Gaylord Palms ICE

[mousebit]

I was thinking about planning a little trip over to Gaylord Palms to see the ice exhibit during our week at WDW in Dec. We would be going on our "break from the parks day." I've read the thread on GP and seen the Ice photos, so now I'm really interested. Would appreciate any comments or suggestions from those of you who have gone. How long did you spend there? How far a drive from WDW? Did you enjoy it? THANX!

 

[Keacc]

We are thinking the exact same thing. Gaylord Palms is about midway between WDW and Universal. I've heard that there a some very good restaurants there to. I would also like to hear some suggestions as to which one would be good for a nice lunch.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

We went last November, after Thanksgiving. We were a group of 10, ages 4 thru 45.

It only took about 20-25 minutes to go thru, the longest time spent was on the "ice slides". Everyone but my sister and I went down the slides. The kids had a blast on that and we got some pretty good pictures. Other than that, you just walk thru looking at the sculptures. The best on for me, was the Manger scene. Almost life size, they had everyone there, even the sheep. That was incredible. They all were.

But it is mainly an adult thing. It was my sisters Christmas gift to all of us so I didn't pay, but it was very expensive. And to top it off, they charged both of our cars a $7 parking fee!! I thought that was a little over the top. I mean, it's not a Disney park. I thought maybe they should credit you the parking fee with your ICE ticket stub, but whatever, we're on vacation.

We then went inside the hotel more and saw a very cute Christmas play. Our kids even got to be part of the show with the actors!! This was BY FAR the highlight of the night. We have it on video............priceless. I think it was done in the atrium of the hotel, and let me tell you. Everything was beautiful. Put every WDW resort's decorations to shame. IMO

We then did a little shopping in the shops nearby and my sister's family got a quick bite to eat.

I'm glad we did it, but it is definitely a one time thing for us, and we LOVE everything Christmas/winter. BUT, if you just want to go see the hotel and the show, it is worth the $7 parking fee. They even have a hot chocolate stand near the show.

The hotel is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Beautiful, inside and out! I would LOVE to stay there one day.

Hope this helps. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions for you.

 

[horseshowmom]

We were there the Sunday before Thanksgiving last year. There were several of us who were in town for a conference, so it was all adults.

I was also a little surprised by the $7 parking fee, but we were still glad we went. We all really enjoyed it.

Along with our admission, we were each given a coupon for a free hot chocolate at the stand that "Mom of..." mentioned.

After we went, I had intended to get my parents (who live in the area) tickets for Christmas, but they already had a trip planned with the group from their retirement community (their tickets were much cheaper than ours too!).

If I can answer any particular questions, let me know!

 

[webray]

Gaylord Palms is very close to disney..maybe 10 minute drive. Follow the Osceola Parkway signs when leaving disney property. You can't miss it, it is big and beautiful. We love staying there.

 

[mousebit]

Thanx for the reviews everyone. Sounds like a great break from the parks. We are flying in, so I am thinking of just grabbing a taxi over. It sounds like a reasonable fare - and I won't have to pay the $7 parking!

What time did you go? I was hoping for an afternoon, maybe stay for early dinner, but I'd like to catch the show you mentioned in the hotel lobby. Do you think that is only during the evening?

THANX again!

 

[grlzmom]

We stayed at the Gaylord Palms for Thanksgiving last year and really enjoyed the resort and ICE.

We found that ICE was less crowded earlier in the day and tended to form lines in the afternoon/evening.

All of our kids loved it and we spent around an hour inside (with about 30 minutes of that at the slides).

Be prepared, they will take your picture (for purchase later) after you are all suited up in the parkas and ready to enter.

It is well worth a walk around the resort if you are there for ICE, as it is beautifully decorated. The food however, is VERY expensive.

 

[susan1]

the parking fee is now $10 we were charged that just to look round the place. not told on way in but charged on way out. felt very ripped off

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

the parking fee is now $10 we were charged that just to look round the place. not told on way in but charged on way out. felt very ripped off

 

[isla bonita]

What is the price to enter ice?

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

These were the prices last year.

WEEKDAYS (MONDAY - THURSDAY)

$16.99– Adults
$13.99– Seniors ages 55+
$7.99 - Children ages 4 – 12
WEEKENDS (FRIDAY-SUNDAY)

$19.99 - Adults
$16.99 - Seniors ages 55+
$7.99 - Children ages 4- 12
Prices do not include tax. Children age 3 and under are free with paid adult admission

 

[clk4]

Hello Everyone,
I was reading the posts and wanted to drop a line to let you know that much has been done to really enhance ICE this year! The tickets are going up slightly and yes there is still a charge for parking as that is becoming the industry standard in Orlando. You need to pay to park at the Lowe's properties at Universal as well! The Chinese Artisians are do to arrive middle to end of September and the creating will begin. There is speculation of a Ice Rink Inside (to help defray the lines) The weekends are definately the busiest especially come the middle of December! You can pre-order tickets and that will save you greatly on time in lines! Pleae PM if anyone has questions

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

The tickets are going up slightly and yes there is still a charge for parking as that is becoming the industry standard in Orlando. You need to pay to park at the Lowe's properties at Universal as well!

I agree with you, but WDW doesn't charge for parking, correct? Just the parks, not the hotels?

 

[Lewisc]

Disney hasn't started to charge for resort parking (YET) BUT S/D and SoG are onsite properties that charge for parking. The Universal hotels, Marriott convention hotel and other large hotels charge for parking.

I agree with you, but WDW doesn't charge for parking, correct? Just the parks, not the hotels?

 

[zippehsmom]

If you are dining at the Loews hotel, parking can be validated. So if you are just visiting and dining there, then parking is essentially free.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

If you are dining at the Loews hotel, parking can be validated. So if you are just visiting and dining there, then parking is essentially free.

Gee........for the $152 we spent on ICE, you'd think they would validate that!

 

[mousebit]

I know it seems expensive, but it's just me and DGD11 this trip so if you figure at 21.98 admission for the two of us plus cab fare it's still a lot less than a day at Sea World and it really sounds like a nice mid-week break from the theme parks. Of course, we will end up spending more - dinner, photos, etc.
But DGD's other choices would be Typhoon Lagoon and DQ - a lot more $$. So, I'm thinking it's a good choice for us.

Still wondering if they have the hotel lobby shows in the afternoons or just in the evenings during the week.

 

[susan1]

I know it seems expensive, but it's just me and DGD11 this trip so if you figure at 21.98 admission for the two of us plus cab fare it's still a lot less than a day at Sea World and it really sounds like a nice mid-week break from the theme parks. Of course, we will end up spending more - dinner, photos, etc.
But DGD's other choices would be Typhoon Lagoon and DQ - a lot more $$. So, I'm thinking it's a good choice for us.

Still wondering if they have the hotel lobby shows in the afternoons or just in the evenings during the week.

typhoon lagoon and disney quest would be more fun and better value in the long run and would be included as plusses on your main disney ticket if you so wished. sea world are presently doing tickets where adults pay childprice for tickets. by the time you have paid the parking fee, the ice show admittance and the cost of a mealat gaylord palms it probably wouldn't be any less!

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Still wondering if they have the hotel lobby shows in the afternoons or just in the evenings during the week.

I'm sorry, I don't know............I'm thinking it would probably start at around dinner time, but I'm not sure about that.

 

[mousebit]

I'm sorry, I don't know............I'm thinking it would probably start at around dinner time, but I'm not sure about that.

Thanks anyway. I've tried their website, but no specific times so I'll call them closer to vacation time.