What is the Best Disney World Park

What is the Best Disney World Park

What is the best Disney World Park? Walt Disney World Parks ranked – updated for 2024

Looking for the best Disney World park to visit during your trip to Orlando? Whether you’re planning on visiting one park, or all of them, here are the best Disney World parks updated for 2024. 

Magic Kingdom

When most people think of Disney parks, they picture the castle that appears in Magic Kingdom. The Disney castle design varies throughout different Disney parks across the world, but the Disney World Florida park remains one of the most iconic Disney castles.

Magic Kingdom was the first park created at Disney World and remains the most popular park to date, bringing in the most visitors.  

Magic Kingdom has something for everyone regardless of age and interest. Perfect for families, couples, friend groups, or solo visitors – there’s plenty for a full day of fun at Magic Kingdom.

Outside of the rides, there is plenty of entertainment at Magic Kingdom. Offering what I call the ‘classic Disney experience’, with incredible nighttime firework shows over the castle every evening, as well as the massive parades – which bring in many viewers across the park!

Magic Kingdom has the most overall rides, with over 50 to choose from! So, if you only have a chance to visit one Disney Park while in Florida, then Magic Kingdom will probably be the park for you!

What is the layout of Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

Main Street, USA: Where you enter and exit Magic Kingdom. Main Street is a Disney version of a 20th-century classic street from your typical American small town. When you enter Magic Kingdom and walk down Main Street, you will see the Castle on the horizon. Although there are no rides in this area, Main Street creates a magical first impression for your visit to Magic Kingdom.

Adventureland: As the name says, you’ll find a lot of ‘adventure’ themed attractions here, with rides such as Jungle Cruise, Aladdin’s Magic Carpets, and Pirates of the Caribbean!

Frontierland: You’ll find Frontierland next to Adventureland. The ‘American West’ theme land is home to some of the most popular rides in the park, Big Thunder Mountain, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formally Splash Mountain). There’s also a variety of table service and quick service foot spots!

Liberty Square: Liberty Square is an American-Revolution-themed area, home to the Haunted Mansion and the Liberty Square Riverboat, which departs every 30 minutes. Although there are not many attractions, you’re spoilt for choice with food as there’s a wide range of food stalls, markets, table-service restaurants, and quick-service diners to choose from.

Fantasyland: Fantasyland serves as the main area for families with young children. It contains plenty of character meet-and-greets and shows, as well as lots of family-friendly attractions. Some rides include: Dumbo Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party Spinning Cups, Peter Pan’s Flight, and one of my favourites – It’s a Small World.

Tomorrowland: Tomorrowland serves as both the present-day modern world combined with a futuristic-themed area of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Tomorrowland is home to rides such as the Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Tomorrowland Speedway, and of course two of the most famous Magic Kingdom rides – Space Mountain and TRON Lightcyle / Run.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I’ll admit, the first time I ever visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2007 left me feeling underwhelmed in comparison to some of the other parks that Disney World has to offer.

However, I was wrong. I’ll admit my previous mistakes as my most recent trip to Walt Disney World made me realise that my old opinions are no longer valid.  I was so impressed with how incredibly well the park has developed over the years!

Many accuse Disney’s Animal Kingdom of being a half-day theme park. This usually comes from the viewpoint that there are not enough rides at the park. While yes there are fewer rides here compared to Magic Kingdom, despite it being the largest Walt Disney World Park… there’s still plenty to see and do!

From character experiences, to the 1,500+ animals that they have, and of course, no trip to Animal Kingdom is complete without the Kilimanjaro Safari experience.  

One major plus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is that it opens earlier than the other Walt Disney World theme parks. This makes it an ideal theme park to start your day if you’re more of a morning person and can give you a great opportunity to make use of quieter hours with shorter queue times for rides!

However, the downside is that it also closes earlier than the other Disney World theme parks. This means that there is no nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In the past, some nighttime shows have occurred, but none have been overly successful in comparison to the nighttime shows at other parks.

Of course, as the name suggests, Animals are at the forefront of the theme for this park – and it’s safe to say the theme has been executed really well! This hasn’t always been the case, but Animal Kingdom has only gotten better and better over the years! 

What is the layout of Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

The Oasis: The Oasis is the Animal Kingdom equivalent to Magic Kingdom’s Mainstreet USA – this is where you’ll enter and exit the park, with the aim to set the scene right from the start for the Animal Kingdom Park.

Discovery Island: The ‘hub’ of Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island connects up to the other lands by bridges.  This is where you’ll find the famous Animal Kingdom landmark, The Tree of Life – which is almost like the Animal Kingdom version of the Castle at Magic Kingdom. Discovery Island features a variety of character meet-and-greets, shows, as well as shops and restaurant diners.  

DinoLand USA: DinoLand has something for all the family, from the children’s play area, to a nature trail,  the 1.5k capacity amphitheater, and DINOSAUR – one of the major Animal Kingdom thrill rides. DinoLand USA is great for families with the TriceraTop Spin ride as well as the ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond’ show!

Africa: Africa is the largest of all Animal Kingdom lands, inspired by a town called Lamu, located on an island off the east coast of Kenya. In Africa, you’ll find the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail as well as the iconic Kilimanjaro Safaris – a must-do for your visit to Animal Kingdom! You’ll also find the part-stage show/ part-parade performance here, The Festival of the Lion King! There’s plenty of food options in Africa, with table service restaurants, quick-service diners, and food stalls to choose from!

Asia: Asia features architecture inspired by India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Nepal. Two of Animal Kingdom’s major attractions feature here, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Here you’ll also find The Maharajah Jungle Trek – an Asian animal-based walk that includes Komodo dragons, fruit bats, Bengal tigers, and more! 

Pandora: The World of Avatar: Disney brought the Avatar film franchise to life at Animal Kingdom back in 2017. Since opening, Pandora has become one of the most popular areas of the park. This is typically the area of the park where you’ll find the most crowds – but no trip to Animal Kingdom can be done without a visit to Pandora. Home to the Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey! The main reason Pandora is so popular is due to the incredible landscaping and theming of this land – you can’t miss the Valley of Mo-ara while you’re there!    

Rafiki’s Planet Watch:  Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a small area in Animal Kingdom, it’s home to a variety of animal experiences, such as petting zoos and environmental exhibits.

Epcot

EPCOT, a concept devised by Walt Disney himself, was initially intended to be an ever-developing community of tomorrow.

Over the recent years, it has been on what seems like constant construction, continuously changing for better or worse.

While the theming of Epcot hasn’t always been clear, over time, EPCOT has evolved into a festival theme park, with festivals running for over 50% of the year.

Each festival has a theme:

  • Festival of the Arts
  • Flower and Garden Festival
  • Food and Wine Festival
  • Festival of the Holidays

During these festivals, the park will be transformed with decorations, activities, entertainment, and food/ drinks to match each festival theme.

You don’t have to pay extra for tickets to enter the festivals, the events occur across the park during regular park hours. I personally wouldn’t plan a trip specifically for the festivals, but given the fact they’re on more often than they’re not – there’s a good chance you’ll end up being present for one anyways.

If you love food and drink and want a more ‘adult feel’ to the typical Disney Park, then EPCOT makes an excellent choice for you!

To be honest, Epcot can be a bit like Marmite, you love it, or you hate it – and I’ve spoken to people on both sides of the argument!

Personally, I really enjoy Epcot and would never skip it when I’m visiting Disney World, however, it has become my least favourite park over the years.

If you’re in Disney for an extended period, it’s worth a day trip, or at least a half-day trip here so you can say you’ve seen it – but you might want to focus on spending more days at the other parks.

 

What is the layout of EPCOT?

EPCOT is divided into four distinct neighbourhoods. They are:

World Celebration: This neighbourhood is near the main entrance, at World Celebration you will find EPCOT’s signature landmark, Spaceship Earth! While it’s great to snap a picture outside of it, don’t forget to ride it too! World Celebration is also home to the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride, as well as ‘Club Cool’ – not a ride, but a really interesting Disney experience where they have free unlimited samples of soft drinks from around the world, try the Italian ‘Beverly’ drink, or perhaps a ‘VIVA’ from Moldova.

World Discovery: World Discovery is EPCOT’s neighbourhood of science and technology. This neighbourhood is home to the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, The Test Track, and the Mission Space rides. There are also plenty of food and drink choices here, from quick-service diners, bars, and lounges, as well as plenty of food stands!

World Nature: As the name suggests, World Nature is EPCOT’s neighbourhood that revolves around the natural world. This is where you’ll find a variety of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory rides and shows, as well as Moana’s Journey of Water. In terms of the theming of attractions, this is probably one of my favourite areas of EPCOT!  

World Showcase: World Showcase is one of EPCOT’s main events, this neighbourhood is split into different sections, which all represent a different country and culture.

The countries include: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

In the World Showcase, there are plenty of pavilions and gardens to explore, however, one popular activity here tends to be ‘drinking your way around the world’ – so if you’re a family with young children, be aware that this is potentially a boozier, more adult area of EPCOT. With that in mind, I’ve been visiting EPCOT, including World Showcase since I was 7 years old – and have always had a lot of fun!  

If you’re looking for table-service restaurants, this is the place to go – but be prepared to have to wait for a table!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Formally known as MGM Studios back in the day, this theme park opened in 1989 in a race between Disney and Universal to open a “movie studio” based park in Central Florida first.

As much as I really enjoy visiting Hollywood Studios, you can tell it most definitely was a ‘race’ between Disney and Universal, as the different ‘lands’ and attractions within them often feel a bit all over the place.

