Be sure to communicate with your therapist.

Five Tips for Making the Most of your Disney Spa Experience

Visiting Disney World can be a fun and amazing experience, but it can also be hectic and exhausting. Who wants an aching back and tired feet after their vacation?

Wouldn’t it be nice to really relax during your vacation?  Wouldn’t it be nice to take a break and enjoy a bit of luxury and pampering?

Fortunately, Disney has you covered with their full service spas.

Disney operates two full service spas, both of which are called “Senses.” One is located in a separate building on the grounds of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The other is located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.

There is also the Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (the Swan and Dolphin are on Disney property but are operated by Starwood Hotels).

Here are some tips for making the most of your Disney Spa experience:

Senses at the Grand Floridian provides modern spa treatments in Victorian elegance.
Senses at the Grand Floridian provides modern spa treatments in Victorian elegance.

1 – Book Early

While the Disney Spas provide a relaxing experience, they are busy in the sense that they do tend to book up quickly. Book your treatment as soon as you know that you want one – as far in advance as possible. Check out the treatment menus online, so that you can compare options at your own pace and so that the Cast Member scheduling your appointment can allocate the right amount of time and plan for the correct personnel for your service.

2 – Arrive Early, Stay Late

The last thing you want is to feel rushed. A visit to the spa is supposed to be a relaxing experience. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, maybe more. This gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful facilities and perhaps even take a shower to prepare yourself.

3 – Over Communicate

Be sure to let your therapist know if you are on any medications like blood thinners, which could impact your treatment. Let them know if you have any allergies, or just likes or dislikes regarding scents, oils, or lotions. Be sure to let your therapist know what you would like from your treatment; you are paying plenty for this service, and you deserve to get the most possible enjoyment out of it. If you are ticklish, if you have certain sore muscles, or if you like a certain pressure, talk about it.

Be sure to communicate with your therapist. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Be sure to communicate with your therapist.
Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


4 – Consider Your Clothing Options

This can be an embarrassing topic for many people. At Disney Spas and most of spas in the United States, people wear robes or swimsuits in public areas like lobbies and steam rooms. During your individual treatment in a private treatment room, you can undress to your level of comfort. You will be covered by sheets or towels at all times, and the therapist will only uncover the area they are treating at the time. They will maintain your modesty at all times. Many people get the best treatment when they remove all their clothes (but, remember: are always covered by sheets or towels). Others keep on underwear or a swimsuit. However, doing so can interfere with the treatment since it can be hard for a therapist to provide an effective massage through those garments.

5 – Prepare For The Cost

You already know that Disney prides itself on providing premium experiences. You will get a premium experience at a Disney spa, and you will pay a premium price. The spas offer many different services. For example, you can get an 80 minute manicure for $65 or a “Grand Getaway” (which includes an 80 minute massage, an 80 minute facial, and an 80 minute pedicure) for $435. (Prices as of early 2014 and are subject to change – usually going up!). In addition to the price of the treatment, you will also need to pay sales tax (about 7%) and add a tip (typically 20%).

Most Important – Enjoy

A visit to a spa should be a relaxing and pampering experience. Be sure to make your requests known and enjoy!

Do you like Disney Spas?