Cinderella Spas here
By Mary Hughes
Until this spring, I was one of the few people in this world who had never been to Disney World. I never had any interest until this year when I was invited to go to Florida during March break. My two daughters were turning themselves inside out and asking if we could go to Disney World. How could I say no?
After a turbulent flight we picked up our convertible from Hertz and found our way to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The sun was shining and the roof was down so I was in vacation mode.
Disney has the reputation of doing things very well, but do they do spa well? I was about to find out. I had booked a massage at the Grand Floridian and my daughters, who are four and six, were booked the following day for Disney's My First Manicure for $30 each. I walked into the Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club and was immediately impressed. Very chic with gorgeous surroundings.
I met my massage therapist who has worked at the spa for the last seven years. To my surprise it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. The pressure was perfect – it’s a wonder I didn’t melt like butter. This hour of bliss was the appetizer for the next course. Relaxed and feeling like Cinderella, I left the spa for a tour of the Grand Floridian hotel. The title Grand fits – this hotel is like a southern mansion.
While in the lobby my daughters caught sight of a poster advertising dinner with Cinderella that night and they pleaded to go. Cringing, off we went to dine with Prince Charming and his clan. I can now eat my words since it was one of the highlights of my trip.
The next day my beauties had their manicure at the spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Their over protected mother was sent to the lounge to relax, read a magazine and have some rare quiet time while they became little ladies.
Dressed in wee robes they were off to the manicure room where their estheticians entertained them and manicured their little nails. I did pop in to check on them and they shooed me out immediately for interrupting their fun. Once they were finished we went to the pool where everyone quickly discovered my daughters had been to the spa to have their first manicure. Showing off their gorgeous pinkies to anyone that was within shouting distance, they were as excited as Cinderella was when she discovered the glass shoe fit!
In addition to the two full-service spas, Niki Bryan Inc. operates six fitness centers and five salons located throughout 10 of Walt Disney World’s deluxe and moderate resorts.
- Massage therapies -- Soothe sore muscles and eliminate stress with a citrus zest massage, reflexology, sports massage, shiatsu or personalized aromatherapy massage.
- Facials -- Nourishing and refreshing vitamins and minerals help balance, purify and replenish the skin. Selections include stress recovery, antioxidant and gentlemen's facials.
- Water therapies and soaks -- Relieve tension with a series of water therapies and soothing soaks including a detoxifying marine algae bath and an herbal bath.
- Body treatments -- Relax and rejuvenate with a citrus zest sugar scrub, Sedona mud body masque or a comforting lavender body wrap.
- Hand and foot treatments -- Unwind with a spa manicure, pedicure or soothing leg treatment.
- Couples treatments -- A candlelit couples room and in-room treatments are available.
- Children's massages, mini facials, manicures and pedicures are also available.