The Grand Floridian ~ A Day at The Senses Spa

Let’s face it, when we say Disney World people automatically think of theme parks, long lines and family negotiations. Today, I’m here to change that perception and remind you how a trip to Disney World can be just the opposite. Everyone needs and deserves a little pampering now and again. Finding myself with a clear day on my calendar I headed over to the Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian to discover just how much indulging one could handle in a day, DVC Member style.

Concerned about the new policy of resort guests paying to park, I confirmed that for a Spa guest or a dining guest, parking is complimentary.  Just make sure you have a reservation and share that with the gate host.  If you’ve never been to the Spa at the Grand Floridian, it should be noted it’s actually just before the turn in to the main resort. It has it’s own parking area which is shared with guests who are utilizing the Fairy Tale Wedding Chapel venues.

A little research on the DVC Member website and I learned about the Exclusive DVC Member treatments:

• A Magic Your Way Massage, a relaxing 50-minute custom pressure massage for $150, using exclusive aromatherapy massage oil with your choice of either Swedish or Custom Firm technique
• The Best Kept Secret Facial, a rejuvenating 50-minute facial treatment for $150, featuring the latest in organic anti-aging products and a NuFACE® enhancement
• The Points & Perks Pedicure, a 50-minute nourishing salon experience for $80, using organic care products exclusive to this treatment
• The $375 Welcome Home Spa Package, which combines all of our Member-exclusive spa treatments into a 3-hour journey of total indulgence

I opted for the first two, a facial and a massage.  Upon arrival at the spa I was welcomed and checked in courteously.  Skin care products were on display for purchase from the in-house line as well as the somewhat famous luxury robe many have come to covet. 

A hostess took me for a tour of the spa.  The ladies lounge area had 6 lounge recliners, a sofa, loveseat and 2 basic chairs for guests to await treatment.  The snack bar featured Two vats of cold water, one with cucumber and one with oranges, 3 snack decanters of trail mix varietals (one with just nuts for my ketonian readers), some granola bars, and a variety of herbal teas. A basket of fresh fruit was on the coffee table.

Next, we stopped in the whirlpool relaxation room.  Beautifully decorated with ornate tile, it features two loungers, a hot tub that holds 4 comfortably and a sauna off to the side.  Towel service and cold water are provided.  I spent a good half hour in here before the start of my treatments.  It’s a great environment to begin the relaxation mentality. 

Relaxed and awaiting treatment in the lounge, my first hostess greeted me and took my to the treatment room for my facial.  A peaceful, quiet, candle lit room awaited. My hostess asked if I preferred the citrus tangerine aromatherapy or lavender.  I chose the former and  she told me a little about what to expect, asked if I had any allergies and encouraged me to make myself comfortable while she stepped out. The facial was fantastic.  Having highly sensitive skin I was trepidatious but she put me at ease, informing me of each product prior to using it.  We only found one that irritated my skin and she quickly removed it, let my skin relax and then moved on to a cooling agent.  She also used a small hand held machine by NuFace to help tighten and rejuvenate the skin. The treatment took about 45 minutes and I left feeling quite refreshed!

I returned to the lounge and just a few moments later was called back for my massage. Noticably, the treatment room had a bathtub in it!  I inquired and was told it’s used for other specialty treatments.  My therapist didn’t ask about my preference for “Swedish or Custom Firm” as advertised, but she did ask about my pressure intensity preference.  It was a great massage which included hands and feet, something I tend to pay attention to because sometimes those get skipped by even the best therapists.

When my time was over, she brought me back to the lounge and offered the “lounge menu” offerings. The attendant brought over a glass of champagne and a piece of chocolate as a lovely final touch to the wonderful services I received that day.  It was tough to get going after such a relaxing day but I knew dinner at Narcoosee’s awaited.  The spa had all the necessities to get cleaned up, dolled up and ready for my next adventure.  If you decide that you want something different on your next Disney adventure, treat yourself!  You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for reading.