Just wanted to share with any interested folks on this board what a wonderful place the Grand Cypress was.
The grounds were beautiful! There is a nice-sized lake with a white, sandy beach, oriental gardens with fountains, brooks, statuary, etc., that was really nice to wander around. Equiptment like kayaks, water bikes, sail boats, etc. were available to guests at no charge. Volleyball nets, a tetherball pole, and thatch-tiki type shades were also on the sandy beach. The humongous pool complex was spectacular. There were several pools, hot tubs, waterslides, caves and waterfalls to keep the kids busy. There is also a tennis club, a driving range, and a pitch and putt available to guests for no additional charge! There were also a slew of childrens' activities available daily. We never made it past the beach and pool area, but what we did use was lovely. A 45 hole tournemant quality golf club and an equestrian center are also on the grounds, but we never made it to them, either.
The interior of the hotel was spectacular. The lobby and grounds house an art collection worth over a million $. The glass elevators were the fastest the we have ever experienced. Both the inside and the outside of the resort is quiet, except for the parrots in the lobby and the sound of waterfalls in the gardens. The rooms were nicely remodeled. The door seperating the bathroom and the closet is designed weirdly and took a bit to get used to. (Watch your fingers!) The beds were comfortable, but only double-sized. There was also a "fainting couch" between the beds and the balcony that a small child could sleep on. The balcony was small, but the nightly view of Epcot fireworks was a nice plus.
The bathroom was strangely designed but upscale. The towels and toiletries were also upscale. There was acatually real artwork on the walls and a large vase on the dresser. The room size was a bit bigger than the room we had at the AKL.
The resort is located behind SSR, and there is a quick way to avoid the traffic jam at the intersection at the entrence to Hotel Plaza Blvd. at 535. After waiting at that intersection one night for almost half an hour, we never made that mistake again! It was quick and easy to get to and from the parks. They offered shuttles, but we had a rental. There is a food store and restaurants within walking distance. We never ate on property becuase we knew going into it that the food prices were VERY high. There are some wonderful restaurants on property if you don't mind the prices.
We would not hesitate to stay at this resort again. Next time we stay here, though, we will plan on more "down time" to enjoy all that it has to offer!