Hollywood Studios aims to celebrate all aspects of movies and entertainment and also has some of the best rides for thrill seekers, such as Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!

Adding to the thrills, there’s a variety of shows aired across the park, including the famous Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular!

While Hollywood Studios tries to appeal to thrill seekers, there are still plenty of great attractions for families with young children, particularly since the addition of Toy Story Land in 2018.

With plenty of character experiences and interactions happening at Hollywood Studios, the sporadic appearances from the Storm Troopers have to be one of the best! Speaking of Storm Troopers, if you’re a Star Wars fan then Hollywood Studio’s is the park for you!

What is the layout of Hollywood Studios?

Hollywood Boulevard: Hollywood Boulevard is inspired by the traditional Los Angeles background used as settings in films. Here you’ll find a lot of film and movie-based attractions, such as Disney Movie Magic (the history of Disney movies), Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway cartoon showings, and the Wonderful World of Animation. 

Sunset Boulevard:One of the best areas for thrill-seekers, with the famous Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror proving to be some of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios. It’s not just thrill rides here, Sunset Boulevard is also home to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy theatre show, the Fantasmic mixed-media show, and the Beauty and the Beast Live Stage show!

Commissary Lane: Commissary Lane isn’t really a major land as such, but more of a walk-through on the way to get elsewhere. The main thing happening here is the Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet, which tends to be quite popular – particularly for families with young children!There are also some quick-service and table-service dining options here!

Echo Lake: Echo Lake is home to the miniature lake located near the middle of Hollywood Studios Park. This land features a variety of shows, including the ever-so-popular Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! The ‘Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie’ Theatre show, as well as the Frozen Singalong, and Olaf meet-and-greet means that this area is great to keep children entertained! However, Echo Lake is great for all ages as this is where you’ll find Disney’s very first modern simulator ride, Star Tours: The Adventure Continues.

Grand Avenue: What was formally a Muppets Themed land known as Muppets Courtyard, before (for better, or for worse… in my opinion for worse), changing to Grand Avenue. Grand Avenue is inspired by the present-day downtown Los Angeles. Thankfully as a huge Muppets fan, Disney has kept the Muppet Vision 3D experience in, a sensory theatre experience that has always proven to be popular! Other than this, there isn’t a lot going on in terms of attractions, however there are plenty of dining options!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is a full land dedicated to the Star Wars Franchise. With some great rides such as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Build your own miniature version of R2-D2 or BB-8 at the Droid Dept, or create your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop (note: this is extremely popular and you’ll want to book this at least two months in advance!)

Pixar Plaza: At the front of Toy Story Land, you’ll find Pixar Plaza – home to Pixar character meet-and-greets as well as a variety of Pixar-themed eateries. Pixar Plaza just tends to be a build-up to Tory Story Land (why they didn’t at least include Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy here, I don’t know!)  

Toy Story Land: As a huge Toy Story fan, the addition of Toy Story Land was very much welcomed! The idea around this land is that you’ve shrunk down to the size of a toy and placed in Andy’s Garden, where you get to meet and play with the other toys. Although Toy Story Land’s attractions are designed to appeal to younger children, they’re perfect for all ages – if it’s thrill rides you’re after, then this might not be the land for you, but the theming of this land is worth a visit nonetheless! Toy Story Land is home to the Alien Swirling Saucers, Slinky Dog Dash Coaster, and Toy Story Mania, as well as a variety of Toy Story-themed table service, food stands and quick-service diners! Make sure you don’t miss the Green Army Drum Corps running about!

Animation Courtyard: Animation Courtyard is home to two large theatres which are used for live shows. There’s also plenty of character-greeting locations in this land. Animation Courtyard is home to a variety of Star Wars-themed attractions – perfect for Star Wars super fans!

Overall

Each Disney Park is better for different things, depending on what you and your group are interested in. In my opinion, each park is best for the following things:

  • Magic Kingdom– the best overall park, the overall best entertainment (fireworks, parades, character experiences), gives the most traditional and nostalgic Disney experience, and has something for everyone in your group.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the best park for animal lovers, the park with the best overall theming – and the best park for unique experiences (safari, character meet-and-greet and dining experiences, etc.)
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios– the best park for thrill seekers, Star Wars fans, people who enjoy watching live stunt shows, and Toy Story fans!
  • EPCOT – the best theme park for adults, and the best cultural experience.

This list also happens to be in order from my overall favourite park to least, with Magic Kingdom coming in at the number one spot, and Epcot is my least favourite (despite this, I still love it there!).

If your trip to Disney is long enough to do a day at each park, then I would say it’s worth doing, but if your trip is only a couple of days long, then I’d look to prioritise a full day at Magic Kingdom  and perhaps half days from a choice of Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or EPCOT (although I think they’re worth full-day trips if you can fit it in!)

There’s plenty more where that came from…

Read related Gigs n’ Travel articles

Where to stay in Mallorca (Majorca)

Where to stay in Mallorca (Majorca)

 Where to stay in Mallorca (Majorca)

Mallorca is one of my favourite European beach destinations. With beautiful sandy beaches, old towns to explore, with family-friendly resorts, or lively scenes on the south of the island for those who are party animals – there’s something for everyone.

After travelling to Mallorca a few times over the course of 15+ years, and visiting different areas of the island while out there, I’ve made the ultimate list of the best places to stay depending on how you want your holiday to look!

While I wouldn’t say there are necessarily bad places to stay in Mallorca, there are certain things that aren’t particularly my scene or style of travel.

But it’s good to get an understanding of different areas of the island and what they each have to offer, so you can make the best decision for you! 

 

Before you Travel: If you are planning to travel to multiple places in Mallorca then I recommend renting a car. There are very limited taxi services, with some areas of the Island having absolutely no taxi services at all. Public transport can also run on limited schedules and take a long time, which might limit your travel around the island.

 

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Palma

Starting with the capital city, Palma is a great city to visit with a huge selection of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

A short 15-25 minute transfer from the airport, Palma is a convenient place to base for easy transport links.  

With it being the capital of Mallorca, it has the best public transport connections. If you want to visit Mallorca but are unable to or don’t want to rent a car, then Palma might be your best option to base. This way you can access other areas of the Island more easily with public transport.

Palma is also a popular spot for those who are seeking a party-based holiday – with a variety of bars, clubs, and party boat events going on. However, those who are not into party holidays might want to avoid staying overnight here!

With a large number of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore in Palma, there’s a lot to see! There’s a great mixture of chain stores as well as independent retailers and restaurants in the city.

I am always impressed with how busy and booming Palma tends to be in terms of shopping – which is a nice change from many other cities in Europe with the rise of high streets dying a bit of a death!

 

There’s a variety of fun and unique things to do in Palma: 

Palma Cathedral

The architecture in Palma is impressive, boasting beautiful buildings – particularly Palma Cathedral!

Check out Palma Cathedral, a huge Gothic-style cathedral that is beautifully decorated! With paid entry to the top of the cathedral from where you get a very beautiful 360-degree view of Palma, it’s a unique way to see the city!

Image from: Get Your Guide

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 

Get around the city easily and visit all the major sites by jumping on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Both 24-hour and 48-hour bus passes are available to purchase.   

Palma Aquarium

Open from 9:30am until 6:30pm every day, why not visit Palma Aquarium?

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even do a shark diving experience while you’re there! Don’t worry if you don’t have a diving license – there are two different options for the Shark Diving experience, one for people who have a diving license and one for people who don’t!

Image from: Get Your Guide

The Génova Caves

The Génova Caves are the closest caves to Palma city, it’s easy to get there by public transport by bus or by car. These caves are quite small, so the €12 price tag is a bit steep for the length of time it takes to actually explore these caves – nonetheless, if cave tours is something you’ve never tried, it’s worth doing!

These aren’t the only caves in Mallorca, so it’s worth researching which ones might be best for you to visit if you’re not planning to stay in Palma!

Find things to do in Palma Mallorca:

Should I stay in Palma?

While you won’t be able to see and do absolutely everything, you can see a large amount of Palma within one day – so it is not necessary to stay there overnight. I’ve never stayed in Palma but have visited on day trips from elsewhere on the island.

The downside to Palma is that during the summer months (peak season), it can get very busy and overrun. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, then I’d recommend staying elsewhere.

As well as this, the beaches in this area are nowhere near as nice, or as clean, as most other beach destinations in Mallorca. I visited the Platja de Can Pere Antoni beach, and it was largely underwhelming with no shade, no nearby facilities, and dirty water – the beaches almost anywhere else in Mallorca are much nicer.

My personal opinion on Palma is that it’s nice to visit on a day trip, but other than that I’d only consider staying there if I had no car, or was wanting to visit a lively party area of Mallorca.

If you have your heart set on staying in Palma, but want to avoid the crowds and party atmosphere, then consider visiting during the off-season where it is much quieter!

Magaluf 

Magaluf is located in the southwest of the island, it’s a lively party town, with plenty of hotel options. If you’re someone who’s looking to go out and party the night away, you’ll have lots of fun options here!

However, if you’re someone who prefers a less party-cantered trip, it’s best to avoid this area.

During peak season (June to mid-September), Magaluf is a popular party destination for younger generations – a common ‘first lads holiday’, or ‘first girls holiday’ spot for younger-party makers. This means that the culture in Magaluf is largely based on alcohol when it comes to tourism.

The Spanish government of the Balearic Islands has cracked down on laws that ban drinking alcohol on public roads, tightened rules on party boats, and prevented stores from selling alcohol late at night. Tourists found to be breaking the rules can face fines of up to €3,000.

