Ahoy, Susan!
Congratulations on your FIRST Disney Cruise! I can remember the excitement I felt before our first cruise and to tell you the truth, I still get just as excited when we are planning a magical voyage with Mickey. And your girls are perfect ages to experience all the magic and wonder found aboard Disney Cruise Line.
I'm glad you stopped by to "sea" us with this question because I don't think you'll be missing out by not going to the Atlantis Resort. In fact, my advice is to stay aboard and enjoy the ship as your destination on your day in port. There is so much to do onboard as a family including
Character meet and greets, games, pool time,
first-run movies, animation classes, BINGO and so much more. You'll stay up-to-date with all these activities by checking the daily cruise newsletter, the Personal Navigator and the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. The Personal Navigator gets delivered to your stateroom each evening, and the app is available for download for Apple or Android devices. It is free to use onboard using the ship's Wi-Fi in airplane mode.
If you do decide to stay onboard, your princesses also have the option to visit the
Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. The youth counselors will have plenty of fun planned for all who check in for secured programming. Some of my daughter's favorite activities at that age were Super Sloppy Science, Anyone Can Cook and Pluto's Pajama Party so be on the lookout for those!
Thank you for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel and good luck with your plans.
Have a magical day!
Nancy