On the heels of their last announcement regarding Gaylord Palms Halloween event – Goblins and Giggles Weekends, the resort hotel has now announced their holiday offerings. Gaylord Palms ICE! has become a staple of holiday events in the Orlando area for well over a decade. My family have been visiting since 2007, and it has become a tradition for us and many others as well. However, due to international travel restrictions and the global pandemic this year, ICE! will not be a part of the Christmas at Gaylord Palms lineup.
Don’t let that deter your plans to include Gaylord Palms as part of your holiday traditions. Gaylord Palms still has a HUGE schedule of events for the upcoming season. Traditional favorites like Cirque Dreams and the tree lighting atrium light show return, along with an all-new “pop-up” offering. Let’s see the news directly from Gaylord Palms:
As the holiday season approaches, Gaylord Palms is excited to announce a new one-of-a-kind marquee Christmas pop-up experience that will debut November 13, 2020 and run through January 3, 2021. Called “I Love Christmas Movies,” the new experience presents a multi-sensory exhibition in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products allowing guests to experience beloved holiday movies in a completely new way. The new pop-up experience anchors Gaylord Palms’ lineup of renowned annual Christmas programming, promising an enchanting holiday celebration this year.
With the unveiling of the new I Love Christmas Movies immersive pop-up experience, visitors will enjoy enhanced holiday fun and delights as they discover this exclusive activity offered only at Gaylord Hotels for a limited time.
I Love Christmas Movies presents a fully immersive exhibit featuring key moments from some of the most iconic Warner Bros. Pictures Christmas movies including THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™. As guests young and young at heart navigate the multi-sensory exhibits, they will enjoy over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips and more, making participants feel as if they have stepped into part of the actual story. Guests will travel with Buddy the Elf from Santa’s North Pole workshop to New York City; take photos in front of the Griswold’s house adorned with thousands of Christmas lights; and more.
For almost two decades, Gaylord Palms has become legendary for providing magical holiday events and activities for winter visitors to experience, and this year will be no different. A lineup of additional signature activities and experiences visitors have come to know and love over the years is being developed and will be featured alongside the new I Love Christmas Movies experience.
With a full lineup to be announced soon, visitors can look forward to experiences such as ice tubing, scavenger hunts, gingerbread decorating, elf training academy, holiday stage shows and much more, all to be enjoyed within acres of airy indoor atriums decorated with millions of twinkling holiday lights, towering Christmas trees and thousands of shimmering ornaments.
“The holidays are the perfect time of year to make memories with friends and family, and we know that this year more than ever, guests will be looking for places where they can celebrate the magic of the season in a safe environment,” said General Manager Johann Krieger. “This year we are excited to present the new I Love Christmas Movies experience, along with our other amazing events and activities our guests have come to know and love.”
As the safety of guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the Christmas at Gaylord Palms program is being developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social-distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration with the latest local, state and federal legislation.
Overnight Christmas packages including admission into the I Love Christmas Movies immersive pop-up experience are available to book now. Tickets for all the events and activities for Christmas at Gaylord Palms will go on sale in early October.
For more information about the I Love Christmas Movies pop-up and Christmas programming, visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com, which will be updated with this year’s lineup soon.
Have you visited Gaylord Palms for the holidays? What was your favorite part of the lineup? Let us know in the comments below!
It’s hard to believe there are only 28 days until Christmas, even less shopping days, and even less if you’re shopping for Hanukkah! There are so many fun books and collectibles and accessories this year, I figured it would be a good idea to list some of my favorites as a Disney Gift Guide to help out with making your list and checking it twice!
Personally, my interests are wide and varied, I love a good historical Disney book, but I also love a fun purse or a unique t-shirt. I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment, so I decided I’d list a few top Disney Gifts so allmost of people’s favorites are covered!
Top 5 Disney Books for 2019
For this list, we have some descriptions and recommendations from Scott, who you should know from our Up the Waterfall podcast. While we are both huge fans of Disney park history and those who created the parks, he is much more of an expert than I, and with a vast 1000+ book library of Disney titles, I think a definite expert in the topic!
After the 2014 release of the amazing Renaissance Man book about Disney Imagineer and artist Marc Davis, one would be smart to think that all has been said if this creative genius. One would be wrong. Very wrong! This new 11 lb, 2 volume opus from Pixar artist Pete Docter and co-author and Disney Imagineer Christopher Merritt just might be … THE GREATEST DISNEY BOOK OF ALL TIME! This amazing set of books explores every aspect of Marc Davis’ theme park creations and designs and artwork, from Jungle Cruise to Enchanted Tiki Room, from the 4 Disney attractions at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair to Pirates of the Caribbean, from the Haunted Mansion to Country Bear Jamboree and much much more, this book is so incredibly full of detail and hundreds of pictures and Marc Davis drawings. This book is an absolute must have!! Put this one on your Christmas list!!!
This large coffee table book from Jeff Kurtti and the staff at the Walt Disney Archives documents the many beautiful and visually spectacular costumes from most of the recent (and some older) Walt Disney Pictures productions. In conjunction with the incredible Archives display at August’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, this volume has vivid close-up photos of some of the most memorable costumes in Disney cinema, with descriptive explanations of each one.
