Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review

 Tranquility, awesome amenities and a beautiful hotel make for a great family vacation. Read this Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress review to see if it’s right for your family.

I decided to do something different regarding our Disney World hotel this year. As much as I enjoy staying in timeshares, I opted for an offsite Disney hotel.

Choosing the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress was easy. I am still a Globalist member in their loyalty program, so we would have access to their Regency Club lounge. The resort also gets rave reviews on both Trip Advisor and FlyerTalk. Plus, I had a suite upgrade award left and I was able to apply it to stay in an Executive Suite.

Location

As with most Disney hotels, it is about a 30-minute drive from the Orlando airport to Hyatt Grand Cypress, with only about 5 minutes of it being off I-4. We arrived around 2 pm mid-week, yet the highways were not congested yet and we didn’t have any issue finding our hotel using my phone’s GPS.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is actually a part of the Grand Cypress Resort complex including villas and a golf course. It is set back from the main road and requires each car to pass through their security gate.

Disney Springs is only 9 minutes away and you can take the back roads past the resorts on Buena Vista Drive.

Epcot and Magic Kingdom are one exit down on I-4 and that even took less than 15 minutes to get there. We were surprised how easy it was since we are used to staying on International Drive which takes about 25 minutes depending on traffic.

If this is your first time visiting Walt Disney World, this Hyatt is a fantastic place to stay.

First Impressions

The private drive leading to the hotel was serene and peaceful. When arriving at the resort you can feel how large this place is (it is 1,500 acres!), yet how tucked away and isolated it is as well.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is massive with 779 rooms. Walking into the lobby, it is open air with a grand feel. All floors of rooms are visible, yet you only see the connecting corridors. The rooms are down each of the 3 separate wings of the resort.

The lobby offers fruit infused water which I always find refreshing when coming back to the hotel after a day out.

 

Check out Merlot, the resident parrot! He was there for both of our stays, in 2018 and in 2020. What a fun diversion for kids while you are checking in.

Our check-in was smooth and quick. We arrived in the afternoon, so our room was ready. Plus, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Executive Suite

I booked this room using Hyatt points (12,000 points per night) and a suite upgrade award. The award booked us into the Executive Suite which has a separate living area and an additional bathroom.

It really is 2 connecting rooms of which one they decorated as a living room. The Executive Suite was located at the end of one of the long hallways.

We were on the 12^th floor and faced the pool and the lake. This also gave us a view of the fireworks at Disney World. In fact, we could see Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs from our balcony. Further back in the distance was the Magic Kingdom, but we could only tell this from the fireworks.

Speaking of the balcony, I was a little disappointed because you could only step out onto it. There are no chairs for sitting. I wasn’t sure why it was done this way. Cost? Aesthetics? This resort is gorgeous and I could see myself lounging out here with coffee in the morning or a cold drink at night just admiring the scenery. But, I guess it’s not meant to be…

The bedroom part of the suite has a King bed, a chair with ottoman, 60” TV, mini-fridge and a desk. The parlor area had a couch, table with chairs and another 60” TV. Bathrooms were similar in each room in that they only had walk-in showers. There was no tub in either room. Keep this in mind for families with little ones. I don’t know if there are some rooms that have bathtubs or not.

 

If you have the means to do so, whether that’s cash or using points, stay in one of the Hyatt Grand Cypress suites. Just having that extra room for little ones to head to bed early is worth it. 

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Pool

This is where the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress really shines. Unfortunately, we couldn’t use most of these amenities because we were busy in the parks every day. We were only there for 4 nights, so we didn’t have a free day to lounge at the pool.

That didn’t stop me from taking pictures, though! I think I took 25 pictures of the pools and grounds alone. I’m sure these pictures don’t do it justice.

The pool isn’t just one pool – it’s a series of pools spanning a half-acre complex. There are 12 waterfalls, 2 hot tubs, a water slide and a water jet park for little ones.

There are plenty of shaded areas by the pools with lounge chairs for those seeking refuge from Florida’s hot sun. Check out the inside of those grottos – they are lined with chairs.

I may or may not have jumped on the rope bridge as my daughter was crossing it!

