Nov. 14, 2009 through Jan. 3, 2010

Prepare for the coolest winter on record as Gaylord Palms^® Resort presents ICE! An instant dose of winter, this spectacle is made from two million pounds of ice!

In its seventh season, ICE! will reflect the theme "A Trip to the North Pole," featuring several scenes that star Santa and his arctic elves.   

Another popular element, the ICE! castle and slides, will celebrate Santa's Christmas Eve flight... reindeer and all. 

The attraction's signature scene, a breathtaking life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice, has been described as one of the most breathtaking depictions of the birth of Christ. Dramatic lighting and a stirring narrative track ensure guests continue to pause and reflect on the story behind the season.

The attraction is carved by a team of 38 artisans from Harbin, China. The talented artisans spend nearly an entire month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival, where each year more than 2,000 sculptors carve a 100-acre walk-through Ice Park.

Put away the flip-flops, this event is a chilly 9 degrees! But, don't worry, we've got plenty of hooded parkas to keep you warm!

Your ICE! experience continues throughout the resort, with Best of Florida Christmas at Gaylord Palms, a celebration of the holidays in the Sunshine State.

ICE! is open daily, including holidays.  Event hours vary throughout "ICE! season."  For a complete calendar of events, visit the ICE! Website.

NOTE: ICE! is kept at a frigid 9 degrees. Be sure to dress appropriately; closed toe shoes and long pants are required. You may also want to bring mittens or a hat. Hooded parkas will be provided for your warmth and comfort inside the exhibit. For the sake of good fashion, we suggest leaving the leg warmers at home!

2,000,000 – total pounds of ice used to create ICE! The ice is created to our exact standards at a factory in Cairo, Georgia. It is shipped to Kissimmee in a semi equipped with a refrigerated trailer.

5,000+ – number of blocks of ice that are hand carved and transformed into a winter wonderland. The enormous blocks of ice arrive in nearly a dozen colors, including lavender, blue, pink, orange and yellow.

1,500+ – number of specially designed LED tube lights that are frozen within the ice, creating a magical holiday experience that “pops.”

More than 18,000 – the total square feet of space is covered by the ICE! attraction. Kept at a brisk 9 degrees Fahrenheit, the unique structure housing ICE! is also known as the “Florida Fridge.” It is believed to be the first of its kind in North America.

9 degrees - the average temperature inside “The Florida Fridge.”

1 - the total number of gnomes cleverly frozen inside a block of ICE!, part of the resort's Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt.

8,000+ - approximate miles the team of artisans must travel from Harbin to Orlando (number varies depending on method used for mileage calculation)

Frequently Asked Questions

I understand ICE! is 9 degrees… what should I wear?
All guests are provided calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep them warm. They are not exactly the most fashionable coats, but there is safety in numbers -- nearly every visitor borrows one.  Coats are available in all sizes, including children and infants.  For maximum comfort guests should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Hats and gloves are recommended - and are available for purchase. Think Christmas morning in Alaska...and dress accordingly!