Disney’s Resort Massage & Fitness Spa Reviews

[littleolliesmom]

Great thread everybody. Very informative for those curious about the spas. I just wanted to let you guys know that all the spas on Disney property were being run by a third party. Since the GF spa has closed, they are completely remodeling the spa. So it will be completely brand new and beautiful. Also, I'm very excited about this, Disney will be taking over and running the spas. No more third party company! Disney had been getting so many complaints about the spa customer service that they decided to end their contract with them and run everything themselves. This means NEW staff, new menu new everything! Im a massge therapist and have applied for the GF spa and hope to be working there soon. They said it would reopen before christmas. Once the GF spa is up and running they will be closing down Saratoga Springs spa for a remodel as well and hire all new staff. They want both spas to provide exceptional service. So remember if you had a horrible experience before, things will be different. I will post any new information I hear. When they will be taking appointments, new menu offerings and if I got the job!

 

[RDP]

When does Disney take over the running of the Spa's? Sounds good! Can't wait to see the GF refurb.

 

[littleolliesmom]

They have already taken over the GF, so as soon as it opens its Disney. All the little spas at the fitness centers will be taken over shortly after that. and once the Saratoga springs reopens in the summer it will be operated by disney

 

[RDP]

Good times! Love the whole spa thing! Very interested to see how they have improved the facilities. Any update on what they are doing at the YC, I hear they are improving those facilities also, hoping they will be ready for my upcoming November trip.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[littleolliesmom]

If I hear anything I will let you know!

 

[cybrkitn]

I have been thinking about doing a couples only massage for DH and I. I keep reading on this thread that the GF spa is re-opening in December. Does anyone know when in December it will open? We'll be in Disney 11/29-12/8.

Thanks

 

[littleolliesmom]

I was told by management it will be before christmas and they were going to start taking reservations a month ahead of opening. Thats all subject to change but as of now they are shooting for early December. I will post as soon as I know when they are taking reservations and if theres a concrete date!

 

[cybrkitn]

I was told by management it will be before christmas and they were going to start taking reservations a month ahead of opening. Thats all subject to change but as of now they are shooting for early December. I will post as soon as I know when they are taking reservations and if theres a concrete date!

Thanks.

I was wondering if any of the spas do couple massages? I clicked on one link that was given in this thread and didn't see it listed.

 

[littleolliesmom]

GF will be doing couples massages and I believe Saratoga Springs offers them as we'll. I don't think the other resorts have the capacity since the treatment rooms have limited space.

 

[RDP]

I think the YC massage facilities will be shut when I visit between the and 11th of November (unless the refurb is complete), any suggestions for the next best place to go. Has anybody had massage at Boardwalks gym? Considering Mandara at the Dolphin. Thoughts? TIA

 

[Andreak0428]

I figured that was what was happening! I just called to try and get some gift certificates for our upcoming trip in June and the lady told me that they were not making appointments until January for the GF (and also could not purchase gift certificates) and then she said the Saratoga Springs would be closed in January.

I may have to make my own gift certificates since they are for Christmas gifts!!! I am going to Florida for the weekend in November. Maybe I will try and head over to the GF and see about getting them!

 

[pixie08]

DH and I had a couple's massage at Mandara this past August. Our friends (also a couple) also had one while we were there. We have had massages at SSR, GF, Mandara (7 years back though), BWI &AKV.

This was by far the superior service to date at Disney. The service itself was fantastic, customer service was bar none and the facilities blow any of the Disney ones out of the water. Now I know the spas at Disney are undergoing renovations and management changes and I really hope to see positive change as some have been good, some bleh and some bad.

We are going to be staying at SSR in Nov., but I am seriously considering heading to the Dolphin again for a couples massage. For couples they have a better facility with the co-ed lounge and a treatment that has a huge beautiful room, jacuzzi soak and optional lunch. I wish Disney would offer this!

 

[RDP]

Thinking of booking a treatment at the Mandara ( Dolphin) Anybody been lately? How was it?

 

[Kelleigh710]

Thinking of booking a treatment at the Mandara ( Dolphin) Anybody been lately? How was it?

