Kids want to go to Disney, Dad wants to golf, Mom just wants some peace and quiet. Sound familiar?
On a recent Disney trip my husband was googling “nearby golf courses” from the Disney Magic Express. Silly man. The boys had plans for Star Wars that did not involve 18 holes.
Recently The Villas of Grand Cypress invited me down to check out their multi-million dollar renovation and amazing golf courses. Yes 45 holes. Much to Mr. Evans disappointment, the little boys got the invite since we know the courses are fabulous. In their free time Annika Sorenstam, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods tee off there. My job was to find out if the Villas of Grand Cypress are the right spot for a luxury traveling family.
Why I recommend Villas of Grand Cypress for families visiting Orlando
The Villas
The Villas are massive and completely posh.
The boys were most impressed with the TV in the bathroom
“Keaton! There’s a TV IN the mirror!!”
The kitchens are fully equipped with top of the line appliances, and most importantly, coffee makers
The villas can be combined in multiple configurations from a standard room to a four bedroom on multiple levels.
The views are spectacular and you can even fish from most villas
Easy access to everything Orlando has to offer, including Disney World
A shuttle bus runs from the Villas to Disney World twice every morning and it is complimentary for all guests.
The hotel can arrange a limo service for you. We were shuttled around by Revaz from Olympo Transportation who made the boys feel like rock stars.
Taxis from Disney World’s Hollywood Studios ran at exactly $18 every time. We had bets on them. They are also comfortable enough to sleep in
Um, the golf
Any guy reading this was wondering when I would get to the most important part of the story. The golf. Grand Cypress features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus signature golf carved out of 1,500 acres.
They also have a Taylor Made vault. Apparently a fitting was going on in there so we weren’t allowed in. However I suspect it might be a cigar bar that I wasn’t supposed to see.
The junior clinic is way better than a kid’s camp according to Wilson. Jack Nicklaus designed the Golf Academy, but that wasn’t what impressed Wilson. He loved his instructor and the chance to play with other kids his age.
I think they might have been playing for money
Access to the amazing pool at the Grand Hyatt
The Hyatt is a complimentary ten minute shuttle ride from the Villas and easily the best pool facility we’ve experienced in Orlando. And that’s saying a lot
Water slide – enough said
Pitch and putt-shoes and shirt not required
I love the look on his face-also ball clearly not headed for pin
Rock wall for the wee set
The pool features waterfalls, grottos and a fully stocked bar
Great staff and amazing food service.
We wanted to see Cirque du Soleil at the last minute. Somehow the concierge scored us amazing seats, she had no idea I was a writer, she was just doing her job. The show is perfect for families and easily one of the best things we’ve ever done in Orlando
The restaurant at the club had great food and they were willing to make Wilson eggs benedict for every meal, that he got to eat while watching ESPN. Every man’s dream.
Affordable Luxury
All this space and luxury is actually far more affordable than you might guess. In fact, a tricked out villa is the same price as one single room at a premium Disney hotel. Prices obviously fluctuate based on rates and availability. Currently they are running a Family Funcation special that includes kids eat and play golf free with a paying adult. And who isn’t a paying adult?
My boys and I were guests of the Villas of Grand Cypress for review purposes. However my opinion cannot be bought, especially with golf. And as always, everything is free to the boys and they have a lot of opinions on Orlando hotels. They give the Villas of Grand Cypress four thumbs up.
