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

[LIFERBABE]

Just to clarify, the restrooms attached to the community hall do not have showers.

Across from Community Hall, on the first floor under the stairs of the spa, there is another restroom complete with showers.

Then there is the spa locker room that has lockers, vanity and showers as well as a sauna and small hot tub. This is the area in question by the OP.
It is also accessible from the first level as well as by elevator.

So there is a place at SSR near the main pool to shower and change without using the spa locker room. I prefer to use the spa room, but would not take my kids in there. If I had kids, I would use the shower area under the stairs (and have). I could see this quickly becoming an issue, if you had families using the spa lockers to shower and change. Not saying this is what the OP did but could be the reason they are now turning guests away. I do purchase spa services at SSR and elsewhere and it is not the norm to have children in the locker areas, if they are not receiving a service.

I hope they work something out and I hope we as members can be mindful that we have a unique situation at SSR.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Yup, we were told this on two different trips this year, and I have a major issue with it. The shower under the stairs is just that, a shower. It in no way compares to the shower facilties at other DVC or even moderate resorts

 

[Deb & Bill]

Isn't the spa a contracted service, meaning not run by Disney directly? Maybe that is the problem.

What's funny, though, is the one time we stayed in a studio at SSR, the spa staff were using the laundry room at the pool to launder towels for the spa. The laundry room that SSR members pay for with their dues.

 

[PrincessNewsie]

Isn't the spa a contracted service, meaning not run by Disney directly? Maybe that is the problem.

What's funny, though, is the one time we stayed in a studio at SSR, the spa staff were using the laundry room at the pool to launder towels for the spa. The laundry room that SSR members pay for with their dues.

IMO, that's a bit overkill. If you don't want DVC using spa facilities, than don't use DVCs!

 

[Tinkerbellcrafter]

It is also accessible from the first level as well as by elevator.

So there is a place at SSR near the main pool to shower and change without using the spa locker room. I prefer to use the spa room, but would not take my kids in there. If I had kids, I would use the shower area under the stairs (and have). I could see this quickly becoming an issue, if you had families using the spa lockers to shower and change. Not saying this is what the OP did but could be the reason they are now turning guests away. I do purchase spa services at SSR and elsewhere and it is not the norm to have children in the locker areas, if they are not receiving a service.

I hope they work something out and I hope we as members can be mindful that we have a unique situation at SSR.

We have never used the outside pool and then gone into change and shower...I never actually thought of swimming on our last day and we usually have late flights. I have taken my daughter in to use the inside whirlpool twice because it was quieter and more relaxing and she loves the spa atmosphere. She is also VERY QUIET and does not run around shreaking, making noise, etc to disturb guests upstairs. We are in there a total of 15 minutes at a time and then we leave to shower and change in our room. Plus, this is a great mother/daughter bonding experience without having the expense of spa services. Also, the outside hottubs always seem to be non-working condition whenever I am there.

 

[Ksp]

We have made use of the sauna/hot tub area (women's side - DH is not interested) on visits, as well - it is such a lovely way to relax while there. After a visit to the sauna I am usually persuaded to stop and sign up for a spa treatment, so they certainly aren't losing any money on me, lol!
We are heading to SSR for a visit in January - I certainly hope that we can continue to use the area without making a massage app't. or first saying we are there to use the fitness equipment. And I certainly haven't received any specific mention of this from DVC, either.
Every time we have been there I am either alone or only one of 3 people in the area. Can't quite think why this should be an issue for the spa itself???
Good to know that there is a separate shower facility on the pool deck level; I did not know that, so, thanks!!

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

Not good news !!!

According to the phone conversation I just had with DVC member satisfaction...

DVc members are only entitled to use the fitness facility. That does not exptend to the locker facilities, sauna, steam room etc of the spa. We are supposed to use the other shower facilities if we wish. Apparently this is not really a new policy. it has always been the case, but the spa staff are probably just starting to enforce.

the CM even thought that they were giving us more that entitled when they allowed us to use the spa locker room while using the fitness centre.

The cm was very friendly and basically said that as the spa is a sesparately run facility any access for DVC member who aren't getting spa treatments would have to be negotiated as a member perk.

Thoughts anyone? If we complain even more maybe they won't even let us in after using the fitness facilities?

I'm really disappointed but I can't think of anything else to do...

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Isn't the spa a contracted service, meaning not run by Disney directly? Maybe that is the problem.

I believe so... I think the Spa at SSR & GF are owed by Nikki Brayn Spas & are considered an "Operating Participant" by Disney standards.

Very disappointing

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

Yes, it isn't owned by Disney and that is the reason for the difficulty. It is just disappointing because they were allowing us in the past and not now.

 

[CarolA]

Not good news !!!

According to the phone conversation I just had with DVC member satisfaction...

DVc members are only entitled to use the fitness facility. That does not exptend to the locker facilities, sauna, steam room etc of the spa. We are supposed to use the other shower facilities if we wish. Apparently this is not really a new policy. it has always been the case, but the spa staff are probably just starting to enforce.

the CM even thought that they were giving us more that entitled when they allowed us to use the spa locker room while using the fitness centre.

The cm was very friendly and basically said that as the spa is a sesparately run facility any access for DVC member who aren't getting spa treatments would have to be negotiated as a member perk.

Thoughts anyone? If we complain even more maybe they won't even let us in after using the fitness facilities?

I'm really disappointed but I can't think of anything else to do...

