ICE! at Gaylord Palms - Fancy Visiting a Different Attraction this Christmas Period?

Written by: Michele Chamberlain
Authors Website

If you are visiting Orlando over the Christmas period and would like a break from Disney, or just fancy something completely different,  why not visit the Ice attraction at Gaylor Palms Resort and Convention Centre.  ICE is a exhibit of  winter wonderland made out of nearly Two Million Pounds of Ice and kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared and dress appropriately: closed-toe shoes and trousers are required. Hooded oversized parker coats are provided for your warmth and comfort inside the attraction - you may look silly wearing them, but believe me you do need them!
 
Experience three-dimensional hand carved ice creations, slippery ice slides (which you get to go down) and memorable holiday scenes, including a signature scene, a life-size nativity carved completely out of ice. 
 
If you plan to visit ICE! in the evenings, Gaylord Palms presents “Luminescence: A Christmas Fantasy” each night in the atrium. This live stage show will feature holiday characters and seasonal music. Another event taking place will be the “Lights Alive” light show. Watch as holiday tunes play in synch with the light displays.   There is also an ice rink outside in tent for those brave enough to give it a go! Skate rentals are included in the ticket price.
 
ICE is open daily from 17 November 08-4 January 09, including holidays.  Exact times can be found on their website http://www.gaylordhotels.com.  Tickets can also be purchased in advance at a slightly reduced rate from their site, starting from $16.99.  Parking is additional, but you sometimes find discount vouchers in Walgreeens and other outlet centres. 
 
We visited this attraction Chritmas 2006 during our holiday and my two children absolutely loved it.  It was very strange to go into somewhere so cold, when it was so warm and sunny outside.  You really appreciate the coats that they provide as it is extremely cold in there.  Make sure you do wear warmer clothes as you definately require them.  My children especially loved the ice slides which they could go down on their own, or with their dad!  You get your photo taken upon entry to the attraction and get the chance to purchase it in the shop afterwards.  We did buy ours as a reminder of our visit - this was something completely different and the kids found it a lot of fun.
 
In fact when you finished seeing ICE!, there is lots of other great things to see/do at Gaylor Palms.  You can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, go ice skating, look at the large Christmas Tree, or even have lunch/dinner in one of the many eating places.  You may even like to take your children to visit Santa!