Exploring Atlantis on your own...is it worth it?

[DIS_MIKE]

Hi Everyone!

I'll be embarking on my first Disney cruise soon and was wondering if anyone has checked out Atlantis and if it's worth going out there. I know they offer paid excursions there but I'm sure there's other options as well. My DCL travel agent told me it was roughly a 25 minute drive to the resort so my guess would be you'd have to find transportation.

 

[bobbiwoz]

It is expensive, but we've done the DCL Atlantis swimming excursion twice with our extended family. My DH is just hard headed about doing it through DCL, but many here do Atlantis by booking a room at the associated hotel that gives you swimming privileges at Atlantis.

DH & I were in our mid 60's when we went, and we did not do all of the slides but we both absolutely loved the experience and our family members were thrilled!

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

We actually did the Atlantis beach day excursion and all decided that next time we would skip that and do Atlantis on our own.

 

[Never to old]

We took a taxi a few years ago to the resort. The fare was 4.00 a person. It was easy to get a taxi at the welcome center. You can go to the casino and the shops without paying. We didn't win so I can't tell you how your paid if you do win. You can't really walk around without paying. There are people checking to make sure you have a wrist band on for the area. We bought tickets right there to go see the aquarium. It was small and just ok. I wouldn't spend the money to do that again. The biggest thing to keep in mind when traveling on your own. The taxis don't leave until they are full. So just make sure you are allowing yourself enough time to get back to the port. I did see there are ferries that will take you over. I think round trip was 6 or 8. They also don't leave til full (per tourism website).

 

[scootch]

We have done it twice. Took taxi, $4 each way and rented room at Comfort Suites next door. checkin/checkout same time, they give you a card to walk over and give to desk near the Dig and you get a wristband that is good for all slides, pools and beach. When done, plenty of taxi's waiting outside Atlantis to take you back. Love spending the day there!