GF Spa Packages

[Sawx04]

My wife and I are celebrating our 26th anniversary late September and I'd like to surprise her with a spa package at the GF before dinner at the California Grill and Wishes. Having no clue about this subject, I'm stuck between these two:

Energize Package (3 hours)
Jojaba body polish, sports massage and purity facial

Citrus Zest Signature Collection (4 hours)
Citrus zest sugar scrub, citrus zest therapies, citrus zest facial and tea time.

I guess I'm leaning toward the Citrus package (however, I don't want her coming out smelling like lemons, oranges and grapefruit...yikes). Love to hear from those who have first hand experience with these packages.

BTW...no old Henny Youngman jokes…like...My wife went to the beauty salon for two hours. That was only for the estimate….She got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off!!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Frankiesmom]

I'd go with the citrus package; sounds great! And the scent will be nice- not overpowering like you're thinking. If your wife isn't athletic the 1st choice mentioning a sports massage? Not an enjoyable package- JMHO. Maybe you could look into a hot stone massage with the aromatherapy- I had that my last trip to the GF and it was HEAVENLY! Just a thought...Good luck!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

Are you staying at the GF??? If so then stick with a package there. Personally I'd go with the citrus experience. But I say that because I absolutely love the smell of citrus fruits.

The reason I said something is because I've actually heard that the Spa at SSR is better than the one at GF. So if you're not staying at the GF you might call SSR and ask about their packages.

 

[pooksma]

We are booked for a couples massage package at the Swan and Dolphin. Its 50 min. of massage and 30 min in your own private jacuzzi.

(Same company as the GF)

I voted for the energize because I like having a massage. It really depends on what your wife enjoys in her spa experience.

 

[Pakey]

Has your wife been to a spa before? The reason I'm asking is that a 3 or 4 hour treatment is a long time to spend at a spa. I love going to the spa (I also prefer the SSR spa over the GF spa) but I don't think I would have enjoyed a 4 hour visit on my first time.

The citrus treatments at GF are nice. I've also done the mysterical forest packages at SSR which are similar. However, I prefer to book my treatments separately spread out over the course of my vacation rather than having one very long visit to the spa. I find I'm "done" mentally after 2 hours there.

Also, make sure to book the treatments early enough so that your wife will have time to shower, fix her hair, etc between the treatments and dinner. You don't exactly leave the spa looking your best.

 

[TinkrLiz]

My vote would be for a massage but not for the package listed....Since it's listed as "energize" I'm assuming they're doing pre event sports massage which gets your body up and running. Not my idea of a relaxing massage. It's really to get your muscles ready for an athletic event. Even if they're doing post event sports massage it's not as nice as a hot stone massage or regular swedish massage. Hot stone massage is my favorite. It's so relaxing I wonder if you book that package if you could request they do a different type of massage? I'm currently in school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. Here in NY we need 1,000 hours of traning, including quite a few science courses and then we have to pass the state boards. We have a trip to WDW planned in Nov/Dec to celebrate my graduating from school

 

[Sawx04]

I'd go with the citrus package; sounds great! And the scent will be nice- not overpowering like you're thinking. If your wife isn't athletic the 1st choice mentioning a sports massage? Not an enjoyable package- JMHO. Maybe you could look into a hot stone massage with the aromatherapy- I had that my last trip to the GF and it was HEAVENLY! Just a thought...Good luck!

Frankiesmom, my wife is fairly athletic (walks, tennis, golf and bikes), my first thought was the Energize package because it sounded like a deeper massage, they told me the opposite when I called, and suggested the Citrus or Rejuvenate packages. That’s when I figured I better ask the experienced DISers. Thanks for the hot stone tip!

Are you staying at the GF??? If so then stick with a package there. Personally I'd go with the citrus experience. But I say that because I absolutely love the smell of citrus fruits.

The reason I said something is because I've actually heard that the Spa at SSR is better than the one at GF. So if you're not staying at the GF you might call SSR and ask about their packages.

Hoosiergirl: No, we’re staying at the WL. I never thought of the Spa at SSR, I figured on the GF Spa because we’re having dinner at CG at 7:30 and I wanted to make it easy for her to meet me via the monorail.

We are booked for a couples massage package at the Swan and Dolphin. Its 50 min. of massage and 30 min in your own private jacuzzi.

(Same company as the GF)

I voted for the energize because I like having a massage. It really depends on what your wife enjoys in her spa experience.

Pooksma: Thanks for your input. Having stayed there on several trips, I didn’t realize the Dolphin offered Spa services, I guess we’re too busy eating at Shula’s to notice.

Enjoy your trip and couples massage!

