Courtesy Gaylord Palms
When temperatures outside are still hovering in the 70s and 80s later this year, Gaylord Palms Resort will once again invite Central Floridians to bundle up for one of the area’s coldest holiday traditions.
The resort’s signature ICE! attraction returns Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, this year bringing back The Polar Express™ by popular demand as the centerpiece of the annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration.
Courtesy Gaylord Palms
Guests will step into a 20,000-square-foot frozen world inspired by the beloved animated holiday film, following Hero Boy’s magical Christmas Eve journey aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole. Along the way, visitors will encounter larger-than-life ice sculptures depicting memorable scenes from the movie, including the iconic hot chocolate sequence, the speeding train racing through Glacier Gulch and its grand arrival at the North Pole.
The attraction is built from approximately 2 million pounds of ice carved into elaborate sculptures by nearly 40 master artisans from Harbin, China, a city internationally known for its annual ice festival. The team spends about 35 days transforming more than 6,700 massive blocks of ice into colorful displays using chainsaws, chisels, grinders and other specialized tools.
Courtesy Gaylord Palms
One of the attraction’s perennial highlights returns with five two-story ice slides, this year themed around Glacier Gulch, where visitors can zip downhill on solid ice. Guests can also watch artisans at work inside Carver’s Showcase and conclude their journey with a crystal-clear ice Nativity display. The entire attraction is maintained at a brisk 9 degrees, with complimentary blue parkas provided to guests, although hats, gloves and warm socks are recommended for anyone especially sensitive to the cold.
“We’ve heard from many guests who want to revisit the magic of The Polar Express™ and introduce new friends and family members to its enchanting and inspiring story,” Gaylord Palms General Manager Ross Barker said in a statement. “From a full-size train locomotive engine carved completely from solid ice to the many interactive moments and beloved scenes, it’s a one-of-a-kind attraction that provides a showcase of memory-making experiences for our guests in a 9-degree environment.”
ICE! is just one part of the resort’s expansive Christmas celebration. This year’s festivities also include the return of the Broadway-inspired POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance stage show, real ice tubing and snow play at Snow Factory, a new Christmas Carousel, visits with Santa Claus, holiday light shows, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, gingerbread decorating and more throughout the 65-acre resort.
Since debuting at Gaylord Palms in 2003, ICE! has become one of Central Florida’s signature holiday attractions, offering a distinctly wintry experience in the heart of the Sunshine State.