please some advice re: spa/disney:)

[NewYorkVol83]

hi guys
new here in this forum!!!
I hope you can help me-I want to plan a wdw trip for my hubby and 10 year old--it will be probably from 12/21-1/25 or 12/26, then they will leave to go to Ohio to see my in-laws and i will either stay or go close to the area to a spa for a few days--i am looking for a real spa expericnce, and i know the disney institute has a spa but am afriad it will get ridiculously expensive becasue of it being the "disney institue.
anyway getting off track here---the time we can get off from work and school is non-negitioable--so with that timeline, does anyone recommend a specific hotel for the christmastime??
we stayed at polynesian a few years ago, loved the monorail but not much else--we did like the looks of the wilderness lodge.
anyway, i appreciate any advice you migth have, and PLEASE feel free to email me at NewYorkVol83@aol.com.
thanks so much!!!

 

[MichelleC]

I believe the Grand Floridian has a spa...and the Christmas decorations are fabulous. Very elegant!

 

[cleo]

Welcome to the DIS, NewYorkVol83! We're glad you joined us!

I'm moving your thread over to the Resorts board for more answers from the good folks over there.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[minster22]

I have been to both spas at WDW and much prefer the Disney Institute Spa over the one at the GF. That is only my feelings but the point I wanted to share with you is that either spa is very similarly priced to any I have seen in the "real"world or even a little less. The resort question I think is sooo subjective that you need to see as many pictures of the different resorts, rooms and peoples opinions on these boards and pick what you like. There is plenty of information right here to get a really good feeling about what people like and do not like about the resorts. If you anything like the rest of us, you'll quickly become addicted and check these boards daily for any tidbit of information. Good luck and have fun searching!!

 

[NewYorkVol83]

can You tell me what you liked disliked about the two spas??After reading al these boards and of course being directed by my dh, weve pretty much decided on wilderness lodge--concierge.
but the spas--now that remains my happy dilemna??
i wonder if either of them gives you an any spa services along with your room rate(like for example at canyon ranch you will recieve 1 service with your stay.
thanks!!

 

[ducklite]

There are some packages that you get to choose a "wish" each day and there are a few spa services included in the wish list, but the choices are very limited.

Most people who stay in concierge rooms do not purchase the packages with the wishes included.

You're probably best off just doing the spa ala carte if you want a variety of services to choose from.

There are a couple of half/full day packages at the GF Spa that wills ave you a few dollars.

I've had facials, massages, manicures and pedicures at the GF Spa in the past, and have been incredibly pleased with all of them. In fact 96 hours from this moment I'll be getting a manicure/pedicure at the GF Spa

Anne

 

[danicaw]

I have had a massage at the DI Spa and a manicure at the GF Spa.
Based on the level of professionalism I encountered for those two treatments I would return to the DI Spa, but not the GF Spa.
However, my mother-in-law got a manicure at GF at the same time I did and had no problems.

I think the two spas have different selections of the more specialized services. You might try to get a treatment list from both and just see which treatments you want, decide where to go that way.

Have a relaxing time

 

[minster22]

I did not in any way dislike the DI spa...every treatment and experience I have had there was wonderful and very professional. I also prefer the facility to the GF. While the GF is very beautiful I think there is a bit more room to spread out at the DI. I have only had one treatment at the GF spa, a massage, and it was ok but not nearly on par with the DI. On our next big trip we are spending 6 nights at the GF ( I am going w/ my best friend) and because of the proximity we will try the spa again but something simple like a pedicure or body polish. The staff at GF was very young, unattentive and seemed disinterested in making our experience special and I have heard this several times on these boards.Hopefully these are isolated incidents but given the choice I would always pick DI spa.No matter what you choose, to me a spa experience is a major treat and much appreciated however it turns out.