During the off-peak months, many of the bars and clubs are closed and this area can then become more popular for older generations seeking warmer weather.

Outside of drinking activities, Magaluf is home to many beaches, waterparks, and shops.

Things to do in Magaluf: 

Waterparks and theme parks

Magaluf is home to two popular waterparks, the Western Water Park and the Katmandu Theme Park and Water Park.

The Western Waterpark is the largest park in Magaluf, which is home to the 11th tallest slide in the world!

With multiple slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more – there is something for all ages, making it a great option for a day out regardless of who you’re holidaying with!

Keep in mind that as well as the entry ticket, there are additional costs such as parking, locker hire, and hammocks.

Although Katmandu Park has a waterpark with slides located in it, it’s actually considered to be more of a theme park. It’s home to a variety of activities such as mini golf, a virtual rollercoaster, character meet-and-greets, life-size games, and more!

Most of the attractions at Katmandu Park tend to be focused on children up to 10 years old, so this can be a place to spend the day as a family!

Image from: Get Your Guide

Party the night away

As a popular party destination, Magaluf has plenty to do for party-goers, from a range of bars and nightclubs, to boozy bingo nights, and even party boats!

Note: The Balearic Islands have toughed laws surrounding alcohol in an attempt to clamp down on the negative behaviour seen from tourists in destinations such as Magaluf. These laws effect where you can drink alcohol, when you can purchase alcohol, and regulations surrounding party boats. Always read up on laws and rules before you travel for the most up-to-date guidance.

Sightseeing Cruise

If you don’t fancy a booze cruise, then why not try a sightseeing cruise?

Head out on a boat and explore the coastline, dine out on the sea with lunch, and experience an exciting guided tour of the coastline between Magaluf and Palma!

If you fancy, some boats will offer a dedicated swimming time, where you can dive off the boats and enjoy a swim in the water!

Enjoy the famous Pirate Acrobatics Dinner Show!

The Pirates Adventure Dinner Show is a well-known theatre show in Magaluf, which can seat over 800 guests!

Enjoy the acrobatic pirate show while enjoying a meal and drinks throughout the evening!

The show is designed to be appropriate for all ages, so this is a great option for evening entertainment regardless of your group dynamics!

Image from: Get Your Guide

Have a beach day

Cala Vinyes Beach

Cala Vinyes Beach, which is a short distance outside of Magaluf, is a beautiful cove with a sandy beach, featuring a number of sunbeds as well as space to bring your own towel and chill out.

Cala Vinyes Beach is often a bit quieter than some other beaches in the area, there is both a beach bar and supermarket nearby if you’re looking to spend the whole day here.

 

Cala Falcó Beach

A little bit further out again, you’ll find the beach of Cala Falcó. A beach located within a secluded cove, it is quite small and can get busy during peak season as it’s a popular spot. Cala Falcó has a beach bar located on-site, selling a variety of food and drinks, including fresh smoothies!

Sunbeds can be rented out, but during peak season these need to be booked in advance as they tend to get full very quickly! However, there is still space to bring your own towel to lie on as well.

Find Things to do in Magaluf:

Should I stay in Magaluf? 

Magaluf could be a great choice for you if you want a lively party-based destination – but if that’s not your holiday preference, then I’d avoid this area and stay in one of the following areas Mallorca…

Port d’Alcudia

At the opposite end of the Island, you’ll find Alcudia. Port d’Alcudia is a beautiful beach town, with plenty of hotel and villa options.

The Port d’Alcudia beach is one of my favourites on the island, with plenty of space it stretches across 7 kilometres in length and up to 200 metres wide, making it both the longest and largest beach in Mallorca.

When visiting Alcudia beach, I would recommend heading towards the middle of the beach, away from the Port. This is a more common spot for locals to hang out and tends to be a lot quieter, so you’ll have a lot more space!

There’s also plenty of shade along this area, with trees lining the back of the beach.

Not to mention that the beach and sea are significantly cleaner the further away from the Port you go –  so it’s definitely worth the longer walk down the beach!

If you’re looking for an active holiday, with a variety of water-based activities – from Jet Ski’s to boat tours, to dolphin sightseeing, snorkelling, waterparks and more… then Alcudia is the place for you!

Does Alcudia have much nightlife?

Although Alcudia can be a lively town, containing a strip with lively bars and clubs for the vast majority of Alcudia, you’ll find it to be family-friendly with plenty to do for all ages – from the beautiful beach, the boardwalk, a vast selection of restaurants, shops, and hotel resorts, as well as ferry trips to the nearby island of Menorca.

If you’re looking for somewhere with a lively atmosphere, without it being quite as party-based or as intense as Palma or Magaluf – then Alcudia is the place to go!

What is there to do in Alcudia?

Port d’Alcudia Beach

The longest and largest beach in Mallorca, Port d’Alcudia Beach has plenty of room for everyone! A popular, but clean and large beach – with plenty of amenities such as restaurants, supermarkets, take-aways, and shops nearby!

Here you will find sun loungers, as well as plenty of space to bring your own towels to lie on. Areas of the beach have trees running down the side to shade you from the sun!

Day trip to Menorca

Head to Puerto Alcudia and hop on a boat tour to the smaller neighbouring island of Menorca! Explore the island before heading back to Alcudia!

Water sports

Alcudia is a great spot for getting involved with water activities, rent some Jet skis, try stand-up paddle boarding, go snorkelling, or head out on various different types of boat tours!

There’s something for all ages and abilities depending on what you want to do!

Dolphin watching tours

Head out on a guided trip along the coast and have the chance to see dolphins out in the wild! Although it’s not guaranteed you’ll see them, these tours offer beautiful scenic views along the coast and into the Balearic sea!

Image from: Get Your Guide

Image from: Get Your Guide

Buggy Tours

If you want a unique way to explore Alcudia, why not hop on a buggy tour and explore the area?  

Join a tour guide in a buggy, quadbike, moped, or scooter and spend the day exploring Alcudia and surrounding areas!

Hidropark Alcudia

Alcudia is home to the waterpark known as Hidropark – with something for all the family, this can be a great day out regardless of page! Hidropark offers a variety of slides, wave pools, as well as a shallow play area for younger children.

Hidropark is a convenient and fun option for a day out if you’re staying in Alcudia!

If you’re visiting Hidropark, keep in mind that as well as the entry fee, there are additional costs such as locker and sunbed hire. 

Image from: Get Your Guide

Alcudia Old Town

The stunning Alcudia Old Town is a beautiful place to explore, walk along the medieval streets and explore the Church of St. Jaume.

 

Make sure to visit the Alcudia Market which is held every Tuesday and Sunday from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm!

Vineyard Tour

If you fancy some Spanish wine tasting, why not head to a local Vineyard? Alcudia is only a short trip away from several vineyards, offering wine tasting and vineyard tours!

Image from: Get Your Guide

Find things to do in Alcudia:

Should I stay in Alcudia?

If you’re looking for somewhere with a lively atmosphere (without it being quite as rowdy as Palma or Magaluf), as well as plenty of adventurous activities and a large beach – Alcudia is the place for you!

It is recommended that you have a car to explore further areas surrounding Alcudia, but it is possible to see and do a lot in the town without a car, as long as you stay near the town centre!

Campanet

Just a 20-minute drive away from Alcudia, you’ll find a town called Campanet!

Campanet is a town in the northeast of Mallorca, which isn’t a particularly touristy area compared to everywhere else mentioned in this blog. This is a popular choice for people who want to be close to Alcudia without staying in Alcudia itself. Campanet also attracts tourists who want beautiful mountain views, and a desire to stay in a more authentic town in Mallorca.  

With a good choice of restaurants, bars, cafes, as well as local bakeries in its main square – there are however, very few shops apart from your typical small grocers and a weekly market, which appears on a Tuesday.

Campanet is well-known for its spring water and natural springs, which flow from the mountains and ancient wells – which you can still see when you visit!

Things to do in Campanet:

Coves de Campanet (Campanet Caves)

Campanet is home to the Campanet Caves (Coves de Campanet).

I found these caves particularly interesting; they were large enough for me to spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring!

What made this place even better was the treetop café attached to the entrance/ exit of the cave! The views were beautiful and the staff were lovely!

These caves aren’t as well-known to tourists due to Campanet not being a hugely touristy area, which meant the crowds were low and there was plenty of room to walk around the caves and find a place to sit in the café!

Sant Miquel de Campanet

A small and quiet Christian Church with a café, located in the main square of Campanet.  It is thought to be one of the oldest churches on the island of Mallorca!

Ses Font Ufanes

Ses Font Ufanes is a nature reserve that has great hiking and walking trails. Surrounded by nature. It’s best to visit Ses Font Ufanes after a period of rain, as you will get to see the natural springs!

It is not unusual for some to stop flowing when there has been a long period of dry weather, but even if you don’t get to see them, the walk through Ses Font Ufanes is beautiful regardless!

Ses Font Ufanes is an easy walk/ hike, which is suitable for children.

Campanet Summer Festival

On the second Sunday of July there a festival that runs in Campanet, during the late afternoon into the evening. This happens for eight to ten days!

I actually visited while the festival was on in 2023, with homemade fancy dress costumes, Spanish bands playing a mix of Spanish and English covers, as well as food trucks, and loads of decorations – the atmosphere was incredible!  

I didn’t plan to visit specifically for this event, it just happened to be on, but it was a great experience to celebrate among the locals and I’d definitely recommend it if you happen to be in the area around this time! 

