hyatt regency grand cypress

Resort Review: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

15 April 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Exterior Pond Front at Hyatt Regency GrandCypress MEDIUM

There have been so many changes in the Orlando area in the past few decades, many hotels and resorts have come and gone. Some in the Walt Disney World Resort area have completely changed, upgrading their 80’s roots to more modern styles and accommodations. Amid all of the resort choices, one stands out as an established, luxury choice for those wanting all of what central Florida offers. That resort, is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

Celebrating 30 years of exceptional service, Orlando’s original luxury resort, Hyatt Regency GrandCypress, offers guests 1,500 acres of timeless fun just minutes from Central Florida’s most popular attractions. The Grand Cypress has really managed to combine the “old Florida” feel with state-of-the-art guest rooms and amenities.

I was recently given a chance to experience the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and after driving by it for the past 30 years, was pleasantly surprised with all they had to offer. I fell in love with the look and feel of the resort, the wonderful, luxurious rooms and the amenities that really made me say, “theme parks? what theme parks?” It is amazing how a place a mile away from Walt Disney World Resort can feel so private and secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of tourist life. I really didn’t want to leave.

Grand Cypress offers families luxury amenities surrounded by a tropical oasis that features the resort’s signature lagoon pool. Inspired by contemporary design, the lagoon pool offers a tranquil escape coupled with vibrant activities for children of all ages. The 800,000 gallon, half acre, free-flowing pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated zones, two whirlpools, a rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. The secluded grotto areas with padded, ridiculously comfy lounge chairs were in a word: heaven. You could lay back and watch the world go by, or jump in and enjoy the fun in the sun.

Lagoon Pool Deck at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 2013 SMALL

Guests can also enjoy the new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, and new children’s Rock Climbing Stations complement the resort’s numerous recreation activities including the family favorite S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails. Additionally, Grand Cypress guests have easy access to 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club. I was really blown away with how many recreation activities the resort offers, all included in your resort fee. Did you see the S’mores pit part?? The trails were great too, I love being reminded that there is more to Florida than just attractions.

Family at Firepit at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 2014 SMALL

From the lobby atrium and check-in with champagne, to the beautiful rooms, with stunning views, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress truly has it all. I loved having access to the Regency Club too – it was the perfect place to grab a quick breakfast or snack throughout the day, and the seating and views were wonderful – a great spot for seeing Disney fireworks too!

We enjoyed dinner at Cascade American Bistro, whose motto is: “Thoughtfully Sourced…Carefully Served” This translates to all the food which is offered in the restaurant is locally sourced and always fresh. I loved the table-side herb garden that they brought over, and the main courses and desserts were a delight. Worth visiting even if you aren’t staying as a guest.

Visit Hyatt Regency GrandCypress for their always great offers and Florida Resident Rates.

If all of the above still hasn’t convinced you, give the video below a look, you’ll be making reservations in no time!

Central Florida Theme Park News – March 3, 2014

3 February 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I decided I’d try something new here in addition to opinion and review posts: a news update with all of the things that have happened in the past week or so, to have everything all in one place. So if you missed anything in Central Florida & Theme Park and Resort News, here you go!

Disney Parks let us in on a well-kept secret – that there will be another Disney 24 hour day in both the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, on May 23 from 6am – May 24 at 6am. They also want you to come dressed up as your favorite character as they celebrate Heroes and Villains and hope guests will “Rock their Disney Side.” And, they are also giving away a coast-to-coast trip to the 24 Hour Day:

To enter, just tweet how you plan to “Rock” your Disney Side all season long, tagged with #DisneySideSweepsEntry. If you win, get ready to enjoy a coast-to-coast, 7-day/6-night Disney Parks vacation for 4—with back-to-back stays at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida followed by the Disneyland Resort in California, where you can enjoy the Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours event… live and in person! You can find out more, plus the official rules at DisneyParks.com.

140 character hashtag — 140 Character Hashtag – Make sure you look for Mike Wazowski, blocked again! Photo ©Disney

In a galaxy far far away, we got some Star Wars Weekends news:

In order to convince more guests to join the Rebellion, a 5th weekend is now being added to Star WarsWeekends 2014. The new event dates are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16-June 15, 2014. The theme for this year’s event is, appropriately, “Join the Rebellion.” Official Star Wars Weekends dates are as follows:

Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014
Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014
Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014
Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014
Weekend V: June 13 – 15, 2014

There will also now be a nightly fireworks display rather than the Hyperspace Hoopla. More info on Star Wars Weekends here.

An all-new runDisney event, the Avengers Half Marathon was announced for Disneyland, November 14-16, 2014. Registration will begin at noon on March 25, so suit up!

Major changes were announced for the Magic Kingdom’s hub at Walt Disney World. While I was initially very worried about how this would look (and I’m still not really happy about the former Swan Boat landing looking inaccessible now?) it does look as though this new plan will fit into the existing layout and offer benefits as well. According to the Disney Parks Blog:

We’re adding several new elements to the area, including sculpted gardens, additional pathways, expanded restaurant seating and even a special viewing area for fireworks and other performances.

Here’s a flyover video of the changes to come:

…Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was excited to announce the Official Opening Date for Falcon’s Fury: May 1, 2014. Not sure what Falcon’s Fury will look like? Here’s a sneak peek:

GULP. In other Busch Gardens news – Guests can take advantage of an unprecedented offer and receive an Adventure Island Fun Card FREE with the purchase of a Busch Gardens Tampa Fun Card. This new, limited-time offer let’s guests enjoy unlimited thrills at Busch Gardens and the water-soaked fun of Adventure Island for $92 for adults and $87 for children (ages 3-9) with no blackout dates.

