My family had the opportunity to stay at the Gaylord Palms resort this past weekend for a DreamWorks Experience, the Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party! The Gaylord Palms knows how to throw a family-friendly party! Not only was this a treat for my little guy, but the adults had a blast as well! From one-on-one experiences with our favorite characters, crafts, video games, milk & cookies, a scavenger hunt, dance parties (my son refers to it as “shaking your booty”) and a late night movie at the pool, THIS party created lasting family memories!
We have been to the Gaylord Palms in the past for our favorite holiday experience ICE (here are the write-ups from 2012 and 2011) so we already knew the resort was enormous! Staying overnight and experiencing everything first-hand made us realize that 63 acres is HUGE! For those vacationing at Gaylord Palms, you NEVER have to leave the resort to have a vacation of a lifetime! Visitors can experience all that Florida has to offer under one roof (and a beautiful glass one at that)!
The pool area will make your jaw drop, kids of ALL ages will be impressed with the Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park! Plus, there is an adult’s only pool (South Beach Adult Pool) for those desiring a relaxing experience that does not include children.
Upon check-in, we were anxious to see our room. THIS was the view from our balcony! Not bad, huh?
Not only was the view amazing, but the peaceful sounds made me want to leave the balcony door open all night. We were immersed in the gently rising mists of the Everglades and sound of flowing water. There were also two other beautiful atriums (Key West and St. Augustine). Our room also contained party goodies as well as some special treats.
We couldn’t wait to start having some fun and my son spotted Po (Kung Fu Panda) from our balcony! He grabbed his autograph book and we went down to say hello. There were characters spread throughout the atriums, so we took advantage of the opportunity to have one-on-one time with our favorites!
Afterwards, we met my friend Stephanie and her son, so our boys were able to enjoy the festivities together. We also enjoyed some laughs with Shrek and Puss In Boots (yes, we are big kids)!
The boys decorated pillow cases, enjoyed milk and cookies and played XBOX games with Puss In Boots!
We grabbed some food and drink at Wreckers Sports Bar while the boys played football in the grassy area. When you visit, you MUST try the pulled pork nachos, they are simply D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! Sorry there are no photos, the plate was empty in no time.
Next, it was Crack A Lackin pool party and movie time! We opted not to swim (the temperatures had dropped and we were all cold…we are Floridians). We did dance and have some fun, though.
By this time, my son was exhausted and cold so we had to turn in a little early and miss part of the movie. He put his freshly decorated pillow case on his pillow and curled up with his pal Alex for sweet dreams.
He woke up the next morning ALL SMILES asking if we were going to the party again on Sunday! I’d say this event was a hit!
I soaked in the resort while enjoying a cup of coffee on my balcony. THIS is how every morning should start.
A big thank you to Gaylord Palms for inviting us to such a spectacular event and treating us so well. My family thoroughly enjoyed our time there and cannot wait to return for future events. Without hesitation, we’d recommend the DreamWorks Experience, the Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party to everyone!
Disclosure: My family received a complimentary night at the Gaylord Palms as well as admission to the DreamWorks Experience, the Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party. All thoughts and opinions are mine. We had so much fun!