First Time at a Spa!!!

[WLfan]

I'm going to WDW the end of August and I'm thinking of treating myself to a massage for the first time. I had some questions before I decide, maybe everyone can help me out based on their own experiences.

1. Which WDW spa is the best? I would think the Grand Floridian, but when I read the Birnbaum's guide it said the spa there was far from plush. What does that mean?

2. What type of massage should a first-timer get?

3. I've never gotten a massage before b/c I thought I'd be a little self-conscious. Any tips?

Thanks everyone!

 

[WLfan]

And how much do you tip and who do you tip?

 

[KatMark]

I always get a massage when we were at Disney. I have had them at the Grand Floridian and I've had six of them at the Coronado Springs Resort. They are the same as far as the massage itself goes. The Grand Floridian is a larger spa and the room was a little bigger. I enjoyed my massage there but was upset afterwards when they kept trying to get me to get other services or purchase their products. The CSR has never tried to push products on me. But then again, they may not carry them as it is two rooms within the fitness center confines where they do the massage. They play soft music. I would go with a 50 minute aromatherapy massage (they will ask you what type of oil you would like for the massage--I usually get lavender or jasmine). They do have a longer massage as well (I am getting a 80 minute massage which is $155.; I will give the CM a 20% tip at least). Now, the one thing I don't recall is whether or not they have males and females doing the massages. If you are uncomfortable with a man being your first massage, then simply state you would prefer a woman. I go to Mario Triccoci here at home (in fact I am going tomorrow because I've been under a lot of stress because my dad has been very ill and in ICU in the hospital) and I always go to the same person--and, yes, it is a man--he is very good. They will tell you to undress to your underwear unless you prefer to totally undress. They are very skilled in folding the sheets over you so that nothing is exposed. I have never had an issue. I get a massage at least every three months.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

My best friend and I did the Saratoga Springs Spa 2 years ago and loved it. I felt it had a warmer atmosphere that the GF Spa, especially down in the women's area. The GF spa is more citrus oriented in their products and "spa small" and SS is more herbal and woodsy. We both had massages and the Mystical Forest Wrap - which smells wonderful. Combine that with the jacuzzi and steam room and it was heaven. Saratoga is by nature, has less traffic than the GF (either that or my hubby with the baby in the lobby....), so that might be why we didn't feel pressured to buy product in any way, although it's really hard to go to a spa and not want to buy some foofy new shower gel. (which is one of the cheaper items to allow yourself to be sucked into)...

Since you are new to this, they will provide you with a locker, robe, and slippers. If you are more well endowed, you can ask for larger robe sizes. My "earth motherly" friend was very pleased that she could get a robe that fit! You also can shower there, with products they provide as a courtesy, so you won't need to take anything along. I imagine the guy's robe sizing is similar.

Most importantly, communicate with the spa and your technician, so you have the best experience. Let the reservationist know up front that you have never done this and you may have some initial questions. That allows them to pair you up with a therapist who is more skilled at working with a shy person or newcomer to the massage. When you start your treatment, let them know if you want them to communicate what they are about to do - which body part they will work with next, etc, so they can put you at ease. Some clients like to talk through massages, whereas many others prefer silence, to get into the zone of relaxation. You will need to work with them to decide what you will prefer. Good therapists are flexible and can adapt to the individual without much effort. Some will even be able to identify your needs before you even start.

Enjoy the experience!
Nancy

 

[CinderellasSister]

I have used the spa at Saratoga twice now and will be returning in December again. I haven't been to any of the other spas, so I can't comment on them. However, I love the atmosphere at SSR, and the staff is wonderful, so I really have no desire to try anywhere else! The Mystical Forest treatment is great, I have to agree with YellowMickeyPonchos there. I also didn't feel any pressure to purchase anything, although I would have liked to buy it all. The hot tub in the locker room is great too. You'll have a wonderful time.
Be sure to write after your trip and let us all know how it went!

 

[BriarRosie]

I did a spa combo package at the Grand Floridian spa, but that was back in 2000. I had the aromatherapy spa as my massage option and enjoyed it very much.

Now, I really want to try Saratoga Springs, because I'm hearing from a lot of sources that it's better than the Grand Floridian. But, there's another spa on property that many people tend to overlook, the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin.

Brenda (who hangs out on the Restaurant boards) blogged about her spa experience at Mandara. The first part talks about the Mandara in general, at some of their various locations, but she takes you into spa at the Dolphin, with beautiful photos.

You can read Brenda's blog about the spa here:

http://oybolshoi-gastropodtravels.blogspot.com/2008/04/for-those-about-to-spa-we-salute-you.html

 

[WLfan]

Thanks for all of the great info. I think I'm going to go to the Saratoga Springs Spa. Do they do an aromatherapy massage? How far in advance to I have to book it?

 

[JCandKT]

Pete has suggested the Mandara Spa at the Swan/Dolphin too... I'm looking into getting an aromatherapy massage when I'm there in September if I can swing the extra cashola.

 

[WLfan]

I thought Pete hated the Mandara? Did I remember wrong?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Pete has stated on the podcast that for on-property spas, he likes the Mandara, but his favorite value is off property - the one at the Gaylord Palms. That may be what you were thinking of.

Mandara is the company that runs the spa at the Grand California Hotel at Disneyland, as well as a couple in Las Vegas. I've had treatments at the old Alladin resort one there. They are very good, but pricey in those locations (not that Saratoga is the least expensive either, but it is less than the Grand Floridian Spa, since it's off the beaten path).

Nancy