SSR spa new policy !!! UPDATE Post # 60 - page 4

[Goofy's apprentice]

We were recently at SSR and were informed of a new policy that guests are no longer allowed to use the spa facility and change rooms unless they are purchasing spa services or using the fitness facilities. Has anyone else heard of this new policy?

We enjoy using the sauna and steam room. Apparently no longer. We were told very bluntly that "guests pay over $200 to use the spa services and don't want to be overrun by DVC guests paying nothing." I'm not one to complain usually and really have not experienced harsh customer service at Disney before, but this is an actual quote.

I understand that if the facility is full it could be a problem, but I have rarely even seen anyone in the ladies facility. My husband tells me that the men's is busier. when we are there for a week, we probably go 5 days out of the 7 in the morning. I have always had the steam room and the sauna to myself.

I realize that it is clear from our documents that the spa is not a guaranteed thing, but this does seem a little extreme. Maybe they could just indicate when the busy times are and ask us to come at different times.

They did indicate that we could lie and say we were using the workout facilities, I just don't like doing that.

anyone else have this experience? what do you think?

We did talk to the front desk and they said they thought all members had received notification. I don't remember getting it.

I'd like to email the satisfaction team but can't seem to locate the email address...

 

[edk35]

I have never used these facilities but I also never got anything about NOT being able to use them. Keep us posted.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

thanks. Hoping that at least I can get it changed to certain hours of the day or maybe adults only, kids with supervision. I understand their concerns but I really think we should have access

 

[disneynutz]

We were recently at SSR and were informed of a new policy that guests are no longer allowed to use the spa facility and change rooms unless they are purchasing spa services or using the fitness facilities. Has anyone else heard of this new policy?

We enjoy using the sauna and steam room. Apparently no longer. We were told very bluntly that "guests pay over $200 to use the spa services and don't want to be overrun by DVC guests paying nothing." I'm not one to complain usually and really have not experienced harsh customer service at Disney before, but this is an actual quote.

I understand that if the facility is full it could be a problem, but I have rarely even seen anyone in the ladies facility. My husband tells me that the men's is busier. when we are there for a week, we probably go 5 days out of the 7 in the morning. I have always had the steam room and the sauna to myself.

I realize that it is clear from our documents that the spa is not a guaranteed thing, but this does seem a little extreme. Maybe they could just indicate when the busy times are and ask us to come at different times.

They did indicate that we could lie and say we were using the workout facilities, I just don't like doing that.

anyone else have this experience? what do you think?

We did talk to the front desk and they said they thought all members had received notification. I don't remember getting it.

I'd like to email the satisfaction team but can't seem to locate the email address...

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[LisaS]

We were recently at SSR and were informed of a new policy that guests are no longer allowed to use the spa facility and change rooms unless they are purchasing spa services or using the fitness facilities. Has anyone else heard of this new policy? ... We enjoy using the sauna and steam room.

The fitness facilities at SSR are free, aren't they? I've never stayed at SSR but the fitness centers are free to guests at the other DVC resorts. So what is the difference whether you work out and then use the sauna or just go in and use the sauna?

 

[BCV23]

The fitness facilities at SSR are free, aren't they? I've never stayed at SSR but the fitness centers are free to guests at the other DVC resorts. So what is the difference whether you work out and then use the sauna or just go in and use the sauna?

I agree.

And at all the resorts, the fitness centers are free to guests of that resort (or in the case of the Polynesian, guests can use the fitness center at the GF Spa.

 

[LisaS]

Assuming the CM was correct about a new policy, I wonder if the real issue here is people using the changing room and shower after using the pool on the last day of their stay. I often see moms and kids in the fitness center changing rooms, freshening up after using the pool before heading for the airport. Perhaps people were tying up lockers for hours at a time while they were at the pool or maybe the spa patrons complained about crowded or noisy changing rooms. If they restrict the use of the facilities to those using the fitness center or spa, that would result in no one under the fitness center's age limit in the changing rooms. But it still doesn't make sense to require someone to use a piece of fitness equipment in order to use the sauna!

 

[kikiq]

When we were at the spa this summer, that was the policy. It's maybe an issue for the men's side rather than the women's. When I was checking in for my massage, there was a group of 5/6 men (speaking another language). The spa receptionist was informing the group that they needed to use the fitness center in order to use the sauna. Half of the group left, the other half waited until the spa personnel were busy checking in clients and walked back to sauna.

My DD and DH used the fitness center. They just walked up the stairs and went in. From there, my DD said that she walked through the lounge and used the restroom in the women's area and could have easily used the sauna if she wanted. My sil and I didn't use the sauna, sat in the whirlpool for a bit. We must have been there a least an hour in that area after our massage just relaxing mid afternoon. I think there some other massage clients and only one other woman used the sauna during that time period.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

I think that you are right that the issue is more with the men's facilities than the women's. The women's are almost always empty, but my dh says the men's are full.

They definitely don't want to let you in if you are only using the sauna, steam room etc. if working out, that is ok.

Apparently, if just using the shower, then there is another one available at SSR and that should be where those members go.

when I write my email I will definitely ask if using the steam room qualifies. i don't want to lie and say I am working out. I don't think that the steam and sauna should be off limits.

