Which Spa?

[TPCShauna]

DH and I want to do massages during our trip. I'm trying to figure out which spa I should book. My only 2 choices are Saratoga Springs and Wyndham Palace because of the type of massage that I want (hot stone).

I'm leaning towards Wyndham because of pricing but I'm not sure if that's a good enough reason.

Please share your experiences with both!

 

[weregoingtodw]

We were prepared to book the Wyndham but couldn't because they won't accept clients under 18. Since my 9yo DD will be along for the experience, we are going to the Grand Floridian.

The Wyndham looked nice, though! Our other option was the Gaylord - have you looked at it? Theirs looked wonderful... but alas, no children there either!

 

[JenLoy]

I just booked a couples massage for my DH and myself at the Grand Floridian. This will be my first massage ever, DH's too. I'm a little nervous and don't really know what to expect, but very excited.

 

[TPCShauna]

weregoing - I looked at the Gaylord but they don't offer hot stone either. I love the "My First" series at GF and Saratoga. I'm sure you and DD will have a fabulous time!! So, did you actually see the Wyndham facility? If so, what did you think?

jenloy - You are both going to love, love, love your massages! I finally talked DH into getting one and this will be his first. I'm going to book him for a plain ol' (but still fabulous) Swedish. I have massages pretty often and prefer a hot stone. Don't be nervous and just remember that you should do whatever is comfortable. Massage therapists see every shape and size of body so you won't ever have to be uncomfortable or self-conscious. Feel free to ask for an extra blanket or to have the room cooler/warmer, etc. They want you to be as comfortable as possible or you won't benefit from the massage. Have a fabulous time!!!

 

[weregoingtodw]

weregoing - I looked at the Gaylord but they don't offer hot stone either. I love the "My First" series at GF and Saratoga. I'm sure you and DD will have a fabulous time!! So, did you actually see the Wyndham facility? If so, what did you think?

Nope, haven't been to the Wyndham, sorry!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

DH and I had massages at Grand Floridian on our honeymoon last year-wonderful!!! The massage was amazing and the treatment was really wonderful-it was a great experience at GF-highly recommend!!

 

[mistaroo]

I've been to both the Wyndham and the Saratoga Springs (when it was still considered part of the Disney Institute). Hands down I prefered the Disney Institute. I would go back in a heartbeat. I liked the facility (more upscale), aromatherapy, service, and treatment better at the Disney Insitute. It was by far more luxurious than Wyndham. The Wyndham was nice, don't get me wrong, but it was very much like an average day spa in a large town. The Disney spa was far superior. I'm relaxing just thinking about that trip to the spa Anyway, your mileage may vary but that is my experience.

If you are staying on property, be sure to take advantage of the free transportation to/from the spa treatment. We were staying at the BC and the front desk arranged our transportation (free taxi rides). Door to door service after the best spa treatment ever was pure heaven !!

 

[Kevin&Randall]

I've tried the Wyndham and Saratoga Springs. Wyndham is just okay. Saratoga is much nicer. Gaylord Palms is good too.

The Ritz Carlton beats every other spa in Orlando -- hands down.

If I'd have to rate:

1) Ritz Carlton
2) Grand Floridian
3) Saratoga Springs
4) Gaylord Palms
5) Wyndham Palace

Randall

 

[TPCShauna]

If you are staying on property, be sure to take advantage of the free transportation to/from the spa treatment. We were staying at the BC and the front desk arranged our transportation (free taxi rides). Door to door service after the best spa treatment ever was pure heaven !!

What is this transportation you speak of? I thought I would have to drive myself to and from because I do not want to deal with the bus system after getting a massage!! We're staying Concierge at BWI. Do I just tell the Concierge desk that I'm doing a massage at Saratoga Springs and they'll get me a taxi? That would be simply fabu!!

Kevin&Randall - Thanks for sharing your impressions. It helps to hear from someone who has been there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We have decided to go for Saratoga Springs. I've heard from a couple of people that they got burned by the rocks at Wyndham and I don't even want to chance that. Add that to the mostly great reviews I've heard about Disney spas and the choice was pretty easy. I still don't know why I was fighting it.

Saratoga Spa, here I come!!

 

[weregoingtodw]

DH and I had massages at Grand Floridian on our honeymoon last year-wonderful!!! The massage was amazing and the treatment was really wonderful-it was a great experience at GF-highly recommend!!

Jen,

When I made our reservations today, I was told that we'd have commplimentary use of the facilities all day. Do you know what that includes?

So excited!!! Among us, we booked Swedish massage (my mom), Aromatic Herbal Body Scrub and Soothing Tired Legs Treatment (for both my sister and me) and My First Manicure and My First Pedicure (for my DD9). Will let you know our reviews!

 

[mistaroo]

In terms of the transportation, when the Saratoga Spa was still called the Spa at the Disney Institute, WDW resort guests could get free taxi vouchers to and from their scheduled spa treatment by contacting the front desk of their resort. Let me tell ya, nothing beats being poured into a taxi and chauffered back to the resort after a relaxing spa treatment. CMs at both our resort and the spa called for the taxi and handed us a voucher to pass to the taxi driver so we didn't have to do a thing but get in the car! I'm sure the concierge can confirm whether this is still offered now that the name of the spa has changed. Have fun!

 

[SueOKW]

Please see this thread...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=745711

Anyway - I love SSR as I loved DI before it.

Of course, the Ritz w/b great - - but I put SSR above GF. I had hot stone therapy, parafin wrap and pedicure at SSR on Thursday.... the whole experience was wonderful!

Sue

 

[ducklite]

If you are staying on property, be sure to take advantage of the free transportation to/from the spa treatment. We were staying at the BC and the front desk arranged our transportation (free taxi rides). Door to door service after the best spa treatment ever was pure heaven !!

Free transportation is no longer offered. Hasn't been for probably two years now.

Anne

 

[babybunrab]

In March 'access to the facilities' meant that you could use the jacuzzi, steam room, etc AND the excercise equipment. It's nice to be able to work out and then go get a massage.

 

[TPCShauna]

Sue - Thanks for the link to the other thread. It gave me a ton of info. Glad to hear that your SSR experience was better than your GF. I've done a lot of massages and really think the hot stone is the best at dealing with my muscle tension. Thanks for sharing details of your visit!

Anne - Thanks for clarifying. I figured it was something like that. I guess I'll just have to drive or pay for the taxi. It's not like it's that far from the BWI to SSR anyway!

 

[SueOKW]

I'm glad to see you decided to go with SSR. AP holders do get a discount there! ENJOY!!!

Sue