YouGoGirl

I'm planning a four or five night trip for my family of four for spring break (April 4-April 9). Thru a lot of research and help from all of you, I've finally narrowed it down to 3 locations...
Atlantis in the Bahamas, Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach (will do Busch Gardens/Adventure Island), or Portofino Bay in Orlando (will do Universal/Wet n Wild/Sea World). All three are great choices for my family (kids are 6 and 3 and love theme parks, water parks, and beach/pool), so I'm having a hard time deciding. In the end, they all come out to about the same cost. Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks.

schmerl

I've been to Atlantis and although not the Portofino, have stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Hotel at Unversal. I love both places. The slides at the Atlantis may be a little much for your children.The aquariums are GREAT. As far as Universal goes, have you considered the Royal Pacific? They have a big water play area for young children at their pool. The Portofino is the most "adult", quiet hotel on-site at Universal. You children should love the Universal theme parks.

GoTravel

I've not been to the Atlantis but I've heard from other people that it is very expensive. Not just the rooms but food and everything.

I love the Royal Pacific at Universal and the front of the line pass at Universal you get for staying onsite is the bomb.

My choice however would be the Don CeSar. It is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. It is beautiful and the beach is great.

I think it boils down to do your kids want a beach vacation or a theme park vacation.

I would also skip the bahamas because Florida needs your tourist dollars right now.

Tandoori_Girl

You will most likely have to deal with crowds at the theme parks at that time of year -- spring-breakers. That will be a drawback for BG and Orlando parks. I assume the water parks will be open by then, they are not open year-round. I've always wanted to go to Atlantis but I think I'd be bored after a day or two.

I'm sure I'm not any help at all. With those three choices I'd think (like GoTravel) that the Don and BG and Ad. Island would be your best choices.

makai1

Hi YGG,

My vote is for the Don... I love St. Pete's Beach for the fun of loving my family while enjoying the simple things like shore fishing, sunsets on the sand, shelling during low tide...

Can you tell we don't enjoy mega resorts... but the simple pleasures???

Time w/ your family is the most important... how will you enjoy that best is up to you. ><

Scarlett

LOL, I will be the odd man out!
I have been to Don Cesar ( a looong time ago) and to the Bahamas.
I would go to the Bahamas. We stayed at the Ocean Club, but so many friends and clients like Atlantis.
But GoTravel is right, spend your money in Florida this time, go to the Bahamas next trip