The Spa at the Disney Institute

[drenkey]

I'm planning to go to the Spa at the Disney Institute sometime during our WDW stay this year. For anyone who has been there recently, please tell me your impressions and what services you enjoyed! I'd love to book every service, but our budget is just a bit too limited for that idea!

Thanks! All comments are welcome and appreciated!

 

[eeyore0062]

I was under the impression that DI was closed. Am not sure about the spa. They do have wonderful spa services at the GF, however!

 

[goofygal531]

I was there in May 00 and LOVED it! I had the 3 hour seaweed wrap package. Wonderful spa and a great staff! I must say I enjoyed this spa more than the spa on the Wonder. I would expect the same positive experience at the GF. Just do it, you won't regret it!

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

Drenkey, I guess it's up to the individual but I will never go back to the DI spa. DW and I were at WDW last May. Made reservations in February for two, one hour massages. One for me and one for my wife. As of the day before our appointments we were all confirmed. We both arrive at the DI Spa 1/2 hour early and check in, my DW goes to the ladies dressing room and I go to the men's. I get ready and go upstairs for my appointment. I sit there for 1/2 hour with no CM interaction. Then a CM comes out and tells me they have to cancel my appointment because some CM's called in sick. This was unacceptable to me. Any way they had no solution for me and it was the only day I could have the treatment. Needless to say I will never go to the DI Spa again. Either GF or AKL will be just fine.

Have a great trip.

Scott, Peg and Tyler

 

[zurgswife]

I think eeyore is right all of DI is closed because it is going to become a DVC resort....I believe your going to have to pick one of the other Spa resorts...GF or AKL

 

[BCV23]

The spa at DI is still open. My daughter and I were there last Monday. We had a wonderful, relaxing time and found the staff to be very friendly and professional. The rest of the DI area did look like a well kept ghost town, though because as zurgswife was noting they are going to build DVC units there and have closed the Townhouses, etc.. My manicurist said the new units were going to be built around the spa. Speaking of service, I left my asmtha inhaler in the pocket of my robe and only realized it a couple of hours later (when I started to wheeze). I returned with visions of it long gone, but they had found it and returned it to me in a bag as I approached the front desk. The only other spa my daughter and I have to compare it with is at the Grand Wailea on Maui. We both agree that this was a better experience for us...service with a smile and no attitude.

 

[KimandBrian]

My husband and I got masses at DI Spa on our honeymoon and it was fantastic. The people were extremely friendly and it felt so nice! I think you'll enjoy it.

 

[drenkey]

Thanks for the comments! I just checked with DI and their spa is open.

FYI, although conventional transportation to/from the Disney Institute isn't running, DI said the following transportation was available:

1. At your resort, check with guest services about a voucher for pick up and drop off at DI (the same service that golfers use to visit the golf courses).

2. Take a bus to Downtown Disney and walk to the Disney Institute.

3. Take a bus to the Old Key West resort and have guest services page DI for transportation.

 

[imbe@aol.com]

I've done the DI Spa before (a "day of beauty" on my birthday) and it was wonderful! Expert staff, it's a beautiful place, and I really enjoyed the experience!

 

[Mickey Bound in MN]

I call the Disney Institute Spa and they send me an Adobe file with their services and price listings. Their prices are very comparable to the local spa's here in MN.

I can e-mail it to you or you can call Disney Institute the person who answers the phone is very friendly and he made several wonderful suggestions for me to use my magical wishes on.

Have a great time.

 

[Cinderella]

Mickey I would be so grateful if you could possibly email me a copy of that file. I have tried the GF spa twice and it was lovely but, I have heard great things about the DI spa and would love to try the treatments on our next trip. Thanks.

By the way, anyone using any of the wdw spa services should consider getting copies of the menus and booking ahead of their trip. It is often quite difficult to get a space once you arrive.

 

[MaryJ]

Mickey, I would like to see a copy of that price list too. DH and I are going to celebrate our anniversary in WDW this summer and I thought a massage would be a nice treat for both of us.