Senses: A Disney Spa

When I was in Walt Disney World in February for the runDisney Princess half marathon, I had the opportunity to visit the recently re-opened Senses spa at the Grand Floridian Resort. I have been inside the building numerous times to use the gym, but had yet to visit the spa. I was excited to see the new interior, and hear about all of the new changes that came along with the grand re-opening.

Walking up to the spa has a very grand and serene feel.

When I went in, I was instantly greeted at the beautiful front desk. The mural on the wall is actually similar to a tattoo stuck up on the wall, and depicts old Florida.

I checked in and confirmed I was getting a massage, and then an attendant came out to greet me and explain what was going to happen. At the Senses spa, each guest goes on a “journey” when getting their treatment. The three journeys are relax, renew, and imagine. The journey I would be going on was the “relax” journey. You start your journey with a special fruit juice/smoothie designed specifically for your individual journey. They all looked amazing so I asked if I could try all three, so I did!

I was then led down the beautiful hall to the waiting area. I was greeted with comfy chairs, snacks, magazines, and refreshing cucumber infused water.

I was then shown into the area with the steam room and a Jacuzzi pool (be sure to bring a swimsuit if you would like to take advantage of this!) The room was beautiful and I immediately spotted the amazing heated tile loungers. Pure heaven.

The attendant explained that the tiles on the wall were imported from Italy, as were the beautiful chandeliers. She also told me to look out for the hidden mickeys in the tile on the walls! (I spotted one!)

There was also a steam room next to the heated lounge chairs.

After the tour, I was led into the locker room and shown how to create my own code for the lock. It was nice knowing my personal belongings would be secure in the locker room. Each locker held a robe and slippers to make us comfy as we enjoyed the spa amenities.

I think I look mighty stylish!

The locker room also had plenty of towels for our use in the steam room, Jacuzzi, and showers.

The bathroom is inside of the locker room, and it was just as beautiful as the rest of the facility. Complementary curling irons, blow dryers, and straighteners were such a nice touch (and much needed after my treatment!)

Before I knew it, it was time for my massage. I was led down a relaxing dim hallway with gorgeous light fixtures on the walls. I felt like I had stepped into the movie Alice in Wonderland.

We made it to the treatment room, and my masseuse explained that I would have the blue light as part of my relax journey, but if I wanted another color that was fine too. She asked me if there was anything specific I wanted her to know before she began. I told her my IT bands were very tight and that I was running the half marathon on Sunday so she focused a lot on my legs.

The massage itself was wonderful, and seemed to go by all too quickly. There was relaxing music, the scent of lavender, and the warmth of the heated bed. When the massage was over, I was given my robe back which was nice and warm and I was also given water and an antioxidant jelly.

My masseuse reminded me to drink lots of water, and walked me back to the locker room and told me to take my time enjoying the amenities. I said a sad goodbye to the beautiful relaxing area and headed outside to sit and chat with Ginger about the spa. I asked her a lot of questions, and here is some information I found interesting.

-The most popular treatments are manicures/pedicures as well as the Swedish massage.

-This summer Senses spa is coming to Saratoga Springs!

-The demographic at the spa is 90% female

-Your kids can get treatments as well but they request an adult stays in the room during the treatment

-Decoration inspiration was of course the Grand Floridian Resort. Disney wanted to tie in that whole immersive guest experience and theming for the guests.

-Ginger mentioned massages are great for runners all during their training, and that reflexology (also offered at the spa) is great for recovery.

A lot of people think of a Disney vacation as exhausting and that you just visit parks all day long, but it can be a relaxing time, too! Be sure to take a morning or afternoon for yourself and relax on your vacation by booking a treatment at the Senses spa. You can even book bridal packages, prenatal massages, couple packages, or pick something for your little mouseketeer from the kids menu.  Ginger recommended booking about two weeks in advance by calling 407-WDW-SPAS.

QOTD: Have you been to a Disney spa? What is your favorite spa treatment?

*I was offered a complimentary treatment at the Senses spa, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review, but it’s no secret I love all things Disney!