Your luxurious paradise awaits! Just 18 miles from the Orlando International Airport, on a 1,500-acre stretch in the Lake Buena Vista area, sits the 779-room Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This gem of a property rests beside a private lake and features an enhanced lagoon-style pool with 12 waterfalls, an award-winning golf course, and miles of tropics-inspired nature trails for groups to explore and get their exercise, whether by bicycle or on foot.
Located adjacent to Walt Disney World®, the resort’s proximity to Orlando’s theme parks makes it an idyllic refuge for groups. Yet the property means business, too, with 102,000 square feet of stylish and flexible indoor meeting and event space. For groups looking to stage events in the great outdoors, a top selling point that also addresses the ongoing demand for functional outdoor space, is the 115,000 square feet of expansive outdoor event space for groups of all sizes.
“In 30 years of planning events at the hotel, all of the meeting planners I’ve worked with want to enjoy the Florida sunshine, so we always try and do an event outdoors,” said Shari Haushalter, owner of Orlando-based GrandEOS Events, the hotel’s preferred DMC.
One of the most popular outdoor event venues is the Windsong Fountain and Lawn, just steps from the hotel, giving attendees an idyllic spot and the distinct vibe that they are worlds away.
“We do a wilderness barbeque on the lawn for groups of 20-1,000 with a western theme. There are string lights in the trees to make it festive, picnic tables, faux western building facades, a stage for a band and a dance floor for kicking up your heels,” Haushalter said. “We’ve done an Oktoberfest theme, Daytona 500 and tailgate themes and simple wine and cheese parties here. The lawn is perfect for a game’s night with corn hole and oversized lawn games like chess and checkers while guests relax around fire pits.”
The outdoor Portico Terrace space off the ballroom foyer is another al fresco locale for cocktail receptions for up to 900, and the Hydrangea Patio provides a group of up to 200 with yet another delightful venue choice with widespread appeal.
“We’ve also done beautiful, tented dinners under the stars right on Windsong Lake, as well,” Haushalter added.
Opening welcome receptions are typically staged around the 800,000 gallon, free-flowing lagoon pool, a signature attraction at the resort. But the coolest dip in Orlando is located along 1,000 feet of seashore inspired white sandy beach, walking paths and expansive, lush tropical landscaping with modern lighting.
“Pavillion Beach is where we stage Hawaiian luaus, or a night of volleyball. Guests can also use the kayaks and paddleboats right on the lake,” Haushalter said.
Another outdoor venue akin to a breath of fresh air is the Oak Terrace for smaller, intimate receptions for up to 90. This delightful space is made even more magical as it’s completely enveloped by a mature oak tree and adorned with lanterns for subtle lighting, ideal for evening events under the stars.
More of the Great Outdoors
Hyatt Regency also boasts a 36-hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, 8-hole pitch ‘n’ putt course, five-hole miniature golf, rock climbing walls, basketball court, Grand Cypress Racquet Club, beach volleyball, tether ball, lounge seating with hammocks, watersports with paddleboats, kayaks, hydro bikes, canoes, aqua cycles and sailboats for guests to indulge at their leisure for both exercise and exploration.
In an area replete with upscale resorts, the top-ranked Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is the ideal property for planners looking to treat their attendees to a luxury hotel experience. The resort is sure to appeal to those looking for group fun in the sun, as much as those who wish for some private post-conference R&R.
For more information visit www.orlandomeeting.com and www.Hyatt.com
*Sponsored by Visit Orlando
