Relax and Renew at The Happiest Place on Earth
Need to relax after spending a day standing in lines at your daughter; or granddaughter’s favorite theme park? With these new hybrid theme park/spas you can. A growing number of theme parks and water parks are offering lavish accommodations, world-class spas, and peaceful pursuits like yoga and Tai Chi. Here are a few of the one-stop family fun-zones making waves across the country.
“The Happiest Place on Earth” has taken on a whole new meaning at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (in Anaheim) and the Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa (in Orlando). After a gut-wrenching spin on the Hollywood Tower of Terror, relax with “The Time for Two” massage (a fifty-minute side-by-side massage, plus thirty-minute tea time) at the Resort’s Mandara Spa. Meanwhile, your teen can recoup with an acne facial or surfers’ scrub of fresh limes, lemons, and ginger. Rates start at $345 a night. Visit www.disney.com for more information.
With more than 60 water effects ranging from spray guns and fountains to oversized buckets that dump between 700 and 1,000 gallons of water every five minutes, Great Wolf Resorts water parks give guests a thrill at every turn. High-speed body slides and inner tube waterslides wind in and out of the building into a splash-down pool, a lazy river, activity pools, and large free-form hot tubs. After you’ve had your fill of slipping, sliding, and splashing, take your pick of spa treatments at the resorts’ Aveda Concept Spa. Room rates include use of the water park by four to six guests, depending on the type of room. Visit www.greatwolf.com for more information.
Right next to Aquatica and Discovery Cove, The Renaissance Orlando Resort offers premiere park access to Florida’s Sea World‚®. With activities ranging from swimming with dolphins and hanging out by the stingray pools to animal exhibits, roller coasters, and water rides, there’s no shortage of ocean-inspired entertainment. The lavish nƒ¨u lotus spa allows you to recharge in between activities with relaxing massages, invigorating facials, and mani/pedis. Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Amy Paturel
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