Hyatt Grand Cypress

Hotel Information: An oasis within a mile of the Walt Disney World® Resort, this Hyatt Regency is set on 1,500 lushly landscaped acres that include a 45-acre preserve, miles of nature trails, and a mile-long Audubon Walk past exotic plants and wildlife. A sun-filled atrium with original artwork, cascading waterfall, glass elevators, colorful parrots, and towering palms greets arriving leisure and business guests.

Amenity highlights: A half-acre freeform, lagoon-style pool includes waterfalls, waterslides, a children’s pool, and spa tubs. Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent along Lake Windsong. Four Jack Nicklaus Signature Design courses include an 18-hole course and three nine-hole challenges. The Racquet Club has 12 tennis courts; the Equestrian Center offers trail rides and lessons (surcharges).

Insider tip: A visit to the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center is a great way to spend an afternoon. The main facility includes a 44-stall barn, covered arena, outdoor jumping ring, and grooming stalls. On most afternoons, riders can be seen practicing dressage and fine-tuning their jumps in the arena.

The 18-story Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has 750 air-conditioned guestrooms, all with walk-out balconies. Tropical decor includes rattan-style furnishings. Wireless and wired high-speed Internet access are available (surcharge); and 27-inch TVs come with premium cable channels, pay movies, and video games (surcharge). Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, makeup/shaving mirrors, and premium Portico toiletries.

Compact refrigerators are available on request.

Orlando Resort

Walt Disney World & Orlando For Dummies 2008

Price: $18.99*
(eBooks)

Walt Disney World includes four theme parks and a dozen lesser attractions, two entertainment districts, tens of thousands of hotel rooms, and scores of restaurants.

Merchant: eBooks

Orvis Fly Fishing School at Grande Lakes

Price: $470*
(Orvis)

Located at Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, on over five hundred acres of the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, this resort is also the home of Grande Lakes Outfitters, which offers both pond and

Merchant: Orvis