Disney Cruise - Atlantis excursions

I have NOT done either of these excursions. On our day in Nassau I saw with the dolphins at Blue Lagoon. (AMAZING!)

However, our table mates spent the day at Atlantis. From talking with them as well as others onboard, my understanding is that if you do the Discover Atlantis tour vs. the Beach Day, the big difference is --- wait for it --- no beach on the Discover Atlantis tour. To be specific, no beach, water slides, or pools.

My understanding (although not first-hand experience) is that admission to the aquariums (regardless of which tour) includes all "tanks."

I know it's not a definitive answer, but I hope it helps some.

- Dreams

I also haven't done these tours, but have the same idea about them as Dreams. I think that they have the same aquarium access. The biggest difference is that on one you can swim and use the beach/pools and on the other you can't.

i have asked about this on other forums and the generaly feeling is get off the boat and get a water taxi (about $4 each) and go over to atlantis and do your own thing and pay for your own thing, its MUCH cheaper than doing a disney arranged tour.

Thanks for the responses! I wanted to be sure about the aquarium access.

@Robyn: I have heard that booking Atlantis without disney is cheaper as well! I checked their website and read some reviews and the pricing is definitely better the way you've suggested. My only concern is that if I'm late coming back for the ship, they can leave without me! If you book a Disney excursion the ship is required to wait for you.

I know the likelihood of missing the boat is slim to none, but for the few extra dollars I think it will make it easier for me to relax on the excursion.

JP - I always feel safer booking through the ship as well.

I booked one non-ship excursion once in Costa Maya, and that ended up being a day the weather was too rough to make port. I lost all that money. If I had booked through the ship I would have gotten it back. My father In-Law swears by booking on your own, but I won't be doing that again.

Yes, that was my other worry. I'm going during hurricane season and wouldn't want to loose the money due to being unable to make port. There are so many variables when booking on your own that I'd like to pay the extra and save the worry and planning. I mean, why else would I be planning a Disney vacation? I am glad to pay more money to have Disney do the planning and me doing the relaxing.

UPDATE: After much deliberation, hubby and I decided not to do an excursion in the Bahamas.

But not to worry! We decided instead to use our planned excursion money towards. . . . .

A 3-night Contemporary Resort - Theme park view room!!!

We will be staying there after our cruise. Wow, I am soooo excited

How cool!! Congrats!