Having written all of Walt Disney’s speeches and dialogue from the Walt Disney Presents and Disneylandtelevision shows, and having led the creative team Walt Disney Imagineering for several decades and much more, Marty Sklar has seen and done it all. He had such an amazing life and it was very sad when we lost this great man in 2017. But we’re also very blessed that he wrote the three books that he did, and this is the final volume in his trilogy of fun insider stories and ideologies. Marty was such an amazing storyteller and usually each one had an underlying message of leadership or common sense behind it. It’s always great to get an insider look from someone who was there during the creations of Walt Disney World and so many more of Disney’s greatest achievements. Make sure not to miss out on this one!
Starting at ABC Television in 1974, joining the Disney senior management team in 1996, shortly after Disney’s takeover of ABC the year before, and replacing Michael Eisner as Disney’s CEO in 2005, Robert Iger has finally written his story thus far in this incredible autobiography. From his learnings in business to his rise to the top, and the seemingly unending stories being in the front row of the entertainment industry, Iger reveals the intimate tales of his journey, and details the sequence of events that led to the acquisitions of Marvel, Pixar, LucasFilm and Fox. This is a must-have book for any Disney fan’s library.
The very interesting idea for this book was introduced to the adoring Disney fans during a top-secret presentation at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim. Thursday, February 21, 2019, an otherwise random day, was selected as the 24-hour snapshot where over 80 Disney Cast Members from across the globe were profiled to showcase the variety and scope of what Disney is all about. Famous Cast Members such as Bob Iger and actress Brie Larson to more seemingly random, but nevertheless interesting, folks, such as Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko, a veterinarian at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, who appears on the book cover, are featured. From Paris to Tokyo, from Anaheim to Orlando, from Shanghai to Hong Kong, from Hawaii to the Bahamas, the sun never sets on the diverse endeavors and Cast Member stories that are featured in this book, along with a full-length documentary and 52 short-form episodes to be shown on the all-new platform Disney+. This book will be a curious look at the various careers and stories that take place around the world every day.
Top 101314 99? ShopDisney Gifts for 2019
Now before we get into specifics, let me just remind you that the Black Friday Sale at ShopDisney has been Extended, and you can SAVE Over 40% Off Sitewide! So check that out if you’re looking for the best deals/sales for your Disney Gift Lists.
6. I still have to see this movie, but Christian’s Frozen II Review is making me very excited to see it. Also we recently saw some of the merchandise available at Disney Parks for Frozen 2, so I’m sure there’s something for *almost* everyone on your list, with more coming on 11/30!
8. There are SO many LoungeFly, Dooney & Bourke, Harveys and more designer bags now at Disney Parks and Shop Disney…it’s hard to pick a favorite. But I really liked this new Minnie Mouse Loungefly quilted backpack with a black velvet bow. The color can go from the holidays to New Year’s Eve and beyond and it’s pretty subtle with its classy velvet bow, as subtle as a backpack with mouse ears can be of course. 😉
9. – 12.? I know when I had smaller kiddos, I always stocked up on the Disney Store (now Shop Disney of course) pajama Black Friday sales. There are some great sales, but poke around if you want to get some Christmas PJ’s for the whole family too!
13. Ok, this is pretty cool, I’ve just discovered that you don’t even have to go TO the parks to get the newest Starbucks+Disney coffee tumblers! The holiday style is so cute, but you can also get all the park-specific Starbucks tumblers too! The Disneyland one is pretty adorable, Santa, if you’re reading this, take note. 😉 AND, as of me writing this, some of the Disney Parks styles are Buy One Get One 50% Off!
28. – 35.? One last Disney Gift Guide suggestion, there are a handful of new-to-ShopDisney Alex + Ani bracelets which I know are very popular so you might find one or two for some folks on your list. How adorable is this Disney “Love” one with the ring? I know lots of people get engaged during the holidays, so this would be a great idea for those loved ones! The Pixar Ball bracelet is pretty cute too!
36. – 99.? (Did I get all these numbers right?) One last note – I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the newest sensation sweeping the nation – BABY YODA!!! Watch this space because right now, there are a handful of Baby Yoda items at ShopDisney, but it looks like they just have a few images pulled from Mandalorian stills, and I don’t think The Child would approve haha. How did they not know this most precious baby would be the hit of the internet?! They are working on coming out with more. I’ll update this if the link changes or there are any must-see jaw-droppingly adorable items that come out. If you could buy a replica of the baby Yoda from the show, there would be only one item on my Disney Gift Guide.
Here’s a link to some Amazon Black Friday Deals for DISNEY items, you may find a stocking stuffer or holiday gift or two there!
Thanks for checking out my Black Friday Gift Guide, as you can see, some were sales, others were just really cute things that I think would be a great addition under anyone’s tree. I don’t know about you, but when I get on a site, I tend to keep finding more and more things to add to my cart, so I cut it off at 99 but you know, it’s up to you. 😉
Do you have a great gift idea that you think I missed? Let me know in the comments below! I may do another list closer in with some great Disney fan gift ideas. Also, if you have any etsy or small shops you love, let me know, I would to share some of those businesses as well!
