Spa service logistics

[Hoping1229]

I’m not sure if this is the best place to post this but here goes...

My family is going to DW soon and we are so excited. DH and I haven’t been since we were children and this will be the first trip for DS (3) and DD (18 months). We are going Feb 3-12.

So my sweet DH just gifted me with a spa gift certificate at Senses at Saratoga Springs. It’s such a thoughtful gift but I’m a little worried about how it’s all going to happen.

We are staying at POR and relying solely on Disney provided transportation. Is the only way to get to and fro by taking the ferry to DS then a bus to the resort? Won’t this take forever? About how much would the Minnie Van take instead? Are Minnie Vans practical for people riding solo?

I feel a little selfish taking so much time alone away from our family during vacation. Can anyone estimate how long I would be gone from DH and my kids? We would do this on a rest/resort day we have planned but I still feel like this one spa treatment is going to eat up so much time. DH thought I could do it over nap time. We have no idea how our kids are going to react to the constant go go go of this trip!

Is Senses more indulgent and special than other spas? DH got the foot/leg rejuvenation massage for me and I would be doing it after six days of Disney. It sounds heavenly. DH said we can cancel Senses if it’s not going to work it and just do a regular massage at home instead. Hm. But if Senses has the extra Disney Magic then I might go for it.

Anyone have advice? Does this sound worth it?

 

[TNDisneyBabe]

I can’t answer your transportation question but I have been to Senses at SS. It’s a wonderful Spa and you will love it. Included on the cost of your massage is use of the spa for the day. It’s such a relaxing place; I encourage you to slow down and enjoy it. There are jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and relaxation lounge. All of this is included with your treatment.

 

[Hoping1229]

I can’t answer your transportation question but I have been to Senses at SS. It’s a wonderful Spa and you will love it. Included on the cost of your massage is use of the spa for the day. It’s such a relaxing place; I encourage you to slow down and enjoy it. There are jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and relaxation lounge. All of this is included with your treatment.

What if I love it so much I don’t want to leave?!?!? How much time did you spend there enjoying all the extras? Are any beverages/snacks included?

 

[Hoping1229]

Does anyone know of any recent Senses posts or discussions that I could look through? Nothing much came up, especially for SS.

 

[TNDisneyBabe]

I was probably there four hours but I did a package-facial, massage and pedicure. It was heavenly. I believe there was unlimited infused cucumber water and some sort of relaxing fruit chews. Other than that, no food. But it’s been four years so it may have changed.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

My DH and I did a couples massage at Saratoga Springs Senses 2 years ago and LOVED it! We walked from DS to Saratoga Springs, it was about a 10-15 minute walk I believe and quite pretty.

 

[Hoping1229]

I didn’t think about walking from DS to SS. If it’s that short of a walk that’s definitely a good option. Thanks!

 

[nkereina]

From POR, you can take the boat to Disney Springs and it lets you out at the boat dock which essentially at the start of the walking path to Saratoga Springs. From the boat launch, its less than a 10 minute walk to Congress Park which is the closest Saratoga Springs bus stop. I've never walked past there at the resort, so I can't say how much further of a walk the spa would be. I believe the spa is at Carriage House, which on the map, looks to be maybe another 10-15 minute walk from Congress Park? Just guessing. You could also check with the first bus that pulls up to see if they'll be stopping at Carriage House. I don't know the order of the buses at SSR, but perhaps someone can confirm that.

The easiest option would be Uber or Lyft. It would be a lot cheaper than a Minnie Van and they can drop you off closer to the spa.

 

[twixieshores]

Easiest route would be boat from POR -> DS and from DS -> SSR. The boat stops right by the pro shop. After that, walk up the stairs, go through the Turf Club & Artist's Pallette towards the pool. The spa is on your right almost immediately outside the doors.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I haven’t been to the spa but you can easily catch a cab at your resort entrance over to SSR for around $12 and it would probably only take 10 or so minutes. There are cast members at the front of every resort that can call the cab over for you, they have several that just wait. It should save you quite a bit of time over the boat/bus or boat/walk.