Why Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress?
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort is a family-friendly resort located on 1,500 acres and features an 800-gallon lagoon pool with waterfalls, a slide, a rock grotto that you can swim through, and a splash pad. It also offers other activities like bike riding, rock wall climbing, arcade, putt putt, and a paddle boat you can take on their lake. And their resident parrot, Merlot, is sure to be a hit with your kids.
I think Grand Cypress is a great option for families visiting Orlando. The price for this resort is very reasonable and the amenities you get for that price make this resort one of the best values in the Orlando area, in my opinion.
It is located minutes from Disney Springs, one mile from Magic Kingdom, and close to Universal. They offer a complimentary theme park shuttle for those heading to the parks for the day.
Let’s jump into the details that make this resort so wonderful!
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Rooms & Pricing
This resort offers various options for room and suites. We stayed in one of their standard rooms with two double beds. I had reserved a standard view room, and they upgraded us to a lake view room so that we could see the Disney fireworks at night (they said EPCOT went off at 9 and Magic Kingdom was later). So, we were happy about that!
The rooms had two double beds, a chaise so there was additional seating, TV, mini fridge, and closet. The bathroom was spacious and had a sliding door that closed off the entire bathroom but not one that closed in the toilet area, instead there was a half wall.
There is technically a balcony but it’s very small. The sliding door opens and you can stand out there but that is it. So that is one negative thing about this resort is that there are not many rooms with true balconies. We were there one night, so I didn’t mind but when you’re there longer, it’s nice to sit out on a balcony. Some of the suites have balconies though so if that is something that matters to you, you can consider those rooms instead.
They have renovated these rooms, but you can still see some wear and tear since this is an older building. It was not bad at all though, I really think they have done a great job maintaining this property, considering it was built in 1984.
Pricing will vary based on what room option you choose and when you go. March and April will be high prices due to spring break and so will major holidays such as New Year’s Eve and 4th of July. Below I include base line pricing but please note, these rates are as of the time I reviewed. Resort pricing fluctuates and is always subject to change. But in my opinion, the amenities you get at this resort for the price point is excellent. You can get one of their suites for the price of a standard room at some of the other resorts. The resort is older than some of the newer ones and you can see wear and tear but overall, they do a great job to maintain this property.
Grand Cypress is also a part of Hyatt Hotels. So, if you are a points person (like me), make sure you check out availability to use your points to stay here. You can book a room for as low as 15,000 points per night.
Let’s talk through the room options:
- Standard room with the option of 1 king bed or 2 double beds (360 sq ft): This is the room we stayed in and outside of the suites, they will all be set up like these. Within this room type, you have the option of city view, lake view, or pool view. Lake view is what they upgraded us to so we could see the Disney fireworks at night.
- Price Range: $200+
- Junior Suite (720 sq ft): This room offers a king bed, sleeper sofa, breakfast nook, and wet bar.
- Price Range: $479+
- VIP Suite (1,080 sq ft): This room offers a king bed, kitchen, living area, extra bathroom, and two balconies.
- Price Range: $724+
- Bi-Level Suite (702 sq ft): This is a multilevel suite with a king bed, large bathroom, living/dining space, and private terrace.
- Price Range: $744+
- Presidents House (2,375 sq ft): This is a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath private residence on the property. It is set apart from the resort, it is tucked off to the side of the lake. If you are able to make this work cost wise, this is a great choice for extended families or a getaway with another family.
- Price Range: $1,650+
Pool & Splash Pad
The pool at this resort is one of my favorites. It is huge and the landscape and design are beautiful. There are 12 waterfalls and they have created a swim through grotto area with rock formation, and it is really cool. The kids loved it. This pool is a unique pool in Orlando. And the pool is huge so there is plenty of space for people to spread out, it never feels crowded. On that note though, because the pool is huge, I kept a close eye on my kids and helped them when needed. I was in the pool with them the whole time, but some stretches can be a long stretch to swim.
Another key item to note about the pool is that it is not heated. So, like the lagoon at Evermore, if you go in the winter and spring, the pool could be a little chilly. I have stayed at this resort two different times in the summer and the pool felt great.
There are a lot of chairs around the pool, but it does get crowded, especially on a hot summer day (which is when I have been). On our most recent stay with the kids, we got there about 12:00 and it was hard to find a spot. We ended up finding a couple of chairs, but they were directly in the sun. It was fine because we went straight in the pool to swim.
Around 2 though my husband was able to grab a couple of chairs in the shade. So, we switched and then the kids were able to get out and have some ice cream. The resort does have reserved seating options, which I will talk about later, and I do think they are worth it unless you want to get up early to grab a spot. We were checking in that day (we were doing a one-night staycation) so that was why we didn’t get there until midday. We had to stop by the Orlando Boat Show before heading there (for anyone who has a boat, it was a great time, the kids loved it).
In the pool area, there is also a splash pad area. This would be great for little kids. There were a couple of chairs next to it too, perfect for parents to supervise.
The pool does have a slide, and it is fun. My husband and I both went on it as well as my oldest. The height restriction though is 48” so unfortunately my middle son, who loves pool slides, was not able to go on.
