Gaylord Palms ICE! Returns with Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for 2022 Season (Photos, Video)

Hi everyone!

ICE! returned to Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee on November 18th, featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” carved into 2 million pounds of ice (the display was absent for two years due to the pandemic). Artisans from Harbin, China spent over a month creating the ice sculptures for the 9 degree walk-through display that also includes ice slides. ICE! is a very limited time offering – the end date is January 1st, 2023. It is the centerpiece for Christmas at Gaylord Palms.

We first started covering the event in 2010 and had attended prior to that. A lot has changed through the years, including the plethora of other activities that guests can participate in (ticketed as well as complimentary). I will be posting an article featuring those tomorrow. We were invited for the weekend but would go to ICE! on our own if not.

Here is a look at ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”!

First, here is our video of ICE!, followed by over 50 photos.

On the way into ICE!, there is a guide for choosing a parka of the right size to wear through the experience. This is new this year, and features gnomes of different sizes.

I mentioned that ICE! is a frosty 9 degrees, so you likely will want to bring a winter hat, gloves, thick socks and maybe a scarf. That will allow you to spend more time admiring the sculptures.

ICE! is beyond the doors.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is new for Gaylord Palms in 2022! It has been a theme at a couple of other Gaylord Hotels over the years.

 

Almost everything in the exhibit is carved from ice, with some other additions (like the small ornaments here). This fun wreath features the Grinch’s hand with an ornament.

The Grinch looks on from above his cave, with the ICE! logo.

The Grinch looks to be in a roof.

The first room is the Grinch in his cave.

There are scenes from Whoville.

We see the Grinch before heading into the next room, as he is having his “wonderful, awful idea”.

The Grinch wears his Santa outfit with Max.

The sculptures are wonderfully detailed.

Max is dressed as a reindeer.

There are two more Grinch sculptures in this room, with the center sculpture being the Grinch heading down a chimney.

  

The Grinch holds a stocking as he peers out the fireplace.

 

The Grinch takes off with a roast beast while the Whos are still sleeping.

Next is the ice slide room, which is a favorite of many guests. Sitting on your parka helps get a better slide down the hill (and makes it less cold to slide down!)

Jeff went down the slides a couple of times.

There is a large sculpture in here of the Grinch with his sack of gifts, trees and such.

 

There is a slide for younger children as well.

A wreath sits above with a bell on it.

The Whos gather together to sing.

The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes.

Max is with the Grinch.

And the final scene from the story – but not of the display – is the Grinch with the Whos.

Max wears a wreath.

In this room, you might see an artisan showing how they carve ice.

The Grinch sits down for dinner.

The roast beast is in front of him.

The Whos are ready to eat.

Looking back, you can see the previous scene.

A wreath says “The End”. But there is one more scene, plus I show some merchandise photos.

The nativity scene is a yearly guest favorite. The scene is created from crystal clear ice, which is the most difficult to make.

Mary and Joseph stand over baby Jesus.

ICE! can take as little or as long as you want to walk through. Tickets can be purchased here at the Gaylord Palms website.

We always buy at least a few items in the gift shop. There is a ton of merchandise themed to the Grinch, as well as to ICE! and lots of traditional and some less traditional merchandise (along with Build-A-Bear). I’ve always enjoyed perusing the items that are curated.

There are shirts, sweatshirts and more for ICE! at Gaylord Palms Featuring The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

We purchased a mug and a couple of shirts. The mug was only $12.00 and is nice.

And you can find nutcrackers, candy, ornament and so much more in the shop.

Some of the items I was interested in, I couldn’t really find online. I picked up a pair of socks for $12.00 that were hard to find (and when I did find them online, they cost more).

I recommend making at least a few hours of it at Gaylord Palms for ICE!, including a walk around the atrium to enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations and see the alligators and more. There are other activities and events, many ticketed and you can find those here. I will post more about some of those tomorrow.

Note that parking does cost about $30.00 now per car (another reason I recommend enjoying more than just ICE!)

 

We were hosted for the event this past weekend, all views are ours.