Gaylord ICE!: A Comprehensive Overview
Jan 23, 2025 | By bella
Introduction
Gaylord ICE! is a celebrated holiday attraction that captivates visitors with its stunning ice sculptures and immersive experiences. Held at various Gaylord Hotels locations across the United States, ICE! has become a staple of the Christmas season, drawing families and holiday enthusiasts alike. This report provides a detailed examination of the Gaylord ICE! experience, exploring its history, attractions, visitor experience, and the unique elements that make it a must-visit event.
History and Locations
Gaylord ICE! is a holiday tradition that has been enchanting visitors for years. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the event made a triumphant return in the 2022 holiday season. The experience is hosted at several Gaylord Hotels locations, including Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland; Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas; Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center near Denver, Colorado; Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida; and Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each location offers a unique theme based on beloved holiday classics. For instance, the Gaylord National Resort has featured themes like “A Christmas Story™” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (Gaylord National Resort). Meanwhile, the Gaylord Texan Resort has brought to life “The Polar Express” and celebrated the 60th anniversary of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with intricate ice carvings (Gaylord Texan Resort).
Attractions and Features
The centerpiece of the ICE! experience is the breathtaking ice sculptures. Created from over 2 million pounds of ice, these sculptures are the work of skilled artisans who meticulously carve each piece to capture the essence of the featured theme. The sculptures range from life-sized characters to elaborate scenes from classic holiday movies. For example, the Gaylord Palms Resort showcased scenes from the film “Elf™,” offering guests the chance to walk through a whimsical world brought to life in ice (Gaylord Palms).
In addition to the sculptures, ICE! includes a variety of interactive elements. Visitors can enjoy thrilling ice slides, which are typically two stories tall, providing an exhilarating experience for both children and adults. The exhibit also features tunnels and walk-through experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves fully in the holiday magic (Gaylord Texan Tickets).
Visitor Experience
The ICE! exhibit is designed as a self-guided, walk-through experience, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The entire experience can last anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes, depending on how much time guests spend admiring the sculptures and participating in the activities. To ensure comfort in the chilly environment, which is maintained at a brisk 9 degrees Fahrenheit, parkas are provided to all guests. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own hats and gloves to stay warm (Gaylord Texan Tickets).
The attention to detail and the sheer scale of the ice sculptures create a sense of wonder and amazement. Each location’s theme is carefully chosen to resonate with visitors, evoking nostalgia and holiday cheer. Whether it’s reliving the antics of Buddy the Elf or experiencing the heartwarming story of Frosty the Snowman, ICE! offers a unique blend of artistry and storytelling (Gaylord Opryland).
Conclusion
Gaylord ICE! is a remarkable holiday attraction that combines artistry, entertainment, and tradition. Its ability to bring beloved holiday stories to life through intricate ice sculptures and engaging experiences has solidified its status as a must-visit event during the Christmas season. With its successful return after a brief hiatus, ICE! continues to enchant visitors across its various locations, offering a magical escape into the world of holiday classics. As the event evolves, it remains a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that define the holiday spirit.
References
“National Harbor, MD. (Aug. 17, 2022) — Gaylord National Resort invites guests to ‘freeze the day’ this Christmas season as the hotel’s beloved longtime holiday tradition, ICE!, returns November 25 through December 31 after a two-year hiatus. Using more than 2 million pounds – or 1,000 tons – of ice, the amusing holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Story™’ will be brought to life in ice.” Gaylord Hotels, https://www.gaylordhotels.com/ice-gaylord-national-resort.
“GRAPEVINE, Texas — Gaylord Texan Resort invites guests to ‘freeze the day’ this Christmas as the hotel’s longtime holiday tradition, ICE!, returns Nov. 11, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023 after a two-year hiatus.. Using more than 2 million pounds – or 1,000 tons – of ice, the holiday classic movie, The Polar Express, will be brought to life by a team of 40 ice artisans who work for approximately six.” Gaylord Hotels, https://www.gaylordhotels.com/ice-gaylord-texan-resort.
“Just outside the city at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, from November 17 to January 1, there’s a festive celebratory experience called ICE! featuring A Christmas Story™️, which includes ice slides, tunnels, and larger-than-life sculptures all on display for the holiday season.” Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, https://christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com/ice.
“Experience the whimsical world of Buddy the Elf™ at ICE!, our signature holiday attraction. Discover beloved scenes from the Christmas film Elf™ in magnificent, larger-than-life ice sculptures carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice. Journey through unforgettable scenes for unique photo ops and enjoy exhilarating, two-story-tall ice.” Christmas at Gaylord Palms, https://christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com/ice.
“The ICE! exhibit is a self-guided, walk-through experience which lasts approximately 15-30 minutes once you enter the exhibit. Your entire ICE! experience may last anywhere between 30 and 75 minutes. The ICE! exhibit is kept to a chilly 9 degrees. Parkas are provided to all guests. Guests are welcome to bring hats and gloves.” Gaylord Texan Tickets, https://tickets.gaylordtexan.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=183.
“ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Come experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Opryland. Presented by PEPSI®.” Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, https://christmasatgaylordopryland.marriott.com/ice.
“Celebrate 60 years of the 1964 TV special ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ with a visit to Gaylord Texan Resort where you’ll find elaborate ice carvings that bring the story to life in three dimensions. How brightly does Rudolph’s nose shine? And just how tall is the Bumble? Find out when you visit ICE! this holiday season.” Christmas at Gaylord Texan, https://christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com/ice.
“Please note that the information and images listed on this page reflect the 2024 Christmas season. ICE! featuring ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels.” Christmas at Gaylord National, https://christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com/ice.
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