Has your wife been to a spa before? The reason I'm asking is that a 3 or 4 hour treatment is a long time to spend at a spa. I love going to the spa (I also prefer the SSR spa over the GF spa) but I don't think I would have enjoyed a 4 hour visit on my first time.

The citrus treatments at GF are nice. I've also done the mysterical forest packages at SSR which are similar. However, I prefer to book my treatments separately spread out over the course of my vacation rather than having one very long visit to the spa. I find I'm "done" mentally after 2 hours there.

Also, make sure to book the treatments early enough so that your wife will have time to shower, fix her hair, etc between the treatments and dinner. You don't exactly leave the spa looking your best.

Pakey, Yes, she has been to several spas before usually on vacations in WDW or Napa Valley, so I don’t think four hours is going to a problem. In fact, I remember getting her some seaweed/sea salt package at the GF four or five years ago which she really enjoyed. I remember two things about that experience. 1) Never schedule a massage package early in the morning and expect to spend the afternoon being a park commando. 2) Never book her a spa package when the PGA tour is at WDW. She spent the entire time with the player’s wives or girlfriends, who she described as a bit snooty with the staff. She did however enjoy the girl-talk/gossip about the players. Most of whom she knew because we attend the Masters every year and she’s a casual weekend golf watcher.

Thanks for the tip about the mysterical forest package at SSR and time between to get ready for dinner. I guess I expected her to float out of there ready to meet me at the CG. I may have to rethink this. I figured she could start her package at 2 PM, be done at 6 PM and be in great shape for a 7:30 ADR at CG....maybe we should just book a tee time at Magnolia for two and forego the Spa thing!

 

[Frankiesmom]

I just wanted to add that I hope you have a wonderful trip! What a sweet DH to think of planning this for your wife! I also enjoy playing golf and the tee time sounds like a great idea! Think about scheduling a couples massage; DH and I had 1 on a Royal Carribean Cruise and it too was great! My DH is always working- so it was nice to relax with him! Just a thought.

 

[Sawx04]

My vote would be for a massage but not for the package listed....Since it's listed as "energize" I'm assuming they're doing pre event sports massage which gets your body up and running. Not my idea of a relaxing massage. It's really to get your muscles ready for an athletic event. Even if they're doing post event sports massage it's not as nice as a hot stone massage or regular swedish massage. Hot stone massage is my favorite. It's so relaxing I wonder if you book that package if you could request they do a different type of massage? I'm currently in school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. Here in NY we need 1,000 hours of traning, including quite a few science courses and then we have to pass the state boards. We have a trip to WDW planned in Nov/Dec to celebrate my graduating from school

Liz, congratulations on your upcoming graduation and celebratory trip to WDW! Have a great time! Late Nov/early Dec is a one of our favorite times to go.

I asked about switching components of the package out for other massages...no dice, they don’t deviate from what’s offered in the package. Of course, one can do the al la cart thing and pick and choose. DW did the hot stone massage in California a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Frankly, I think she enjoys ANY type of massage.

I just wanted to add that I hope you have a wonderful trip! What a sweet DH to think of planning this for your wife! I also enjoy playing golf and the tee time sounds like a great idea! Think about scheduling a couples massage; DH and I had 1 on a Royal Carribean Cruise and it too was great! My DH is always working- so it was nice to relax with him! Just a thought.

Frankiesmom, thanks for the well wishes. I know I’m in the minority, but I would never consider a couples massage, as I just can’t stand idea of being touched. I don’t mind giving them, just don’t want ‘em…weird huh?

 

[johnsonet]

I think it's so nice that you want to surprise your wife with this

Wanted to let you know that you could each get a massage at the Fitness Center at WL. The treatment rooms are nice but it is not a "spa" experience. HOWEVER, that is what I would do if staying at WL.

You can saunter over from your room, have a relaxing massage and then return to your room to shower and dress for dinner. VERY relaxing and a LOT less time and $$ involved.

Good Luck

 

[TinkrLiz]

Thanks Sowx I'm sure your wife will love whatever you choose. It's awfully sweet of you to plan this for her. My Hubby Dude is with you ... he doens't like massages. He calls it "touchy feely crap" and hasn't even let me give him a massage yet. I practice on all my girlfriends. Although that's where the similiarity ends.... He's a Yankees fan My 20 yr old son is a Boston fan, makes for some interesting tv watching sometimes

 

[Missin'Disney]

I just want to say how thoughtful I think your idea is, and although I'm sure that your wife would appreciate whatever you choose to book for her, I would go for something that incorporates a tired foot treatment....I forget what the GF spa calls it, but it's some type of 45-minute foot massage. Now personally, I know that on any given Disney day I could really use one of those! Maybe coupled with a regular or Hot stone massage: Perfect

Now, the facial thing is nice, but could definitely backfire b/c often facials bring out things that lay beneath the surface of the skin, hence a breakout could closely follow a facial....not a good vacation look.

