The “Ice” spectacular at Gaylord Palms features a real Winter Wonderland for all ages. Everything has been created out of ice (two million pounds of it, if you read the literature provided). So, if you thought that Florida was just sunshine, palm trees and Disney, then think again. This is not your normal Orlando attraction, and only runs from late November through into the New Year, but it is well worth a visit. Make sure that you put it in your calendar for the end of this year and prepare to be amazed!
The first display that we encountered was a fantastic toy shop with trains, cars, dolls, teddy bears, a rocking horse and even Santa’s workshop complete with elves and not forgetting Rudolph. From there, we entered the Ice Castle, with soldiers standing to attention (made of ice, of course). This was one of our favourite parts as it contained three big ice slides. I am not sure who had more fun, the children or the adults…all ages, shapes and sizes tackled the slides with great enthusiasm!
Like all of the displays, the superb ice forest with running waterfall had been hand carved, and with all of the lights that have been frozen within the ice itself, a real magical atmosphere has been created. We encountered life-size ice skating polar bears and even a horse drawn carriage. Next we went through a tunnel of twinkling lights only to emerge into an ice cathedral which was quite breath-taking. But the best was still to come, a beautiful, and incredibly detailed, Nativity scene. Even our two young children just stood and stared. The time and effort involved in creating these spectacular sights can only be imagined. Absolutely fantastic!
We were so taken with all of the above that we went around everything twice….despite the cold….and believe me, it was COLD! The “Ice” auditorium is kept at a temperature of 9 degrees Fahrenheit and is absolutely freezing!! But all guests, including children and infants, are provided with calf-length, hooded winter Parkas to keep out the cold. They may not be the height of fashion but they do keep you warm in what the locals call “The Florida Fridge”!
We visited “Ice” just before Christmas 2004 and would not hesitate to go again if we were over in Orlando at that time of year. The price of an adult ticket was $16.95 and a child ticket just $7.95, with children under 3 admitted for free. The Gaylord Palms Convention Center is located just off Highway 192, on South International Drive.