Review of Senses Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Let’s face it, a vacation to Walt Disney World isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘relaxing.’ With the hustle and bustle of walking around the parks, seeing shows, enjoying the rides and taking advantage of early morning or late-night hours, we might feel a little weary by bedtime. However, there are ways to add some relaxation to your vacation. One such way is to make an appointment for ‘you-time’ at the Senses Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa! I recently went there for the first time to try a spa treatment. A review of my experience is below.
The Lobby
When you first arrive to the spa, you will check in at the counter in the lobby. To take full advantage of the spa, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your service. The lobby is quite spacious and has an airy feel to it. There are products for sale and chairs to relax while you wait for your Cast Member attendant. First-time visitors will receive a tour of the facility, otherwise the Cast Member attendant will lead you to the women’s or men’s lounge.
The Women’s Lounge
The women’s lounge has everything one would expect at a full-service spa. Each guest is assigned a locker and given a robe and sandals to wear throughout the spa. There are showers, dressing rooms, and restrooms located within the lounge. There are various toiletries such as body lotion, hair gel, spray deodorant, and a primping station with hair dryers and even curling irons should you want to leave the spa looking your best! The lounge also is home to a whirlpool spa & steam room where guests can indulge before or after their treatments (swim suit is required). The men’s lounge is identical with some differences in toiletry offerings.
The Relaxation Room
Once guests are changed into their robes, they are welcome to spend time in the Relaxation Room (this is also where they can meet up with a spouse, friend, etc.). The Relaxation Room is glorious! It is a bit small, so if there are many guests, you might compete for space, but the lounge chairs are so comfortable that you could easily fall asleep. For non-nappers, there are magazines and a variety of snacks. During my visit I noted apples, a “Mickey Mix” (pretzels and M&Ms), almonds, dried fruit, biscotti, water and hot tea. Like the whirlpool spa and steam room, guests can relax here before or after their treatments. Likely, the first place a Cast Member will look to find you for your treatment is the Relaxation Room, so you may want to head there after you change into your robe. It is not to be missed!
Your Massage
I happily waited in the Relaxation Room for my service and took full advantage of the offerings and time to decompress. When the Cast Member found me to take me to the private massage room, I was already well relaxed. I had signed up for a pregnancy massage which was a first for me! I was a bit apprehensive about the service, as I did not know what to expect, but the Cast Member was well trained and explained everything to me in detail to put my mind at ease. I was very relieved to know that I was in good hands (no pun intended)! Basically, I was propped up with pillows, and I rested on my side where I was treated to a back & shoulder massage followed by a gentle massage of my legs & feet, and then I switched to the other side. While it wasn’t quite the same experience as a regular massage, I was grateful for any type of service as my body ached, and this certainly helped! The massage lasted 50-minutes, and afterwards, I went back to the Relaxation Room for a little siesta before I bid adieu to the Senses Spa. I was presented with a decadent chocolate truffle as a parting gift.
Treat Yourself
If you have the time and budget, I would recommend trying to fit a spa visit into your vacation schedule, especially if you are traveling for a special occasion, taking an adults-only trip, or staying for an extended time with some days to relax from the parks. For first-time Walt Disney World visitors, this may be a luxury you will want to skip as you will likely have a packed schedule of seeing so much for the first time. However, should you return to the “World,” this might be something to check out. I most certainly will be back (after my baby) to try a different service! Note that guests must be 18 or older to enjoy a spa service unsupervised. Disney Vacation Club owners and Annual Passholders may eligible for a discount. Advanced reservations are encouraged, and interested guests can call the spa directly (407-WDW-SPAS) or work with their travel agent to make reservations.
Relax magically with Senses Spa!
Kim Hart is a Disney travel agent with MickeyTravels. For help planning a magical vacation you & your family will remember forever, contact Kim today!
Kim Hart
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – PLATINUM LEVEL
Office: 410-529-1324
Cell: 410-925-5966
khart@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
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