 

[Tinkerbellcrafter]

I have used the whirlpool as both a part of my massage and when we stayed there the first time in april I used the whirlpool twice with my daughter without massage services. They asked us for our room keys but never said anything about having to use the fitness equipment. Every single time I have been to the spa/locker room area for women it has been empty or one other person in there. I have never received notifcation of the requirement to have booked a service to use the facilities.

Please keep us posted....

 

[MinnieGirl33]

We enjoy using the sauna and steam room.

So do we. I guess I could understand it if they limited usage to guests staying at the resort but to eliminate it would be very disappointing.

The Aug-Dec Portable Perks under "Member Freebies" says, "Fitness facility use is complimentary for Members at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel at which they are staying and at any Disney Vacation Club Resort." Aren't the locker rooms/showers/etc. part of the "fitness facility"? And it indicates any DVC resort, not just where staying.

Anybody able to find any offical word?

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

I just sent an email to the address provided above. Let's see what happens. It seems logical that they include coming to use the sauna as permissable. After that they really can't deny you a shower !

I hope that in enforcing a relatively new policy (we were there in April too, and never had problems) they are somewhat over zealous. Hopefully, I'll get some official clarification that I can use next time we are there.

I'd be interested in seeing if anyone can find official words somewhere. Rest assured if I get an email that gives me something official, I'll print it for the next trip. Sounds drastic I know but it really left a bad taste in my mouth.

Here's hoping that common sense prevails !!

 

[Tozzie]

Assuming the CM was correct about a new policy, I wonder if the real issue here is people using the changing room and shower after using the pool on the last day of their stay. I often see moms and kids in the fitness center changing rooms, freshening up after using the pool before heading for the airport. Perhaps people were tying up lockers for hours at a time while they were at the pool or maybe the spa patrons complained about crowded or noisy changing rooms. If they restrict the use of the facilities to those using the fitness center or spa, that would result in no one under the fitness center's age limit in the changing rooms. But it still doesn't make sense to require someone to use a piece of fitness equipment in order to use the sauna!

I usually do this as I take a late flight and relax by the pool on my last day, I wouldn't have a problem with the new policy if the restrooms by the pool had shower facilites, they do at Animal Kingdom as well as Coronado springs, which is where I stayed prior to joining DVC.

 

[fishermouse]

When we were at the spa this summer, that was the policy. It's maybe an issue for the men's side rather than the women's. When I was checking in for my massage, there was a group of 5/6 men (speaking another language). .

Not sure what this has to do with anything!!!! WDW has many guests from around the world.

Seems that having to use the fitness equipment to use the steam room, sauna etc. discriminates against disabled and elderly folks that just want to use those facilities but are unable to workout. If this is actually the policy it needs to be addressed. Like a previous post I often use the changing room and showers on the last day. If it's a nice day I spend it by tha pool then get changed and cleaned up for the flight home which is always late. If DVC wants to provide another area for this fine but until then I will continue to use the spa facilities, if they want a big scene involving security I guess they can remove me.

 

[LisaS]

I usually do this as I take a late flight and relax by the pool on my last day, I wouldn't have a problem with the new policy if the restrooms by the pool had shower facilites, they do at Animal Kingdom as well as Coronado springs, which is where I stayed prior to joining DVC.

We do this as well which is why this report of a "new policy" has me concerned. Again, I'm just speculating on why they would even consider something like this -- I hope I'm wrong!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Do SSR Owners pay for any maintenance or upkeep of the sauna/steam room/showers/workout facilities at SSR in their annual dues?

 

[LIFERBABE]

First, I hope this is not true, but understand if it is the new policy. I've never found the spa to be crowded either.

We do not support the spa with our dues. It is a separate entity. They could close it, move it and we would not have a say. It is in our POS this way. The fitness center, we may, and that could be where the issue lies. There used to be a small locker room across from the fitness room that they turned into the couples massage room. That leaves the spa locker area.
There is a restroom with shower area underneath the stairs that lead up to the spa. I dont like taking my kids in the spa area to change because it is a peaceful setting and I think that's pushing it.

I hope there is a sensible solution to spa use at SSR. I dont use it often, but I love my pedicures and I have used it after our morning walk/workout to chill out a bit after.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

Apparently, there is another place to shower and change. The front desk staff that we complained to mentioned this. They said other showers are available. Honestly, I was just too mad to ask them where it is.

I did get the automated response that says my comments have been received and that a response will come in 5 days. Let's see.

 

[fishermouse]

There is a restroom with shower area underneath the stairs that lead up to the spa. .

Guess I have nothing to complain about after all since this is the shower I use. Did not know there was another. Still think if they plan to limit the sauna and steam room to those healthy enough to work out in the fitness centsr they are looking for trouble. Never had much use for the fitness center with all the beautiful paths to walk or jog. Not to mention the miles covered at the parks. Guess if your into weights etc. it's useful.

 

[SaratogaShan]

I wonder how they plan to police this. There is a door (unlocked) that leads directly to the showers/restroom/locker rooms from the walkway just off the pool area. I have never seen staff there at the door. There is not a check in station.

I have used these restrooms on several occassions and changed clothes a couple of times. I have never gone through the spa check in upstairs to access this area.

Just wondering, how do they plan to enforce this policy IF it is indeed true.

There are a set of restrooms by the pool (near community hall). I THINK I remember them having a shower, but I don't know about outlets for hair dryers and such.

Shan