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Artisan began their 30-day journey to bring ‘ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ to life last week. PHOTO/CHRIS MILLER
Get ready for that end-of-year Artic blast we’ve come to know and love annually in Kissimmee — Gaylord Palms Resort is bringing back its holiday experience, ICE!, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The holiday tradition allows families to explore a nearly 20,000-square-foot, frozen attraction packed with icy unique sculptures showcasing the beloved Dr. Seuss story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
On Oct. 18, Gaylord Palms welcomed artisans from Harbin, China, home of the largest ice and snow sculpting festival in the world. The crowd erupted in a cheerful celebration as the artisans began their 30 days of sculpting. The welcoming celebration included a dragon dance ceremony along with the presentation of a giant welcome card.
“We can’t wait for our guests to once again experience the magic and wonder of ICE! during this year’s Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration,” said Gary Buchanan, Public Relations of Gaylord Palms Resort. “Since debuting here in 2003, ICE! has always been a one-of-a-kind attraction for our guests, and we’re excited to welcome this Gaylord Hotels tradition back this year with ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ and all the beloved characters in the classic Dr. Seuss story.”
Gaylord said a team of 40 ice artisans will work six weeks to bring the experience to life. Those sculptures are kept as frozen art forms thanks to nine-degree air pumped into the convention center — don’t worry, all patrons are issued heavy parkas before entering. But heavy winter hats and gloves, if you can find them, make the display more bearable.
“Starting with more than 6,700 massive ice blocks, created by three different ice manufacturers because of the amount needed, carvers will tally more than 12,000 manhours. The artisans, using skills passed down from generation to generation, follow a 300-page design book to create the spectacle,” Buchanan said.
In addition to seeing characters from the classic Dr. Seuss tale, guests can also take rides down twostory- tall ice slides, explore ice tunnels and arches, and visit Carver’s Showcase to see live sculpting demonstrations. The ICE! experience concludes in a separate area dedicated to a Nativity scene, carved and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice. ICE! opens Nov. 18.
