Curator’s statement
In November of 2023, I traveled to Orlando for Walt Disney World’s Food and Wine Festival for a girls trip. I’ve been to Disney dozens of times and I’ve never stayed off property, but with our last minute planning no Disney resorts were available. My friend recommended the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, and what a great recommendation it was! I would absolutely stay again, and I recommend this property for girls trips, couples, families, and business travelers. It is great for accessing Disney but would be an equally great standalone option.
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The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a large resort hotel with a huge pool featuring a massive grotto, a slide, and a waterfall. The resort has a market, a Starbucks, a lovely bar, and several restaurants on property. It is close to Walt Disney World and lots of other Orlando attractions but truly is a destination on its own.
I spent three nights here, and was able to enjoy the bar, the coffee shop, spent some time exploring the pool area, and especially enjoyed seeing the resident parrot on my way out each morning. The views from our room (which had a small balcony) and the common areas were beautiful, and it was a very quick ride to all of the Disney destinations we enjoyed, particularly Disney Springs. I was only there for a weekend but felt that I had just scratched the surface of the resort. You could easily spend a week or more here and not get bored.
I recommend the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress to clients looking for a resort with a wow factor and who either don’t mind staying off-property while doing Disney or are looking to escape Disney at the end of the day. This is a very versatile property that I would book for almost any client. For girls trips or couples there is a massive pool, bars, and restaurants, including Chef Richard Blais’s (of Top Chef fame) Four Flamingos. Kids and families will also love the massive pool and waterslide complex (there are caves y’all!) and the parrot that greats you in the lobby. They even sell smores kits in the lobby market to use on the fire pits outside.
Need to know
The Grand Cypress is an easy ride-share ride away from all of the Disney magic, but it should be noted that if you are someone who is accustomed to being fully immersed in Disney magic, sitting in Orlando traffic may take you out of it a bit. That being said, ride-shares were both affordable and easy to come by on our trip.
If you’re considering a relaxing couple or girls trip to Orlando, or looking to stay off property for a Disney trip with the family, get in touch and let me plan your trip!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Orlando. In need of further inspiration? Check out Becky Tenaglia’s guide, 1 Week in Walt Disney World.
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Travel Advisor
Karlin Fitzmorris
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