How about driving over to the Gaylord Palms to see the "ICE" exhibit?
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms/things_to_do/IcePalms.cfm
At The Gaylord Palms Resort
ICE! like youve never seen it Two million pounds of it is transformed into every imaginable Christmas icon as the star attraction at the Gaylord Palms this Christmas season.
The shaped, cut, illuminated and often colored ice takes over a large portion of the Gaylord Palms exhibition center as you walk through the chilly 9 degrees environment in the winter parkas provided by the Gaylord Palms. (Although the parkas are provided, close toed shoes are a must and warm jackets, sweaters and gloves/mittens are highly recommended so you can enjoy the experience.) To give you an idea of the size and scope of the attraction, it boasts 1,500 fluorescent tubing lights frozen within the ice and uses three different types of ice: clear glass-like crystal ice; white snow-pack-like ice and colored ice.
During your walking tour, you are literally surrounded with ice created sculptures depicting characters and scenes from the holiday season crafted into a series of themed areas.
For example, Victorian Fantasy is an elaborately set dining room table scene made completely of ice, with no detail spared, including the family cat made of ice.
Another of the more memorable sculptures was the ice bridge. Thats right, a bridge that is large enough to hold five to 10 ten people. You actually walk on and over the bridge, made again completely of ice.
The entire ICE attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. If you are lucky, you will be able to see one of the artisans working on a sculpture during your tour. Harbin is best known for its annual Ice Park and International Ice Festival.
The tour of Ice begins with a very short five minute video that explains how the ICE show came to America and how it is assembled each year; what it takes to make these intricate creations and what it takes to preserve them in Floridas temperate climate.
Back to the actual tour, besides the opportunity to have their photo with a 10-foot tall ice sculpture Santa Claus, complete with red suit made of ice, the highlight for kids will be the slides made of ice. Thats right, for youngsters, or the young at heart; ice has been crafted into a large ice slide. There is no sled required; you just glide down sitting on your parka. You can spend as much time as you want on the slides, but the 9 degree temperature will catch up to you very quickly.
Finally, the most dramatic and powerful ice sculpture is the crystal-clear life sized replica of the Nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger.
Note: Purchase tickets in advance, especially if attending on weekends, to avoid lengthy lines. Special ICE weekend packages are also available. Call 407.586.4423 for more information.
More info:
Frozen Florida
An unbelievable world of ICE!, where guests are welcomed by arctic alligators and frosty flamingos... donning earmuffs!
Victorian Fantasy
A heartwarming tribute to one family's Christmas through a vision of yesteryear featuring Santa's Toyland. Bright flashing lights and colorful candy decorations adorn the whimsical contraptions, all under Santa's watchful eye.
Demonstration Station
Nestled within Toyland is an area for guests to see the ice carving process firsthand. Here, Chinese artisans demonstrate their skill and craftsmanship for passerby.
Santa Photo Opportunity
The Big Fella is here in all his cooler-than-cool hand-carved glory a perfect spot for holiday photos!
ICE! Forest
Playful polar bears and piouetting penguins call the ICE! Forest home. This is a tranquil and contemplative environment featuring a running waterfall, twinkling stars behind a painted dusk sky, a winding footpath... and the amazing ice bridge!
Church in the Woods
After crossing the bridge, visitors encounter a rustic church facade with light streaming through ice-stained "glass" windows, creating a colorful aura.
The Nativity
An awesome, sparkling, crystal-clear, life-sized replica of the Nativity is the signature scene of the show. It is certainly one of the world's most beautiful and inspirational renditions of the Nativity.
The Christmas Castle
This crowd-pleasing favorite features toy soldiers standing guard to the entry the Christmas Castle. Kids (and kids-at-heart) can climb up the towering spires and race down the slippery slides. Great fun!
Santa and Flamingo
One last photo opportunity before returning to the Florida sun!
Complementing the Gaylord Palms ICE! attraction, the resort is featuring a new outdoor ICE! Skating rink definitely an oddity in the Sunshine State. Ice skates are even provided.
And, in addition to ICE!, this year's Best of Florida Christmas program will include 46 days of holiday revelry, including several new or revised activities:
"A season of Wishes" Christmas Show - A Christmas variety show featuring a cast of characters and a memorable soundtrack of holiday favorites.
Christmas in Florida - The County Weath Collection is a new exhibition of wreaths decoated to reflect Florida's diverse destinations, from coast to coast.
"Lights Alive!" Shows featuring lights throughout the resort's atrium, synchronized to festive holiday music (beginning Nov. 24).
Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt where families can hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms atriums to spot cleverly hidden gnomes (presented by Travelocity).
Visit Santa - Kids can take an opportunity to share their special Christmas wishes with Santa Claus... in person, or via email.
Brunch with Mrs. Claus, where Santa's "better-half" is the star of the show at Villa de Flora (weekends only).
After freezing your "noses and toeses," you'll be ready to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa in the ICE! Cavern, a pre- and post-show area, where the ICE! experience continues. Here additional "Best of Florida Christmas" activities, such as family shows, atmosphere entertainment, special meals and visits with Santa take place.
This is one special holiday event you won't want to miss!
Ticket Information and Directions
ICE! will be open daily during the holiday season from November 18, 2006 through January 2, 2007. ICE! tickets begin at $16.99 plus tax for adults (Mondays through Thursdays) and $19.99 plus tax (Fridays through Sundays). Children ages 4-12 are $7.99 plus tax any time. Special prices are also available for senior citizens and all 2006 prices are subject to change.
