Atlantis Aquaventure Excursion - better to buy direct?

[sunny4]

Hello - We have booked the Atlantis Aquaventure excursion for our upcoming 4-night Bahamian Cruise on the Dream. The times listed are 9:45 to 2:45. I see that the ashore and onboard are 9:30 to 5:15. It seems like we are going to be extremely rushed at Atlantis - I am beginning to question if we'd be better off getting to Atlantis on our own, and buying a day pass when we get there? It seems much cheaper ($690 through Disney, versus $468 + water taxi on our own), and then we could stay a little longer too? Thoughts??
Is the excursion transportation a bus that picks you up at 9:45 at the port, and then picks you up at 2:45 at Atlantis?
It will be me, DH, DD11 and DS9.
Thanks!

 

[SuJo]

Last time we were there we got a room at the hotel across the street which included a wrist band to go to Atlantis. So the four of us got in for about $250. I believe the hotel is a Comfort Suites.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When we did Atlantis Aquaventure through Disney, the back to ship shuttle may have begun at that time, but it was a continuous run. We were given the times the shuttle ran back when we got to Atlantis. Maybe it's changed, but that's what we experienced.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I am beginning to question if we'd be better off getting to Atlantis on our own, and buying a day pass when we get there?

The risk with planning to walk-up to Atlantis and buy a daypass is that they might not be selling any day passes. They stop selling day-of passes if they've maxed out the number of hotel guests, plus cruise excursion and other pre-arranged day passes. I just saw a report that they're doing that now (during peak spring break weeks). They've done so before, though the source for this most recent report is unverified.

 

[sunny4]

Thanks everyone! I think we will cancel the excursion through Disney, and buy the day pass ahead online. I would hate to get there and have them be sold out!