It’s Christmas time again and if you want to see something spectacular, it might be worth checking out the Gaylord Palms Ice Orlando Exhibit during your stay. If you are not familiar with the Annual ICE!™ event that happens at the Orlando Gaylord Palms, it is high time that you do. Have you ever been to a Wedding or a big event and seen a large swan or other large statue created purely from Ice? Do you look at it for a while and wonder, “How in the world does someone make this from a block of ice?” If so, you are truly in for a real treat when you visit ICE!™ at the Gaylord Palms Orlando.
ICE™ Gaylord Palms Orlando 2017
Coming this year, take in Christmas around the World with many countries on display with their colors and flags. A treat for everyone who visits with amazing colors, clear ice and white built together to give the most incredible spectacle with ice you have ever seen. Christmas music plays in the background as you walk around and view the many pieces of art on display.
How much ice are we talking about?
It varies from year to year, but each year, this is a massive undertaking. Over 2 million pounds of ice is shipped in and carved to exact specifications. Let’s put it another way! You will be viewing the sculptures created from more than 1,000 tons, or over 300 Elephants worth of ice. It is really hard to wrap your mind around this until you actually see it.
Types of Ice
There are 3 different types of Ice used to make all of the sculptures at the Gaylord Palms ICE!™ exhibit. All of the ice comes from an Ice Factory and takes about 3 weeks total to ship it all in.
Colored Ice
This ice gets its color by the use of various dyes. It is more difficult than you would think to create color in the ice.
White Ice
In order to get the feeling of actual snow, ice is frozen fast to give it a cloudy look and used for the white in the Christmas Tree
Clear Ice
This ice is the most difficult to create because it has to be frozen slowly to get the look of a more flawless crystal.
Is the ice Exhibit Free?
No, it is not free. The amount of time and expense it takes to create something so masterful is very expensive and the Gaylord has to offset its cost by charging a ticket price. You can save a tiny amount by purchasing the tickets in advance but it will only save a dollar or two. The best option is if you are a Marriott Rewards member. If you are, you can save up to 30% on your tickets. If you are not a member, and you are interested in viewing ICE!™ the Gaylord Palms Christmas Ice in Orlando, now might be a great time to become one.
Frequently Asked Questions: Gaylord Palms Ice Orlando
When is the ICE!™ Exhibit?
It varies a little each year. For the 2014 showing it will start on November 21st, 2017 through January 7th of 2018.
How Cold is the ICE!™ Exhibit?
Very Cold! In fact, it has to stay at around 9 degrees for the ice to stay frozen so make sure you bundle up. You do not have to bring your own Winter wear though. Long Coats are available in all sizes. You will want to be sure and wear your own long pants and be sure to not wear open shoes like flip-flops. You want to stay warm during you visit.
Is the floor slippery?
Not at all. The path that you will be taking is completely covered with carpet so you do not have to be concerned with slippery floors. You are required to wear closed toed shoes but you do not have to bring bulky boots to wear.
Is the Gaylord Palms ICE!™ Attraction Handicap Accessible?
The walking paths are plenty wide to accommodate Wheelchairs and walkers. There are a few Wheelchairs available to borrow if needed but if they are all gone, it might be good to bring your own.
Where is parking and does it cost to park?
You have a couple of options when parking your car. If you decide that you will park yourself, you will be directed to the Convention Center Parking Lot. If you would rather have Valet parking, just mention this at the main gate and you will be directed to the Valet.
Parking Fees are as follows:
Will it take long to walk through?
Most Guests will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to walk through the ICE!™ at Gaylord Palms Orlando. You do not have a limit on time but at 9° you will probably want to walk briskly through and make sure that you are bundled up.
What are the slides like?
In 2017 there were 5 side by side Ice slides available for the public to enjoy. The slides are for kids and adults alike.
