Awaken the senses in a Rainforest…on a cruise ship! It’s no riddle, but rather the best kept secret on Disney Cruise Line’s fleet of ships. Book a Rainforest pass at the Senses Spa either for a day or the length of cruise and prepare to be pampered with aromatherapy showers, saunas, steam room, and heated stone loungers. Not only is it my favorite guilty pleasure on a Disney cruise, it is also a really big hack because I dare say most cruisers are not aware of this gem in the Senses Spa and Salon.
My guilty pleasure on a Disney cruise? Getting a Rainforest pass at the Senses Spa, which is really a steal! Hey, it’s no coincidence that the word SPA sounds like SPAAAAH! The Rainforest gives you unlimited entry to the scented showers, aroma steam, sauna rooms, private jacuzzi, and the coveted heated stone loungers, an area off limits to other spa guests. For a spa experience that sets guests on a sail for serenity and calm, I’d categorize the Rainforest as a must do on a Disney cruise. Here are all the details about the Rainforest and why it’s the best Disney Cruise secret and my favorite splurge.
Best Disney Cruise Line Secret? The Rainforest at Senses Spa
I’m letting you in on my favorite spa selection onboard Disney Cruise Line: the Rainforest, a members-only access area with jacuzzis, heated loungers, sauna, and showers. Makes you feel like a spa VIP and a surefire way to chill after an excursion-filled day. It’s a true Disney Cruise Line hack because new cruisers will likely not have heard about it.
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When to Book the Rainforest
Disney Cruise Line has a Senses Spa and Salon on all four of its ships, including this special area known as the Rainforest. Score! Keep in mind that there are a limited number of these passes available, so if you want one, jump all over it.
TravelingMom Tip: Head to the Senses Spa Open House on the first day of the cruise (usually around 3:00 pm before embarkation). Passes to the Rainforest Room are limited and they WILL sell out. In hindsight, I can say that I liked it even better than a single spa treatment. Probably because I could spread it out over several days instead of a few hours.
For Type-A planner types, pre-purchase a day pass online while available for $16 a day. However, I highly recommend a length of cruise pass because it will encourage you to slow down and unwind.
The Rainforest is not specifically detailed on the Disney Cruise Line website, so many first time cruisers and even those who have cruised Disney before might not even know about it. That is why I find it is my civic cruising duty to tell you how awesome it is!
What’s Included in the Rainforest
The Rainforest has the following amenities that can only be used by passholders:
- Tropical Showers with multiple “rain” programs
- Warm Ceramic Loungers
- Steam Hamam
- Warm Sauna
- Traditional Steam Room
- 2 Jacuzzis overlooking the ocean (on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy)
Since I was already at the spa to use the Rainforest, I ended up using the showers there more than in our cabin. I actually preferred this because the spa showers are much bigger and more luxurious when paired with the sauna/steam room/jets.
Rainforest Pricing
In 2017, a one day pass was less than $20 and a 7-day pass costs about $140. Senses Spa will also add an automatic 18% gratuity to the price.
TravelingMom Tip: Instead of paying individually, girlfriends should go in together and take advantage of the couples rate to save even more money! My friend and I booked a length of cruise Rainforest couples pass on a 4-night cruise on the Disney Magic for $144, which is less than if we both booked single passes.
Rainforest Favorite Spots
My favorite Rainforest spot on every Disney cruise is the ceramic stone lounger. I could have stayed on one all day!
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Rainforest FAQs
You must be at least 18 years of age to utilize the spa services. Senses Spa also has an area called the Chill Spa for teens to get treatments.
No appointments are necessary to use your Rainforest Room pass. Check-in is simple: they hold your stateroom key at the front desk. A Rainforest bracelet allows you access to the Rainforest. The locker room is available to change into your swimwear with towels, cotton robes, and sandals. Lockers are available free of charge for securing personal belongings.
I’m not alone in my love for Disney Cruise Line! Check out all the TravelingMom resources for other ideas of kid-free activities onboard, why you should dine at Palo, and 6 Things that are included in the price of your Disney Cruise (and 9 things that are not).
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The price has gone up! Just ordered mine for the fantasy- for my husband and I for a one day pass with taxes included- it was $68
5
What are the hours for the Rainforest pass?
Going on our 1st Disney cruise in October 2018 and find on the DCL website at the Gifts & Amenities section a one-day pass to Rainforest for $16.00. In reviewing your post, this seems to be a good deal…so do I get to go just one time for the day or could go multiple times in the one day?
Thanks,
I have heard that if you decline the scrub the price is cheaper. Do you know if this is true? We love the rainforest
Thank you for this great hidden gem. If I do nothing else, this will be it. I’m still trying to understand the booking process, since you are correct that it doesn’t mention it on the website. I’m really concerned about it selling out and would like to know exactly what to do so I don’t miss out. Do I book a 1x treatment and then change to a weekly pass after boarding. We’re going on the Halloween cruise on the Fantasy in October. (FYI, My travel agent is able to book all activities 120 days prior to the cruise)
Thank you so much!!
I would suggest when you board the ship that you head to Senses Spa to book the Rain Forest pass. Most cruisers either will not know about the pass or will wait to get it during the spa open house, usually scheduled around 3pm. I think you will be one of the first to grab a pass with this strategy. FYI: Having a spa treatment already scheduled will not help you one way or another. Although you may want both depending on your budget! Your TA would be able to book the spa treatment in advance for you, but not the Rain Forest. Hope this helps and that you have a fabulous cruise!
This may br a dumb question. Lol are the showers private ? I was trying to figure out if you arr supposed to use them w a swim suit or if you have privacy to shower as per the norm?
You need to wear your suit. You can be in the shower alone or with your partner, but it is open for others to see– there is no door.
There are no dumb questions! The RainForest showers are public and do not have doors/curtains. So go with a bathing suit. Robes and towels are available. FYI: there are private showers in the spa bathrooms, which make a great place to get ready after a spa treatment or Rain Forest time.
I love the Rain Forest! Have purchased on the Winder and Magic! We will be on the Fantasy, if I do the week/7 day, am I able to go into the spa more than once a day?
Yes-you can use your Rain Forest pass as much and as often as you like! It’s especially fun to try the spa at different times of day. One of my favorite experiences was on the Disney Dream stone loungers at sunset.
Oooh, sounds wonderful! I am putting this on my to-do list for the Disney Cruise we are planning.