Dean Martin’s famous Christmas refrain: “Baby it’s cold inside…” Nope. Other way around: “Baby it’s cold outside”, but not the case here in Florida where the nation flocks during the winter months. The local Florida folks can feel cheated somewhat, missing that first Christmas snow, sleds, sleigh bells, and Grand Ma’s home cooking. Want to get into the season? Miss that cold northern chill? You don’t have to go far to find it really because the annual Gaylord Palms ICE show is on! And, it IS cold inside, for sure. A nippy nine degrees!
Gaylord Palms, a Marriott resort close by Disney World, is a wonder by itself. It’s a fully contained hotel, with an immense dome covering an internalized domain all its own, and every year, the resort hosts a fabulous show of ice carvings that must be seen to be believed. This year’s ICE fest is even better than last year’s, and I did not think that was possible. Best of all: you can instantly transport yourself back into sunny Florida at will. No snow tires required.
The theme this year for the ICE show is the classic holiday poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, brought to life in TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides. This awe-inspiring experience concludes with the wonder and majesty of a full Nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice.
Marvel at dozens of lavish holiday displays that include more than 2 million twinkling Christmas lights and acres of larger-than-life decorations at Gaylord Palm’s Christmas celebration. Enjoy heartwarming visits with Santa, the complementary Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Live Stage Show, and Alpine Rush Snow Tubing.
Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and other exclusive holiday events and attractions will get you in the spirit of the season!
If that were not enough, the resort has 500,000 plants and flowers growing in a majestic temperature-controlled atrium.
No matter the weather outside the resort, you can find food and drink convenient to your lodgings within the resort itself.
The Gaylord Palms, arranged in a vast circle, has rooms overlooking the central atrium where you can eat and drink at a number of restaurants of your choosing. If you dine at any of the resort’s restaurants be sure to bring in your parking ticket for validation:
MOOR
Seafood
All dishes are regionally-inspired with a focus on fresh seafood.
Open for lunch and dinner
Dress code: Smart Casual
See my complete review here: MOOR Restaurant Review
Wreckers Sports Bar
Pub
Sports fans will flock to our Kissimmee resort’s elevated bar, which features a 37′ sport screen accompanied by mouth-watering appetizers, hearty concoctions and the coldest draft beer in town, including our exclusive Wreckers Red Ale.
Open for lunch and dinner
Dress code: Casual
See more images of Wreckers here: Wreckers Beer Dinner
Villa de Flora
Mediterranean
Voted Critic’s Choice for Best Brunch by the Orlando Sentinel. Authentic seasonal buffet menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Open for breakfast and dinner
Dress code: Casual
SORA
Japanese
A modern sushi bar and lounge featuring popular sushi rolls, sashimi and other favorites prepared fresh.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual
Old Hickory Steakhouse
American
Enjoy one of the finest restaurants in Kissimmee. Indulge in fine wines as you savor tender, juicy premium All Natural Black Angus seared-to-perfection or artisanal cheeses from our Maitre d’Fromage.Chef JR supports local, organic and sustainable farming. Open for dinner
Dress code: Smart Casual
See my Old Hickory Review here: Review of Old Hickory
The ICE show at the Gaylord Palms runs from November 24, 2015 – January 3, 2016. Don’t miss it!
Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa
6000 W Osceola Pkwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 586-1600
Marriott.com
I was hosted as a guest of the Gaylord Palms Resort. I was not required to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.