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my site, videos, and podcast up and running but it won’t cost you a penny more)!
As a former cast member now married to a cast member of almost 30 years, we have between us amassed quite a bit of parks knowledge and history. I’ve been backstage at Walt Disney World more times than I can count, as a cast member, a guest of one, or during special events and tours. As excited as I was for the backstage tour I was about to experience, I was also a little jaded that it was probably “stuff I already knew.”
NOT JUST ANOTHER TOUR…
Within minutes of starting the Backstage Magic Tour, all of that (and any potential internal feelings of superiority) was thrown out the window. I took careful steps down the cement stairs, protective eye wear on my face, and looked to my right to see Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin sitting together, mere inches from where I stood. I assure you, my safety glasses were not rose-colored!
Yes, I was now standing backstage at the American Adventure, something 8 year-old me would’ve sold her entire Barbie collection to experience. I even began to tear up a little thinking of my original, beloved EPCOT Center. I told one of our guides, Amber, that I thought I might cry. Without hesitation, she said “go ahead and cry, we understand, it’s really cool!” And it was then that I knew, I was going to love this tour. And I did.
Many of you may know that my day job is working at MEI & Mouse Fan Travel. I’ve been there for over 6 years, and along with many other fun hats I get to wear, I occasionally get to experience some amazing events. It’s a fun crossover from my blogging life where I’ve been sharing adventures like this for the past 10 years. This week I did just that as our agency got an invite to enjoy the 7 hour Backstage Magic Tour at Walt Disney World.
You’ve no doubt heard of the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at the Magic Kingdom, which is another 7 hour tour, but based solely within the Magic Kingdom. Keys to the Kingdom does go backstage but the Backstage Magic Tour is entirely facilitated by the Adventures by Disney team, and takes you out of the parks. You book the tour the same way, thru 407-WDW-TOUR (or having your Mouse Fan Travel agent book it for you when you book your next vacation package!).
In addition to walking through the famed Utilidor, the Backstage Magic Tour provides unprecedented access to areas of the Walt Disney World Resort usually reserved for Cast Members only.
Here are the highlights of the Backstage Magic Tour:
Epcot Explore the inner workings of The American Adventure as we reveal the feats of engineering and artistry behind this inspiring Audio-Animatronics stage show.
Magic Kingdom Park Become immersed in the story that started with Walt himself on Main Street, U.S.A.—navigate the “utilidor” tunnels, a network of underground passageways constructed beneath the theme park so Disney Cast Members and delivery vehicles can move around undetected.
Creative Costuming Observe the talented professionals who design costumes for Character, show and parade performers.
Central Shops Get up close with the artisans whose skill and craftsmanship make dreams come true all around the park—from the tiniest details to elaborate stage sets.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Settle in for a delicious family-style barbeque lunch at Whispering Canyon Café—included with your tour.
Textile Services Unfold an experience like no other within one of the world’s largest laundry facilities—complete with a unique photo opportunity!
TOUR DETAILS:
Disney was kind enough to invite MEI & Mouse Fan Travel out to experience this tour first hand. Not to sound dramatic, but it was life-changing. The 1970’s technology used to run the American Adventure show has aged well in its 37 years. In fact, they still use the same computers to run the show. I don’t want to give away too much of the process, since it was so impressive to me. I hope everyone can have that same jaw-dropping experience. Suffice it to say, the entire American Adventure portion of the tour was full of fun facts and history that any EPCOT Center fan will appreciate. Even I learned a new fact or two!
CREATIVE COSTUMING:
I thought the American Adventure section was my favorite, but then we arrived at Creative Costuming. I was again blown away by what goes on while we are riding rides and eating popcorn down the road. This location creates and updates costumes for all 12 Disney parks, Disney’s Aulani Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. We saw the entire costuming process from sketch and CAD design, to pattern, to construction and embellishment.
There are quite a few surprises within the Costuming building too. I’ll just say fans of the Great Movie Ride and the original Red Head will be very happy. There is so much history there – you’ll see a lot of old favorites and new designs. Creative Costuming did not disappoint.
TEXTILE SERVICES:
Another surprise winner on the tour was the Textile Services building. One of four on property, they are the 4 largest facilities of their kind in the nation. You might be thinking, “what could possibly be exciting about laundry?!” but just you wait…
When you see the largest track system in any theme park (think a laundry bag roller coaster) – machines washing 150lbs and drying 300lbs at a time – other machines pressing and folding. The end result of which is 2.5 million pounds of laundry washed and folded a week – you may change your mind! It is an impressive and efficient assembly line. You may not think about it, but it’s an extremely important part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience!
CENTRAL SHOPS:
The next part of our tour took us to Central Shops; the favorite of many guides for a reason. You just never know what you’re going to see when you step inside! Here at this backstage location is where ride vehicles, animatronics, props, and even trash cans receive maintenance, updates and refreshing. Sometimes it’s a quick fix or a coat of paint, but everything undergoes “cyclical maintenance” at certain intervals of time. This is when each ride vehicle, animatronic, etc, gets stripped down to its frame. Hardware is replaced, new paint or skins are applied. Whatever is required to appear as fresh as when it first appeared in the park, happens here.
