Hand-carved from nearly two-million pounds of ice, the Christmas attraction has garnered national recognition from USA Today, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Southern Living magazine, and Travel + Leisure magazine.
The popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimsical 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 over-sized parkas for visitors to wear.
This year, chill-seekers will take a trip to the North Pole and tag along on Santa's annual journey through an arctic forest where they will encounter Old Man Winter and step into the middle of a Christmas Carnival, complete with a life-sized carousel! Next, guests will be able to explore Santa's ornament room, climb onto his over-sized knee for an unusual photo op and watch as he and his reindeer take flight.
In its seventh year, “ICE!” will feature the return of 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 and along with its stirring narrative track gives guests a moment to pause for reflection on the story behind the season.
In addition, this year's Best of Florida Christmas program will include these spectacular events:
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.
Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, featuring The Roaming Gnome
Families are invited to hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms atrium 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 reflect 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 Spice 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
Overnight Best of Florida getaways start at $129 per room per night, plus tax. Just Chillin' packages that include tickets to the frozen attraction ICE! begin at just $159 and Santa's choice... Best of Florida Christmas Getaway from $199.The Best of Florida Christmas Getaway includes:
- Florida-view accommodations
- Two (2) tickets to ICE! with priority entry and the ability to visit multiple times during your stay
- Souvenir ICE! photo
- Family Memories Gingerbread Experience, an opportunity for you to create your own gingerbread house with a Gaylord Pastry Chef
- Holiday bedtime stories broadcast via special in-room television
- Access to our Christmas Concierge who can recommend and book unique holiday experiences throughout Orlando
- Self-parking
Ticket Information
ICE! will be open daily during the holiday season from November 14, 2009 through January 3, 2010. ICE! tickets begin at $19.99 plus tax for adults and run through $25.99 plus tax, depending on the type of ticket and the day of the week. All children's (ages 4-12) tickets are $9.99, with children age three and under admitted free with paying adult. Discounted tickets may be purchased online in advance at www.gaylordpalmstickets.com.Freezin' Season Passes are also available — $45.00 per adult or senior without parking, $65.00 per adults or senior with parking. Children's Freezin' Season Passes are $20.00 each.
Groups of 20 or more should complete the online group ticket request. Group Sales will call you within 24 hours of the request.
Further information regarding tickets, special holiday packages or reservations is available online at www.gaylordpalms.com or by calling 407-586-4-ICE.
