Bahamas

Secrets of Atlantis: 10 Tips for a Bahamas Family Vacation with Kids

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sat, 04/27/2019 - 2:08pm

Like many kids, my boys started begging to go to Disney around the time they could walk. Once they were swimming, however, the object of their spring break fantasies became Atlantis—the Bahamas mega-resort known for its gigantic water park, marine life encounters, and luxe casino. For years, unsure whether a place nicknamed "Vegas by the Sea" was the best choice for a family vacation, my husband and I brushed aside their pleas. But after another harsh Boston winter, we broke down and booked a trip, figuring our boys were at the ideal ages—12, 10, and 7— to appreciate all the 'tweeny bopper fun that Atlantis offers (and for which it charges big).

We had a fun-packed five-day stay, and along the way, accumulated plenty of advice for other families who are considering an Atlantis trip, including whether or not it is a kid-friendly destination. Here are the main things moms and dads should know to make sure their vacation in Paradise (Island) lives up to the hype.

Find more top places to stay on vacation in our Hotels & Resorts Guide for Families.

30 Best Vacation Ideas for Families Who Want to Avoid Winter

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sat, 11/24/2018 - 1:05pm

Ready to ditch your winter blues for a family-friendly vacation in climates warmer than here?

From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling (and unbundling) your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter season drags on—and on. Even those families who don't live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots. So whether you're seeking to escape the cold or just don't want to vacation in it, we've rounded up more than two dozen of our favorite warm-weather destinations that beckon you to shed your parka and bask in the sun.

Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that might not offer bathing suit weather in January but certainly no snow!

Star Wars Day at Sea Aboard the Disney Fantasy: Could a Cruise Be Any Better?

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sat, 02/10/2018 - 1:32pm

A long time ago (early January), in a galaxy far, far away (Florida), I had the pleasure of embarking on a thrilling voyage: Star Wars Day at Sea, aboard the Disney Fantasy. My spouse is an Imagineer who worked on creating the Day at Sea, so our lucky toddler and I got to tag along. Just call us the Death Star... cuz we had a blast.

Beauty and the Beast Aboard the Disney Dream: Cruising the Caribbean with Belle

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sat, 01/27/2018 - 12:00pm

Following last year's announcement of a Beauty and the Beast themed European river cruise, Disney Cruise Lines has opened a spectacular new stage production of Beauty and the Beast exclusively on the Disney Dream. I can’t recommend this show enough—it’s sure to be a highlight of anyone's vacation (maybe even more than the all-you-can-eat-soft-serve)—and who knew you could improve on a trip to the Bahamas?

25 Best Warm Winter Family Vacations

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 11:03am

Winter in NYC can be a grim experience. From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly cold temperatures, the need to escape the city is a feeling many of us know well. Whether you are in the grips of the winter blues or planning ahead this season, here are 25 warm-weather destinations that beckon you to shed your parka and bask in the sun.

Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort: Grand Bahama Island Family Vacation Destination

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Sat, 09/20/2014 - 1:23pm

Last Fall when I reviewed Atlantis Paradise Island, it was my first time in the Bahamas. This summer I was invited to visit the Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort on Grand Bahama Island and jumped at the chance to further explore the former British colony. Grand Bahama Island is the 4th largest of the 700 islands that make up the country and just about 50 miles from Florida. The island is rather populated and more commercial than Paradise Island, which means there are lots of things to see and do for residents and visitors alike.

The Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort is the the largest hotel on the island and considered by many to be the finest. The hotel offers the sandy beaches, warm sun and ocean breezes that the Bahamas are known for, along with lots of amenities, dining options and planned activities. Its in the the island's touristy Lucaya district makes it easy enough to take in some of the local sights if you want to stray from the resort. Easy to get to and hard to leave, the Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort is a paradise for families.

You Won't Believe This Deal for Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas:

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Tue, 01/28/2014 - 7:58am

Kids love Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the adventure and amenity packed, lost underwater city-themed all-inclusive resort. The luxurious, tropical spot offers tons of choices for fun, so families can create the vacation of their dreams. Spend the days relaxing on Paradise Island's warm, sandy beaches, at one of the resort's many pools and waterscape areas, pumping up adrenaline at Aquaventure the resort's thrilling water park, communing with resident sea lions and dolphins at Dolphin Cay or exploring the 50,000 fish and mammals in the aquariums and lagoons throughout the lush grounds.

At just an hour south of Miami, Atlantis Paradise Island is a quick, easy getaway, so the only barrier is the price. But, we have got an unbelievable insider secret on how to make this family friendly trip wallet friendly deal too.

Disney Fantasy Cruise: Wish Fulfillment for the Whole Family

Submitted by Raven Snook on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 3:39pm

When my family and I got back from the pre-inaugural cruise of Disney's newest ship, the Fantasy, everyone wanted to know what we thought. I told them all the same thing: Going on a Disney cruise ruined my life. That's because I never imagined I could have such an incredible time on a family vacation. Literally the day we got home, my husband and I were both pricing out future Disney cruises to try to figure out when we could afford to go back. (It may be a while. Cheap they're not.)

In many ways, going on a Disney cruise is more fun than hitting the parks. No, you don't get the rides. However, you get everything else Disney is famous for—face time with the characters, high-end live entertainment, excellent shopping—without the crazy lines, endless walking and bad food. Plus the ship features a wide variety of attractions and activities to entertain everyone in your family. Yes, my family and I spent plenty of quality time together lounging in the pools, indulging in the buffets and just hanging out, but there were nights when I was at a movie, my daughter was at the kids' club and my husband was at the gym and we were all happy.