I was told by Grand Floridian spa staff that the Saratoga spa is never re-opening. It has been torn out and converted to DVC offices. Such a shame, I loved using that spa.
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Saratoga Spa
- Thread starter Naplesgolfer
- Start date
I really hope this isn't true. We loved that spa, and prior to COVID, it was always our first day stop. We don't care for the one at GF, so if this is true, they've lost out on several hundred dollars from us.
So I just talked with my guide, and he verified that it has already been converted to offices. 
Surely if they remove amenities from a resort they should at least post it on the website.
nickys
Premium Member
Someone else told me the Spa was owned and operated by a third party, which is why they can close it according to the POS.
The gym is Disney owned so dues would cover some of that cost. But the gym is staying open.
I was told that the spa was run by Niki Bryan and not Disney.
ETA: Ok, I found an article that stated Disney took over control in 2012, so if it was kept up with our dues, I expect a reduction.
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nickys
Premium Member
Can you link the article? Or was it in Disney Files or somewhere?
Club Cooloholic
Well-Known Member
How is this not a bigger story? Wdwmagic should be posting this as a news item.
I found it on DVC News.
Former DVC President named spa chief | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!
Former Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis has been named Chief Operating Office of Marilyn Monroe Spas and he will have some familar coworkers in his new post. Lewis was once viewed as a ris
Management change for Walt Disney World spas | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!
After years of farming-out management of Walt Disney World-based spas, Disney appears poised to bring the job in-house. Website StitchKingdom. com reports that Disney is seeking to fill the positio
JaxFLBear
Well-Known Member
Just like with resort stores and restaurants, dues are not used to fund the spa. It would be defined as a commercial space and continued availability is not guaranteed by the POS.
nickys
Premium Member
Thanks.I found it on DVC News.
Former DVC President named spa chief | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!
Former Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis has been named Chief Operating Office of Marilyn Monroe Spas and he will have some familar coworkers in his new post. Lewis was once viewed as a risdvcnews.com
Management change for Walt Disney World spas | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!
After years of farming-out management of Walt Disney World-based spas, Disney appears poised to bring the job in-house. Website StitchKingdom. com reports that Disney is seeking to fill the positio
So if it was managed in-house they really should have told members. And there’s the annual dues question too.
nickys
Premium Member
Fair enough. But they should at least show members the courtesy of letting them know.
Just so everyone understands, the new head of DVC, Bill Diercksen, is nothing but a finance guy. Has been with Disney for 20 years, and all in finance positions. His piece on LinkedIn mentions that he is passionate about DVC and absolutely dedicated to delivering the most magical Member and Guest experiences. I guess the spa wasn't magical enough for us, so away it goes. I wonder what's next on his "get rid of nice things" agenda.
This spa was always booked solid. I don't own at Saratoga , but frequently used the spa. I really don't understand the thinking of removing this amenity from the largest DVC resort. We should all call and tell them to change the name!!
castlecake2.0
Well-Known Member
I wonder if there’s a disconnect somewhere? Was the spa ripped out and replaced with cubicles, or are they using the spa space for offices right now? The DVC building in Celebration still hasn’t reopened, maybe they needed some extra space and are using spa space for now, like how Columbia Harbour House was a break room for a while during covid. I’m going to say this is a miscommunication driven rumour for now.
When I talked with my guide, he said the spa has been ripped out and replaced with office cubicles for DVC sales staff. I would hope he knows, since he works at SSR.
castlecake2.0
Well-Known Member
Cast members are known to embellish, and I feel like we would have noticed this happening if it was all ripped out. I’m at Saratoga at least once a week and haven’t seen any construction indicating that the spa has been gutted. @danlb_2000 have you seen any permits?