Our guides shared (and we got to touch!) the different types of animatronic skins:
realistic silicone, which was really realistic feeling!
hot melt molds (which you see in older animatronics)
tougher plastisol – for animatronics exposed to harsh Florida weather conditions (blazing sun, daily rain, even hurricanes). Think Jungle Cruise animals.
We also saw several ride vehicles and parks items in various stages of maintenance, including:
Me doing my friendly bear impression…
Expedition Everest
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Primeval Whirl
Pandora’s Flight of Passage “banshees”
Several animals from Jungle Cruise
Quite an eye-opening portion of the tour! Before we left, we were treated to an epic photo-op. The now-retired giant polar bear from the Maelstrom attraction in Epcot’s Norway pavilion was pretty exciting for this Maelstrom fangirl.
THE UTILIDOR:
We ended our day with a tour of parts of the underground (well, it’s at ground-level really) Utilidor beneath the streets of the Magic Kingdom. As a former Main Street, U.S.A. cast member, this was like going back home for me. It’s always exciting to see the bustling activity and efficiency under the kingdom. There have definitely been improvements since I walked to work this way back in 1995!
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?!
The halfway point of the tour is marked by lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe. We enjoyed an all you care to eat skillet (any food allergies or special dietary needs are met as well). Lunch is a nice break, and a great way to get to know your fellow tour members and guides a little better. Snacks and water are available on the coach as you travel to each destination.
IS IT WORTH IT??
Our fabulous Adventures By Disney guides share stories, trivia, and tales of Walt Disney World history throughout the tour. Amber (mentioned at the start of this post) felt like an old friend by the time our tour was over. Part of the charm and enjoyment of this tour is hearing accurate stories of Disney past and present. Hearing the stories from cast members who clearly love their roles, and embody the ideals Walt would be proud of. It is a very full 7 hours, but the content makes the time fly by.
Unlike Keys to the Kingdom tour, guests aged 12 and up can experience Backstage Magic with a guardian 18+present. So if you have a budding Imagineer or Cast Member, you’ll be able to enjoy this tour with them too! I know when my youngest turns 12 in 2 years, we’ll definitely be going on this tour again.
Photos are not allowed backstage, but as you can see above, the guides take several fun photos along the way. You have instant access to download these photos at the end of the tour. You can then share your amazing experiences with your friends and family as soon as you get home!
TOUR UPDATE NEWS:
At the end of our tour, we were given some insider info, which Disney will be announcing this week. Starting June 1, the Backstage Magic Tour will experience two new changes! Lunch will now no longer be at Whispering Canyon, but rather Tiffins restaurant inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Tiffins will make more sense, since the Textile Services tour will be replaced by a Rivers of Light backstage experience! We love the Rivers of Light show, so this is an exciting update! Now you have a choice! Book this tour in the next 3 months to see the mind-boggling Textile Services building (which will be inaccessible after June 1)…Or wait and experience the new parts of the tour? A tough choice – maybe both?!
HOW TO BOOK:
Contact your MEI & Mouse Fan Travel directly, to book the amazing Backstage MagicTour with your next vacation package. Or, call 407-WDW-TOUR to book directly with Disney. The cost is $275 per person, but in my opinion, worth every cent! In addition to the 5-days-a-week Backstage Magic Tour, three more ABD-run tours are available to book:
Gardens of the World – during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, in partnership with the Epcot Horticultural Department.
Yuletide Fantasy – behind the scenes of all it takes to create and display the holidays at Walt Disney World
Holiday D-Lights – an enchanting evening reveals some of the secrets behind the most special traditions at Walt Disney World
Have you experienced an Adventures by Disney or any Disney parks tour? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Disney invited MEI-Travel to experience this tour at no cost, but my thoughts and opinions are our own.
Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee is without a doubt one of my favorite resorts in the Orlando area. Any time of the year, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the theme park world into the gorgeous resort and grounds. With its beautiful atrium lobby and different native Florida-themed areas, it is just beautiful. Add to that all of the wonderful holiday offerings, and Gaylord Palms is a must-visit at this time of the year. Of course its most famous holiday attraction is ICE! – an annual tradition showcasing art in ice with a different theme each year. This year has been my favorite so far – Frosty the Snowman – the perfect match for the holidays!
Join Frosty and his friends at this year’s ICE! in a colorfully frozen retelling of the original holiday classic. Slide down four different two-story ice slides, and then witness the all-new Artisans in Action before enjoying hot cocoa and capturing holiday memories with a keepsake photograph with Santa, or building gingerbread houses with Gingy!
New this year, ICE! shows us a peek into just what it takes to create these amazing sculptures. Seeing the transformation from ice block to work of art was one of my favorite parts of ICE! this year. Visit the live ice-carving zone during all hours the ICE! attraction is open. The Frostbite Factory features an artisan carving a square block of ice into one of three sculptures from the attraction: a Christmas train, a teddy bear and some traditional Chinese dragons. Guests are also given the option to make reservations for a VIP tour in which a translator is present with the artisan to answer specific questions.
