What is it really like traveling to an AI with a toddler?

[Purple]

Before we had kids we've been to a handful of all inclusives (mostly adult only). But I'm starting to get the vacation itch and I'm wondering if it is more trouble then it's worth. I know vacations will never be the same. Will we be bored at an AI in the Caribbean with a 2 year old or will we be never able to sit down and relax? As of now, my daughter thrives on routine/schedule.

I want to hear good and bad.

[Deleted]

We don't do AI because they aren't our style, but we travel quite a bit with our three kids. It's fun, we like it. But we usually aren't trying to sit around and relax, we go on vacation to see and do so maybe that's the difference. I think it would be fine.

[thebreakfastclub]

Oooh I'm following this.

H is not a major beach guy, but we haven't been on vacation in 2 years, and now it's time. I would like to do an AI for a few days this spring.

[Deleted]

We haven't taken DD to an AI yet, but I love AI's and I think they are perfect for kids.

Where are you thinking about going?

[t]

We did an AI when DD was 6 months. It was fine. I would definitely do it again.

If you have the budget, Beaches in Turks and Caicos is awesome. I'm dying to take my kids there (we went for our HM).

[Purple]

Jan 16, 2015 11:36:34 GMT -5 @roseyposey said:

We haven't taken DD to an AI yet, but I love AI's and I think they are perfect for kids.

Where are you thinking about going?

I didn't even start looking yet, but somewhere in the Caribbean or Mexico most likely.
I like the idea of an informal buffet with an option of going to a restaurant if we want. I would feel most comfortable at a place that is not going to be stuffy about 2 year olds being there! 

[t]

Jan 16, 2015 11:42:15 GMT -5 @lcap said:

Jan 16, 2015 11:37:38 GMT -5 t said:

We did an AI when DD was 6 months. It was fine. I would definitely do it again.

If you have the budget, Beaches in Turks and Caicos is awesome. I'm dying to take my kids there (we went for our HM).

Is it nice? How are the restaurants? I've been looking into where we'll go next year. Our quote from there for five people was eight something. So with flights it'll be around ten all in. Do you think it is worth that? Fwiw, we're going to a Beaches in Jamaica later this month and I think our room/food rate came out to be high six something. But the Turks and Caicos resort gets really good reviews on Trip Advisor so it has peaked my interest. It seems to be widely regarded as one of the best family friendly AIs.

Well, I cried on our last day because I was so sad to leave...if that's any indication.

I thought the food was good for an AI.  I've definitely had better AI food (Grand Velas in Playa del Carmen was really, really good), but there are so many choices you're bound to find more than a few places you like.  We had brick oven pizza by the pool almost every day, which was very good.  I think, for kids, you can't beat the activities available.  The waterpark opened a week after we left, but I have a friend who went and said it was great.  The kids clubs looked pretty awesome and served every age group. And I know they have a sitting service so that adults can go to the adult-only restaurants.

To be honest, I have no clue what we paid.  DH booked the whole trip as a surprise to me - I found out where we were going once we arrived in Miami to change planes.  I was just told to pack for the beach  We went in 2009, so I imagine the prices are a bit different now.

[Deleted]

Jan 16, 2015 11:41:29 GMT -5 Purple said:

Jan 16, 2015 11:36:34 GMT -5 @roseyposey said:

We haven't taken DD to an AI yet, but I love AI's and I think they are perfect for kids.

Where are you thinking about going?

I didn't even start looking yet, but somewhere in the Caribbean or Mexico most likely.
I like the idea of an informal buffet with an option of going to a restaurant if we want. I would feel most comfortable at a place that is not going to be stuffy about 2 year olds being there! 

I think any AI that isn't an Adults Only is fair game, and I think with the several different food options is so ideal with a toddler. 

When picking a place, I'd check out to see if there's a kids club or something similar, that way even if your child isn't old enough, you know there will probably be more kids and less stuffy. 

[shaynaatl]

Also following. We will be at a family AI in Playa Del Carmen (Azul Fives) this summer with a 16 month old.