Orlando - If you think Orlando is all about the theme parks, think again! The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort is itself a world-class destination, not just a place to spend the night while hopping from theme park to theme park during the day. And I don't use the term, "world class," lightly.
As a seasoned Orlando visitor, as well as a traveler of four continents, I thought that all resorts were virtually the same. Wow, was I was wrong! While less impressive resorts can be made to sound fabulous when reading their short description in a travel guide book, I don't think there is a way on paper (or on a computer screen) to truly capture the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort experience.
Let me try and set the stage for you: after you pass through the resort's gated guardhouse and proceed past the VIP helicopter-landing pad, you see the 18 story tall tier shaped building with its 750 rooms. You enter the lobby that features glass elevators that stretch all the way to the 18th floor, friendly macaws sitting on their perches, and a "stream" running through the middle of the lobby. Of course, in a resort like this, it would be gauche to not celebrate your arrival without a complimentary glass of champagne, which is cheerfully offered to all new guests upon their arrival.
This is just the beginning. As you make your way past the lobby toward the pool, you see the next area where the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, which encompasses 1,500 acres, made its bid to stand out from the rest of the resorts in the Orlando area: the 800,000 gallon swimming pool that covers nearly half an acre and includes 12 waterfalls and two slides. I can attest that children's eyes light up at the sight of the waterfalls and the 50-yard long "cave" that you swim in to go from one side of the pool to the other. Oh, I almost forgot, there is also a 90 foot long pedestrian rope bridge going over a portion of the pool and two water slides (a long slide that winds through the rocklike setting and a shorter one for younger children) that will delight youngsters for hours.
As you make your way around the lavishly landscaped grounds, you will have an opportunity to view the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort's $1 million art collection and a chance to visit its five restaurants and four lounges that offer everything from a quick sandwich to fine dining.
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