Cabanas & Reserved Seating
The resort offers reserved seating options, which do help to have on a busy summer pool day. And there is one cabana option that is even built into the rocks, like a cave. The kids would love it! Let’s walk through the options and pricing.
Lounge Chair Options:
- Premium Grotto Pool Chairs (2 of them): These are under the grotto rock, by the waterfall. We saw them when we were there and it is a great spot for two people. With where they are, it is not ideal for a family, I think they are best for two people. Pricing starts at $50
- 2X Premium Poolside Lounge Chairs: From $50 for 2 people
- 4X Premium Poolside Lounge Chairs: From $100 for 4 people
- 6X Premium Poolside Lounge Chairs: From $150 for 6 people
Cabana Options:
- Cabana: Accommodates 6 people and prices start at $298. There is one cabana that is built into the rock, and it is really cool. It feels like you’re in a cave. The first time I stayed at this resort was for a girl’s weekend with my friends and we got this cabana. We loved it. I didn’t book it this past time with my kids, but I wish I had. I would request that cabana if it is still available for your day.
- Poolside Lounge: Accommodates 2 people and prices start at $175. This has a shade structure built around it, which is nice. But it is not enclosed the way the cabanas are.
Resort Experiences & Activities
This resort offers a lot of activities and experiences that are great for the whole family. There is plenty to keep you entertained between pool days and park days.
Here is what the resort offers:
- Lake Windsong & Beach – There is a nice beach area along the lake that has hammocks, lounge chairs, and water sports. It’s also perfect if your kid likes to play in the sand. So bring some beach toys with you if you can!
- Golf – We are not golfers so I can’t speak to it but they do have two golf courses for those interested.
- Jogging/Biking Trails – They have a trail that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the resort. We saw lots of people walking on the trail or running. And the resort provides bikes of all sizes (they have ones with training wheels and even balance bikes) so you can go for a family bike ride. I would love to have done this, but it was just so hot when we were there. This would be a great activity for our winter and spring months.
- Sports – They have a basketball court, two pickleball courts, 5-hole mini golf, and a 7-hole pitch and putt course. These are great options for active families. You can pick any of the items up that you need at the recreation desk by the pool.
- Rock climbing – They have a 24 foot rock climbing wall that you are able to do
- Arcade – The resort does have an arcade, which is nice when there is rain/lightening (and there was on our stay). But the arcade is very small and only a few games. My kids liked it because they love arcades, but they were not very impressed with it.
- S’mores – You can purchase a package to make s’mores by one of their fire pits
- In-Room Camping Adventure – You can purchase an in-room camping set up for your kids to enjoy. It includes a tent and a fire/s’mores stuffed set. The price is from $125.
- Theme Park & Disney Springs Shuttle – The resort does offer a complimentary shuttle to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney Springs, or Universal Orlando Resort
- Meet Merlot – They offer an experience where you can meet Merlot, their resident parrot. My kids loved Merlot and were always saying hi to him. He lives in the lobby. If I would have known about this ahead of our stay, I would have done it.
Dining Options
- On the Rocks Poolside Restaurant – We ate lunch here by the pool and it was good. It is what you would expect from a poolside restaurant at a resort. They had options for kids as well.
- Lakeside Restaurant & Bar – We did not eat here for breakfast, but we saw that they did a big breakfast spread there in the morning. We ate here for dinner though. We picked up pizzas and sushi (we saw they had a sushi bar) and brought them back to the room. Both were good, the kids liked them as well.
- Market – This has grab and go options and Starbucks coffee. We stopped by here in the morning for coffee and fruit cups.
- Lobby Bar – There is a nice bar in the lobby. We did not do that since we were there with the family but it’s a great spot for a happy hour cocktail or a post dinner drink.
- Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen – This combines Florida fresh seafood with a tropical oasis at this immersive dining and drinking experience. I recommend making a reservation for this one. I have not eaten here but it looks nice.
Overall & FAQs
Overall, I love this resort and think it is a great value. Prices start at about $200 for a room (see my pricing section for additional details) and for that you get so many amenities and activities. The pool is beautiful and comes with a slide, waterfalls, grotto, and plenty of space to explore. They offer activities such as putt putt, rock climbing, bike riding, and a splash pad. Merlot, the resident parrot in the lobby, is also a huge hit with my family. The resort is located close to the parks and offers a complimentary shuttle to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney Springs, and Universal Orlando Resort.
- Would I stay here again? Yes, I have stayed at this resort 2 times now.
- What is the closest airport? Orlando International Airport.
- Is the resort kid friendly? Absolutely. From the family-friendly activities they offer to the amazing pool area, this is a great option for families.
- What is your favorite dining option? I have not tried Four Flamingos yet but I am sure it is great. We have liked Lakeside Restaurant & Bar.
- Is the pool heated? No, so during the winter and springs months, the pool may be chilly.
- Which cabana do you recommend? Request the one that is built into the rock, it is really cool.
- Where can I get coffee? At the Market, they serve Starbucks Coffee.
- How far is it from Disney? About 10-15 minutes.
- Is there a kids club? No, this resort does not have a kids club.
- What is the cost? That will depend on when you go and what accommodation option you choose. The rooms and pricing section at the beginning of this post provides additional details.
- How much is parking? Self-parking is $39 and valet is $54.
- What is the height requirement of the slide at the pool? 48”