Denise's Corner

Gaylord Palms Announces ICE! “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, “Cirque Dreams Unwrapped” Show for 2015

Denise

Hi everyone!

We were invited to the Gaylord Palms Resort yesterday for 2015’s popular ICE! attraction announcement, which will be ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. In addition, two new partnerships for Christmas at Gaylord Palms were released: Elf on the Shelf and a new show by Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Unwrapped. We were able to preview a few minutes from the talented cast, and we have photos and video to share below. ICE! runs this year from November 24, 2015 – January 3, 2016.

This isn’t the first showing of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, though it has been a number of years in the interim and much has been added to the ICE! experience in that time period. One of our favorite additions came a few years ago, with an Artisans in Action exhibit within ICE! that features artisans from Harbin, China as they showcase their work. 40 artisans spend 30 days carving 2 million pounds of ice in the 9 degree temperatures, and then some of the artisans stay for touch-ups and to be part of the Frostbite Factory within the attraction. ICE! is like a temporary museum of beautiful art, which will melt once the season is over. And it is fun too, with ice slides that guests can ride over and over during their visit inside ICE! On the Blocks ICE! Bar is back as well.

Colin Whyte, Gaylord Palms Hotel Manager, told us about the new offerings and partnerships. We also talked with him after the event, where we learned just a little bit more about what was coming. The Gingerbread Experience in Alpine Hall is expanding; there will be a Mrs. Claus character breakfast; and the theme for the scavenger hunt this year is Elf on the Shelf.

Neil Goldberg, creator and producer of Cirque Dreams, talked about the partnership. Our video is below this photo!

Here is a video of the announcement and a small part of what you’ll see with Cirque Dreams Unwrapped. We even enjoyed a little Florida snow!

One thing I always tell people about ICE! is to not just show up, run through the attraction and go home. The ticket and parking won’t seem like as good a value. We prefer to go to ICE! in the afternoon, stay for the Christmas tree lighting and shows, and then enjoy the atrium. While we do get invited as media now, we often go on our own as well. For us, it can be a half day experience.

The Cirque Dreams cast did a great job presenting a small segment of the 25 minute show, which will play in the atrium and is included! There is also to be a 10 minute meet and greet with the performers.

This photo was provided by Gaylord Palms, though I have many like it. The atrium is absolutely stunning during the holiday season, and the 54 foot tree looks so beautiful when lit.

Alpine Rush Snow Tubing is back again this year. It took a number of years for Gaylord Palms to perfect the snow experience, but they now have. This is fast and fun! It does require a separate ticket.

And Sunset Sam’s Fish Camp was recently renovated to become Moor. The boat is still here, but much of the rest of the restaurant has been changed. Moor focuses on fresh food, with some of the vegetables and spices grown onsite (we even saw what looked like hydroponic lettuce growing, perhaps brought to the kitchen for evening meals).

Moor is following what is a very positive trend of locally sourcing food. We hope to be bringing a review soon from this new restaurant.

While at Gaylord Palms, don’t miss the alligators, “grunts” (small alligators), fish and stingrays in the atrium. There is a lot to see and do at Gaylord Palms – spend a little extra time with your ICE! ticket.

I have attended ICE! many years since its debut, starting with the second year. It is truly a special experience – not just ICE!, but everything that goes with it. The atrium is one of my favorite places to visit in Kissimmee, with waterfalls, lush foliage and what smells like aromatherapy. If you time it right, you might even get to see the alligators being fed! And there are now a wider variety of dining options than ever before. The Cocoa Bean offers reasonably priced paninis, and there will be more grab-and-go offerings soon. Wrecker’s Sports Bar is a yearly favorite of ours too. Room packages for ICE! are a good value, allowing for entry as often as you want. Add ICE! to your calendar for this winter, I can’t wait for November!