2.27.23
There are many lodging choices when visiting Disney World and Universal Studios outside Orlando. Whether staying at hotels in the parks that give you special access to early entry (Disney) or Express pass (Universal), or staying outside the parks in close proximity, the choices seem endless. One option we will look at today, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, has the location and amenities to be a home base for a vacation to the parks, as well as all the bells and whistles to make a trip here a vacation in and of itself. And when you see the value with points, you may consider this hotel for your next trip to Orlando.
Background
Opened in 1984 as Orlando's first 5-star, 5-diamond resort, the Hyatt Regency is an icon of the area. It was last renovated in 2009 and features 18 floors with 779 rooms. It is located close to Walt Disney World and about 10 miles from Universal Studios.
Food
All the restaurant options and specifics can be viewed here, but the property features:
The Lakehouse restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. Breakfast buffet or off the menu is included at no cost for Globalist members. Daily happy hour here from 4pm-6pm with $5 beer/wine and $10 cocktails.
Four Flamingos- An upscale dinner spot with an eclectic menu.
Lakehouse Sushi Bar- open for dinner and located within the Lakehouse restaurant.
The Lobby Bar- just inside the main atrium for a quick drink.
On the Rocks Poolside Restaurant- for all your poolside food and beverage needs.
Market- with Starbucks coffee and any quick grab and go needs you may have.
Activities
This is where the hotel shines. The 30 acre Orlando property has enough activities to keep your family plenty busy. So whether you are taking a break from the parks for the day or making the hotel your destination, you will not be bored. Among the activities:
800,000 gallon lagoon pool, with 2 hot tubs, a splash pad, one waterslide, and waterfall grottos.
Watersports- Canoes, Kayaks, Paddelboats, Hydrobikes, Paddleboards
8 hole pitch and putt course
5 hole mini-golf course
Heath club with Peloton bikes
Basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts
1 and 3 mile walking/biking trails, with bikes for adults and children
Rock climbing wall
Arcade and game room
Fire pit with Smore's kits available
Indoor scavenger hunt game
Nightly movies by the pool
Grand Cypress Golf Club nearby
Marilyn Monroe full service Spa
You can also see the nightly fireworks at WDW from the hotel.
Parking and Transportation
The Hyatt charges the following for parking (parking is included if staying on points):
Self parking- $30/night
Valet- $45/night
The hotel offers the following complimentary shuttles to the parks:
To Disney (Magic Kingdom Transportation center)
8:45 am, 9:30 am,10:30 am, 11:30 am, 5 pm
Return 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm
To Universal Studios
8:00 am
Return 6:30 pm
To Disney Springs
5:00 pm
Return 7:45 pm, 9:45 pm
Booking
Now for the best part. The reason I frequent Hyatts, see here and here, despite their smaller footprint, is due to the tremendous point value one can get. Hyatt is a transfer partner of both Chase and Bilt points.
For comparison's sake, let's look at the points required for the various Marriott properties around Disney World for a random night in October. As you can see, they are in the 22-63K point range.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, on the other hand, is a category 4 hotel and ranges from 12-18K points per night, depending on the date. Plus, if you earn a category 1-4 free night certificate though the Hyatt credit card or earning Explorist status, that could be used here. As you can see, it costs fewer points to stay here, with amenities that can exceed many of the local Marriott counterparts.
Conclusion
Grand Cypress should be on anyone's radar visiting the land of the Mouse. Given it's age, there are certainly areas of the property showing wear, but the location, vast array of family activities, and excellent value when using points make it the perfect destination.
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