RDV Sportsplex Archives - On the Go in MCO

Our Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Staycation

We had the opportunity to have a really fun ‘staycation’ the weekend before Christmas together experiencing all great amenities and food that the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has to offer, and it was an amazing visit.

Located in the Lake Buena Vista area, the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is one mile away from the Walt Disney World Resort, however as the centerpiece of the 1,500-acre Grand Cypress Resort you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

When you first walk into the 18-story atrium lobby and are greeted by Merlot, the resident macaw, you know that you are in a really special place.

The rooms at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress are spacious at 360 square feet, and feature comfortable Hyatt Grand Beds, great amenities, and views you will love waking up to every morning!

We had a Pool View which was absolutely beautiful, and by night we were able to watch to fireworks at both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom every night without having to leave our room!

Here’s a detailed look at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Room Amenities:

Separate work desk
Hairdryer
Iron / ironing board
Coffee maker (Featuring Starbucks Coffee)
Cable / satellite TV channels
iHome™ alarm clock radio

Jack pack adaptor panel for multimedia plug n’ play
Voicemail
High-speed Internet access
Large, flat-screen television
Individual air conditioning control
Ceiling fans
Video checkout

In-room safe
Safety deposit box behind front desk
Mini-Fridge
Crib upon request
Maximum guests per room: 4
Chaise lounge
Spa toiletries

If you are looking for great food, you will definitely find it at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress!

We had an a wonderful dinner at Cascade American Bistro!

The restaurant setting is beautiful, the food was delicious, and the service was outstanding.

I cannot recommend Cascade highly enough, especially their signature S’mores dessert! It was heaven in a Mason Jar!

When we were relaxing by the gorgeous pool, we also took advantage of the pool-side service from the On the Rocks Poolside Lounge.

My margarita was perfect and the Tri-Color Tortilla Chip trio was tasty with generous portions of each dip. The queso and guacamole were amazing!

And in the lobby, Perks was a great place to grab a cup of Starbucks and pastry in the morning and as it transformed to Trellises Lounge in the evening it was a great place to grab a quick bite!

We even ordered in-room dining one night, and it was a great way to relax after a busy day at the resort! With so many (even vegetarian) menu options, we found that we had a hard time deciding what we wanted to order! The in-room menu is extremely affordable and convenient, and something that we would definitely experience again!

However, the star for us during our stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress was the outdoor amenities and recreation options we were able to enjoy as a family!

There is an affordable extra Resort Services Program charge at the resort, and with that guests get access to

Health Club Open 24 Hours
Rock Climbing Walls
9 Hole, Par 3 Pitch N’ Putt
Water sports: Canoe, Paddle Boat, Hydro Bike, Aquacycle, Sailboat, and Kayak
Bikes: Adult’s, Children’s, and Surreys
Golf Driving Range
Court Time at the Tennis Racquet Club
Daily Scheduled Shuttle Transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks,
Universal Studios/ Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld-Be sure to pick up your
boarding pass from our Lobby Concierge.
Wired and Wireless Internet
Free Local and Toll Free Telephone Service

Zoe wanted to do something on her own, so she participated in Camp Hyatt for the day and had a blast!

Camp Hyatt is an interactive program exclusively for our guests ages 3-12. Our activities focus on the flora, fauna and culture of this unique part of the Sunshine State and includes a Fish Feeding Frenzy, Arcade Challenges, Boats and Bikes, Rock Climbing, Kids Crafts, Marshmallow Roasts, Scavenger Hunts, Short Chef Creations, Video Games and Pool and Beach Games.

Zoe wants to go back to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress JUST to go back to Camp Hyatt!!!

We had such an awesome time exploring the resort as a family! We took our first family bike ride after Dave’s knee replacement surgery, played games, and played on the beach together.

We had so much fun, that we never left the resort!

Here are some of our favorite Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Outdoor Activities:

Boating

A white sandy beach runs along Lake Windsong where you will find canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, sailboats, a volleyball court, and much more.

Boating Hours: 8:00am – return by 5:30pm

Boating Rules: 18 & older for sailboats. 13 & older to be alone on the water in all other craft.

Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 18 years of age.

Pool, Water Slides, and More

Pool Water Slide Hours: 9:00 am– 5:30pm

Rules: There is a minimum 44 inch height requirement for the pool water slide. Life jacket required for children between 44-48 in.