Fun Facts:
Four different artisans will rotate hour shifts in the carving room. They’ll be handling maintenance items for the attraction as well. Two construction team members are also present in the room, preparing ice for carving and cleaning to ensure a safe environment for guests as the artisan works.
During the 44-day run, 60 percent of the attraction will be replaced.
1.5 truckloads of ice (176, 300-pound blocks of ice, or 26.4 tons) will be used for the carving room.
The 12 vignettes of ICE! are created using a special “recipe” of ice that arrives in approximately 36 truckloads over a three-week period (two trucks a day for 15 days). Large blocks of ice are delivered on pallets via refrigerated tractor-trailers, and then moved into place by forklift.
Three different types of ice comprise the ICE! attraction: clear, “crystal” ice; white ice; and colored ice.
14 different colors (including clear) are used to create 10 scenes of ICE!
At 9 degrees cold, ordinary water freezes quickly, adhering one piece to another and forming a solid bond. After slicing a piece of ice from a larger block, an artisan sprinkles the surface to be bonded with “snow.” He carefully pours water onto the piece and then lifts it into position.
The tallest sculpture (21 feet to the top!) is the moon on top of one of the slides.
Don’t miss all the Christmas activities and spectacular live entertainment – including the spirited Luminescence show – that Gaylord Palms has to offer. Always a fan-favorite, the famous 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree comes to life in a magnificent tree-lighting ceremony on the Emerald Plaza stage in the St. Augustine atrium. Dripping with poinsettias, lavish holiday displays and millions of twinkling lights, the resort is sure to warm up your stay.
Luminescence is so well-done, it offers something for everyone from dancing acrobats to holiday singers to rocking guitarists and drummers. It definitely puts you in the holiday spirit and is a must-see show. I definitely want to head back to Gaylord Palms to see all the festivities again before the season is done!
Gorgeous tree at the Gaylord Palms atrium
Luminescence!
Amazing voices here
Breathtaking dancers
The ice slides!
View from the top of the slides.
Frostbite Factory shows us what goes into the ICE! creations
An ice artisan at work
colors!
ICE! always has the best holiday gift shop too!
ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman is open daily from Nov. 23, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014, including holidays. To purchase tickets and to see a full schedule of activities and events, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
I think Disney Design Group artist Mark Seppala did a wonderful job capturing the essence of the attraction with this new bag. I love the subtle details on the bag, including the spooky grey and black color palette with red interior, the infamous wallpaper pattern, and even the hang tag with the attraction logo.
The bag will have a retail of $330.00 (plus tax), and will be released at the following merchandise locations starting September 13, 2013.
So, who’s in?? I know I’ll be adding this to my collection for sure!
*Affiliate links – same Disney Store destination and shopping experience, with a small portion of any purchase going back to zannaland.com. No additional fees to you.
One of my favorite parts of living in Orlando are the wonderful holiday events and happenings. Gaylord Palms is an absolutely gorgeous resort and it becomes a sparkling jewel for the holidays. My family and I love making ICE! an annual tradition, where over 2 million pounds of ice are carved by skilled Chinese artisans, with a new theme for each holiday season. This year, it’s “Merry Madagascar” and all of your favorites are there; King Julien, Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and of course, MORT! There are SO many amazing things to see at ICE!, I think I took over 100 photos. However, rather than show you everything, I want to share my top 5 scenes, and hopefully entice you to get over to Gaylord Palms and see the rest in person!
My Top 5 Favorite Scenes at Gaylord Palms ICE! – Merry Madagascar
5. Frozen Coconuts!
This is in my top 5 not because of the adorable Mort on King Julien’s lap but because of the coconuts to the right. They are just so cute!
See? Coconuts! Out of ice! So fun.
4. Sparkly Penguins!
Another of my favorite parts – these little columns the penguins are on were SPARKLY and PINK in person!
3. Pink Eiffel Tower and pastel St. Basil’s!
A pink and purple Eiffel Tower in ice?! Yes, please.
St. Basil’s Cathedral in the ice slide area is also a favorite – I love the color choices.
2. Super Slides!
The famous ice slides!
1. Frozen Waterfall!
This waterfall was my absolute favorite feature. SO beautifully colored and the bubble details are just great.
Bubbles detail on the frozen waterfall. So pretty!
But there is much more to the holidays at Gaylord Palms than just ICE! Within the ICE! area, there are also special character greeting photo ops and Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating, as well as a huge selection of holiday and themed merchandise and a cafe serving holiday treats. In addition, the main atrium lobby has breathtaking Christmas decorations and a nightly Christmas show called Luminescence – featuring The Edge Effect, and the Polar Bear Pursuit Scavenger Hunt. Below is a gallery of some more highlights from Gaylord Palms holiday happenings – click any photo to view as a slideshow:
Such a beautiful resort all the time, even more so at the holidays!
The lights and tree in the atrium lobby are just gorgeous. The holiday show is wonderful too.
Gingy with two of my little Christmas elves.
Gingy! This is Gingy’s Gingerbread decorating area, for an additional cost, you can decorate various types of gingerbread with Gingy!
More Merry Madagascar merchandise.