We just got back from Disney last week. We had an 80 minute couples massage at Saratoga Springs and the service was nothing short of amazing! My husband and I do this every year to kick off our Disney vacation and the attentive staff, enormous couples treatment room, and the amenities of the spa are all superb. I highly recommend! We actually stayed at the Dolphin for the first three days of the trip, with the Mandara Spa in the lobby. There is certainly a reson as to why we trekked all the way to Saratoga Springs instead of walking downstairs. The Mandara, in my opinion, has always been lacking the Disney standard of service. I have been in there for a few things uch as pedicures and waxing and have always been made to feel uncomfortable or inferior because I wasn't spending a large amount of money. I just didn't get the warm and fuzzies and as far as service goes, it was the typical service I would get at home. I would recommend Saratoga any day of the week.

 

[RDP]

We just got back from Disney last week. We had an 80 minute couples massage at Saratoga Springs and the service was nothing short of amazing! My husband and I do this every year to kick off our Disney vacation and the attentive staff, enormous couples treatment room, and the amenities of the spa are all superb. I highly recommend! We actually stayed at the Dolphin for the first three days of the trip, with the Mandara Spa in the lobby. There is certainly a reson as to why we trekked all the way to Saratoga Springs instead of walking downstairs. The Mandara, in my opinion, has always been lacking the Disney standard of service. I have been in there for a few things uch as pedicures and waxing and have always been made to feel uncomfortable or inferior because I wasn't spending a large amount of money. I just didn't get the warm and fuzzies and as far as service goes, it was the typical service I would get at home. I would recommend Saratoga any day of the week.

Thanks, will have a look at Mandara. The YC facilities for massage etc don't re open until the 16th of Nov, so too late for my vacation.

 

[Planecrazy4dis]

Great thread everybody. Very informative for those curious about the spas. I just wanted to let you guys know that all the spas on Disney property were being run by a third party. Since the GF spa has closed, they are completely remodeling the spa. So it will be completely brand new and beautiful. Also, I'm very excited about this, Disney will be taking over and running the spas. No more third party company! Disney had been getting so many complaints about the spa customer service that they decided to end their contract with them and run everything themselves. This means NEW staff, new menu new everything! Im a massge therapist and have applied for the GF spa and hope to be working there soon. They said it would reopen before christmas. Once the GF spa is up and running they will be closing down Saratoga Springs spa for a remodel as well and hire all new staff. They want both spas to provide exceptional service. So remember if you had a horrible experience before, things will be different. I will post any new information I hear. When they will be taking appointments, new menu offerings and if I got the job!

Thanks littleolliesmom! That's magical news. Please keep us posted.

 

[RDP]

Currently staying at the BC, last night we walked past the health club that is currently being refurbished . Peeked between the screens they have set up on the windows and saw some very high end looking pedi chairs , I think the new facility is going to be much more high end in terms of facilities! I went over to BW for a massage yesterday and it was so so, nothing special, looking forward to next years changes.

 

[RDP]

Anybody booked treatments at the new GF spa yet?

 

[Jenna319]

Any more reviews of the massage treatments at AKL? We will be staying at Kidani and would be interested in booking an 80 min. aromatherapy massage. Do you have to pay upfront when booking? If I am staying on DVC points but am not a member, would I get a DVC discount?

 

[RDP]

Don't think you get the DVC discount if your renting points, it's a member perk . I have copied my AKL review from a previous post below.

You don't pay upfront, but they will take a room key number or a credit card number to hold the reservation .

Hi Tx - I have had a massage several times at AKL, the locker rooms have sauna and steam and there are ?3 treatment rooms , the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. I have had firm pressure massage or a combination of firm and Swedish on the occasions I have been, ranging in length from 50 to 80 min. The best therapist I have had by far was Damien who gave some of the best firm pressure massage I have had at WDW. The service is unhurried and I suspect this is down to the quiet location. Booking the treatment was easy, you just check in at the gym reception desk. I didn't feel like I missed out not visiting a big spa like the GF or SSR. The AKL facility delivered on all counts and I left very please with the service.