I know we're thrifty, but I deserve a massage!

[estherhead]

Has anyone ever gotten a massage or spa treatment in Orlando/Disney? I will be down there next year with my sister and cousin around their anniversaries and am thinking about getting a day spa package for all of us as we are going on a cruise after our week at Disney.

Has anyone ever done this? What is the cheapest I could do this for? I only want to do it if it really can be like on TLC's programs where it's truly pampering. I've done massages before that are deep tissue. NOT what I have in mind. I'm willing to bring my own champagne

Anyone?

Esther

 

[solotraveler]

I haven't done it yet, but you can research prices and treatments and www.relaxedyet.com for Disney spas. (Services are via an outside contracter). Some of the services at Saratoga sound amazing.

Hope this helps!
Solotraveler

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

Surprised that no one's mentioned WDW's Grand Floridian. The following is from their website (sorry, can't speak from experience):

Individual Programmes
Experience rejuvenating spa services — including massage, body treatments, facials and more. Full-day, half-day, individual treatments and in-room services are available by appointment.
For detailed information on our spa treatments, please click here for a downloadable spa brochure.

Skin Care
Discover the perfect blend of rejuvenating and pampering skincare treatments designed to cleanse, nourish and revitalize all skin types.
Treatments include:

Grand Floridian Deluxe Facial

European Aromatherapy Facial

OPC Anti-Aging Antioxidant Facial

Gentlemen's Facial

The Golfer's Facial

Deep Cleansing Facial

Rejuvenating Eye and Neck Treatment

Stress Recovery Facial

Aromatherapy Back Facial
Massage Therapy
Our commitment to your well-being is embodied in each of our massage therapies, which are all designed to reduce stress, increase circulation and induce a state of relaxation.
Treatments include:

Swedish Massage

Citrus Zest Therapies

Sports Massage

Shoulder and Back Massage

Aromatherapy Massage

Mother-to-Be Massage

Shiatsu

Reflexology

Personalized Massage
Water Therapy and Soaks
Relax the body and mind — nourish, purify and energize with specialty baths, each designed to elevate mood, ease specific conditions and induce a sense of physical and psychological well-being.
Treatments include:

Ultimate Relaxation

Spirulina Milk Bath

Peaceful nights Bath

Marine Algae Bath

Sports Bath

Herbal Bath

Secret Garden Bath
Body Therapy
Restore harmony and achieve maximum therapeutic benefit for your entire body when you experience "The Ultimate" in spa therapies.
Treatments include:

Aromatherapy Massage and Body Wrap

Citrus Zest Sugar Scrub

Paraffin Body Masque

After Sun Comfort Wrap

Marine Algae Body Masque

OPC Exfoliating and Detoxifying Body Masque

Sedona Mud Body Masque
Hand and Foot Treatments
Experience hand and foot treatments in a luxurious spa room designed for total relaxation. Put your mind and body at ease in a spa chair that massages your lower back while your hands and feet enjoy first-class pampering.
Treatments include:

Spa Manicure

Spa Pedicure

Paraffin Treatment

Soothing Tired Legs Treatment

Foot Soaks
Especially For Couples
Take time just for the two of you. Share a relaxing treatment and discover a new sense of togetherness.
Treatments include:

Grand Romantic Evening

Couples Instructional Massage
Spa Packages
Transform your spa visit into a Grand Experience when you combine selected spa treatments. Maximize your relaxation as well as the therapeutic benefits you receive from our personalized massage and skin treatments.
Spa packages include:

Spa Sampler

Citrus Zest Collection

Re-creation Package

Re-balancing Package

Spa Escape

The Ultimate Day

 

[dznyacct]

I have not had a massage while at WDW, but when my sister and BIL were at WDW in May they stayed at AKL. My BIL had a massage at the spa at AKL and said that it was incredible. His "thing" to do on vacation is to get a massage. He was very impressed and highly recommended it. My sister used the exercise facilities at AKL and was also very pleased. She even paid for a one-on-one session with a personal trainer and thought that it was well worth the $$.

 

[minkydog]

We are going without the kids in 3 wks and the thing i am most looking forward to is our Couples massage at the GF. We have had a truly terrible year with my hubby's health and near-death experience, my 18yo son's two suicide attempts, the death of my father, and the complete wigging out of my mother. All I want is some quiet time where the focus is on the two of us for about and hour and a half. Afterward we will have tea and relax until evening.Ahhh....

It's a budget-buster at $350, that's for sure. But I was willing to give up character breakfasts, La Nouba, and one whole day in the parks to do this.

 

[ducklite]

I'd seriously look into Canyon Ranch at Gaylord Palms.