Take a trip to Alcudia

The beach town of Alcudia is only a 20-minute drive away from Campanet, which makes Campanet a great place to stay if you want to visit Alcudia while staying somewhere a bit quieter!

 

Should I stay in Campanet?

Campanet still has a number of villas and Airbnb’s which you can rent for your stay, these tend to be cheaper than many other places in Mallorca due to Campanet not being right on the coast. Often you can get more for your money here, as it’s not a major tourist area.  

Campanet is great if you want to stay somewhere that feels more authentic, so you can embrace the day-to-day lifestyle in Mallorca. However, if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit more to do on your immediate doorstep without having to drive anywhere, then Campanet is probably not the place for you.

It is recommended to rent a car so you can get around easily. However, Campanet does have a bus running semi-regularly to towns and cities such as Inca (where you can change to catch another bus to Palma and other places), as well as changing to catch a bus to the beach towns of Pollensa and Alcudia. 

Sóller and Port de Sóller

Sóller is a traditional and charming town, located in the Tramuntana Mountains on the northwest coast of Mallorca.

Sóller  is a popular town with many shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as the famous Sant Bartomeu Church in Sóller town centre.

Things to do in Soller:

Hiking

If you’re into hiking, then Sóller is the perfect place to base on your Mallorca trip.

From Sóller, you can easily get to the Barranc de Biniaraix to Cornador Gran peak hike, Puig des Tossals Verds circuit trail, and Cúber to Puig de l’Ofre hike!

Port de Sóller

Hop on a tram from Sóller and head to the coastal village of Port de Sóller, where you’ll find beautiful views of boats, water, and waterside restaurants.

Port de Soller is also home to the sandy beaches of Platja den Repic and Sóller Playa.

Jardines de Alfabia – House and Botanical Garden Tour

Just a short drive outside of Sóller, you’ll find Jardines de Alfabia – one of Mallorca’s oldest buildings and its stunning gardens!

Jardines de Alfabia is a beautiful property set in a stunning mountain view landscape, with breathtaking botanical gardens to roll around!

Go on a Boat Tour

Hop on a boat tour and leave the port of Sóller, stopping at multiple beautiful areas along the coast – exploring caves, beaches, and more!

Should I stay in Sóller?

Sóller and Port de Sóller are charming towns, popular but not as touristy as many other locations in Mallorca. It’s close proximity to Palma makes it an easy choice for getting to-and-from the airport, as well as doing day trips to Palma! 

If you’re looking for great views and tranquility , then Sóller would be a great option for you! 

Cala d’Or

Cala d’Or, also known as the ‘Golden Bay’, is a beautiful and popular beach area on the southeast coast of Mallorca.

In this area, the beaches are often smaller, but are some of the most beautiful beaches on the island!

Beaches in Cala d’Or tend to be within coves, where the sea often looks sparkly with more of a green-blue colour as a result of the combination of the sun and surrounding pine trees.

This was the first place in Mallorca I ever visited, and safe to say that there is plenty to do! With a wide range of water sports, excursions, shopping, and restaurants.  

Cala d’Or has plenty of nighttime entertainment but is not a clubbing or party destination, unlike Magaluf. If you want a place where you can enjoy a few cocktails in the evening, without the noise of nightclubs – then Cala d’Or is the place for you!

There are plenty of family-friendly hotel resorts, adults-only sites, or private villas and apartments in Cala d’Or – so there’s something for everyone!

However, it can get rather busy during school holidays – as the years have gone on, Cala d’Or has grown in popularity when it comes to Mallorca destinations, which is something to keep in mind if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter!

Things to do in Cala d’Or:

Beaches

There are a variety of beaches in Cala d’Or, such as Cala Petita Beach, Playa Cala Gran Beach, and Cala Esmeralda Beach!

Sit back and relax on some sun loungers or go snorkelling in the sea!

Explore the Marina

The Marina de Cala d’Or is a great area with a lot going on! A popular place to dine at, the port offers some gorgeous views!

There are also a number of designer clothing boutiques along the port, which are interesting to browse. 

You’ll commonly find a lot of water sports and diving companies offering excursions and courses near the port, which you can book on! 

Drach Caves (Coves del Drach)

The Drach Caves is an approximate 1200m long walk in underground caves, which tend to take around an hour to walk through.

The caves themselves offer a fairy-tale-like experience and are hugely popular due to the giant lake at the end of the cave tour where a classical music concert is hosted!

Water sports

From jet skis to diving courses, there are plenty of water sports-based activities to do in Cala d’Or. If you’re looking for some adventurous activities to do on your Mallorca holiday, Cala d’Or has plenty to offer in terms of water activities!

Should I stay in Cala d’Or?

Cala d’Or is a great option regardless of your group dynamics. It’s family-friendly, and also has many options for adult-only resorts. 

However, it is very popular during peak season, so if you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter then you might want to consider places outside of Cala d’Or! 

Cala d’Or tends to have everything you need to keep you and the rest of your party occupied during your trip to Mallorca, so is a great option! 

There’s plenty more where that came from…

Read related Gigs n’ Travel articles

How to do Disneyland Paris on a Budget

How to do Disneyland Paris on a Budget

How to do Disneyland Paris for cheap 

Disney is great for any age, but it can get expensive. The good news is that it is possible to save a considerable amount of money during a trip to Disneyland Paris!

I’ve been to several Disney Parks around the world, including multiple visits to Disneyland Paris over the years!

Here are my top tips to consider when it comes to saving money on your trip to Disneyland Paris:

Skip to the end to find out how much I spent on my most recent trip to Disneyland Paris, as someone who had a relatively small budget, but still stayed at Disneyland.

*This blog may contain affiliate links that earn a commission to help support this free website. All opinions remain my own. Affiliate links featured in my blog posts will never affect the price you pay, except to sometimes provide you with a discount. Learn more

Getting to Disneyland – Transportation

Your choice of transportation to Disneyland Paris can significantly affect the overall cost of your trip to Disneyland Paris from the get-go, it’s important to check your airport choices and transfer options as they can significantly differ between the three main Paris airports.

 

Flying into CGD Airport

CDG is the most convenient airport to fly to when visiting Disneyland Paris.

From here, you can get the TGV Fast Train to Marne-la-Vallee station, next door to Disneyland Paris.

Getting the TGV Fast Train from CDG Airport to Disneyland Paris

The TGV Fast Trian takes about 10 minutes to get from the airport to Disneyland.

The train station at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is attached to the airport between terminals 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F, on the lower ground. If you’re flying into Terminals 1 and 3, then you can get the shuttle train that gets into the main station, and then get the TGV Fast Train from there.

I wouldn’t recommend booking your train too far in advance, as strangely the price is much higher the further in advance you book! I booked my train less than a week in advance, and it cost approximately £12 for a one way trip to Disneyland.

Had I booked this four weeks or more in advance, the same ticket was going to cost me around £33.40 to book online.

Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy station is right next door to Disneyland. When you arrive, simply follow the signs to leave the station and Disneyland will be about a two minute walk away.

Getting the Disney Magic Shuttle Bus to Disneyland Paris

Alternatively, you can get the Disney Magic Shuttle Bus, which takes approximately 60 minutes, and has departures between every 20-90 minutes

Magical Shuttle operates every day, including public holidays, and costs €24 each way for an adult, €11 each way for a child up to 12 years old, and children 0-2 years old go free.

Taxi from CDG Airport to Disneyland Paris

If you’re arriving late at CDG, then you might have to get a taxi to Disneyland Paris. This is typically the most expensive option, as the prices will vary – especially if you are traveling later at night.

However, if there are enough of you to split the cost, then this might end up becoming better value. The prices really depend on the amount of people and therefore the size of the vehicle you need, but typically can cost upwards of €75 for one way.

If you are a group of adults travelling to Disney, there might be a chance that a taxi can sometimes work out cheaper than alternative options.

You need to consider the number of people you’d be dividing the cost between.

If you’re a family with young children, consider whether the taxi service you’re looking at requires you to pay for young children, given the fact children under two years get a free space on the Disney Magic Shuttle, and children up to 12 years get cheaper tickets – it is often still cheaper to get the Magic Shuttle Bus.

It’s about a 40 to 45 minute journey via taxi to get from CDG Airport to Disneyland.

Overall getting the TGV Fast Train tends to work out cheaper for an adult than any other option, if you book the tickets relatively last minute for £19.80-ish each way, it works out at around €46, whereas a Magic Shuttle will cost you €48 – granted there’s not much in it, but considering the TGV Fast Train is also six times quicker than the shuttle bus, then the TGV Fast Train works out at much better value.

Flying into ORLY Airport

ORLY Airport is a smaller airport with less international airline connections than CDG, however ORLY is closer to Paris City Centre, and both airports are a similar distance away from Disneyland Paris – so this can be a great option to fly into if you can get reasonably priced tickets!

You can get the Disney Magic Shuttle from ORLY Airport

An adult ticket is priced at about €24, with children up to 12 years costing €11, and children under 2 years old go free.

The Magic Shuttle service runs every day and leaves every 20-40 minutes depending on time and season. The journey takes about 45 minutes from ORLY Airport.

Taxi from ORLY Airport to Disneyland Paris

The taxi cost from ORLY Airport to Disneyland typically costs between €75-€105 each way, however this can fluctuate massively depending on group size and time you are traveling to and from Disneyland – so keep this in mind.

Similarly to CDG, it’s approximately a 45 minute drive from ORLY Airport to Disneyland Paris.

