For the first time, Gaylord Palms Resort will feature iconic scenes and characters from 2003’s Elf in its beloved ICE attraction.
Orlando Weekly previewed the chilly 9-degree exhibit, which is under construction at the Kissimmee resort. Skilled ice artisans traveled all the way from “Ice City” — Harbin, China — to build Buddy the Elf, Santa, reindeer, a Central Park tunnel and more out of giant blocks of colored ice.
Before the preview, Gaylord resort staff welcomed the sculptors with a traditional dragon dance in the convention center lobby. The over two dozen artists spend more than six weeks carving, chipping, melting and sculpting 2 million pounds of ice into a festive and frigid walkthrough attraction.
Inside ICE, guests will venture from the North Pole to New York City alongside Buddy the Elf as he meets his dad and new friends and discovers the world’s best coffee. The exhibit also re-creates the shoeshine stand in NYC, the elf classroom, the loveable Mr. Narwhal, Gimbels toy shop, the epic snowball fight in Central Park and more.
As always, there will be live carving demonstrations during the event and a Nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice.
ICE at Gaylord Palms Resort opens on Nov. 15 and runs through Jan. 4, 2025.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms also includes live entertainment throughout the resort, chances to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday lights and decor, festive menus and themed activities for hotel guests. Outside ICE in the convention center, there’s an Alpine Village with holiday shops, arts and craft and a snow play area with ice slides and snowball throwing.
Find tickets and more information at ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com.