Lots of ICE! themed merchandise is available as well as a wonderful selection of holiday ornaments and decor.
Merry Madagascar ICE! mugs in the shop after the ice area.
Also inside the ICE! experience, you can get fun photos with some of your favorite Madagascar characters. ICE! is so much fun, even more so with a group of great friends!
As always, the ICE! presentation ends with a solemn ice nativity scene.
Bubbles detail on the frozen waterfall. So pretty!
1. This waterfall was my absolute favorite feature. SO beautifully colored and the bubble details are just great.
My frozen kids had a blast.
Santa and Christmas are saved!
More of the ice slides.
2. The famous ice slides!
3. A pink and purple Eiffel Tower in ice?! Yes, please.
Ice Kremlin in the ice slide area.
Another of my favorite parts – these little columns the penguins are on were SPARKLY and PINK in person!
MORT!
See? Coconuts! Out of ice! So adorable.
King Julien with Mort (my favorite!).
The entrance to ICE! with shopping area and a cafe for holiday treats.
The best way to see all of the wonderful holiday offerings is of course, to stay right at the Gaylord Palms. Guests seeking a complete Christmas experience can purchase special “Christmassy DreamWorks Experience” packages starting at $189.99 per room, per night (for a three night stay)! Packages include unlimited visits to ICE! and a number of other activities, including a ShrekFeast Interactive Character Meal, and more!
ICE! is open daily from Nov. 10, 2012 through Jan. 1, 2013, including holidays. Ticket prices for children start at $9.99, and adult ticket prices start at $18.99. Florida Residents — Save an extra $4 per ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.christmasatgaylordpalms.com. ICE! is presented by Coca-Cola.
Disclosure: I was provided tickets to attend a media preview of ICE! but my thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always love any chance I get to hang out at the Gaylord Palms Resort – it is like another little self-contained world. Actually, there isn’t anything little about Gaylord Palms. From the moment you walk in the lobby, the space is awe-inspiring and the attention to detail and theming just gorgeous. I think I could spend all day just wandering around and exploring the Florida-themed sections of the hotel (and they realize this and offer kids scavenger hunts as a result!). The rooms and dining are just as fabulous, making it a place a family or couple could truly escape and never leave the grounds for a mini-vacation.
Gaylord Palms knows how to entertain families as well. They have two holiday packages coming up, one for Halloween featuring Shrek and Kung Fu Panda – who wouldn’t want to trick-or-treat around 4.5 acres of hotel gardens?! Of course, their amazing Christmas experiences such as ICE!, decorations, shows and more! The official information follows – I can’t recommend the Gaylord Palms Resort enough, it’s just beautiful!
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Gaylord Palms Resort invites guests to come out and experience Halloween a little early this year during Scared Shrekless Family Fun, an interactive experience featuring beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.’s Madagascar franchise and this summer’s hit film Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, along with friends from the Shrek and Kung Fu Panda franchises.
Package guests can dress up in their most spooktacular costumes; trick-or-treat around the resort’s 4.5 acres of gardens; participate in a kids’costume contest with prizes; make ooey, gooey Swamp Sludge; dive into fun at the Madagascar Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool Party and much more ghoulish fun!
Scared Shrekless Family Fun at Gaylord Palms offers families a safe and weather controlled environment to celebrate the Halloween holiday. Overnight packages begin at $179 and are available on October 13 and October 27. For more information visit www.DreamWorksExperienceatGaylordPalms.com or call 407-586-2000.
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ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar
Celebrating its 10th year, ICE! is back and features an all-new awe-inspiring tribute to the unforgettable DreamWorks’ Animation TV classic Merry Madagascar. Guests can relive the story of how Alex the Lion and his friends saved Christmas after Santa and his reindeer crash onto the island of Madagascar.
Thrill-seekers can take a trip down one of four, two-story ice slides. With more than 20,000 square feet of exciting hand-carved sculptures made of 2 million pounds of ice, the frosty 9-degree bliss of ICE! is Florida’s favorite frigid Christmas tradition. A team of 40 talented artisans from Harbin, China, spend more than a month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction.
While visiting Gaylord Palms to take in the excitement of ICE!, guests can also amplify their Christmas experience with one of these special events available FREE of charge:
Majestic Christmas Tree Lighting — Guests looking for a more traditional treat can enjoy Gaylord Palms’ famous tree-lighting ceremony, complete with singers, carols, lights and the star of the show, a massive 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree! It towers over the St. Augustine atrium, waiting for the special moment to light up and cast holiday cheer on guests.
LIVE Stage Shows — As part of the holiday lineup, Gaylord Palms offers live stage entertainment, including the spirited Luminescence Christmas show, throughout the Christmas season. Shows take place in the Emerald Bay Plaza, and guests are welcome to attend, free of charge!
Polar Bear Pursuit Scavenger Hunt — Guests can take a joyful jaunt throughout the indoor atriums to spot cleverly hidden polar bears. Answers are entered online to be eligible to win a grand prize.