Flying into BVA Airport

Many low cost airlines fly to BVA airport, so often flights here are cheaper than flights to CDG or ORLY, however this is because the airport is a lot further out of Paris and Disneyland than other airports.

Taxi from BVA Airport to Disneyland Paris

Beauvais Airport to Disneyland Paris Transfer is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Disneyland Paris – typically costing €160 to €250 for a one-way taxi, depending on the number of passengers.

Typically the price of the cheap flights to Beauvais Airport is not worth the cost of the transfer, so you’re better off flying into CDG, or ORLY for both convenience of transfer time, and better value transfer cost.

Bus and Trains from BVA Airport to Disneyland Paris

Unfortunately, the bus service the Magical Shuttle service that used to run from BVA Airport to Disneyland Paris is no longer available anymore.

As a result, there is no direct rail line between Beauvais airport and Disneyland resort, meaning travelling via public transport is very time consuming.

If you want to travel via public transport from BVA to Disneyland, you would first need to go to the Beauvais train station by bus or taxi, and then take a train into Paris City Centre.

There is also an airport coach service to Paris city centre from BVA airport. Running times of this shuttle can vary, so it’s best to check ahead.

From Paris Centre, you’d need to take a commuter train (RER A) to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy, which is next door to the Disney Hotels.

All together this can take you anywhere between 2-3.5 hours to get to Disneyland, and can cost you anywhere between €17 to €80, depending on the bus or train routes you get.

My recommendation would be to avoid flying into BVA airport if possible, as the transfer route and cost often ends up meaning you’ll pay more than if you paid for a more expensive flight into CDG or ORLY.

Driving

The costs of driving to Paris/ Disneyland Paris will significantly differ depending on where you’re driving from.

You will need to consider the country/ countries you will be driving through, fuel costs, toll roads and transport if you need to cross water. For example, if you are driving from the UK to Paris then you will need to go through the Channel Tunnel.

Driving tends to be a lot more time consuming than flying, but if this works out cheaper for you, then you should definitely consider it!

Eurostar

The Eurostar is a train which connects the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

UK to Disneyland Paris Eurostar

The easiest way to get the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris from the UK is by taking the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille Europe station, and then change to get the French TGV train, which take you to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy, next door to Disneyland.

This route will take you about 3 hours.

Prices can vary, although you can often get good deals. I’ve never gotten the Eurostar to Disneyland as it has always been a more expensive option than flying into CDG in my case.

This isn’t always the case for everyone, it depends on the dates you’re planning to travel, and whether you can be flexible when it comes to getting a good Eurostar deal.

Sometimes Eurostar have sales on, which can provide you to get discounted tickets for a limited number of dates.

From researching the Eurostar website, the cheapest tickets I was able to find were in April, heading to Paris on a Tuesday and returning to London on a Thursday. The cheapest standard ticket was £168.44 for a return for one adult. This ran from London St Pancras, changing at Lille, and then onto Marne-la- Vallée-Chessy.

Belgium to Disneyland Paris Eurostar

To get the Eurostar from Belgium to Disneyland Paris, you will need to depart from Brussel-Zuid station to  Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station next door to Disneyland Paris. This journey takes as little as 1 hour 30 minutes.

 

Netherlands to Disneyland Paris Eurostar

To get the Eurostar from the Netherlands to Disneyland Paris, you will need to head to Schiphol airport, which is just outside of Amsterdam.

The train station at Schiphol is on the bottom floor of the airport. From here you can get a Eurostar to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, which will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

There are also a limited number of direct routes that run from Amsterdam City Centre to Disneyland Paris.

Thalys, who are now owned by the Eurostar Group, also operate a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy five times a week.

It will take you about 3 hours and 50 minutes to get to the Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station at Disneyland, but currently these trains run much less frequently than the trains going from Schiphol.

Eurostar vs Flying from the UK

To compare this with flights at various major airports around the UK, for the exact same dates – this is what I found:

  • London Gatwick, into Paris ORLY ranging from a £54-£57 return, with a free carry-on and flying with Vueling.
  • Heathrow had similarly priced flights ranging from £65 – £108 for a return, with options to fly with either Vueling or British Airways, as well as options to fly into both ORLY and CDG airports.
  • London Luton had flights with EasyJet, ranging from £59-£61 for a return flight, with one free under-seat carry-on, flying into CDG.
  • Birmingham International had return flights for the same dates with EasyJet, for £81 for a return, with one free under-seat carry-on, flying into CDG.
  • Manchester airport had flights ranging from £57-£70 for a return, flying with EasyJet, with one free under-seat carry-on, and flying into CDG.
  • Edinburgh airport had flights ranging from £86-£150 for a return, with EasyJet, including one free under-seat carry-on, and flying into CGD Airport.

However, you need to consider luggage costs and how much you’d like to bring with you.

The last time I visited Disneyland Paris it was December and very cold. I packed several layers, yet still managed to fit everything into just the free carry-on bag that EasyJet let you have. To provide context with how long I went for – I spent two nights at Disneyland Paris and one night in Paris City Centre.

If you want to fly on a budget, it’s best to pack light if possible. If you’re heading in Spring, Summer or early Autumn, this might be a lot easier. If you’re heading during Winter, I’ve proven it’s still possible – just be clever with what you pack!

I personally found having compression packaging cubes and having this bag, ideal for managing to fit everything in.

Flying in and out of different airports

Sometimes it makes it cheaper to fly in and out of different airports, if this is viable for you, then you should definitely check the cost of one-way flights, and the costs of getting to and from the airports and back home.

Last time I flew to Disneyland Paris, I flew from Manchester and back into Birmingham – managing to get cheap train tickets back in the UK made getting to and from the different airports relatively cheap, and more cost effective then it was to get an expensive return flight back into the same airport!

This is not always the case, so you need to play around with your options. I recommend using both Skyscanner and Goole Flights as an easy way to look at your options when it comes to flights.

 

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the major price factors when it comes to a budget Disneyland Paris stay, so making sure to consider all your options is vital.

 

Benefits of staying at a Disney Hotel

Disney offers a range of accommodations, including their budget-friendly options.

The benefit of staying in Disney Accommodation is the fact that the stay includes park hopper tickets for the duration of your stay. This means you can enter and leave both the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park as many times as you want throughout the day.

As an extra bonus, staying in Disney accommodation also means you get to make use of Magic Hour – which is an additional hour in the park before it is open to the general public. This always gives a great advantage when it comes to fast queue times. I typically tend to ride the attractions that usually have famously long lines, such as Crush’s Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain, or Peter Pan.

Typically mid-January to the start of March are the cheapest times to stay at Disneyland Paris, but you might have to play around with dates in order to get a deal.

Disney’s Budget-Friendly Hotel Options

Santa Fe Hotel

The cheapest options when staying on-site at Disneyland Paris is the Cars themed hotel,  Disney Hotel Santa Fe, which is a 2-star Hotel. Santa Fe is a 20 minute walk to the Disney Parks, or an 8 minute shuttle bus, which is free.

Based on four people, staying 2 nights in one room off-season, then the cheapest you can typically book these hotels for around £87 per person, per night. This includes park tickets.

These prices will vary depending on the dates you wish to visit and the number of people you visit with.

Hotel Cheyenne and Disney Sequoia Lodge

The Disney Hotel Cheyenne and Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotels are 3-star hotels, which can also be great options, these are both a 15-20 minute walk from the Disney parks, or an 8 minute free shuttle bus.

Based on four people, staying 2 nights in one room off-season, then the cheapest you can typically book either of these hotels for around £95 per person, per night. This includes park tickets, and hotel features such as use of the swimming pool.

These prices will vary depending on the dates you wish to visit and the number of people you visit with. 

 Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch

The Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch is another budget-friendly Disney accommodation. It is a self-catering 3-star hotel.

However the catch is that it is not based on the main stie at Disney, but in a forest that’s approximately a 15 minute drive away. There is also no free shuttle bus to the parks, unlike all the other Disney hotels on-site offer.

Credit: Ibis Hotels

Non-Disney Hotels

Typically it’s cheaper to stay at a hotel a short drive away from Disney.

If you’re on a budget, then there are several Ibis Budget Hotels, that range from between a 10 to 30 minute drive from the parks.

  • ibis budget Marne la Vallée Pontault Combault
  • ibis budget Marne la Vallée
  • ibis budget Pontault Combault RN4 Marne La Vallée
  • ibis budget Marne la Vallée Bry sur Marne

You can search for budget accommodation on Booking.com – if you’re a regular user you can unlock various levels of their Genius discounts scheme, allowing you to save more money.

However, I would still consider looking at booking through the hotels directly, just to compare the prices also.  

Eurocamp

If you’re looking to stay somewhere with a few more on-site activities to do, a Eurocamp might be a good option.

There is a Eurocamp called ‘La Croix du Vieux Pont’ park in Berny-Rivière.

With a number of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, from swimming pools to laser tag, there’s plenty to keep people of all ages busy!

Not to mention the shuttle service running to Disneyland Paris makes this a perfect place to base for your Disneyland Paris trip.

With accommodation to suit a range of budgets – whether you stay in a tent, mobile home, log cabin, lodge, chalet, or an apartment!

Credit: Eurocamp

Ticket Prices

If you’re not staying at a Disney Hotel, you’ll have to purchase your Disney tickets separately.

The price of Disney tickets can fluctuate significantly across the year, but there are a few ways in which you can reduce the price.

Visiting off-peak

If possible, visit during off-peak seasons, or during the weekday.

Visiting on the weekend will be a lot more expensive and also a lot busier, so its worse value for money.