This is what Nikki aspires to be (she is the owner of the company that runs the spas at AKL, GF, SS as well as all spa services on property).

The prices are competitive, the treatments more cutting edge and world-class. Get a hot stone massage, you will not regret it!

Anne

 

[BethR]

...the thing i am most looking forward to is our Couples massage at the GF. We have had a truly terrible year with my hubby's health and near-death experience, my 18yo son's two suicide attempts, the death of my father, and the complete wigging out of my mother. All I want is some quiet time where the focus is on the two of us for about and hour and a half. Afterward we will have tea and relax until evening.Ahhh....

It's a budget-buster at $350, that's for sure. But I was willing to give up character breakfasts, La Nouba, and one whole day in the parks to do this.

It surely sounds like you had a horrendous year, minkydog. And it sounds like you have worked your budget to give you and your husband something that will be long remembered.
Bless you in the coming year, and enjoy your Couple's Massage!

 

[estherhead]

We are going without the kids in 3 wks and the thing i am most looking forward to is our Couples massage at the GF. We have had a truly terrible year with my hubby's health and near-death experience, my 18yo son's two suicide attempts, the death of my father, and the complete wigging out of my mother. All I want is some quiet time where the focus is on the two of us for about and hour and a half. Afterward we will have tea and relax until evening.Ahhh....

It's a budget-buster at $350, that's for sure. But I was willing to give up character breakfasts, La Nouba, and one whole day in the parks to do this.

It sounds like you deserve massage way more than the kids need a character meal! They'll benefit from you being relaxed more than meeting Goofy!

I had surgery and illness and a near death experience with the post-traumatic stress that follows this year and that alone sent our family reeling. I can't imagine adding all of the other things you mentioned to it. I hope this vacation gives you and hubby th break you deserve.

Esther

 

[Geebs]

Try checking out the Spa at the Wyndham Resort that it right near the Marketplace. My mom went there last year and found that a package was about half the price of the ones on GF and SSR. Also, the offered alot more in the package. My mom said it was wonderful.
Something to think about.

 

[bavaria]

I was having a stressful trip (mostly work, not play) and went for a haircut at the Coronado Springs. It was a tiny place, but the woman was great (I put getting a haircut up there with visiting the dentist)

Great scalp massage, and I actually fell asleep!!!

My hair smelled so good all day and I loved the haircut.

Reasonable at $40 too.....

 

[Imzadi]

I haven't done one yet at Disney, but I have found places around town that are thrifty, affordable & won't break the bank just getting ONE massage.

Normally, a typical Swedish, full-body massage at a salon or with a private masseuse is $60-$80. I can't justify that expense. Recently, my cousin, turned me onto a great concept she found.

She handed me a brochure with a price list of back rubs & foot massages, priced according to "per minutes" desired. I couldn't believe my eyes. These back rubs are AFFORDABLE! The rates are less than half price of the typical salon or private masseuse rates. And I could pick according to my financial and/or time needs with no need to make appointments ahead of time or worry about cancellation fees if something comes up.

A 15 minute back rub started at $11 (plus tip.) A thirty minute massage is $21 and even a full hour only $42. At this place, they are set up on the same philosophy of my favorite cheap, Chinese takeout restaurants. Instead of wasting money on frivolous, unnecessary decor, they focus on good service & great food at a cheap price, making up the money in volume from happy, repeat customers.

When I went, the decor & ambiance were sparse. Instead of many small massage rooms, in which the price for that kind of real estate would have been passed onto me, there was massage tables carefully, yet tastefully spaced & partitioned off by curtains for privacy.

Usually, I know my masseuses in advance. As I hadn't met this masseuse before, I found the partitioned spaced very reassuring and non-threatening versus being alone (nude) in a room with someone I don't know. The amount of dress (or undress) was up to my comfort level as well as the type & how deep of a massage I preferred.

The integrated massage I chose included deep tissue and neuromuscular which was wonderful for me. ( I am not a fan of Swedish.) I had thought previously that I might need chiropractic work from all my waitressing at my temp job, but the masseuse unlocked muscles & joints I hadn't realized were so tight & contracted. I was loose for the first time in ages.

I had often seen the "Great American Back Rub" stores in shopping malls or booths with massage chairs at street fairs & health seminars but never took advantage of them. Their sparseness & walk-in, assembly line quality never appealed to me. Now I get what it's about. I love the indulgence of a private massage in a posh, private setting as much as anyone else. But considering how few times I've actually done it, mostly for monry reasons, I just don't do it.

THIS is affordable. Now I can spend just $25 pampering myself on a half hour back rub.