Grand Cypress Activities

Jogging trails outline the lake, but you can also rent bicycles and boats for free (well, it’s included in the resort fee).

Bike rentals include your standard one-person bike, kids bikes or surrey rentals.

Take one for a spin and meander the back roads of Grand Cypress. There is not much traffic, so don’t worry about venturing out with a lot of cars (except for getting out of the parking lot!).

Plenty of water activities are included in your resort fee such as kayaks and paddle boats. Or, just relax and enjoy the beach on a lounge chair.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress added a miniature golf putt-putt green since we were here last. Pick up clubs and balls by the bike rental. It’s only a few holes and in no way compares to a real miniature golf course, but young kids will still have fun. Yes – it’s included in the resort fee.

Inside the pool grotto area, you’ll find the fitness room, Camp Hyatt, a game room and laundry facilities.

Honestly, I thought the fitness area was huge. Usually, there are a few pieces of equipment and that’s it.  Who am I kidding?  I have only visited fitness centers at hotels to take pictures of them! But, there are plenty of people that do. If you are one of those, I hope these two pictures show you the ample amount of fitness equipment here. 

There’s also the Tennis and Raquetball Club as well as a Marilyn Monroe Spa.

Racquet Club court time is available at no charge with the daily resort fee. In addition, a 10% discount is given on 50-minute or longer Spa/Salon services and Retail at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Spa by Marilyn Monroe per the resort fee information.

Whew! There are so many things to do at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I really love this resort for all it offers!

Restaurants

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has 5 restaurants/lounges, plus a Market for coffee and quick snacks to go.

We did go to The Lakehouse the first evening we arrived. They serve a casual breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. It was good, but pricey compared to my Midwestern standards. It was just my daughter and me and we spent $27 for a pizza and a cup of soup (no drinks of any kind).

Hemingway’s is for steak and seafood. Its location can’t be beat – find it in the middle of the property situated on a cliff above the pool.

The pool and beach bar is called On the Rocks and looks to be a cool place to hang out when you are enjoying the outside amenities.

Hurricane’s Lounge and Trellis’s Bar and Lounge round out the remaining places for adult beverages.

Because this resort is set back from the road, it wouldn’t be the easiest to walk to any restaurant not on the property. However, there are many within a 5-10 minute drive. Even the Disney Springs restaurants are only 10 minutes away. So, if there isn’t something here that appeals to you, you are not far away from any type of food you could want.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Shuttle Service

NOTE: Due to the current environment in 2021, shuttle service is temporarily suspended.

Bus transportation is provided to the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

I would check to see if the shuttle times make sense for you.

For example, the shuttle to SeaWorld leaves twice in the morning, but the only return is at 7:00 pm. You need to think if you can work within those times because if you have youngsters, that’s a very long day.

Similarly, with the Magic Kingdom, the first shuttle leaves at 8:30 am. After going through security and the ticket lines, you would not be able to make rope drop. If this isn’t important to you, saving the $22 per day WDW parking charge means more money for eating at the parks!

As of fall 2018, the following are the shuttle times:

• WDW Ticket & Transportation center – depart hotel: 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm
• WDW Ticket & Transportation center – depart park: 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm, 11:00pm
• Universal – depart hotel: 9:20am, 11:20am
• Universal – depart park: 6:50pm, 8:50pm
• SeaWorld – depart hotel: 9:20am, 11:20am
• SeaWorld – depart park: 7:00pm
• Disney Springs – depart hotel: 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm
• Disney Springs – depart park: 6:30pm, 8:30pm, 10:00pm

As always, please check the shuttle schedule when you check into the hotel.

You do need to make reservations at Guest Services 24 hours in advance of the preferred shuttle time.

Do you need theme park tickets? Check out Get Away Today. I recently bought a 7-day park ticket from them that was $20 cheaper than anywhere else I looked.  You can even link the tickets to your My Disney Experience account and your Magic Bands.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Club Lounge

As a Globalist member, I am always interested in knowing if the hotel has a club lounge. Honestly, I believe this Regency Club lounge is one of the best in the United States. Yes, there are plenty more people that have traveled more often than me, but this lounge has absolutely everything. I particularly enjoyed the massive covered patio you could enjoy in addition to the inside seating.