During my most recent trip, we had access to the parks form Thursday to Saturday, with rides that had 15 minute wait times on the Thursday and Friday having wait times of 60+ minutes on the Saturday.

We left the park on the Saturday, as the price to stay the night also increased drastically at the weekend. 

If we had booked to stay the Saturday night, I would’ve definitely been disappointed with the value for money for that day. 

Dated tickets

It’s typically much cheaper to purchase tickets for specific dates rather than purchasing a flexible ticket.

If you purchase a dated Adult 1-Day/1 Park ticket rather than an Adult 1-Day/1 Park undated ticket, then you can save you up to €49 for each day that you visit.

Dated tickets for 1-4 days can be cancelled and refunded up to 3 days before your chosen date, so if you’re not 100% sure on your dates or your plans change, then you can get a refund until three days prior to your visit.

If you need to change your visit date, you must cancel your existing tickets and purchase new tickets for a different visit date, which might result in you paying more or less depending on the dates you’re booking.

Regardless, this still tends to be cheaper than buying undated tickets.

Authorised ticket resellers

Some authorised ticket resellers offer discounts of up to 20 per cent less.

But be aware that sometimes they also sell tickets for more, so I’d always recommend checking the official Disneyland Paris ticket page before purchasing from a reseller.

It’s important to also be aware of scammers. Although there are legitimate ticket resellers, Disney doesn’t list its authorised resellers.  So it’s best to read reviews and check sites such as Trustpilot before handing over your card details.

For added protection, it is best to book with credit card if you are going to go down this route, and never purchase anything that requires bank transfer as the payment method.

 

Use the Disney annual pass hack

Depending on how often, or how long you’re wanting to come to Disneyland, it could be cheaper to get a Disney annual pass.

Unfortunately, the benefits of the Disney annual passes changed in July 2022, and with that came a rather steep price increase of over €200 for the new pass scheme compared to the old Infinity Pass that was in place previously. The new annual passes costs approximately €289 to €699 per year, depending on whether you buy the Bronze, Silver, or Gold pass.

However, if you are planning on spending around 8 to 12 days a year at Disneyland Paris, then the Disneyland Paris annual pass could provide significant savings over bookings when you compare it to booking a Disney package or booking a booking a hotel and tickets separately.

Previously, the old annual pass was worthwhile in most instances if you were planning to visit Disneyland Paris for 4 days or more throughout the year. So the value of the pass has definitely decreased.

However, if you like to attend multiple times throughout the year for the different events Disneyland put on, such as the Halloween Festival, and Disney’s Enchanted Christmas, the annual pass could be worth it.

There’s no way to say whether the annual pass is the best option for those travelling for 8 to 12 days under every circumstance, because it completely depends on the prices of the entry tickets on the days you’d be planning to visit, and these can vary significantly throughout the week and time of year.

It’s worth crunching the numbers if you know exactly when you’d like to visit throughout the year, so that you can check whether the pas is worth it.  

You should always check the validity period of the annual passes, the cheapest annual pass starts at €289 for the year, but this only gives you access to the park for 170 days o the year, which doesn’t cover peak periods – this will essentially make the pass useless if you typically need to visit during school holidays.

Food options

The good news is that Disneyland Paris allow you to bring your own food and drink into the park! Packaging up some sandwiches and snacks and carrying them around for the day can end up saving you a lot of money.

There’s a variety of restaurants at Disneyland Paris, from fast-food, to fine dining, or all-you-can-eat buffets. With a variety of restaurant choices, also comes a variety of prices.

Restaurants such as Walt’s and Auberge de Cendrillon will set you back a hefty amount.

However, Disney does have more budget friendly, set menu options which usually contain a main such as pizza or pasta, along with fires or salad, and a drink, which typically comes to about €16 (approx. £13).

This tends to be a much better option than dining in themed restaurants, but you’re likely still better off bringing in your own food where possible. However, if you’re staying on-site at Disney then a lot of the hotels won’t have a fridge, this is something to keep in mind.

Disneyland Paris also has a McDonald’s within the Disney Village, which is another option for if you’re looking to eat-out somewhere fast and easy while on a budget.

Avoid unnecessary and expensive add-ons

It’s easy to convince yourself to add on some of the extras during your trip to Disneyland Paris, but if you haven’t been before then I’m here to tell you it’s most likely not worth it.

 

What add-on’s are there?

Disney Premier Access (Fast-track)

Premier Access, or fast-track essentially lets you pay to join a separate shorter queue, the idea is that you skip the queue and get priority access to get on the rides first compared to people waiting in the normal queue. However, there is absolutely no need for fast track when ride times are 5 minutes, which was really common during my trip.

My first two days in the park were Thursday evening and Friday (full-day), during these days my longest wait time was about 20 minutes. 

This did change significantly on Saturday, which was my final day at the park. Here, I was waiting around 45 – 60 minutes for most rides. I can’t vouch for whether this improved throughout the day as I left by 2pm to head to explore Paris. 

Although fast-track was not necessary for my visit, if I only had one day at the park and it was that Saturday – I might have considered purchasing Premier Access / Fast-track. Fortunately for me, I’d already been on all the rides on Thursday and Friday, so spent the Saturday picking out a few of my favourites to ride one last time before I left. 

If you’re visiting Disneyland across a couple of days or more, you should have plenty of time to ride the rides you want. You’ll have access to the Disneyland Pairs app, which will let you know the estimated wait times for rides, so you can plan accordingly.

Tip: If you have access to Magic Hour, my advice is to make use of that hour to ride the rides that typically have the longest wait times (Crush’s Coaster, Peter Pan, Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, etc.) 

Photo Pass

Perhaps this is because on my list visit to Disneyland I didn’t do any character experiences or meet-and-greets, but I did not see a single option where I would’ve used the photo pass. Unlike the times I’ve been in the various Disney World Florida Parks, and have seen members of staff constantly walking round with cameras at the popular photo areas, I did not see this at all at Disneyland Paris.

When most people carry smart phones, and you can bring a digital camera with a non-detachable lens, then why would you pay for a Disneyland Paris Photo Pass?

Guaranteed Access to shows

With shows held regularly, there wasn’t any need to pay to have guaranteed access to shows during my trip to Disneyland Paris. As long as you went and queued for a short period of time before the show, then you were essentially guaranteed a spot.

Perhaps this differs during the peak times of school holidays, but unless this is something that you or your family are desperate to do, then I wouldn’t bother paying for Guaranteed Access.

Particularly as there are other pop-up parades that happen which are not listed on the app. During my most recent three day park visit to Disneyland, I went to three organised parades and firework shows. Yet I still happened to stumble into two other surprise parades which were not listed on the app, and therefore had much smaller crowds (and were much more enjoyable).

Merch

If you want merch, I recommend buying some before your trip. If you are based in the UK and Europe, then Primark often sells Disney merchandise, including Disney Ears for much cheaper than the cost of buying merch at Disneyland.  

If you don’t mind about merchandise not being official, then you can often find some great and affordable designs on Etsy!

How much did my trip to Disneyland Paris cost?

I have done two stays at Disneyland Paris. My most recent was in December 2023 – although I was not on a super strict budget during my trip to Disneyland as I was only paying for myself to go, I still did not want to spend a fortune and was conscious of prices and saving money. 

 

Here is what I did, and how I could’ve made it cheaper:

For Context: I visited while Disney’s Enchanted Christmas 2023 was on.

I visited from the final weekend of November to the very start of December.

I stayed on-site at Disney from Thursday to Saturday, before getting on a train and staying in Paris City Centre from Saturday to Sunday.

I have not included the cost of my stay in Paris City Centre within this pricing, as I want to focus on Disney.

I booked this entire trip relatively last-minute, booking the hotels around a month in advance, and the flights a little later.

Flights

Total: £160 (€186.64 approx.)

I flew with EasyJet from Manchester to CDG, and returned from CDG to Birmingham.

I travelled with carry-on only to save money, and didn’t pay to reserve a seat, so had randomly allocated seats.

I definitely could’ve done this cheaper, but I booked this trip relatively last minute (less than a month in advance), so the plane ticket prices were more expensive than I could’ve booked them for had I organised this trip sooner.

Airport Transfer

I got the TGV Fast Train from CDG Airport to Disneyland, which cost £12 (€13.83).

Accommodation

Two nights at the Disney Sequoia Lodge, in a room that slept four people.

  • This is not the cheapest hotel I could’ve stayed in but is still largely classed as a budget option at Disney.
  • The cost of the room was £863.34 in total (€1,007.09).
  • This was split between 3 adults, which worked out at £287.78pp (or €340.20pp).
  • However, the room slept 4, which could’ve made it approximately £215.83pp depending on whether the price of park tickets for an additional person would’ve altered the overall cost.

Keep in mind that this price also included 3 days’ worth of park hopper tickets with magic hour for each guest.

Food

I didn’t plan how I was going to do food at Disney.

For context: on my first night I bought some snacks from the train station.

During the first and only full day I was at the park for, I ate at the Mcdonald’s in the Disney Village, as well as visiting the New York Style Sandwich shop in the Disney Village.

This offered the set menu where I got the Mickey Pizza, a salad and drink for €16.

On my final day at the park, I tried the Mickey Waffles for breakfast. I stayed at the park until about 2pm and then bought my lunch from the Pret at the train station before I got my train to Paris city centre.

I did buy various drinks at different times throughout my days at the parks, as well as the odd snack here and there, but overall kept my costs fairly low. 

