Spas: Any good / reasonable ones off-site?

[Craftsman Revival]

Hi Everyone,

I've just recently de-lurked because we are going to WDW on a family trip later this year and I'm in the midst of planning. (yay!!)

I'd like to get gift certificates for my mom and sister this year for their birthdays, so that we can do a "ladies spa trip" while we're in Orlando. One thing I haven't seen on any threads is recent discussion of off-site spas.

I'd love to visit one of the WDW-property spas (yes, I've researched them thoroughly! -drool-) but they are a bit pricey, even with the $50 off for 2combined treatments they are offering right now.

I feel like what I can afford for gift certificates wouldn't go far enough in providing a fun experience.

SO - my next option is to find a nice, but slightly less expensive off-site spa close to WDW.

For some context, a massage at the Disney spas runs around $120/hr. A spa pedicure around $75 and a facial is more than $115. I know that there are plenty of nice spas where I live that charge less than this.

Has anyone visited others off-site that are nice? Are they still AS pricey as the WDW spas? We are planning to visit in December. I don't mind paying close to the same rates, but just trying to see if I can get a better value.

 

[kristinlynn]

Hi Everyone,

I've just recently de-lurked because we are going to WDW on a family trip later this year and I'm in the midst of planning. (yay!!)

I'd like to get gift certificates for my mom and sister this year for their birthdays, so that we can do a "ladies spa trip" while we're in Orlando. One thing I haven't seen on any threads is recent discussion of off-site spas.

I'd love to visit one of the WDW-property spas (yes, I've researched them thoroughly! -drool-) but they are a bit pricey, even with the $50 off for 2combined treatments they are offering right now.

I feel like what I can afford for gift certificates wouldn't go far enough in providing a fun experience.

SO - my next option is to find a nice, but slightly less expensive off-site spa close to WDW.

For some context, a massage at the Disney spas runs around $120/hr. A spa pedicure around $75 and a facial is more than $115. I know that there are plenty of nice spas where I live that charge less than this.

Has anyone visited others off-site that are nice? Are they still AS pricey as the WDW spas? We are planning to visit in December. I don't mind paying close to the same rates, but just trying to see if I can get a better value.

The Woodhouse Day Spa on Sand Lake Rd. is gorgeous! It’s only about a year old and VERY luxurious, about as nice as the Disney spas: http://www.orlando.woodhousespas.com/. In addition, they accept Spafinder gift cards which you can buy online from costco for 20% off: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11531866

 

[Craftsman Revival]

Thank you so much Kristin!

Woodhouse looks absolutely lovely and close to the WDW property. And thank you for the Costco tip! That is awesome

 

[kristinlynn]

On the topic of the costco Spafinder cards ... the Mandara Spa (http://www.swandolphin.com/activities/spa.html) at the Dolphin resort right on disney property also accepts the Spafinder cards. Their rates are higher, but the 20% off with the gift cards helps. This is wonderful spa as well!

If you are looking for something more budget friendly, magic nails (http://www.mgnflorida.com/), just across from the woodhouse day spa, is a very nice nail salon for manicures and pedicures. This is not what I consider a day spa though. At the Disney spas and woodhouse, you walk in and you’re offered tea, you go to a locker room first, soft music in the background, and just lots of pampering. At Magic Nails you walk in, they tell you to pick your color, and you’re directed to one of the many spa pedicure stations along the wall. However, it’s a great place for an affordable pedicure. I’ve been there several times and they do a nice job and have a lot of options. They don’t accept Spafinder cards though.

Good luck!

 

[Craftsman Revival]

Great to know that the Mandarin at Swan/Dolphin also accepts the cards! I need to make a decision soon, because it is Mother's Day this weekend and I want to give my mom her certificate.

Good to know about the nail salon across from Woodhouse too - if we decide to go the less expensive route.

However, based on the fact that my dogs will be barking at me after walking around the Parks for days and days, I have a feeling I'm going to want a massage!!