Trip Motivation
In August 2022, we took a weekend trip to Orlando, FL. Ben felt we were over-disney-ed (no such thing!) due to recent trips to California Adventure and Disneyland Paris. I booked this trip thinking I could maybe convince him once we were close but alas, this was a no parks Disney trip. We decided it would still be fun to spend time in Orlando visiting friends, making a quick visit to Disney Springs and enjoying our time at this nice Hyatt Resort. We have double Southwest companion passes and lots of Hyatt points and free nights so this trip was very inexpensive! Out of pocket, we paid less than $50 for the flights and hotel! This was a quick but wonderful relaxing weekend.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
We spent 2 nights at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The hotel is off-site of Disney, about a 10-15 minute drive from Disney Springs or the parks.
Total cost was $0! We used points and a free night that is a perk of having the Hyatt credit card. Cash rates regularly go for around $200-$300 a night. Considering that you may pay $50 a person for a water-park, these types of resorts have tons of included activities you should consider when looking at the cost. You can earn Hyatt points from Hyatt stays, the Hyatt credit card and Chase points, which can be transferred to Hyatt. Learn more about points here.
Read on to see why we loved this hotel so much and the top things to do with kids at the resort.
1. Pool Time.
My favorite! 3 We spent so much time in the pool. There are 12 waterfalls, 2 hot tubs, a water slide and a water jet park for little ones. We brought goggles and dive sticks and had a blast. The height requirement for the slide was 48 inches.
2. Lake Activities
We had a blast on a paddleboat while Ben took a stand-up board around the like. There were also water bikes, sailboats, and kayaks. Other resorts charge by the hour for these items but they were all included here!
3. Land Activities
4. Evening Movies and Fireworks
We’re so used to be out and about while in Orlando. It was nice to have dedicated time to spend at the resort. At night, they had a large screen where they played kid-friendly movies every evening at sunset. In addition, due to our status, we were able to attend an “exclusive” fireworks viewing party with cookies and champagne. Fun!
5. Ice Cream Shop
Similar to other Hyatt resorts, there is a small market with candy and ice cream. You can also pick up s’mores supplies here!
6. Drinks! Pina Coladas Pool-Side!
My favorite kind of vacations involve pina coladas and sitter-vising. There was even poolside service! Virgin with cherries for the littles.
7. Eat, Eat, Eat!
Our kiddos are becoming spoiled from hotel breakfast omelets ! As a perk of our hotel status, we were able to enjoy free breakfast buffet with omelets, bacon, donuts, and more!
8. Bonus Activities!
They have a recreation team dedicated to planning fun activities. We enjoyed hourly games of hula hooping, limbo, rubber duck races and more. Tons of fun!
Final Thoughts
This was a quick trip but so much fun! Don’t tell Ben but it is apparently possible to do an Orlando trip without visiting a Disney Park. 🙂 This was a quick but wonderful weekend.
