Gaylord Palms ICE ‘Shrek the Halls’ from November 2011; 150 Photos and Video Walk-Through

Hi everyone!

We were fortunate to take part in a media preview for ICE! at Gaylord Palms this week – we also went back two days later for the showing of Puss in Boots in their new 3D Theater, and I’ll review that experience – and more – in a new Denise’s Corner column by Monday. I have nearly 150 photos to share from our ICE! experience!

Check out our full walk-through video of ICE Shrek the Halls.

I attended ICE! for the first time in 2004, the year after it debuted. It was already a well-known event by then, and extremely impressive! This was the 4th or 5th year I’ve been to ICE!, and I’m always amazed by the display. ICE! is kept at a very cold 9 degrees – we both wear double socks, mittens and I highly encourage a hat and scarf. I went through the exhibit in only 10 or 15 minutes in 2004, ICE! was a last minute gift and I wasn’t prepared for the cold. During this media preview, we spent an hour inside, taking photos and enjoying the slides and atmosphere. ICE! isn’t just colored ice, it’s ice sculptures built over several months by 40 artisans from Harbin, China.

ICE! isn’t the only experience here. Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW! is next door for an additional fee, the new DreamWorks 3D theater is a fun experience (also for an additional cost), and there are other add-ons that can be included. Even moreso, there is plenty you can do around the resort that won’t cost an extra penny, and are a lot of fun for the entire family. I expect to pay for ICE! tickets later this season to enjoy everything (media night isn’t fully set up as far as the additional shows, etc.). We have never seen the tree lighting, but we have enjoyed “Luminescence”, a show that includes aerial choreography, as well as “Christmas Wonders”. Between the live shows, the Polar Bear Pursuit (where you can look for stuffed polar bears) and seeing more of the resort – including the live gators – there is enough to do for hours if you choose. A cup of hot chocolate is included after ICE!, but a coffee shop is situated near the live entertainment if you plan to spend more time.

Every year, the theme for ICE! is different. In conjunction with the recent partnership with DreamWorks, the theme is “Shrek the Halls”. Guests enter a huge “Holiday Hall” which branches off into several directions. The hall looks empty here, but it will be MUCH busier soon. Expect waits for ICE! upon arrival.

 

 

Everything is themed on a different level than in previous years, from the costumes to the exteriors and the gift shop. In our two evenings at the resort, we met all the available DreamWorks characters (including Gingy).

Parkas. You’ll need one!

 

I have never seen the film Shrek the Halls, but it was easy to follow along. Each room includes signs that tell the story, and I’m a big fan of the Shrek characters (especially Puss in Boots!) Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots and all of the favorite Shrek characters appear from room to room. The ice sculptures are always amazing.

There are a few great photo opportunities – where else can you sit in Shrek’s outhouse for a photo?

The room with the 30 foot slides is also nicely themed.

 

 

 

I went down the slides 5 times, I’m not sure how many times Jeff did – I love this part of ICE! I am in the photo below to the right:

 

Jeff gets ready to slide:

Walking into another room (after admiring the fish on the wall):

 

This is the backside of the dragon:

 

It’s snowball time!

 

We went into position like Puss in Boots, but stayed clear of touching the ice:

 

There wasn’t any music on when we were there, so I wasn’t sure if the traditional clear ice nativity scene would be there. I really love it, it’s a favorite of so many guests – normally you can hear the beautiful music when getting close to the scene. I was glad to see it back again! I remember talking to an employee last year, and being told that this is special ice that is ordered. It’s exquisite.

We met Shrek and Fiona:

 

 

We went over to SNOW! for about 10 minutes. We were told that it wasn’t quite ready, and that mats would be used on the large slides once open. An employee also said that the target age for this attraction was ages 3 – 12, and I’d say that is pretty accurate. SNOW! is kept at a relatively balmy 55 degrees, with 130 tons of snow that is made daily. The attraction (to me) resembles a children’s park, and will likely be a huge draw for those who have never seen real snow. It isn’t nearly as impressive as ICE!, but we did see one child who was led away from SNOW! while crying he wanted to go back. There aren’t too many places you can throw snowballs in Florida, and the kids we saw were having a great time. SNOW! is themed to the film Kung Fu Panda, and you can even meet PO in his location nearby.  Check back Monday for a new Denise’s Corner where I’ll talk about the Dreamworks Experience that Gaylord Palms offers, complete with plenty of character photos (Po, Alex and Julien from Madagascar, Puss in Boots, and more Gingy – we already shared photos of Shrek and Fiona!)

Even the store is nicely themed, and the DreamWorks 3D Theater Experience is entered through here. If you want to pick up a souvenir, they range from traditional ornaments and plush to ICE! Shrek the Halls merchandise.

 

We caught a little of the rehearsal for one of the shows that will be performed:

 

This was a media event that we were invited to, but I have paid for tickets in the past and plan to do so again this year. I feel there is quite a lot of value to the entrance, but I encourage you to make the most of your time at the Gaylord Palms Resort. ICE! is, for me, a must-see each year. There are character meet-and-greets to enjoy, a Polar Bear Pursuit through the gorgeous resort, and terrific live performances. The atrium is bustling with activity, as well as the aforementioned gators (and fish, turtles, and more). Apparently there are stingrays as well, those I’ve never seen! There is an extra add-on I’ve not mentioned nor experienced, and that is Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating. Prices and information can be found on the Gaylord Palms site. Gaylord Palms also has the Christmassy DreamWorks Package, which includes ICE!, a ShrekFeast Character Meal, and more.

There is a parking charge of $13.00, but we found a $1.00 coupon while there that we used when seeing the film Puss in Boots. The dates for ICE! and the rest of the holiday experience are from November 16th – January 2nd, 2012. Remember to check out our video walk-through!