I did not dine in at any of the themed restaurants during my time here (as much as I wanted to – but that’s a plan for another visit!).

In total across my days at Disneyland, I spent £68.58 (€80) on food.

Spending money

I spent £17.35 (€20) on a pair of Disney Ears.

This obviously was not a necessary cost at all, however this was something I’d already decided I wanted to purchase ahead of my trip, so accounted for the costs.

 

Train to leave Disneyland

I got the train from Disneyland (Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy) into Paris City Centre where I then went on to stay another night.

This cost me £5.14 (€6)

 

Grand total

Grand Total: £550.85 (or €638.18) – This works out at £275.42 per night. Keep in mind that this will also vary based on exchange rates. 

Could I have done it cheaper?

I certainly could have done it much cheaper, if I…  

  • Booked my flights in advance, or via other airports.
  • Travelled with another friend so that we divided our room costs by four adults rather than three.
  • Stayed at one of the cheaper Disney Resorts, such as Santa Fe Hotel or Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch.
  • Stayed at an off-site non-Disney hotel and booked my tickets separately. (However had I not done this, I wouldn’t have got the extra magic hour, which I made really great use of during my trip).
  • Not bought any merchandise.
  • Not bought my lunch from the train station on my final day – this was actually my most expensive meal (costing me about £17), it would’ve been cheaper for me to grab a set meal at one of the Disney Village budget diners again or had gone to McDonald’s.

Disneyland Paris FAQ’s

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland Paris?

Day tickets typically vary from £75 to £150 per person per day, depending on the number of parks you wish to visit.

An overnight stay at Disney can vary from £349 to £2,000+ for one night, this is based on one room for two guests. This depends on which Disney Hotel you stay in – with The Disneyland Hotel being the most expensive, and the Santa Fe Hotel being a more budget-friendly option.  

However, these prices include two days worth of Park Hopper Tickets with Magic Hour for each guest!

Which Disneyland Paris is better?

The Main Disneyland Park is definitely the best value out of the two parks at Disneyland Paris. In comparison to Walt Disney Studios, The Main Disneyland Park has more rides, character opportunities, parades, plus a fireworks show.

What is the cheapest month to go to Disneyland?

Typically mid-January to the start of March are the cheapest times to go to Disneyland. The end of November can also be cheap, which is typically just before or just as the Enchanted Christmas celebrations begin.

Can you do two parks in one day at Disneyland Paris

Yes, you can do two parks in one day, but it will take a lot of planning and walking. To get the most out of both parks, you ideally will need to visit during off-peak hours, and during a week day!

Can you take food into EuroDisney?

Yes, you can take your own food to EuroDisney! Just make sure your food is locked away in containers or sandwich bags!

Does Disneyland Paris have fireworks every night?

Yes, the Firework displays at Disneyland Paris happen over the Sleeping Beauty Castle every night! The timings can vary depending on park opening and closing times, so check the Disneyland Paris app to find out when the fireworks display will be happening during your visit!

There’s plenty more where that came from…

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24 Things to do at the Atlantis Bahamas

24 Things to do at the Atlantis Bahamas

24 Things to do at the Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island 

The Atlantis Bahamas Resort is home to an impressive 141-acre water park, including 14 unique pools, 5 miles of white sand beaches, and countless marine experiences for all the family.

The Luxury Resort has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning your first visit, a return visit, or perhaps it’s on your bucket list for the future, here is everything you need to know about what there is to do at the Atlantis Bahamas Paradise Island.

The Atlantis Hotels exist in the Bahamas, Dubai, and Sanya, with the Bahamas Paradise Island resort being the original, it’s no wonder it’s a top choice for so many!

*This blog may contain affiliate links that earn a commission to help support this free website. All opinions remain my own. Affiliate links featured in my blog posts will never affect the price you pay, except to sometimes provide you with a discount. Learn more

Aquaventure

We can’t begin the list without starting with Aquaventure. Aquaventure is the Atlantis Bahamas biggest attraction, commonly voted to be in the top 10 waterparks around the world!

Aquaventure is a 141-acre waterpark, with 11 water  slides, both a lazy river and rapids river, 14 swimming pools, and 6 beaches!

The exhilarating waterpark has complimentary admission for overnight guests of the Atlantis Hotel, but if you’re not staying at the Atlantis and still want to visit then you can purchase a day pass!

Tip: Plan your visit and purchase your passes in advance of when you’d like to visit Aquaventure, as there are only a limited number of passes available each day!

Credit: Atlantis Bahamas Facebook page

Take a dip in the many swimming pools

As already mentioned, Atlantis Bahamas is home to 14 unique swimming pools!

With a totally different experience at each pool, why not try them all out?

One of my favourites was the Grotto Pool, a relaxing pool containing two waterfalls, which deepens gradually as you enter, giving you the same feeling as if you were walking into the ocean.

The Baths Colonnade Pool was also super unique, with large columns with hieroglyphs and rock structures dotted all around and inside the pool.

If you’re coming with children, check out the Ripples Pool, perfect for toddlers and younger children. The Ripples pool features small waterslides, flower water fountains

And if you’re on an adults-only vacation, why not head to The Cove Pool, only available to adults aged 18 and over.

Beaches

With Atlantis Bahamas offering 6 beaches, make sure to check them all out during your stay!

Various beaches offer different atmospheres and activities depending if you want to swim in the water, chill out on the beach, or go down the more adventurous route of snorkelling, paddle boarding, and kayaking!

In total, there are 5 miles worth of golden sand beaches, so there is plenty of space for you and your party to chill out. 

Tip: If you are not staying at the hotel, purchasing a day pass is mandatory to access the beaches at Atlantis. A limited amount of day passes are available each day.

Dolphin Cay

Dolphin Cay is one of the world’s most sophisticated marine habitats with the Caribbean’s premier marine life rescue and rehabilitation facility.

The Dolphin Cay program supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. Founded in 2005, the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation is a non-profit working to protect coral reefs and sea life throughout The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean seas.

There are various experiences you can participate in at Dolphin Cay, with the money guests spend there going towards the Foundation.

By far the most popular activity over the years has been the dolphin meet-and-greet and swim experience – where you join a group, and meet dolphins face-to-face while having the opportunity to ask questions as you learn about the animals!

You also have the opportunity to swim with them for a few minutes each, an on-site photographer takes pictures throughout the entire experience, which you have the opportunity to purchase at the end.

However, over the years Atlantis Bahamas has diversified the activities and experiences offered, from swimming with sea lions, to joining the veterinary team for an afternoon to find out how they care for dolphins and sea lions!

Credit: Atlantis Bahamas Facebook page

For those feeling more adventurous, the Underwater Explorer activity allows you to snorkel alongside dolphins with a hand-held underwater scooter, and swim with the friendly creatures in a deep-water lagoon.

Or, the Swim in Wonder package, is a huge bucket list activity for many – swim freely in a natural ocean-fed, deep-water lagoon alongside the bottlenose dolphins!

You can even do a paddle boarding or kayak experience with dolphins, paddle around as the playful animals follow you along!

As part of your Dolphin Cay experience, you will also gain all-day access to the Dolphin Cay private beach.

Note: Day passes are required for non-Atlantis guests to access Dolphin Cay and beaches. The passes can be purchased on a limited basis.

Marine Adventures

The Atlantis Marine Adventures offers an educational, and personal experience with their trained animal care experts, learning about their conservation and protection efforts of the local marine life.

Every Marine Adventure supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, helping to conserve and protect coral reefs and local sea life.

There’s an experience for everyone at the Marine Adventures in Atlantis, from informative talks about how the Bahamas is protecting its endangered species to the opportunity to meet some of the rescued wildlife that is currently being cared for, with the Rescue Tails and Tales programme.

Or perhaps you’re looking for something more adventurous, then why not take part in the snorkelling at the Atlantis Ruins, where you get to snorkel amongst Stingrays? Another stingray activity known as the Stingray Experience also offers a hands-on encounter with stingrays and tropical fish.  

Tours and Excursions

Want to explore outside of the Atlantis Bahamas resort? Why not book a tour or excursion!

There are a number of excursions you can do within the Bahamas

Find an excursion company or tour guides with GetYourGuide*, from swimming with pigs, to exploring the capital city of Nassau!

 

Tours and Excursions in the Bahamas:

Marine Exhibits

From lagoons, caves, coral formations, and underwater ruins filled with exotic marine life, you don’t want to miss the impressive Marine Exhibits!

There are so many exhibits to explore with over 250 marine species, check out the Sharks, Rays, Smalltooth Sawfish and more!

Thanks to the help of the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, Atlantis is the first and only facility to have reproductive success of the Smalltooth Sawfish, which is a critically endangered species.

One of the most popular exhibits, The Dig, will allow you an exciting way to discover the Lost City of Atlantis and experience the exotic marine life that are home to it.

The Predator Lagoon Tunnel is another particularly popular exhibit. You’ll walk through a transparent 100-foot underwater tunnel within the depths of a lagoon. Offering a 360-degree view from above and below, see sharks, rays, sawfish and more living among bright schools of fish!

Tip: Don’t forget to check out the feeding schedules so you can go watch! 

Picture of taken from a boat of two other boats going into a cave known as the Benagil Cave. There is a hole in the top of the cave with sunlight beaming through.

Credit: Atlantis Bahamas Facebook page.

Fitness and Sports Center

The Fitness Center at the Atlantis Bahamas offers a variety of weight training and cardio equipment, including free weights, machines, as well as spin class studios.

For those people that enjoy wellness, there’s also yoga classes and a wellness area within the Fitness Center!

