Florida Guide > Places to Visit
Ice at Gaylord Palms
Every Christmas time for the last few years there has been a spectacular event held at Gaylord Palms, called Ice.
This features spectacular ice sculptures and lasts around 7 weeks; this year (2010) it runs from november to after Christmas.
Gaylord Palms select Chinese artisans to create their displays. These artists are drawn from the participants in the International Ice and Snow Festival which takes place in China every year.
In all they use a staggering 2 million pounds of ice to create the displays which are kept at a chilly 9 degrees farenheit.
3 kinds of ice are needed to make the sculptures. White ice has the appearance of compacted snow and this effect is created by freezing the water very quickly which lends an opaque appearance to the ice.
Crystal Ice is made from de ionised water that has been multi filtered. Each 400 pound ice block uses 45 gallons of water and takes 72 hours to freeze.
Coloured Ice is made by simply adding a bright colourant that makes a nice contrast to the brilliant white of the un dyed ice.
As I write they are planning some awesome sculptures for the 2010 show. You will walk in Santas footsteps through the forest until you reach a festive carnival; here you will marvel at the life size carousel.
Next you can sit on Santas knee for a once in a lifetime photo op and watch his reindeers take flight.
Rhey have brought back the Nativity scene for 2010 and this is life sized and there is an accompanying voice track.
Threaded among the displays are thousands of twinkling lights that add sparkle to the snow.
When you reach the show area you can visit Santa, buy a meal or enjoy a performance. The hot chocolate is also a welcome sight after all the chill you have emerged from
Outside there is a skating rink and you will be pleased to learn that they supply you with skates for this.
You may be wondering if you can take all the chill when you are dressed in shorts and t shirts? well they have thought of that too and supply you with a warm clothing. It still may be a good idea to wear proper shoes to keep your toes warm.
There is the obligaory gift shop to visit and it is nice to take a Christmas decoration home to remind you of your visit to ' Ice'
Gaylord Palms is just off the I. 4 (you have probably spotted it from the road.
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