From Dawn Henthorn,
Your Guide to Florida Travel.
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ICE! will return to the Gaylord Palms Resort again this year to chill and thrill guests as part of the resort's "Best of Florida Christmas" celebration. The holiday attraction is hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice that creates a winter experience like no other in Florida.

The popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimisical winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. The enormous structure used to house ICE! — dubbed "The Florida Fridge" — is cooled to a chilly nine degrees making it necessary for the resort to provide oversized winter coats for visitors to wear.

The unique attraction has garnered national recognition from USA Today, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Southern Living magazine, and Travel + Leisure magazine.

"Not only is the artistry amazing to enjoy, but the brisk environment inside the attraction creates a winter holiday experience like no other in the Sunshine State — rosy cheeks and all!" said John Caparella, general manager of Gaylord Palms. "Visitors to ICE! find that they 'connect' on an emotional level as well."

ICE! Details

In its fifth year, “ICE!” will feature several new or revised scenes, including a walk-through igloo and a towering gingerbread candy house, meticulously hand-carved from enormous blocks of colored ice. Some elements will return for an “encore,” including the signature scene, a life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice. It is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking depictions of the birth of Christ.

In addition, this year's Best of Florida Christmas program will include several new or revised activities:

ICE! Skating
A holiday tradition common only in northern climates, ice skating may be an oddity in Florida, but this year's outdoor rink will be larger. Skate rentals are included.

"A Winter's Night" Christmas Show
This park rock and roll show, part holiday tale, part aerial exhibition portrays a heartwarming tale with inspired music that is as edgy as it is classic.

Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, featuring The Roaming Gnome
Families are invited to hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms atriums to spot cleverly hidden Traveloctiy gnomes.

Visit Santa
Kids can take an opportunity to share their special Christmas wishes with Santa Claus in person or via email.

Christmas in Florida: The County Wreath Collection
Enjoy an exhibition of wreaths decorated to revlect Florida's diverse destinations, from coast to coast.

Brunch with Mrs. Claus
Santa's "better half" hosts brunch at Villa de Flora on the weekends.

Pumpkin Space and Everthing Nice
Everything is especially nice at Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where guests rejuvenate the body and restore the mind with an aromatic pumpkin, orange and spice holiday facial, pedicure or body wrap. What a great holiday gift for someone you love!

After freezing your "noses and toeses," you'll be ready to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa in the ICE! Cavern, a pre- and post-show area, where the ICE! experience continues. Here additional "Best of Florida Christmas" activities, such as family shows, atmosphere entertainment, special meals and visits with Santa take place.

This is one special holiday event you won't want to miss!

Special Packages

Most activities are intended for both day guests and hotel guests, but this year's celebration will include some special experiences exclusively for guests who purchase the Best of Florida overnight package. Included will be:

• Priority entry to the ICE! attraction and ICE! Skating rink, and the ability to visit both attractions multiple times during a day.
• Family memories event, where you'll design your own gingerbread house (a new experience created just for overnight guests).
• Holiday bedtime stories that will be broadcast every night via a special in-room channel.
• Character tuck-ins which feature bedtime visits by one of Santa's helpers (additional fee).
• Christmas Concierge to help recommend and book unique holiday experience throughout Orlando.

Overnight Best of Florida packages start at $249 per night, plus tax, are based on a two-night stay and include the above plus exclusive resort benefits.

Ticket Information

ICE! will be open daily during the holiday season from November 19, 2007 through January 3, 2008. ICE! tickets begin at $9.99 plus tax for adults and run through $24.99 plus tax, depending on the type of ticket and the day of the week. Discounted tickets may be purchased online in advance at www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.

Further information regarding tickets, special holiday packages or reservations is available online at www.gaylordpalms.com or by calling 407-586-4-ICE.

Directions

The Gaylord Palms Resort is located at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. >Driving Directions