Holidays in the Sunshine State can be tricky, especially since I am from Virginia and it’s cold there already. In Florida, not so much. Chilly for Florida was 60 degree temperatures last week. But, we recently visited the Gaylord Palms to check out ICE and let me just say we were BLASTED into the holiday spirit! At a frigid 9 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 degrees Celsius), the over-sized blue coat was not enough to keep my teeth from chattering. I went overboard making sure my son was warm, he wore ski pants, a down coat, ski gloves, hats, thick socks, AND the blue parka. But my husband and I froze.
The theme this year is Merry Madagascar. Despite the cold, I could have stared at the ice sculptures forever. The detail is simply amazing.
A team of 40 talented artisans traveled from Harbin, China, to work meticulously for more than a month to slice and shave 6,000 blocks of colored and clear ice, each weighing approximately 400 pounds, to carve this incredible experience. To illuminate their craftsmanship, they froze more than 1,000 LED light tubes into the attraction. Check out these photos.
The nativity scene was beautiful!
My son was most excited about the ice slides, especially since he was wearing ski pants (didn’t have to chance a frozen bottom like last year). He didn’t mind the temperature and kept climbing the ice steps for another turn. My husband joined him also, said it was a “cool” experience. Here’s a quick video I was able to capture with frozen fingers.
After sliding, it was time to let our fingers thaw out. This sign caught my attention, so I snapped a photo (and grabbed a tissue of course).
In addition to the ICE display, the entire hotel is decorated beautifully. We watched a preview rehearsal for the new Luminescence Stage Show, featuring The Edge Effect. The performance was outstanding and the back drop was simply gorgeous. Also, the food is delicious at Gaylord Palms, so enjoy dinner while there.
This is one holiday attraction you don’t want to miss! Bring your family, friends and loved ones! Everyone will have a blast enjoying ICE, watching the beautiful show, decorating cookies, etc.
Make this event part of your holiday traditions, we have!
This is the second year in a row we were able to enjoy ICE with our friend Stephanie and her family. So much fun.
ICE! is open daily through Jan. 1, 2013, including holidays. Ticket prices for children start at $9.99, and adult ticket prices start at $18.99. Florida Residents — Save an extra $4 per ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.christmasatgaylordpalms.com. ICE! is presented by Coca-Cola.
* I was invited to a media sneak peek at Gaylord Palms; however, all opinions are my own. We truly love ICE and hope to return again soon.