Cue one of my all-time favorite 80’s songs by Belinda Carlisle … “Ooh, baby, do you know what that’s worth? Ooh, heaven is a place on earth.” That song hook (you’re singing to yourself now aren’t you LOL) perfectly describes your spa experience with the magic of Disney. I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed the Senses Spa at Walt Disney World as well the Magnolia Spa at the Shades of Green Resort (Military personnel and Department of Defense).
Childcare at Disney World
How do you “escape” from the hustle and bustle of your family vacation that’s nonstop 24-7? While visiting Walt Disney World, you have great childcare options. My family has tried and loved them all. There’s the new Pixar Play Zone at the Contemporary Resort (available nightly) which is very similar to the Disney Cruise ships’ kids clubs. Just remember to book that, your child must be at least four years old and potty trained. The kids can visit their favorite Pixar pals plus meals are included! Don’t forget there is private in-room babysitting too. We used the Kid Nite Out service when our local babysitter canceled on us when we were “living” at Bay Lake Tower post-Hurricane Irma. Literally, it was the 11th hour before our Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event, and we were still able to snag a babysitter! The kids had a blast. Littlest loved that the sitter brought her own toys. Just make sure to bathe your kiddos before the babysitter arrives because they don’t do baths. To find out more information on pricing and availability check out this link.
Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Beautifully situated next to the wedding pavilion, you will find Senses at the Grand Floridian. Talk about gorgeous and with the monorail passing by, it’s incredible. When you walk through the doors, a Cast Member greets you at the check-in counter. A wonderful sense of calm starts to take over and makes you feel like you’re transported to another world.
Last week, I opted for a 50-minute beyond organic facial after speaking with the spa coordinator. Personally, I’ve always had acne-plagued skin, so she recommended that would be the best fit for my complicated complexion. So after check-in, I was given a quick tour (unfortunately due to nap constraints I wasn’t able to thoroughly enjoy the steam/pool room 🙁 ) and then taken back to the locker room. Because I’m a Disney Vacation Club Member, I got to wear a special DVC robe (they do NOT offer that on the cruises). Then, I sat myself down on a recliner with my glass of water to wait for my esthetician to call my name (which was only about 5 minutes). I was lucky enough to have had Jasmine (of course I made some Aladdin jokes – it is Disney LOL). She was FANTASTIC! My skin felt like a million bucks when I was finished.
Afterward, I was welcomed back to the relaxation room with a chocolate Ghirardelli’s square and drink menu (alcoholic and non – alcoholic) to choose a complimentary beverage from! Of course, I chose champagne. Talk about heavenly! In the room, they also offer ice water, hot tea, “Mickey pretzels,” homemade trail mix and Mickey colored m&m’s. It was lovely sipping champagne, eating chocolate and flipping through a magazine. To see what spa services are available and pricing for the Grand Floridian location check out this link.
Senses Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Tucked away between the Disney Vacation Club Preview Center and High Rock Spring Pool is the beautiful Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs. It was much more expansive than at the Grand Floridian. I was surprised by that because GF is the flagship Disney World Resort. Anywho full disclosure, I was running late and didn’t arrive early enough for the full pre-service tour. Nonetheless, a cast member had a blue Disney Vacation Club robe waiting for me once my masseuse called my name. That time, I chose the 80-minute custom massage. I figured my runner legs could use some extra TLC. Hands down that was the BEST massage I have ever gotten! I don’t say that lightly either. After my legs felt like a million bucks, I was escorted to the relaxation room (there it is mixed male & female) I was gifted a small bag of custom trail mix, a square of Ghirardelli’s chocolate and the drink menu. Once I again, I chose the champagne, nibbled on my snacks and flipped through a magazine wishing I didn’t have to step back into the real world. To see what spa services are available and pricing check out this link https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/spas/saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa/senses-spa-saratoga/.
Magnolia Spa – Shades of Green at Walt Disney World
Located across the street from Disney’s Polynesian, is the Shades of Green Military resort. I stumbled upon the Magnolia Spa by accident actually (my husband is retired Navy). Last year, I popped over to pick up a Disney park ticket at the ITT office there for my brother’s upcoming trip and saw this sign that said Magnolia Grand Special $120. I jotted down the number and gave them a call later that week to find out what all that entailed. Little did I know, I found the BEST DEAL IN “TOWN”!!! The Magnolia Grand special is a 50-minute massage, 50-minute facial, paraffin hand treatment, and 20-minute foot treatment. Since finding out about that deal, I have enjoyed the Magnolia Grand three times (twice post runDisney races). It may not be as fancy as Senses, but the staff is exceptional. Magnolia Spa is definitely my “go-to,” and you can bring non-military guests with you. Just make sure you have your Military or Department of Defense ID with you when you check in at the gate shack. Check out this link to find out more information.
Have you ever found your inner zen at one of the spas at Walt Disney World or have more questions on Senses Spa at Walt Disney World? Comment below!
Life is too short not to live YOUR happily ever after, so my husband and I decided to move the family out of the D.C. suburbs to live in the land of the mouse. I’m raising 2 kids on pixie dust and dole whip behind the castle. Everyday is a new adventure with Mickey! I look forward to sharing my pro mom tips to help you create your own magical adventure.