Gaylord Palms is a beautiful 4-Star Resort about 10 minutes from Walt Disney World. Modeled after Florida, the resort has three different sections which resemble St. Augustine, Key West and The Everglades. It’s a stunning resort year-round, but during Christmastime they go the extra mile. Each year, the Gaylord Palms brings ICE, a hand-carved winter wonderland made from 2 million pounds of ice. Despite having grown up 5 minutes from Gaylord Palms, the last time I remember actually going was when I was around 11 years old. Needless to say, I had been really wanting to make it happen. We were lucky enough to go Thanksgiving weekend, however we had not been planning on it so we were not prepared.
I had been lucky enough to bring jeans, but with the inside temperature stated as being 9 degrees Fahrenheit, we thought it might be a good idea to buy some winter hats. They were a cute souvenir, and I’m sure that we’ll use them again…one day. ICE does give you big coats to wear, but I still suggest layering as much as possible beforehand, and bring a hat and gloves.
This year the theme of ICE was A Christmas Story, which ironically my husband and I have never seen. However we still had a lot of fun, especially on the ice slides, which they make every year. They also close every ICE with a beautiful Nativity scene.
If you’re in the Central Florida area around Christmastime, I highly recommend visiting the Gaylord Palms! There’s lots of fun activities (even free ones!) to put you in the Christmas spirit. ICE is open everyday this year and it’s last day will be January 6, 2019.
