Welcome aboard planDisney, Ehren. An August cruise with Captain Mickey is the perfect sailaway party before the kids go back to school. We always try to make these
Port Adventures memorable so they float to the top of our minds producing endless smiles.
When we had our dolphin encounter, my wife and I said that if we were going to do it we would do as much as we could with the dolphins. Our boys were 13 and 9. We chose the experience at the time that was most like
Dolphin Swim at Dolphinaris - All Inclusive (CZ38) in
Cozumel, Mexico, because we wanted to do everything as a family. We wanted to watch each other ride on the dolphin's belly and dance with them. Yes, the pictures of them kissing us are also adorable. This excursion also has the opportunity to visit Serenity Cove to see more marine life. Also, Cozumel is the first stop on the itinerary, and if there is any weather or excursion issue you may have another chance at
George Town, Grand Cayman, to do the
Cayman Dolphin Extreme Swim (G55) or
Dolphin Encounter and Stingray City (G47) (if the 7-year-old is into stingrays then this is a huge win) at Dolphin Discovery. Again, I always look to "plus" my experience so if there is an option to see more and do more then I choose that option. Your family may want something more subtle.
The bottom line is you cannot go wrong with dolphin encounters at either port of call for your family including the 7-year-old junior sailor. A bit of advice: Look at the other excursions at the port of call and if something else looks awesome then do that one and do the dolphin encounter at the other.
Ehren, I wish I could give you the practically perfect in every way answer. Just know Disney Cruise Line chooses their vendors for their reputation and high quality of service. Every option is a great option. Please feel free to
write me back directly with any follow-up questions or for other Disney vacation planning tips.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories on the High Seas.
~Jason