I was SHOCKED to hear that folks were using the Spa facilities without SPA treatments. Everyplace else I have used the Spa that's been one of the benfits is that you get to use the nice facilities. I would never have even assumed they were for the general public (and that includes those of us on the treadmills).

I really understand the Spa's stand. The "quiet" etc is suppose to be a feature. Having resort guests getting ready to go home etc is not in the deal.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Yes, it isn't owned by Disney and that is the reason for the difficulty. It is just disappointing because they were allowing us in the past and not now.

Even though they were allowing it before it isn't a perk that we're supposed to have. I think you just have to look at it as a nice extra perk that you've gotten in the past and accept that the rule will be enforced going forward.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I was SHOCKED to hear that folks were using the Spa facilities without SPA treatments. Everyplace else I have used the Spa that's been one of the benfits is that you get to use the nice facilities. I would never have even assumed they were for the general public (and that includes those of us on the treadmills).

I really understand the Spa's stand. The "quiet" etc is suppose to be a feature. Having resort guests getting ready to go home etc is not in the deal.

That has been my experience as well. While Im sorry to hear the news, I always knew from my other Spa experiences, that we had something unique at SSR.

Even on DCL, you can use the fitness center and the locker room but if you want to use the Sauna,steam room etc in the Rainforest room, you pay $15 a day. If you had a service, the RF room is free for the day. My last cruise I paid $160 for our 15 night cruise to use the Rainforest room. Now SSR facilities are no Rainforest room, but at least it was free.

The staff has always been very accomodating, but now that SSR is sold out, maybe some things have occurred to have them clamp down. If you just paid $150 for a relaxing massage and wanted to continue to relax in the ladies spa area and there was a family from the pool changing and swimming in the hot tub, would you complain?

Stranger things have happened at Disney. It takes all kinds. We were in line to ride Goofy's Barnstormer and instead of take his toddler to the bathroom, he pulled the kids pants down right there in line and had him pee in the bushes. So not everyone has the ability or desire to behave appropriately in all situations.

Maybe they will implement a day pass for those that want to use the spa area. It's really not all that, but was a nice place to relax after a morning workout.

They have allowed and even encouraged DVC'ers to visit and use the Spa facilities in the past. I always appreciated it but knew it was a thin line, since DVC does not pay for or operate the spa. I still think they give the best pedicure on earth and will continue to support the Spa. If not my Home resort will be just Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.

Thank you for the update and keeping us posted.

 

[rutgers1]

I would never think of using it unless I was getting a massage. I wasn't sure if it was an outside company that had contracted with Disney, but I figured that it was separate from SSR's normal offerings.

This is a really stupid question, but here goes.....I totally bypassed the hot tub in the spa last time (post-massage) because it was empty and I had no clue whether you were supposed to wear a bathing suit or just jump on in in your birthday suit.............So, which is it - bathing suit or birthday suit?

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

Thanks for all the responses. I guess it's possible that some sort of 'member perk' day pass will someday be offered. Not holding my breath.

In any event, we were lucky that the spa didn't enforce the rules earlier. we got to enjoy it up until now.

 

[athenna]

This is a really stupid question, but here goes.....I totally bypassed the hot tub in the spa last time (post-massage) because it was empty and I had no clue whether you were supposed to wear a bathing suit or just jump on in in your birthday suit.............So, which is it - bathing suit or birthday suit?

It's not a stupid question at all!!! I have seen people jump on in, in their birthday suits which is fine, it's just not for me....When I have used it, I have gone in wearing a bathing suit.

 

[Alexander]

I was SHOCKED to hear that folks were using the Spa facilities without SPA treatments. Everyplace else I have used the Spa that's been one of the benfits is that you get to use the nice facilities. I would never have even assumed they were for the general public (and that includes those of us on the treadmills).

I really understand the Spa's stand. The "quiet" etc is suppose to be a feature. Having resort guests getting ready to go home etc is not in the deal.

I agree 100%! I couldn't imagine using the facilities if I hadn't paid mucho dollars for a treatment.

 

[Alexander]

It's not a stupid question at all!!! I have seen people jump on in, in their birthday suits which is fine, it's just not for me....When I have used it, I have gone in wearing a bathing suit.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????? That is not a single person hot tub! OMG!!!

 

[CraftyMouse]

Thanks for all the responses. I guess it's possible that some sort of 'member perk' day pass will someday be offered. Not holding my breath.

The SSR spa is not part of DVC. It is a separately owned company. I truly can't see them ever offering a perk to DVC members. The facilities are meant for their clients, not everyone staying at the resort. I'm with those who have said they'd never think of using the spa's facilities if they hadn't paid for a treatment there. It just doesn't seem right.

 

[athenna]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????? That is not a single person hot tub! OMG!!!

No, I am certainly not kidding....My best friend and I had spa treatments done in '05 and we were going to use the hot tub, but there were 2 women in there, in their birthday suits, so we decided against it.

 

[rutgers1]

Regarding the birthday suit issue.......If you think about it, most people who are getting treatments are not there to use the pool so they probably don't even have a bathing suit. I didn't even expect it to be there. It is one of those things where you walk through a door and suddenly you are in front of a the hot tub. With my luck, I'd jump in in my birthday suit just as someone is giving a tour of the DVC facilities. The tour would proceed something like this......"And here is our spa room, and over there is a, Geez! Put some clothes on!!!!"