The holidays are getting a frosty reception in Florida—literally. The Gaylord Palms Resort has officially kicked off the festive season with an attraction guaranteed to make even the snowbirds shiver. Launching today, their renowned ICE! attraction is now featuring none other than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, complete with an impressive icy display that spans 20,000 square feet and is kept at a brisk 9 degrees, as WFTV reported.
In this year's chilly spectacle, visitors will be able to waddle through a flurry of sculptures that pay homage to the 1964 classic Christmas film, especially a glowing-nosed Rudolph that is bound to catch the eye. These carvings are the work of 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, brought in to handcraft over two million pounds of ice into nearly a dozen scenes—from the North Pole to the Island of Misfit Toys. Meghan Hash, the director of Special Events and Entertainment at Gaylord Palms Resort, was quoted in a ClickOrlando report saying, "It's the coldest place here in Florida."
The attraction also doesn't skimp on interaction, with guests invited to slip down ice slides or find a secret slide that sneakily transports them to another scene. Hash elaborated on the excitement, noting in the same ClickOrlando article, "It is such a nostalgic way to come and enjoy five ice slides. You can go down as many times as you'd like with your family and friends."
But the fun doesn't stop there. Gaylord Palms is also lighting up the festive cheer with extras like the "Here We Glow A-Caroling Light Show," meetings with Santa, Mrs. Claus' story sessions, and snow tubing arranged to put a smile on every Grinch's face. You can even try to craft the perfect festive confection at gingerbread decorating stations or snag a cuddly souvenir at the Build-A-Bear Workshop pop-up.
The entire resort is a winter wonderland inside, dazzled with over 3 million lights and more than 100 Christmas trees, including a soaring 60-foot centerpiece. Open through Jan. 7, the ICE! attraction, alongside its holiday highlights, aims to bring a slice of the North Pole to sun-soaked central Florida, making it a curious stop for those craving a little holiday-in-ice this season.
