Imagine a heated massage bed, hot stones, polished skin, aromatherapy, a glowing face and perfectly pampered fingers and toes. Spas, massage therapists and aestheticians are some kind of special magic. Disney is known for its world class service and the spas at Walt Disney World fall right in line with that set of principles. The company says you can ,‘Renew your mind, body and spirit at a full-service spa, salon and health club reminiscent of a serene Florida garden.’ Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a major component returning with the long awaited reopening of the vacation kingdom’s signature spa.
When will Disney spas reopen?
Disney has announced the Grand Floridian Spa, formerly Senses – A Disney Spa, will open on January 26th, 2022. The company has been slow to reintroduce salon and spa services at Walt Disney World and this is the first reopening of this kind. In contrast, Laniwai – A Disney Spa at Aulani reopened June 15th, 2021 and the all-new Tenaya Stone Spa at Disneyland’s Grand Californian reopened September 16th, 2021. At this time, the following spa and salon locations at Disney World remain closed with no opening dates announced: Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Ship Shape at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, and the smaller salon and spa locations Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center at Animal Kingdom Lodge and La Vida Health Club at Coronado Springs.
Just little speculation here but if I had to guess I’d say, depending on how things go at the Grand Floridian Spa, Saratoga Springs spa could be next to open then the Ship Shape over at Yacht and Beach Club. It seems these two offer the most services and are likely the next busiest after the Grand. In other reopening efforts, we’ve seen Disney consolidate offerings, providing less variety, probably to keep operation costs low. Demand and need had also been lower for some things because the overall capacity had been reduced and there were just less people to serve. Due to that I’m thinking the Grand Floridian Spa could be the lone spa location open for a while at Disney.
If you like variety, note that the Four Seasons Orlando and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, both located on Walt Disney World property, have top quality spas as well. They have both been open for some time though all amenities may not be available.
Grand Floridian Spa Reopening
The Disney Parks Blog shared that the Grand Floridian Spa has been ‘refreshed with the iconic Victorian-style theming of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.’ New images were shared including one of a redecorated relaxation room with updated furniture. We don’t know much more about the interior of the spa but we do know the reservation system received a major upgrade. Back in 2020 you could not book spa services online. Now the booking situation has moved to the internet only.
How to Book at the Grand Floridian Spa
The new online booking system for the Grand Floridian Spa is exciting considering before the spas used an outside phone booking service that wasn’t always reliable or knowledgable about the services. You can book a Grand Floridian Spa appointment or see more information about services on the appointment site.
If you call the old reservation number (407)-WDW-SPAS there’s a recording inviting you to make a Grand Floridian Spa reservation online. It also mentions that all other spas, salon services, Harmony Barbershop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are all still temporarily unavailable.
Grand Floridian Spa Prices
The following Grand Floridian Spa prices are the rates upon reopening. Some of the prices seem to have gone up with a 50 minute massage coming in at $175. For a complete list of current prices, including enhancements and extras, you can peruse the online booking platform.
MASSAGES
The Grand Massage (Signature) 50 minutes: $175, 80 minutes: $235
Massage for Two 50 minutes: $175 per person, 80 minutes: $235 per person
Warm Stone Massage 50 minutes: $185, 80 minutes: $245
Expectant Mother Massage 50 minutes: $175
Foot Therapy Treatment 25 minutes: $125
BODY THERAPIES
Nature’s Renewal Hydrating Treatment 80 minutes: $250
Botanical Purifying Body Treatment 80 minutes: $250
FACIALS AND OTHER TREATMENTS
Back Facial 25 minutes: $70
Anti-Aging Hand and Foot Treatment 50 minutes: $125
Self-Care Facial Instruction 25 minutes: $120
NAILS
The Grand Manicure & Pedicure Treatments 50-minute manicure: $70, 50-minute pedicure: $85
Express Manicure & Pedicure Treatments 25-minute manicure: $50, 25-minute pedicure: $55
Polish Change 15 minutes: $25
SPA PACKAGES
Just the Two of Us (2 hours): $260 Massage for Two and The Grand Pedicure for Two
SALON SERVICES
Lady’s Shampoo and Blow Dry (Short Hair): $70
Lady’s Shampoo and Blow Dry (Long Hair): $90
Lady’s Haircut with Shampoo and Blow Dry (Short Hair): Starting from $85
Lady’s Haircut with Shampoo and Blow Dry (Long Hair): Starting from $105
Flat or Curling Iron (Add On): Starting from $35
Gentleman’s Shampoo and Haircut: $45
Beard/Mustache Trim: $25
Simple Braids (Single or Double French Braids): $20
Special Occasion/Bridal Hair: Starting from $150 (80 minutes)
Special Occasion/Bridal Makeup: $125 (60 minutes)
What are Disney spas like? Will all spa amenities be available?
I became well acquainted with the spa at the Grand after a neck injury. I learned massage is more than just a fancy way to relax. A 50 minute massage can be highly rejuvenating for your overall health and reduce chronic pain. If days spent walking around the parks make your back grumpy or flare up an old running injury, a massage may be just the thing you need to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
A little note about celebrating special occasions like weddings and bachelorette parties at the spa. Disney recommends letting them know about your celebration in advance. I wasn’t sure what this was about before my wedding. It turns out they like to do special little things for brides to be. You’re also able to do group bookings. Both can be planned by calling (407) 824-3039.
It’s not listed on the service menu, now or before, but ahead of the closure guests were given the option to purchase a day pass just to enjoy the amenities like the hot tub, heated tile chairs and steamy sauna without getting a service. It’s likely day passes will not be available upon reopening to limit the number of guests in the spa facilities. It’s also likely that all amenities will not be available.
Disney mentions on the spa site that before and after your treatment you should enjoy the ‘relaxation room with light refreshments and soothing music’ and the ‘dressing room, where you’ll find a cozy robe and slippers in your locker to enjoy during your visit.’ Government health recommendations state that saunas should be aired out completely or heated above 160 degrees for a minimum of 30 minutes and cleaned with a sanitizing agent in between guests. This doesn’t seem feasible for Disney to do at this time. Disney doesn’t require masks outdoors or at pools but the indoor hot tub at the spa conflicts with their own current policies. While there is an image of the glorious green mosaic wet room and heated tile chairs still featured on the Grand Floridian Spa site, there’s no mention of it in the text or amenities. It’s highly unlikely these amenities will be available immediately upon reopening.
A visit to the spa in any capacity can be an amazing gift. Maybe the Grand Floridian is your home resort and you’ve always seen the spa just across from the entrance to the Disney Vacation Club building. Is it finally time to book that visit on your next trip?
Note that you don’t have to be staying at the Grand, or any Disney resort for that matter, to book a spa treatment. Complimentary parking is included if you have a spa appointment booked. If you’re one that’s always considered visiting a Disney spa but just never did, you finally have the chance again.
Disney World Spa Discounts
Before closing, the Senses spas at Walt Disney World Resort did offer discounts on services for Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, Cast Members and Disney Visa cardholders. At this time it’s unclear if Disney will offer discounts upon reopening.
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