Continuing on from the last post, we enjoyed a wonderful two night stay at the Hyatt Grand Cyprus in Orlando, which is immediately adjacent to Disneyworld. We started with breakfast in the Regency Club Lounge which overlooks the pool and beach area and has a huge walk out terrace.
Around noon met our friends Ben and Tom, (also from Orlando) who were checking in for Saturday night to celebrate Ben’s birthday. After settling in, we went with them to explore the property as we had done yesterday, only today we had the full day to do so. Our first stop was lunch at the pool bar. We found an outdoor table for four that was shaded with an umbrella and had burgers or chicken quesadillas while enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
It’s late September now, so while it’s still hot, it’s nothing like the middle of summer, and the humidity is starting to go down from it’s summer peaks.
After lunch we continued our stroll around the property before going swimming in the pool later. Canoeing and other water sports are available, as well as a huge fitness center, golf, jogging trails and more; all made to allow guests to be as active or as relaxed as they want.
I even spotted a trio of monkeys clowning around to See no evil, hear no evil, say no evil. But then there is no Fun!
Tom, the clown on the left in the bridge photo, would later be spotted in his room drinking who knows what from a vase! And somehow he’s always shocked when he sees the photographic proof of him doing something silly; i.e. being himself!
After changing to our swimsuits, we had a delightful and relaxing time down at the Grand Pool.
The pool area is set up in sections so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming, and also provides a more intimate feel. The pool meanders around (and thru) a cave and Hyatt brilliantly added lounge chairs throughout the cave for those who such as us Floridians who prefer the shade to the sun. Plus, it’s cooler in the cave which feels quite refreshing after being out in the hot sun.
The caves and pool area provide several waterfalls to drench you off, as well as Jacuzzi’s to relax in. Here DOS and Ben are getting drenched by the waterfalls!
After swimming and lounging in the cave, we walked around the property a bit more as we had quite some time before our 8pm dinner at Hemingway’s, one of the on-site restaurants at the Hyatt. We discovered a western town section of the property that must be used for corporate or special events. It reminded us of the Hoop de Doo Review show area at Ft Wilderness at Disneyworld. While nothing was going on here today, we stopped for a few photos. I can picture a western-themed party going on here at nighttime!
After walking a bit more, we headed back to our rooms, and got ready for dinner.
We had an hour or so to spare, so we stopped by the Regency Club for pre-dinner (and half price!) cocktails. We then walked out on the Club Terrace and took a few photos of each other and the sunset, with Disneyworld’s many attractions in the far distance.
We head down to dinner at Hemingway’s around 7:45pm, stopping briefly by the adjacent Hurricane’s lounge while we waited for our table.
Hemingway’s was quite crowded, and the space felt a bit tight, but we had an enjoyable and non-hurried dinner once seated. While we all had the Magical Dining price-fix dining menu for $33, we added a couple appetizers as well as a couple of bottles of good vino which enhanced the dining even more.
A group toast of Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc started our meal off just right! Later we would add a bottle of ZD Cabernet Sauvignon.
We had a fun night of food, wine, and laughs! Soon we were all full, and like DOS, perhaps a bit sad when the dessert course was nearly over!
And ’twas a wonderful Saturday at the Hyatt Grand Cypress!