Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida is having its best holiday season yet with the debut of Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. I’ve been covering this attraction for GeekMom the past several years , and this one is by far my favorite of them all.
Here are my top 10 reasons to visit Gaylord Palms during the holidays.
It’s Charlie Brown! – This year’s theme is the 1965 holiday classic, Merry Christmas Charlie Brown and it is by far my favorite of all the years Gaylord has been doing ICE! The master sculptures from Harbin, China did a fantastic job taking famous characters and freezing them in time. Not one scene was overlooked, making it a great experience from start to finish.
Alpine Snow Tubing (additional cost) – Tubing is back this year with a few additions to the tubing room. This year they have Krispy Kreme and Mike’s Ice ready to fuel you up for unlimited runs down the slopes. Tickets for this are $19.99 for all ages. You can save a little money by getting a combined ticket with ICE!
Coolest place to go in Florida – Seriously. The weather is a cozy 9 degrees inside. Parkas into the ICE! attraction are included with each ticket, but make sure you bring your own gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and a scarf.
ICE! Slides Image: Dakster Sullivan
Return of the ice slides – The ice slides are the part of the ICE! attraction my son looks forward to the most. He freezes his butt off just for a chance to run up and slide down as many times as he likes. Pro tip: When you go to slide, ask the attendant if you should sit on your pants or your parka. They know what will keep you from getting stuck mid slide.
Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Image: Dakster Sullivan
Cirque Dreams Unwrapped – The show debuted last year, and this year they threw in a few changes that make it extra special. I particularly like the part where they pull audience members to do a musical number with bells. It’s a funny bit and welcome addition. This year they also have three casts, which means each show is unique. Performers have been brought in from around the globe to make sure you get the coolest experience. Plan about 45 minutes for this one.
Visits with Santa – You can’t leave the Alpine Village without seeing Santa. Take your list and make sure you check it twice before handing it to the big guy.
The debut of Christmas Wish Light Show – The new and improved 60-ft LED-lit atrium tree has its own show this year complete with cool special effects and matching music. The show lasts around 6 minutes, so it’s perfect for little ones with short attention spans.
It's time to get styling and stocking up on everyday necessities that we think you…
Gingerbread making and Build-A-Bear building(additional cost) – While you are there, look in on the gingerbread building experience or check out the Build-A-Bear Workshop. I noticed a few harder to get characters in the workshop and a Gaylord Palms exclusive bear to build.
Snowball throwing! Image Dakster Sullivan
Snowball throwing($9.99) – Okay, this barely makes the list because of the cost, but if you want to spring for it, my son enjoyed doing it. Besides, where else can you throw a snowball in Florida?
Elf on a shelf scavenger hunt – While you are visiting, you might as well take part in the scavenger hunt around the main atrium.
Need more reasons? Check out my gallery of photos from the ICE! attraction. It’s far better in person, I promise you.
ICE! tickets start at $14.99 for children and $28.99 for adults. If you have a few hours available to spend, I suggest getting a combo ticket that gets you ICE! and the Alpine Snow Tubing. Parking is $20 per car, so make it worth your trip and hit everything you can.
Catch it before it melts! ICE! only lasts through January 1st, 2017.
Disclaimer: GeekMom attended a media event.
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Dakster Sullivan is a network administrator by day and a cosplayer by night. They love discovering new books to read, tech to play with, and ways to express themselves. They have anxiety and depression and strives to educate others about these invisible illnesses.