The festivities don’t stop there! Guests can also participate in a few of their favorite things (additional charges apply):
ShrekFeast Interactive Character Breakfast — Kids will love becoming an honorary Ogre and joining Shrek and friends for a fairytale feast fit for a king. Tableside hugs and photos included! This experience features a Magic Fountain bubbling over with delicious chocolate potions and Shrek-shaped waffles with syrup.
Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating — This fun, sticky, interactive decorating tradition just got a whole lot sweeter! Hosted by Gingy, the most famous of all Gingerbread men, you can choose from several different design options. After you’ve decorated to your heart’s content (don’t forget the gum drop buttons!), make your way to meet Gingy for a heartwarming hug that you can capture with your own camera.
The best way to benefit from all that Gaylord Palms has to offer is to book a room and become immersed in the splendor of Christmas. Guests seeking to jingle all the way into their holiday hoopla can purchase special “Christmassy DreamWorks Experience” packages starting at $189 per room per night!
Specially designed with all of the activities above, packages include tickets to ICE! and the exciting adventures of DreamWorks Animation’s latest feature film, in theaters November 21st, Rise of the Guardians Scavenger Hunt, in which the whole family will search throughout Gaylord Palms’ spectacular indoor atriums and enter their answers online to win a grand prize. Enthusiasts can then meet the whole DreamWorks gang with a “Character Passport” that allows them to stroll through Shrek’s beloved swamp for a face-to-face encounter with the green ogre himself; explore the island of Madagascar; discover China’s ancient Valley of Peace where Po, the Kung Fu Panda, has become a true kung fu master; and greet Gingy in a giant gingerbread house.
A DreamWorks welcome amenity package, character wake-up calls and a family photo are also included in overnight packages for guests to commemorate their unforgettable visit. Additionally, they can enjoy special holiday menus at the expansive dining outlets and attractive holiday merchandise at the myriad specialty shops.
ICE! is open daily from Nov. 10, 2012 through Jan. 1, 2013, including holidays. Ticket prices range from $13.99 to $29.99. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
Gaylord Palms Resort is located five minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. For more information, visit www.gaylordpalms.com or call 407-586-2000.
When I attended Star Wars Celebration VI last month, the highlight was seeing Ashley Eckstein in all of her Her Universe glory. She was doing a photo shoot for fangirls to model their Her Universe shirts, and if they didn’t own one, she would provide one for the shoot – so nice! After checking out the Her Universe booth and speaking to Ashley’s wonderful husband, 2-time World Series winner and MVP David Eckstein, he let us know Ashley was upstairs at the photo shoot and we headed up to see the fans in action. It was great to see Ashley interacting with her loyal fans and see how she’s inspired them not only with her fashion designs, but to make their own skirts and dresses and hair accessories as well! I was lucky enough to be persuaded to pose for a photo in my own Her Universe shirt, and have Ashley join me as well.
My first “modeling” stint. 😛
Me with Ashley, she’s always so gracious!
While we were there, Imagineer Jason Surrell was on hand directing and recording Ashley’s video diaries for the weekend’s events. It was cool to see some Disney/Star Wars/Ashley cross-over since she’s always such a great part of the Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here are what Ashley and Jason had to say in today’s press release:
Ashley Eckstein at her Star Wars Celebration VI booth
“I’ve never been good at keeping a written diary and I wanted to capture the events and memories of Celebration VI for myself and the fans in a different way,” said Eckstein. “With social media being the way it is today, a video diary seemed like the best way to cover CVI.”
The video diary, directed by Jason Surrell, a screenwriter and Senior Show Writer for Walt Disney Imagineering and edited by Studio Say So, an Orlando-based video production company, is a collaborative effort with Eckstein. “I was absolutely thrilled when Ashley asked me to direct her video diary at Star Wars Celebration VI,” said Surrell. “After directing Ashley and her fellow Clone Wars cast members in Behind the Force at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends for so many years, I knew that there’s a whole other world out there that people typically don’t get to see. So I’m hoping that our series of video diaries will truly give Star Wars fans a peek behind the curtain at all the fascinating and truly funny things that happen when these people get together. I’ve never been happier to be a fly on the wall. We’re going to take you onstage, backstage and everywhere in between.”
The complete video diary is now available at StarWars.com, where you can watch all the galactic fun for yourself. It was a fun weekend for any level of Star Wars fan!
After attending the last Disney on Ice show – Dare to Dream, I was totally impressed with the performances and show that was presented. It was a wonderful time and my whole family loved it. Feld Entertainment is now producing their newest Disney on Ice show – Rockin’ Ever After, featuring four of my favorite princesses, including Merida from Brave! Check out the official release below and watch a preview of what was involved in creating the show. Be sure to keep reading for a code for discount tickets for Zannaland readers too.
Mickey and Minnie have searched the globe for the hippest and hottest acts to perform in the most sensational talent showcase to rock the ice in Orlando, Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After. Tickets for performances at the Amway Center go on sale July 20 at 10 a.m.
In a new twist on fairytale fun, favorite Disney characters compete to be the next superstar in comical segments leading up to the tales of show stopping princesses – Ariel, Rapunzel, Belle, and Merida from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE in her ice debut!
Merida on ice!
