Disney Dream -ATLANTIS Dolphin Experience

On the second day of our cruise, we stopped in Nassau, Bahamas, and we had arranged an excursion to swim with the dolphins at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.  The weather still wasn't the greatest as the tropical storm was passing from the west to the east, so we experienced quite a bit of rain along with thunder/lightning that day.

Prior to heading over to Atlantis, we took our excursion tickets provided by Disney Cruise Line and met at the designated time, down in the Buena Vista Theater.  Upon checking-in, we were given stickers to meet up with the other group of people who were also scheduled to depart.  A short while later, we were brought outside and met with a tour guide who checked our tickets and handed us wrist bands that needed to be worn for the dolphin experience and to use the water park area.  They also gave instructions on where to get a meal for lunch that was included.  Then, we boarded the shuttles that took us over to Atlantis.

From there, we were instructed where to meet the shuttles to return back to the port and the latest times we needed to leave to ensure we arrived back on time.  Atlantis is HUGE, so make sure you are fully aware of the location to meet the drivers.   Another guide walked us through the Atlantis resort and over to the Dolphin Cay area (it was not close by) where we were met by the dolphin trainers.  They took us into a room where they explained what the experience would include and answered questions.  Everyone was given a wet suit along with a souvenir mask/snorkel and directed where to put belongings in the lockers provided.

It was time to step into the water and meet our dolphin friends.  Having never been in the water with a dolphin, we were excited to experience the deep water swim with these brilliant mammals.  ​

There were several people visiting with different trainers and dolphins at the same time.  We were introduced to the dolphin assigned to our small group and the trainer explained what we would experience.  Everyone took a turn doing the different things mentioned by the trainers with the dolphins.  Unfortunately, our session was interrupted by lightning.  We were asked to leave the water until it was safe to return.  

About 30 minutes to an hour later, we were able to resume our session.  I opted to take some photos of the kids interacting with the dolphins instead.  

Afterwards, we went to use the water park slides, but due to the storm nearby, all of the attractions were closed, so we ate and waited.  The meal was a quick one with burgers and fries.  We found some chairs to stay by.  Eventually the areas opened up and so the kids went to look at the slides but ended up using the tubes in the lazy river area. 

On the way back to the port, we stopped to admire the surrounding areas at the resort.  It's a beautiful place to visit!

That evening at dinner, we compared our experience with the family who was dining with us.  They too did a dolphin excursion, but they opted for the one at the Blue Lagoon.  While we enjoyed our time with our Flipper friends, it sounded like their experience might have been a little more interactive than ours, and the cost was less too, so if we were to do this again, we would probably try out that one next time.