Good luck with your decision...your wife is one lucky gal!

 

[Sawx04]

I think it's so nice that you want to surprise your wife with this

Wanted to let you know that you could each get a massage at the Fitness Center at WL. The treatment rooms are nice but it is not a "spa" experience. HOWEVER, that is what I would do if staying at WL.

You can saunter over from your room, have a relaxing massage and then return to your room to shower and dress for dinner. VERY relaxing and a LOT less time and $$ involved.

Good Luck

Johnsonet: Thanks, for the idea about the WL Fitness Center...I kind of ruled it out for the very reason you mentioned, it didn't seem like a true spa experience. While $$ is always a consideration, we have some extra to play with as I had attempted to book Breathless II twice this week and was shut out completely. We're booked at the WL in a Honeyroom RM, and have access to WL Itinerary Planning, and they were unable to book Breathless II for an Illuminations cruise at 6:59:59, as I had them calling too. I was kinda PO'd the first time I called WDW PLAY, I quickly explained why I was calling and the CM asked to put me on hold...which turned into a disconnect. Since I handled all my ADRs and booked a Keys to the Kingdom tour and Epcot Segway tour, I am sort of wondering why I need Itinerary Planning.

Maybe I'll forget the massage and just spend the afternoon having her dress up as Snow White...while I dress up as all 7 dwarves...er....well I guess thats an idea for a different forum...sorry.

Thanks Sowx I'm sure your wife will love whatever you choose. It's awfully sweet of you to plan this for her. My Hubby Dude is with you ... he doens't like massages. He calls it "touchy feely crap" and hasn't even let me give him a massage yet. I practice on all my girlfriends. Although that's where the similiarity ends.... He's a Yankees fan My 20 yr old son is a Boston fan, makes for some interesting tv watching sometimes

Liz: I'm so sorry to hear that you live in a divided household. Feel free to share my favorite Yankee joke….Q: What do Yankees fans and sperm have in common? A: One in 3,000,000 has a chance of becoming a human being.

 

[johnsonet]

Johnsonet: Thanks, for the idea about the WL Fitness Center...I kind of ruled it out for the very reason you mentioned, it didn't seem like a true spa experience. While $$ is always a consideration, we have some extra to play with as I had attempted to book Breathless II twice this week and was shut out completely. We're booked at the WL in a Honeyroom RM, and have access to WL Itinerary Planning, and they were unable to book Breathless II for an Illuminations cruise at 6:59:59, as I had them calling too. I was kinda PO'd the first time I called WDW PLAY, I quickly explained why I was calling and the CM asked to put me on hold...which turned into a disconnect. Since I handled all my ADRs and booked a Keys to the Kingdom tour and Epcot Segway tour, I am sort of wondering why I need Itinerary Planning.

You will LOVE the Segway tour. It is SO much fun!!
Sorry about your Breathless II disappointment. Ask WL IPO to put you on the waiting list!
I would still recommend going to Sturdy Branches for your wife's massage. You enter from the WL Villas, a few steps from the WL lobby, really, and the facility is nice. I don't care for having to walk past the exercise equipment, but once she is in the room she will be very relaxed and blissed out
It would be nice to never have to get into a car or bus to get to or from her massage

Maybe I'll forget the massage and just spend the afternoon having her dress up as Snow White...while I dress up as all 7 dwarves...er....well I guess thats an idea for a different forum...sorry.

And this from a man who doesn't like the idea of getting a massage??

 

[Sawx04]

I just want to say how thoughtful I think your idea is, and although I'm sure that your wife would appreciate whatever you choose to book for her, I would go for something that incorporates a tired foot treatment....I forget what the GF spa calls it, but it's some type of 45-minute foot massage. Now personally, I know that on any given Disney day I could really use one of those! Maybe coupled with a regular or Hot stone massage: Perfect

Now, the facial thing is nice, but could definitely backfire b/c often facials bring out things that lay beneath the surface of the skin, hence a breakout could closely follow a facial....not a good vacation look.

Good luck with your decision...your wife is one lucky gal!

Missin'Disney: Foot massage is a great idea. I know -- given the choice -- she'd opt fpt the foot treatment.

You will LOVE the Segway tour. It is SO much fun!!

And this from a man who doesn't like the idea of getting a massage??

Johnsonet: I suspect the Segway tour will be a trip highlight. I'm going to pretend I didn't read you're last comment. <grin>

 

[Aimee K]

I would also go a la carte.

Maybe the Detoxifying Body Wrap, followed by the Bamboo Harmony Massage (A new addition to the menu) and a Custom Facial?