“The most exciting part of bringing a fearless and independent character like Merida to the ice for the first time is knowing that she has a powerful and inspiring message to deliver about finding the courage to determine one’s own fate,”says Producer Nicole Feld. “We think her story translates well to the ice and will really resonate with today’s audience.”
Produced by Feld Entertainment, Rockin’ Ever After remixes the stories of Disney’s most adventurous heroines with upbeat music and energetic choreography that will have audiences singing, dancing and cheering for their beloved Disney idols. Mickey and Minnie encounter the most talented performers in the land with an all-star lineup that includes Sebastian and the Daughters of Triton from The Little Mermaid, the rowdy pub thugs from Tangled and the spunky enchanted servants from Beauty and the Beast. The journey continues to the Scottish highlands where audiences will be captivated and star struck by Merida, as an exhilarating archery contest ensues for the right to marry the fiery redhead.
“Our challenge in developing Rockin’ Ever After was figuring out how to highlight moments from these beloved stories in a way that reflects the type of entertainment that families value today,” says Producer Juliette Feld. “By pulling elements from the talent show trend on contemporary television, we developed a truly unique way to lead into each fairytale.”
Friday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 8 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Amway Center, 400 West Church Street – Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801
$52 Front Row, $37 VIP, $27, $22, $15 (Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees notincluded.) All seats are reserved, and tickets go on sale to the public July 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at DisneyOnIce.com or ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone for information only: 407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.
SPECIAL: Get 4 Tickets for just $48 with code MOM12, valid for specific performances!
Disney has been so busy creating and updating apps and video games and dvds that I’d be posting 10 times a day to keep up, so I thought I’d throw all of this news into one convenient post in case you hadn’t seen the announcements:
First up – Brave: The Video Game. Disney Pixar’s Brave premiers in June and the game will follow suit this summer. I like that this will be a video game that appeals to girls, without being about puppies or Barbie, and I have high hopes that Disney Interactive Media Group will do it justice!
BURBANK, Calif. — (March 19, 2012 ) – Disney Interactive Media Group announced today that “Brave: The Video Game” is currently in development for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS™ handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC. Inspired by “Brave,” the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated fantasy adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse and save a kingdom. The video game will release summer 2012, in conjunction with the film.
A third person action-adventure, “Brave: The Video Game” expands the tale beyond the movie’s storyline. Gamers can play as Merida, an expert archer and heroine, and in the console versions, players can also play as other entertaining characters from the film. In addition, they will be able to go on quests through a magical world and solve puzzles to uncover secrets.
“We’re excited to offer a compelling game across multiple platforms for fans of the upcoming Disney•Pixar film ‘Brave’. Whether gamers want to play on their own or with others, they can relive highlights from Merida’s journey and go on new adventures inspired by the legends of Scotland and Disney•Pixar storytelling,” said Javier Ferreira, senior vice president of publishing, Disney Interactive Media Group. “With Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and Move on the PlayStation®3, gamers will feel like they are using a bow and arrow in an archery range and have a truly immersive experience.”
The console versions of “Brave: The Video Game” offer a variety of gameplay, including single-player, co-op for family and friends, and a special Bear mode, where players will be able to play as a bear. Several new opponents created exclusively for the game will challenge the player throughout the experience, culminating with an ultimate boss battle to complete the adventure.The Nintendo DS game is filled with its own exciting missions and a myriad of characters to engage single players.
“Brave: The Video Game” launches Summer 2012 for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC/MAC.
Next up, Disney Interactive launches original web series for gamers “Power Up” hosted by Christina Grimmie and presented by Kinect for Xbox 360
Power Up, Disney Interactive’s new original web series gives families an inside look at the exciting world of video gaming. Presented by Kinect for Xbox 360, the weekly show on Disney.com is hosted by YouTube and musical sensation, Christina Grimmie, who will cover a wide range of game-related topics, including reviews of popular console, mobile, social and casual games. The series will also feature comedic game-based skits with other popular YouTube stars, as well as original songs and music by Grimmie. Fans can also check out Power Up on Disney’s network on YouTube, Disney Mobile and Xbox LIVE.
To celebrate the launch of Power Up and the highly anticipated “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” video game, players can enter the “Power Up Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a family trip to San Francisco, for a private tour of Pixar Animation Studios, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game, as well as the opportunity to play “Kinect Rush: A Disney•Pixar Adventure” with Christina Grimmie. To enter the sweepstakes, guests can visit Disney.com/PowerUp or text “POWERUP” to 347639 (DISNEY).
And lastly, a new release in the Tinker Bell and friends series – Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings:
BURBANK, Calif., March 23, 2012 – The Walt Disney Studios unveils an all-new, original full-length CG-animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” starring Tinker Bell, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic characters, along with her fairy friends (Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia) and introducing a sparkling new winter fairy, Periwinkle. Debuting on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on October 23, 2012, the film marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu-ray 3D.
For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place. “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.
A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’), and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’). A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.
“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly-anticipated all-new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise. These beautifully-animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.
In addition to the all-new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies. (More details forthcoming)
To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,”Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.
For the latest information on “Secret of the Wings,” fans can head to www.Disney.com/SecretofTheWings to view film clips, and more.
I’ll share more news and releases as they come in!
