[gatour]

Not really a review but my impressions on a visit to the Spa a week and half ago.

A bit of background...

During its Disney Institute days, we have had several massages at the Spa, during the destruction of the Institute and the building of the Springs we had massages at the Grand Floridian Spa. Although I knew the now SS spa was open during the reconstruction, wasn't in mood to experiment of going to a spa in a construction zone.

When we went to the GF spa, I wasn't too impressed, it felt more cramped than the Disney Institute Spa.

Now to the present day...

After our recent visit to the "new" Saratoga Springs Spa, that opinion hasn't changed. I much prefer it over the GF spa. They didn't really touch the facilities (I imagine they replaced carpeting etc) but the actual facilities are as I remember them.

I like the fact that they have a men's and women's side each with their own whirlpools, steam rooms, and saunas. In the whirlpool room, I wish they could turn down the lighting though. A local resort hotel has a similiar set up but the lights are dimmer than the SS Spa, I find this more relaxing.

All in all a nice time.

[Boss Mouse]

DW digs it.

[donaldschick]

I will be attending the SS Spa in November and I was wondering what kind of massage do you prefer, I usually get the Swedish but I was wanting a change!

[Campbell87]

Hmmm Im so tempted to give it a go while we are their in August but it seems pretty expensive

[dznygrl]

Very cool, thank you so much for the review. I have visited the GF spa before and had a great time, so I've always been curious to give SSR a try. I think I may have to do that next time!

[donaldschick]

DO you have to make a reservation before you go to WDW or when you check in ?

[gatour]

sorry for no replying sooner as we made an impromptu trip to the mouse house over the weekend. No spa this time though

I normally get a swedish treatment, I like a more harder massage, so if they are not pressing hard enough and they ask, I request a little more harder. I think technically this would be called a "sports" massage or a "deep tissue" massage.

Once in a while I will get a aromatherapy massage. I find euclyptus relaxes me. Once in a great while I will get a stone massage. This doesn't do as much unless I have some great tension in my back.

I normally make reservations about month out. We usually go during the offseason.

The prices seem high but they are inline with other hotel resorts charge. Remember you also get use of the facilities for the day. I normally make a half day out of it. I make reservations for 10 or 11am, arrive an hour or two early and of use the whirlpool and the sauna. This actually helps your massage experience. After the massage I spend another hour using the
sauna and whirlpool. All-in-all a great way to melt away the stress of work.