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SeaWorld is offering Residents within a 50-mile radius of Discovery Cove a chance to win a lawn makeover from the Discovery Cove landscape team. Qualifying residents can enter through the Discovery Cove Facebook page by submitting a photo of their front lawn and a short description sharing why they should win the lawn makeover.

The contest runs in three phases and you can find out more at the Discover Cove Facebook link above.

Ihu's Breakaway Falls Dropping May 9 at Aquatica Orlando

In other SeaWorld news: their Ihu’s Breakaway Falls – the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States – opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark May 9.

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is where thrill seekers face their fears and each other. After stepping into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” they’ll watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride!

Fun Facts:

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls has the tallest and steepest 360-degree spirals in the southern United States.

Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest in the southern United States.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” and four completely different slide paths. Once the floor disappears, riders will drop 20-24 feet per second.

Both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are now offering a special $50 Weekday Ticket, on sale for only 50 days, good for a single weekday admission to either park, now through May 5, 2014, including spring break.

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Finally, in local resort news, the Hyatt Grand Cypress wants you to party like it’s 1984 with this special offer:

30th Anniversary Celebration Offer

Now through Dec. 21, 2014 (reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance) Rate & Offer: $198.40 per night, plus $30 food and beverage credit

Special offer code: RTRO

Note: The food and beverage credit is for use during your to stay to enjoy the resort’s award-winning restaurants including Cascade American Bistro, Hemingway’s, or the On the Rocks pool bar.

I recently got a chance to stay at the Hyatt Grand Cypress and was really impressed with how much their was to do and how lovely the accommodations were. I’ll have a full write-up soon!

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That’s it for the past week – stories to watch for this week are: the premier of the new Festival of Fantasy Parade, which we’ll be covering on March 9th when it travels down the parade route at the Magic Kingdom for the first time. Some Legoland Florida news that fans of the old Cypress Gardens park will enjoy. And of course, more news, photos and food reviews as the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival officially opens on March 5! Thanks for reading and for your support of Zannaland.com

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress-Brand New Lagoon Pool and Family Recreation Amenities for Summer Fun

24 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The award-winning Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, located one mile from Walt Disney World and close to other area theme parks, recently unveiled their renovated lagoon pool and enhanced recreation amenities for timeless family fun. It looks absolutely gorgeous and I hope to head over soon to check it out and report on it in person. In the meantime, here are some official details about their summer specials in celebration of their new renovations and more details on what’s been added:

Summer Splash Special Offer

Book your next vacation at www.HyattGrandCypress.com and use code SUMMER to receive a food and beverage credit for use during your stay now through September 30, 2013. Enjoy the resort’s award-winning restaurants including Cascade American Bistro, Hemingway’s, or the new On the Rocks pool bar. Rates begin at $169*.

Living up to its ‘cool pool’ designation, the lagoon pool is the signature attraction at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress surrounded by enhanced lush tropical landscaping, rock formations, modern lighting, and finishing touches. Located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of private Lake Windsong, the 800,000 gallon, ½ acre, free-flowing lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools.

The new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, and new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, complement resort favorites including the rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks, Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf, the Tennis and Racquet Club, and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails.

“The family vacation experience reaches new heights in Orlando with the new and enhanced activities just waiting for families to experience. Inspired by contemporary design matched with the simplicity of timeless fun, the resort features will make guests smile as they enjoy the moments that make memories,” said Paul Tang, vice president and managing director of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

Family favorite recreation activities include; S’mores pit with fireside storytelling and classic family marshmallow roasting fun, beach volleyball, tether ball, lounge seating and hammocks, watersports with paddleboats, kayaks, hydro bikes, canoes, aqua cycles and sailboats, old-fashioned, canopied surrey bikes, and Camp Hyatt kids’ activity programs. The 1,500 acre Grand Cypress resort offers families an upscale travel experience with well-appointed guest rooms and suites and a host of new family amenities and activities.

The new pool bar, On the Rocks, is situated along Lake Windsong, offering views of the lagoon pool and beach. The new pool bar is the hub of outdoor activity with four 60″ TVs, relaxing, shaded seating with misting fans, 16 bar seats and table seating for 20 with full bar and food service options. From grab-and-go selections to popular grill station favorites and signature cocktails the pool bar offers convenience and value.

*Offer valid for stays through 9/30/13 at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. All hotel reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance. Three-night minimum length of stay required and requires full prepayment/non-refundable. Offer is not valid with groups/conventions and may not be combined with other promotional offers. Food and Beverage credit based on length of stay: 3 nights – $100 food/beverage credit per stay; 5 nights – $200 food/beverage credit per stay; 7 nights – $300 food/beverage credit per stay. Food and Beverage credit not applicable to room rate, taxes, resort fee or gratuities. No refunds for any unused portion of package. Additional charges apply to room-type upgrades. Additional guests may be subject to additional hotel charges.

Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events, and normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Hyatt reserves the right to alter or withdraw this program at any time without notice. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts® encompasses hotels managed, franchised or leased by subsidiaries and affiliates of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The trademarks Hyatt Regency® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. © 2013 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

About Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

The award-winning Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located one mile from Walt Disney World® and close to Universal Orlando® and SeaWorld® Orlando with a host of amenities and activities. Located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of private Lake Windsong, the free-flowing lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools, new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, new interactive Water Jet Splash Zone, rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. New features complement the resort’s favorite activities including; S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is centrally located with convenient access to Orlando International Airport and Interstate 4 off Exit 68 in Lake Buena Vista. The resort’s address is One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Florida, USA 32836. For more information; call407.239.1234; visit www.HyattGrandCypress.com; like Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Facebook; and follow on Twitter at @HRGrandCypress.