As many of my followers know, I am not a huge fan of the dining plans offered at the Atlantis. But I love the fact that they are experimenting with different dining options, it makes me think there are changes in the future - and hopefully they benefit the consumer! Ending this week is just one of the new promotions that Atlantis is offering. It includes 50% off dining plans. That definitely makes it more worth while to consider purchasing a plan. The same pitfalls of the dining plans still exist, such as no lunch, but at the lower price, it is worth considering.

In addition to the sale on the Atlantis Dining Plans comes a limited time $150 beverage credit for $100 plus tax. I don't feel like getting less than $50 of drink credit is all that exciting since I have to prepay for it when I book my trip.

Despite the Dining Plans, Atlantis remains one of my favorite vacation destinations!

If you know me or have seen my facebook page, Atlantis Always, you will know that I love the Atlantis! My first trip to Atlantis, Paradise Island was when the resort first opened, back in 1998. It was actually not even called the Atlantis yet, but rather the Trump Plaza. My husband and I stayed in the Beach Tower, the only other tower built was the Coral Tower. It was a brand new resort with gorgeous pools, perfect for rest and relaxation. The aquariums were creatively built into caves and there was space to explore. My husband and I went for a long weekend retreat. We even took a bus excursion to a remote location to swim with dolphins (a little foreshadowing)! I loved it immediately.
A few years later, the Royal Towers were built and the aquariums expanded. I had never repeated a vacation up to this point, but I was willing to go back since it had changed so drastically and would probably feel like an entirely different location anyway. Little did I realize that I would return more times than I can count! So, again, my husband and I took some time away from our very small children and enjoyed the tranquil environment of the Atlantis. It was during this trip that I noticed all the wonderful features for little kids. Poseidon's pool designed especially for little ones, a lazy river and small water slides and vowed to come back with the kids. 

By the time we decided to return with the children, the Atlantis was beyond our budget. That's when I learned the secret of the Comfort Suites. It is a hotel directly across the street from the Coral Tower. The resorts have an agreement allowing guests who stay at the Comfort Suites the same privileges as guests who stay on property at the Atlantis. The savings were incredible many years ago, but even today, there is often a savings associated with staying at the Comfort Suites. I cannot tell a lie, it is a bit of a walk. Not because it is far away, but because it is on the opposite end of the resort from many of the popular pools and waterslides. When our kids were very little, we brought a collapsable stroller because the hike back to the hotel after a long day in the sun was... well... cranky to say the least! Today there are shops and restaurants and places to stop along the way to make the walk a little less daunting.

​As our family grew, the Atlantis seemed to grow with us, anticipating our every need. As if the aquariums and amazing pools weren't enough, the expansion added amazing programs for toddlers, children, pre-teens, and teenagers. Of course The Cove and The Reef are amazing luxury spots for adults with an adult-only pool and just a short walk to Dolphin Cay and the casino! 
There are so many different ways to visit the Atlantis, and I think my family has experienced them all! Although the resort is quite different today from my very first visit, it still has something for everyone. 

Have you been to the Atlantis? What was your favorite thing about the resort, leave a comment below!