week.

We're not big casino players, so we're happy to let everyone else subsidize us. We would likely do the Royal or Beach Towers. We could be talked into the Cove.

Reviews that we have read have indicated that we could certainly stay busy and that the hotels on property are nice, if not true luxury. On the downside, we have also read that it's very crowded (The week we are going is an unusual one, in that Massachusetts, our home state, is one of the few states that has vacation that particular week.) and that there may be better options that are less well-known. Note that we are also open to a temperate Mexico location. The goal is 1) warm and 2) make sure that everyone in the family is happy.

Thanks!
Mike

Kagehitokiri

could stay at One & Only, includes transportation/access to atlantis

FS orlando does its own waterpark etc for kids, plus adult pool

mexico (upscale) is very well regarded including for families

in Caribbean could look at parrot cay

CPRich

Our kids were around that age and had a great time. But they didn't participate in any organized kids program - we just hung out and wandered around together. I think we only stayed 3 days - that about maxed out the use of the park. It's well don,e, but there are only so many times you can do the same 15-20 rides/activities.

TravelByHart

I personally did not like it at all. My kids had fun and thought it was ok but we only stopped by for one day, passing through, and it was enough for all of us! Super crowded, noisy and food by the pool is pretty bad fast food and very expensive. Reminded me of Vegas but with a water park and more kids. If you do go definitely stay at The Cove for a less crowded experience and make sure you use a Virtuoso Advisor to get your upgrades and amenities.

Middle_Seat

I imagine that the kids have spent some time in Europe and/or Asia, but if not would those be suitable alternative destinations? I'm thinking of the ability that international travel has to broaden a child's perspective.

CDTraveler

Have you considered the various Club Med options? My personal favorite is Ixtapa for a "I don't want to have deal with a single detail after I arrive" vacation. Their kids' clubs get decent reviews.

mikeef

Thanks all, great suggestions. I'll look into it.

Mike