Welcome aboard, Dawn! You're getting closer and closer to your Disney Cruise sail date! How exciting!
My daughter and I loved every single moment of our dolphin swim when we experienced it on one of our Disney cruises! You are in for such a memorable day! Plus, Atlantis is surely a resort to see!
The Atlantis Dolphin Cay Shallow Water Interaction and Discover Atlantis does not include access to swim in the pools or beach at Atlantis. But, let me tell you, that you will have so much else to discover there, you will not miss the beach at all. There is a small beach to enjoy when you interact with the dolphins though, so you will have a chance to get your toes in the sand!
After that (or before, depending on your dolphin interaction time), you'll have access to the amazing replicas of the Atlantis ruins and the gorgeous aquarium. Since the aquarium is smack in the middle of the resort, you'll still be able to walk all around the pools and see the beach from there, and you'll have plenty of time to grab some lunch and check out the shopping and other sights at the resort.
If you're up for a full adventure day, you'll need to book the
Atlantis Dolphin Cay Shallow Water Interaction and Aquaventure adventure instead. It costs more, but does include the amazing waterpark at Atlantis. My family hasn't done Aquaventure, but we've enjoyed exploring Atlantis and believe me, you will have plenty to do without even setting foot in the pools or beach. Plus, you'll be headed to Disney's Castaway Cay on your cruise, and there is no better beach than that!
I hope those details help as you continue to plan, Dawn!
-Marcy