If all the other pools in Atlantis are a bit too laid back for you, head to the Fitness Center and lack out their four-lane, 25-meter lap pool.

Atlantis has a variety of personal trainers and fitness instructors on site that are certified in yoga, calisthenics, gymnastics, spin classes, and more; there’s bound to be something for everyone.

There are additional costs to personal training or class hires, and you must book in advance of your stay, for more information or to book, check it out here 

 

Rent a tennis court

With six tennis courts, including three Har-Tru courts, and three hard courts, why not play a game or two of Tennis during your stay at the Atlantis?

Whether you want to rent a court, or perhaps book some private tennis lessons, you’ll definitely be able to enjoy a few games here.

Atlantis Bahamas Tennis Courts (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Play a game of basket ball

If Tennis isn’t quite your thing, why not check out the basketball courts? Head over to the fitness center and have a game on the large six-hoop basketball court!

Atlantis Bahamas Basket Ball Court (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Relax in the Spa

Kick back and relax, at Atlantis’ very own award-winning Mandara Spa!

There is something for everyone, from Balinese healing touches, traditional European therapies, and natural elements indigenous to The Bahamas.

The Mandara Spa offers a variety of body treatments, facials, and massages; and is also equipped with warm or cold plunge pools, a steam room, and a sauna.

You’ll also find a full-service salon at the Mandara Spa, including haircare, nails, and men’s grooming services.

 

Atlantis Bahamas Spa (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Golfing

If you’re a keen golfer, you might want to head over to the Ocean Club Golf Course, an 18-hole, par 72 course which is located on Paradise Island’s Oceanside peninsula.

Book a round of golf for up to 4 players, or if you’re thinking of staying at the Atlantis for at least 5-nights, you could book the Golf Getaway Package.

Not an experienced golfer? Why not take part in the Golf Academy, offering private one-to-one or group lessons by PGA Professional staff?

Atlantis Bahamas Golf Course (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Non-Motorised Water Sports

Looking for family-friendly adventurous activities, then head to the South Paradise Lagoon Beach for snorkelling, paddle boats, and other water sports.

Paradise Lagoon Beach offers calm, blue waters in a protected cove with a gradual beach entry perfect for both children and adults!

Paddleboards, water bikes, kayaks, masks and snorkels are available for rent.

Rent a private Cabana

Relax in style by renting a private Cabana for you and your group!

With private Cabanas located around different sites, such as the Coral pool, Mayan Temple, the Current Riverbend, the adults only Cove Pool, the family-friendly Poseidon’s Cabana – which are overlooking the Tirton’s Tower water-play fort and Ripples Pool; or rent a Cabana by the largest pool area – the Bath Colonnades Pool.

Visit the Casino

Both the Sea Glass Casino and the Cove Poolside offer a variety of gambling games, with over 700 of the latest slot machines, and 85 gaming tables with popular games such as Blackjacks, Roulette, and Craps available.

Age restrictions apply when gambling.

Atlantis Casino (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Crush Club (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Hit up the Aura Nightclub

Looking for a good night ‘out’, then head up the grand staircase of the Atlantis Casino to discover Aura, the adults-only Atlantis nightclub.

Mingle in the luxurious club and dance the night away! With incredible dancers and DJ’s, signature cocktails, it’s the perfect way to end an evening at the Atlantis!

Aura Nightclub is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm until 4am.

For teenagers aged 13 to 17, the Crush Nightclub offers the perfect teenage hangout, selling a variety of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a wealth of entertainment! Filled with pool tables, air hickey, foosball, as well as a Gaming Stadium which has 24 gaming consoles – there is plenty to keep them entertained for the evening!

 

Charter a Yacht

AQUAZEAL is a Yacht Chartering company, based at Atlantis’ Marina Village.  You can charter yachts ranging from 60 to 240 feet, accommodating up to 12 guests at a time. You’ll be in safe hands with experienced captains and crew that provide an incredible service!

Find out more here

Shopping at Crystal Court and the Marina Village

Crystal Court is a luxury, high-end shopping centre, which Atlantis Bahamas claims rivals the likes of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. It’s open daily from 10am – 10pm, offering the likes of Belengciago, Cartier, Rolex, Saint Laurent, and many more!

Marina Village is an outdoor marketplace, with over 20 stores, including many Bahamas-based stores that are not available anywhere else.

Marina Village is open to the public, 10am – 10pm daily and has a variety of Dining options.

From the chilled island-vibe of The Dilly Club Bar, to French Inspired Dining at Café Martinqiue, to the causal family burger diner at The Burger Shack – there is something for everyone!

Make sure to check out the Atlantis Bahamas website to check out the dress codes of the different restaurants and bars, as the atmosphere and dress code can vary depending on where you choose to dine!

Find unique souvenirs at the Art Walk

The Art Walk at Marina village offers a variety of local vendors, showcasing their unique Bahamian art.

I really enjoyed exploring the Art Walk, and even picked up a couple things for myself.

There was a variety of creative and unique artwork and trinkets, unlike anything I’d seen back home!

Grab something to remember your stay and support local artists!

 

Create your own Atlantis Pal Stuffed Toy

The Atlantis Pal is essentially the Atlantis version of ‘Build a Bear’. Great for kids (or adults who want something to take home to remember the Atlantis!)

Choose from a selection of bears, dogs, cats, and pink flamingos, and then stuff them yourself! After that, pick out some accessories to dress your new Atlantis Pal in!

 

Celebrate at the Junkanoo Festival

The Junkanoo Rush Outs is one of the Caribbean’s most famous carnivals. Taking place every Tuesday and Friday at 9pm in the Marina Village.  

Junkanoo gives you an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself and celebrate Bahamian culture.

Atlantis Junkanoo (Credit: Atlantis Bahamas)

Enjoy the bright, beautiful handmade costumes, the sounds of the drums, whistles, and horns and celebrate the incredible culture of the Bahamas!

Do some Pottery Painting

A perfect family activity, Atlantis is home to Fire and Earth Pottery Painting.

This was something a bit different from the typical activities I would usually do while staying in a resort but was definitely a lot of fun!

There’s a variety of pottery choices to paint before they’re kiln-dried and you can pick them up the following day!

Here was our recreation of Patrick Star!

If you’re not going to be available to pick it up the next day, Fire and Earth also have a variety of quick pottery sessions available, which you can take back the same day.

Note: The Atlantis Bahamas website states Fire and Earth Pottery is temporarily closed. There is currently no information on reopening dates.

 

Have some quiet time in the Library

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, why not escape to the Atlantis Library?  

The Atlantis Library has over 2,000-volume collections across fiction, history, science, sports, leisure, and Bahamian culture – so there’s something for everyone!

Open from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, you can also keep your young children entertained in the toddler section, which offers a small obstacle course, children’s bookings, and a colouring and crafts station.  

Head to an Atlantis Live Concert

Big names with the likes of Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, Bruno Mars, Lizzo, Justin Bieber, Lionel Richie, and many more have taken to the stage at the Atlantis Bahamas. Janet Jackson is one of the latest big names to be added to the list as she takes to the stage in 2024! 

When I last visited the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus were playing!

Keep an eye out to see if any artists are playing when you’re visiting. You will have to purchase tickets, but when the concert is right on your doorstep it’s definitely worth it!

View upcoming events and concerts here.

So here is an extensive up-to-date list of everything to keep you occupied during your trip to the Bahamas! 

If you haven’t booked to stay already and this list has just persuaded you, why not check out the Atlantis Hotel options now? 

Atlantis Bahamas FAQ’s

How much is the Atlantis Bahamas?

The cost of visiting Atlantis Bahamas depends how many people you’re travelling with, and which resort you’re staying in. Typically the cheapest resort you can stay in is The Coral. The cheapest this has been booked for recently is around $296 per night, but this can range significantly depending on when you book and when you visit.

Is the Atlantis Bahamas all inclusive?

The Atlantis Bahamas is NOT an all inclusive resort, it is a full-service resort. However, you can sign up to meal plans, which offer guests various options depending on where you would like to dine and which Atlantis resort you are staying in.

What is the best month to go to the Atlantis Bahamas?

High season: mid-December to April (best weather)

Shoulder season: Mid-April to mid-June (less crowds, cheaper, and still high chances of nice weather)

Low season: August to November (cheapest and best for budget travellers)

Keep in mind that hurricane season can run from June to November

Is the waterpark free if you stay at Atlantis Bahamas?

Yes, the Aquaventure water park is free to use if you’re staying at the Atlantis. As an Atlantis Bahamas guest, you will have access to the 141-acre waterpark.

Beach towels are provided daily free of charge at the Aquaventure Guest Service locations.

Other Atlantis services including the Mandara Spa, the Comedy Club, and the Business Center, are available for an additional fee.

Can I walk around the Atlantis Bahamas?

You can walk around the shopping villages and Casino (age restrictions apply) at the Atlantis Bahamas. However, you cannot access the waterpark areas without purchasing a day pass. Atlantis Bahamas has stepped up its security due to people trying to sneak in without paying for a pass.

How many days do you need at Atlantis Bahamas?

Atlantis Bahamas has a minimum two night stay, however you probably won’t have time to see everything the resort has to offer in that time frame.

Four to Five days is generally enough to see everything that the Atlantis has to offer, including use of all pools and beaches at the Aquaventure Waterpark, as well as trying a dolphin experience with Dolphin Cay and perhaps making use of the other facilities such as the Fitness Center and Mandara Spa.

There’s plenty more where that came from…

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