On December 1 I attended ICE! at the Gaylord Palms. Below is my review of the event. In addition, be sure to check out my photo album from the event at http://floridathrills.net/gallery/sh...ry.php?cat=727.

ICE! Is a frozen holiday attraction which has been held at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando for several years now. Forty international artisans from Harbin China hand carve nearly 2 million pounds of ice for this event. The entire event is a chilly 9 degrees, and even though you are provided with a parka, I would encourage you to wear gloves also as the parkas do not have pockets.

As you enter the pre-show area, there is an opportunity for a photo with Santa, and a nice M T H Train display. After your tickets are collected, you are issued a hooded parka to wear. Be advised that you must wear long pants, and they state that open toed shoes are not allowed, although I saw several people wearing them. As mentioned before, gloves are highly recommended as the parkas do not have pockets.

ICE! Takes you through several scenes including a trip to the North Pole, into Old Man Winters Lair, across a frozen tundra, onto Santa’s knee, and through the Elves Ornament room. One of the highlights of the display is the Christmas Carnival which features a carousel carved entirely from ice. You can even slide down an ice slide which features Santa and his reindeer seemingly flying overhead. Be sure to slide on your parka though to provide a “friction free” slide (and a warmer butt). There is a webcam located at the slide, as well as in the carousel room. Your friends can view the webcam by visiting www.christmasinorlando.com. The display ends with an amazing nativity scene. Be sure to stay and listen to the narration as the lights change and spotlight the scene. As with most theme parks, you exit through a gift shop with a diverse selection of holiday merchandise. You are also able to review and purchase the photo taken of you before you enter the attraction.

After you leave the ICE! Attraction, be sure to take advantage of free hot chocolate located in the main hotel. The cups are small, but the short walk to the hotel is well worth it just to take in the beauty of the Gaylord Palms. In the foyer you can send an email to Santa. I guess the Jolly Old One has gone high tech! There is also a collection of wreaths from Florida counties located in the foyer.

There are several holiday shows which are performed throughout the day. Show times vary, but are indicated on a map that you receive when you purchase your tickets. A brief description of the shows from the event map is below:

Family Traditions. Enjoy favorite Christmas tunes of yesteryear, performed in an a capella style.

Luminescence: A deeper Meaning. This show is an engaging stage show that combines traditional holiday favorites with a modern musical style. Special effects, lighting and aerial choreography help to tell the story of Christmas in an unforgettable way.

Christmas Wonders with Tree Lighting. A radiant and heart warming stage review. Enjoy favorite anthems of the season, as the harmonies of singers combine to create a high-spirited performance.

Dine with Mrs. Claus brunch is also available on weekends only.

Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt. A fun addition to the event is a contest to find 10 gnomes located throughout the 4.5 acre hotel atrium. The gnomes can be anywhere from 8-18 inches tall. All gnomes are in plain sight. You are given clues for ten of the gnomes, but there are an additional 10 “bonus gnomes”. There is even one gnome cleverly hidden in the ICE! attraction.

Parking at the Gaylord Palms is $12 plus tax per day, but visitors to ICE! Can receive a coupon for $11 tax inclusive located near the ICE! advice booth.

All in all it was a very enjoyable experience. If you are in Orlando, I would highly recommend this attraction. Be sure to check out www.gaylordpalms.com/christmas for special holiday rates starting at $129. The event runs through January 3. For ticket information, operating hours, video highlights and an event schedule visit
www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.