Another year of bedtime stories, serving up mom’s magic meatloaf, bleaching baseball pants and hosting mega sleepovers entitles you to that one divine day. How better to pamper yourself or your own mom than a day in Orlando devoted entirely to YOU. And how better to accomplish that than a spa day at Walt Disney World! Perhaps the toughest task will be deciding where on property to achieve Queen for a Day status. It may take some planning and strategic thinking, but pure bliss is in sight…
Surely the best known “pleasure palace” is Senses~ A Disney Spa. Located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, these full-service spas offer everything from simple manicures, (though the Disney Minnie Manicure is surely the way to go), to a signature “Sweet Red Rose Body Treatment”. In Princess Perks: Senses~ A Disney Spa, I write of my experience with the Express Package; a Swedish massage, a facial and a manicure.
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| The manicure station |
Spa Day at Walt Disney World
The spa itself is a beauty, though the common spaced are not very large. Be aware, if you want to book a treatment at either of these two spas, leave ample time- months if you can. During holidays and runDisney weekends, they are especially busy. I spent this entire week leading up to Mother’s Day trying to call Senses~ A Disney Spa , but was not able to once get past a busy signal.
If you are a last minute gal or guy, try the Mandara Spa located in the Walt Disney World Dolphin. They, too, supply pampering extraordinaire in exquisite surroundings.
In addition to intoxicating body treatments, they also have a beauty salon with a full range of hair services, which is a nice touch after your Mandara Balinese Body Polish. If you are a guest at either Walt Disney World Swan or Dolphin, you may schedule your appointments on-line. (No busy signals!) I LOVE this spa.
If you still can’t secure the treatment of your dreams, there are several other lesser known facilities for a spa day at Walt Disney World. (Unfortunately, all use the same reservation number, 407- WDW-SPAS.)
La Vida Health Club (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
Muscles & Bustles Health Club (Disney’s Boardwalk Villas)
Olympiad Fitness Center (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)
Sturdy Branches Health Club (The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)
Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)
With so many choices for Mother’s Day, you’ll be primped, pampered and whistling Hakuna Matata before May!!
spa day at Walt Disney World
Sounds heavenly to me! I could go for a good spa treatment right about now! How many of these spas have you personally experienced?
I've been to the Senses spa at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa once and the Mandara twice, and have only good things to say about both. (Shall I tell Ashley??! :D)
One day I will indulge in a Disney Spa! Have you gone to a Disney Spa, what is your favorite thing about it?
I have, and although I must say it is hard to pick just one favorite, I think the serene quiet, juxtaposed to the Disney Parks "energy" is sublime!
Wow, Donna, I didn't realize there were so many options at Walt Disney World! Last year I treated the girls to manicures at Mandara Spa over at Disney's Grand Californian Resort — they loved it! What is your favorite spa memory?
Such lucky gals Mike! I would have to say that treating myself to the massage, facial and manicure after last year's Princess Half Marathon was soooo special. I finally felt that I was "worthy" of a spa mini- day!!
Oh my goodness!! I would love to try any (or all) of them!! Sounds like the perfect way to spoil Mom to me.
Note to selves Donna… #PrincessHalf 😀
I love the spas. Have not had a chance to try Sense yet but can't wait!
Everything in due time, right Mary??
I have never indulged in the spas – I love the idea but never actually make the time! Do you have favorite massage types or go for other treatments?
Hi Jenn. I'm not a regular spa-goer, and would not have thought of it when my kids were young. BUT a massage post half marathon is pretty darn spectacular!!
Sounds so delightful! I haven't been to the spa at the Grand Floridian since it changed over to Senses. How is it different?
I never had a treatment at the former spa, (though ironically I did accompany my son there once for an "emergency" massage). The updated color scheme and peaceful setting is much preferred!!
Enjoying the Disney spa experience is definitely a "someday" treat for me – right now I'm too busy *being* Mom to indulge!
Understood Tricia- the important work needs to take place before you can relax and enjoy!
How do you schedule these during a WDW trip? On a non-park day? On a half part day?
I think I'd feel like I was missing out on park time if my family was at the park without me. How do you schedule it?
I have done 2 blow outs and one manicure through the many years; only around pool or down time for the kids. BUT, I did a mini-spa day after last year's Princess Half Marathon and felt deserving! I will admit- spa time does get easier once your kids are older and more independent. 😀
They all sound perfect for Fathers Day as well 🙂
Sean, you are brilliant- I will promote this pre-Father's Day too. I hope you get a nice gift certificate!!!
Yes please! Those would be wonderful! Do you indulge in these on a regular trip to WDW or after a race!?
I confess! I had my 3 indulgences, (2 blowouts and a mini spa day), on race weekends. I had to feel worthy!! BUT, I'm coming around… 😀
Sign me up! Any Disney Spa experience would be tops in my books! We tried to book spa appointments for the morning of our vow renewal and they don't open early enough to accommodate!