For us one of the most important considerations in planning a trip is to find just the right hotel accommodations.  I have to admit to spending quite a few hours on the Internet reviewing the comments posted by other travelers on the Internet.  The site allows me to not only see what other people have to say but also to decide how closely their experience might match ours.  I have never been disappointed by following this technique.  For this trip, the research really paid off.  The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando was the only hotel on My Trip Advisor that had the kind of ratings I was looking for. 

One of 2 parrots that fly freely in the atrium

In researching the accommodations we found that the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress offered everything we were looking for.  For starters, the 1,500 acre resort gives you plenty of breathing room even though you are located adjacent to EPCOT and Walt Disney World Resort.    As shown in the picture above the lake view creates the feeling that you are on your own private island.  Getting away from the feeling of living in a big city is important to us and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress scored big with us on that point. 

After living through yet another season of snow and ice, a pool in Florida always has lots of appeal.  The Hyatt Regency in Orlando has a gigantic ½ acre outdoor pool that features 12 waterfalls, two water slides, and 3 whirlpools.  Although the slides and waterfalls closed down at night, the pools were open 24 hours per day!

The food at the hotel was fantastic!  We took advantage of the breakfast special offered to AAA Members that included fresh eggs, bacon, potatoes, and Florida orange juice. 

Our son went horseback riding via a service the hotel provided.  Everyone went bicycle riding for several hours.  We enjoyed cocktails at poolside.  Of course we visited Disney World, EPCOT, and other attractions but those are separate stories.