Water Jet Pad Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm

Poolside Recreation Desk and Pool Towel Service

You can stop here for daily activity information, slide wristbands, pool towels, floats, sunscreen that you may have forgotten, and more!

Daily Hours: 8:00am – 5:30pm

Pool Towels are available outside of the On The Rocks bar after operating hours with your resort room key.

Biking

Bicycles for all ages are available including family bikes, bikes with training wheels and adult bikes with child seats. Enjoy 9.2 miles of jogging and biking trails throughout the Grand Cypress Resort.

Hours: 8:00am – return by 5:30 pm

Rules: 13 & older to go biking alone. At least 18 years of age to drive a Surrey Bike. Anyone under 13 must

be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 18 years of age. Anyone younger than 16 must wear a helmet.

Pitch N’ Putt

Visit our scenic par 3 executive course on Lake Windsong. Complimentary club rentals are available.

Hours: 8:00am– return by 5:30pm

Rules: 13 & younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 18 years of age.

Rock Climbing Challenge

Come climb the towers at the Grand Cypress! Lanes are available for all skill levels.

Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Rules: Minimum/Maximum height and weight requirements vary. See attendant for more

information. Closed toe/heel shoes are required.

Fire Pit

Located on the beach! S’mores Kits are available for purchase in the Palm Cafe, Trellises, or through Room Service for $10.

Available Thursday thru Sunday at Dusk. Weather permitting.

You will also find tons of great ways to have some quiet time while you are enjoying the great outdoors!

At the pool there is a large grotto area full of super comfy chairs.

Then on the beach there are designated quiet areas and hammocks that you won’t ever want to leave!

The grounds of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress are lush, and full of amazing sculptures and statues. I had a really relaxing walk around the resort. It was so nice to steal a few moments for myself!

We had an absolutely amazing and wonderful staycation at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, and if you are looking for a family experience to plus your visit to the Orlando Theme Parks I would absolutely recommend staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress!

Disclaimer: Through a partnership with the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, I received accommodations and a meal at the Resort. All opinions are my own.

Welcome to the Orlando Solar Bears Thomas Beauregard

THOMAS BEAUREGARD, SOLAR BEARS
AGREE TO TERMS

Forward Supplies Proven Playmaking Ability

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward Thomas Beauregard.

Beauregard (6’0″, 205 lbs.) joins the Orlando Solar Bears after appearing in 60 games and scoring 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) with the Central Hockey Thomas Beauregard

League’s Wichita Thunder last season. Those totals placed him second on the team in points and assists, while he finished third on the club in goals. He spent the 2010-11 season overseas, playing 11 games in Denmark (four goals, two assists) and tallying 18 goals along with 15 assists in 32 games in Norway.The Montreal, Quebec, native has seen action in the ECHL in three previous seasons. In 2009-10, Beauregard was a point-per-game player with 34 goals and 23 assists in 57 games with the Wheeling Nailers. That season, he also picked up 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games with the Elmira Jackals. He also notched an assist in two games with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons that season.

From 2007-2009, Beauregard was a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones. He played in 84 games throughout those two years and had 46 goals to go along with 47 assists. During the 2008-09 season, he dressed for eight games with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, scoring two goals and assisting on one other. In 2007-08, his Cyclones squad captured the Kelly Cup.

“Thomas is a very good two-way forward,” said Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. “He can put up very good numbers on the offensive end and is good in his own zone.”

Beauregard played five seasons (2002-2007) for the Acadie-Bathurst Titans of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League prior to turning pro. In his final season, he lead the QMJHL in goals with 71, and finished second in points with 124.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games beginning at 8:00 am on Wednesday, September 19th, with tickets starting as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office beginning Wednesday, September 19th.

The Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events over the next 2-4 weeks. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

Orlando Solar Bears Welcome New Defenseman Derick Martin to Orlando!

ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS ADD DERICK MARTIN

Veteran Blue-Liner Joins Team

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Derick Martin.

Martin (5’11”, 185 lbs.) brings a wealth of experience to the Solar Bears lineup. Last season he appeared in 64 games with the Utah Grizzlies, his seventh season in the league. Martin totaled one goal and 11 assists in that span. During the 2010-11 season, Martin Derick Martin patrolled the blue-line for the Victoria Salmon Kings, earning 12 points, all assists, while also serving as the team’s alternate captain.