Here are my pro’s and con’s of this particular lounge.

Pro’s:

• outdoor eating area (with TV)
• servers are extremely helpful (very busy, too!)
• variety of foods, both cold and hot

Con’s:

• doors locked in the morning until the exact time breakfast starts (no early coffee)
• extremely busy (yes, this is Orlando with lots of kids)

Overall, I love coming to this lounge. Even though this lounge is quite large, my daughter and I were not able to get a table one night. I was surprised because this place is big – having both an indoor and outdoor seating area. There’s just a ton of families. We came back a little later and had no problem.

Anytime a dish was running empty, a server replaced it. They work constantly to keep up with all the people, so please give them a lot of patience and credit.

Afternoons are quiet and relaxing when the lounge is relatively empty. Enjoy a cookie and a coffee while sitting outside. Of course, that’s if you aren’t busy at one of Orlando’s theme parks or doing one of the many resort activities!

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Parking

As a Hyatt Globalist member staying on points, the parking fee is waived (valet included). 

We always called the valet from our room before heading downstairs. Our car was downstairs waiting for us by the time we arrived every time.

Here are the current parking rates (as of February 2021):

• Standard parking in Lot #5 – $25 per day plus tax
• Valet parking in the covered garage – $37 per day plus tax
• Premium self-parking right outside the front doors – $50 per day plus tax

I will say the self-parking is a bit of a hike to get back to the resort, but I was told you could take intra-resort transportation if you wanted. If you have an oversized vehicle such as an RV or a van, you can park in Lot #7.

In addition, handicap parking and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are located in front of the hotel.

Resort Fee

Something not to be overlooked is the resort fee. I really dislike resort fees. Usually, they amount to nothing but the money that should have been included in the daily rate.

However, I will say the $42.75 resort fee (as of February 2021) at the Hyatt Grand Cypress does at least get you something. Ouch!  That fee has increased quite a bit in the past 3 years. Definitely pay attention to what you receive for it and make the determination if the added cost is worth it.

If you take advantage of the shuttle transportation, bike usage and any water sport, you will make good use of that pesky fee.

Here is what is included:

• 24-hour Health Club
• 2 water bottles in the room, replenished daily
• Water Sports: canoe, sailboat, paddleboat, Hydro bike and kayak
• Bikes: adult and child as well as two and four-person surreys (helmets included)
• 24-foot rock climbing wall
• 7 hole Pitch-n-Putt
• 5 hole miniature golf
• Water Slide
• Racquet Club
 court time (including use of racquets)
• Free local and toll-free phone calls
• Groomed basketball and volleyball court usage (including balls)
• Suspended: Daily scheduled shuttle transportation: Disney World Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, Universal Orlando, Sea World

Pet Policy

Yes, the Hyatt Grand Cypress allows dogs.

One dog weighing 50 pounds or less is permitted. Or, if you have two dogs, their combined weight must be below 75 pounds.

Pricing

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has a lot to offer. It is close to the WDW theme parks and easily reachable to other Orlando activities.

If you can take advantage of all their amenities, it’s a great family place to stay.

The cash rate for an August 2021 weekend night is $214 per night plus tax right now but lowers to $194 per night plus tax in November 2021. Remember to include the resort and parking fees if these apply to you.

This is a category 3 hotel costing 12,000 points per night if you are a Hyatt member. You could use the annual free night certificate that comes with the Hyatt credit card. This is my favorite category 3 Hyatt.

Nearby Activities

Looking for something other to do than spending your day at theme parks?

Luckily for you, Orlando has a multitude of activities. Everything from shopping, to Everglade Tours, to space exploration. Click here for a full list.

Final Thoughts

I would definitely stay here again. The openness of the resort, the serenity of the outdoor areas and the cleanliness overall provide a great backdrop for a fun family Orlando vacation.

Note: I originally wrote this Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress review in November 2018, then updated it again after my stay in February 2020. I came back because I love this hotel.

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Have you stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress? What was your impression of the hotel? Let me know in the comments!

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