Exploring the Magic Behind Spa Roles at Disneyland Resort
At Disneyland Resort, magic is not only found in the parks but also within the tranquil walls of Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This unique destination allows guests to relax, rejuvenate and indulge in self-care, all while being enveloped in the Disney magic. Behind every soothing massage, invigorating fitness class and calming spa experience is a dedicated team of cast members who are passionate about creating unforgettable moments for our guests.
Shinobu: The Magic of Wellness
For Shinobu, a Lead and Trainer Fitness Instructor at Tenaya Stone Spa, magic is woven into every interaction she has with guests. With a decade of experience at Disney, starting at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa at the Laniwai Spa, Shinobu has made it her mission to guide guests toward positive life changes through fitness and wellness.
"I create magic through fitness, making guests smile to the fullest!" Shinobu shares. "Every day is a magical moment, spending time with wonderful guests and amazing cast members. Guests often share personal stories after yoga classes, and we've laughed and cried together many times. I cherish every moment."
Shinobu's day-to-day responsibilities include teaching and creating fitness classes, overseeing fitness equipment at all three Disney hotels and occasionally managing events. Her passion for fitness and wellness is evident in everything she does, from designing programs that energize guests to ensuring the highest standards of care and safety.
"My goal is to grow our fitness program and team even bigger," she says. "I feel fully supported by the company, especially by my leader, who is always very supportive."
Shinobu's dedication to her role enhances the Disney experience by ensuring that guests feel relaxed, revitalized and ready to take on the rest of their magical day.
Tanya: The Art of Guest Experience
Tanya, a Guest Experience Manager at Tenaya Stone Spa, plays a crucial role in supporting the cast members who create memorable experiences for guests. With six years at Disney, Tanya also got her start at the Laniwai Spa where she honed her skills as a Spa Hostess, Attendant and Trainer before transitioning to Tenaya Stone Spa.
"My role is about supporting our cast members and maintaining our high expectations," Tanya explains. "One of the most magical moments I've been part of was providing a guest who was celebrating the life of a family member with a stuffed Mickey and a photo holder. It was a keepsake that meant the world to them."
Tanya oversees the spa's day-to-day operations, ensuring that cast members and guests have everything they need for a seamless experience. She values her team's unique personalities and talents, likening them to artists who take their craft seriously.
"Our work environment is one where we laugh a lot and support each other," Tanya notes. "It's fulfilling to hear guests say their services were the best they've ever had. My favorite part of the day is spending downtime with the cast members and sharing those moments."
Tanya's professional goals include achieving a 5-star Forbes rating for Tenaya Stone Spa and eventually becoming an Area Manager. With weekly check-ins with her leader, she feels well-supported in her aspirations and continues to strive for excellence in every aspect of her work.
Kevin: The Magic of Relief
Kevin, a Massage Therapist at Tenaya Stone Spa, quickly embraced the Disney mission of creating magic in his first year with the company. "Relieving guests of their aches, pains, and everyday stress is pretty magical," he says. The fulfillment he finds in his work is clear: "It's rewarding to know we've changed guests' lives for the better."
Kevin also values the supportive team environment at the spa. "We help each other to keep everything running smoothly," he explains. This teamwork extends beyond the spa, as Kevin enjoys spending time with his colleagues outside of work.
Kevin's goals include continuing to help guests and mentoring new recruits, supported by a team he describes as inclusive and fair. "Being part of Disney's 100-year legacy is an amazing feeling, and I'm honored to contribute through my work," he shares.
Kevin's advice for anyone considering a role at Disney is simple: "Give it a shot. You might end up doing something you never thought you would—just like I did."
Kylie: The Power of Listening
As a Guest Experience Manager at Tenaya Stone Spa, Kylie's approach to creating magic lies in her ability to listen to and understand the needs of both guests and cast members. During her decade-long career at Disney, Kylie held various roles across the company, from Attractions to Guest Services, before finding her place at Tenaya Stone Spa.
"I try to listen and really learn about the individual," Kylie says. "One of my cast members was concerned about a guest who had multiple services from morning to afternoon. By coordinating with another department, we were able to provide more substantial snacks, ensuring the guest had a more enjoyable experience."
Kylie's day-to-day responsibilities involve meetings, administrative tasks, and most importantly, being present with her team. She takes pride in providing support and guidance, which in turn helps the team deliver exceptional service to guests.
"The most fulfilling part of my job is working alongside my team," Kylie shares. "It allows me to get to know them better and helps us maintain the high standards of Disney service and quality. Our team is passionate about their work, and that passion shines through in the experiences we create for our guests."
Looking to the future, Kylie aims to continue learning and challenging herself with the support of her team and leader. She advises anyone considering a role in Disney's spa services: "Listen first, and don't be too quick to judge."
The Tenaya Stone Spa Experience
The Tenaya Stone Spa team embodies the essence of Disney magic through their dedication, passion and commitment to excellence. Whether guiding guests through a fitness journey, managing guest experiences or supporting the team in every possible way, Shinobu, Tanya, Kevin and Kylie each play a vital role in creating the serene and magical atmosphere that guests have come to expect at Disneyland Resort.
For those considering a career in spa services at Disney, the advice is clear: bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a love for creating great experiences. Disney's legacy is one of inclusion, support and magic, and at Tenaya Stone Spa, that legacy is alive and well, one relaxing moment at a time.
Interested in creating your own magic? Explore available roles and apply today!
