Spa and Massage at Grand Californian

[P11876]

Hi folks...I tried searching around and nothing obvious poped up on this topic, although I have to believe people have posted on it.

On my next trip to DCA/Disneyland I was planning on "paying the $2" and stying at the Grand Californian and setting up a spa day for my wife while my kids and I go to the park. She is not as into Disney as I am...so, I wanted to make the time more fun for her.

How is the Mandara spa? Anyone had a massage there? We actually have had masages on a Disney cruise and they were well done. I cannot imagine the Grand Californian would be any worse.

P.S. Any one get the movie reference with "pay the $2"?? It's not a Disney movie...but a great movie none the less.

 

[Argento]

Now here's a rare occurrence, a husband whose wife is the uninterested party when it comes to Disney.

At any rate, yes, those spa sessions are epic!

 

[lurpee]

All I can think of is "I want my $2!" from Better Off Dead! Lol

 

[starry_solo]

Look for a Living Social/Groupon deal where you can get $150 worth of spa services for $75 (or something similar). Then she can book any higher amounts too and pay the difference (but at least you save some $)

 

[Nonsuch]

How is the Mandara spa? Anyone had a massage there? We actually have had masages on a Disney cruise and they were well done. I cannot imagine the Grand Californian would be any worse.

My wife has had 4 or 5 massages at Mandara, so this is a second hand report.

Overall she has been satisfied with the treatments, and she has had many massages over the years.

The spa facility is very small, nothing like the huge spas found at resorts in Hawaii or Vegas. The limited space in the changing/locker room was a major complaint.

The treatments are overpriced, with a 20% tip automatically added.
Travelzoo has had a few offers ($100 for $200 of service), but nothing right now.

Another option if the weather is warm, you could rent a poolside cabana for the day (or half day).

 

[DizDays]

Look for a Living Social/Groupon deal where you can get $150 worth of spa services for $75 (or something similar). Then she can book any higher amounts too and pay the difference (but at least you save some $)

I just tried to sign up for Living Social and Groupon. Anaheim is not a city choice. Should I sign up for Los Angeles? TIA!

 

[DharmaLou]

are the spa services open to non-DLR hotel guests? I know in Vegas anyone can book services at any hotel spa regardless of where they're staying, not sure if it works that way at DLR too.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I used a TravelZoo $200 worth of services for $100 voucher late last month, it was lovley! I went with the Balinese Massage and Balinese Body Polish ~ total price was $200 *full use of the voucher + a $40 tip....

 

[DisneyMomma81]

are the spa services open to non-DLR hotel guests? I know in Vegas anyone can book services at any hotel spa regardless of where they're staying, not sure if it works that way at DLR too.

Yep ~ last month we stayed at HoJo.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Nancy (YellowMickeyPonchos) and I went to the spa earlier this year and wrote a blog about it here.

We also talked about it on our podcast here.

It was my first spa experience, and I really enjoyed it, though I didn't know they were going to put oil in my hair, and I had to go the rest of the day like that. It was worth it. The facial was my favorite, though. I loved that.

 

[P11876]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone...I probably will make another run down to SoCal in February/March...I'll let you know how it all turns out.

As to the movie quote in my original post, that's Carrie Grant in "North by Northwest".

 

[Rhonna]

Between my sister and I we have had deep tissue massage, pedicures with hot stone massage and a manicure. All treatments were very good. We have been very pleased with the technicians who worked on us. The locker room had some cleanliness issues the time we used it - and it was not busy at all - the general workers were just hanging around. If I had to use a service that required showering after, I would choose to go back to my room if I was staying onsite rather than use their shower/locker room. The also don't supply washclothes - very weird.

And do sign up with TravelZoo. We got a great discount package on one trip. If you have an Annual Pass that is another way to get a discount.

Right now Mandara Spa's website has a "fall package" deal with three treatments: A facial and scalp/head oil, back massage and foot massage for $139. Each of the three treatments is 25 minutes. So almost an hour and a half total.

 

[ter-moo]

The spa is wonderful! Your wife will love it! My daughter, her friend and I all got the 3-things deal that the previous poster mentioned when we were there for Leap Day. I love the facility, the massage was wonderful, and we were treated very well.

We didn't stay at the hotel, but were given free parking privileges during our treatments.

How nice of you to do this for your wife!