The Timmins, Ontario, native broke into the ECHL with the Long Beach Ice Dogs in 2005-06. His ECHL resume includes 423 games played with 11 goals, 87 assists, and 355 PIM. Martin has appeared in ECHL games for Long Beach, Columbia, Texas, Alaska, Elmira, Victoria, and Utah. As a member of the Alaska Aces in 2008, Martin was named as the ECHL’s Plus Performer of the Month when he finished April with a +13 plus/minus rating.

Martin’s professional career has also seen two stops in the American Hockey League (AHL). In 2008-09, he played in 14 games for the Providence Bruins and recorded 12 PIM. He also dressed for two games with the Peoria Rivermen in 2007-08, picking up two assists and five PIM. Martin played in 22 games in France in 2007-08, leading his team in PIM with 74. He played his first pro season for the Lubbock Cotton Kings in the Central Hockey League (CHL), leading all team defensemen in points (34) and assists (25).

“Derick is a smart, veteran defenseman who knows this league inside and out,” said the Orlando Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. “He will be a solid player, and a good mentor for the younger guys on the team.”

Martin played 56 games over two seasons (2002-04) with Saint Mary’s University in Canada before he turned pro, picking up 11 points on one goal and 10 assists. He also spent three seasons with the Hull Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1999-2002. In 198 games with Hull, Martin tallied seven goals, 45 assists, 282 PIM.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

The Orlando Solar Bears Are Out Of Hibernation and Into The Wild!

After ten years without a Hockey team, Orlando is “Out of Hibernation and Into the Wild” with the re-creation of the Orlando Solar Bears.

It all officially started in November 2011 when the ECHL, a premier “AA” hockey league, approved Orlando’s expansion Membership Application for the Orlando Solar Bears to return to the ice at the Amway Center in October 2012 in time for the ECHL’s 25^th season.

The Orlando Membership is owned by Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, L.P., an entity controlled by Joe Haleski, Bob Ohrablo, and Jason Siegel.

Once the expansion was approved by the ECHL, the race was on to get the team in place and ready to take the ice in 2012.

At the Amway Center in January 2012 during the Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls game, the new Orlando Solar Bears logo was unveiled.

The logo features the team’s mascot “Shades” and was designed by Joe Bosack, a leading sports graphic designer, and uses the traditional teal and purple color scheme.

“A focus group made up of youth hockey players and coaches, past Solar Bears season ticket holders and former Solar Bears employees assisted us as we developed the marks that we will unveil tonight; in both the planning stages and with the final presentation,” said Jason Siegel, President of Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, LP.

Then on May 10, 2012, Orlando Solar Bears partners Jason Siegel, Joe Haleski and Bob Ohrablo joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to welcome the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild and the AHL Houston Aeros as affiliates for the Solar Bears as they begin their Out of Hibernation season in October 2012. The announcement was made at RDV Ice Den, the official training and practice site of the Orlando Solar Bears.

With Minnesota Sports and Entertainment hockey executive Jim Mill on hand for the announcement, it was an exciting afternoon!

“We want to win,” exclaimed Ohrablo. “We strongly believe that affiliating with the Wild organization will provide us with a solid core of players from which we can build a competitive and exciting team for our fans.”

It was also a really nice touch that young skaters from the RDV Ice Den were on hand to present both Minnesota Wild and Houston Aeros jerseys to executives and Mayor Dyer.

If you are as excited as we are about the Solar Bears taking the ice, there are two different types of Season Tickets available.

With the Half-Season Ticket package, priced $225 – $540, you select the 18 games, Opening Night and 17 regular season games, which you would like to attend at a savings of up to 31%. You will get the following:

First choice of seat location that stays the same for all of the regular season games. In addition to these games, you will also get access to both regular and playoff presales for individual game tickets before the general public.
Also, there will be three VIP events which you will receive invitations to as a Half-Season ticket holder. The events will be in November/December 2012 “Holiday Skate with the Players”, January/February 2013 “Winter Carnival”, and in March 2013 there will be a Year-End Awards Banquet.
Ticket Forwarding – An easy way to email your tickets to others
Dedicated Account Manager
Online Account Access.

With the Full-Season Ticket package, priced $380 – $1,480, you will get tickets to all 36 regular season home games and the first four home playoff games at a savings up to 42%. In addition to all of the privileges that Half-Season ticket holder receive, Full-Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to “freeze” their ticket plan price for the Solar Bear’s first three seasons (2012-2015).

If you are interested in being either a Half or Full-Season ticket holder, you can find more information here.