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Madagascar

Busch Gardens Premiers a Fun New Madagascar Live Show

20 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Madagascar Live at Busch GardensLast week a brand new live music show premiered at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Madagascar Live: Operation Vacation brings all your favorite Madagascar characters to the stage, with original high-energy songs and dance numbers. The show is held in the Stanleyville Theatre, right near the Sheikra coaster. When we saw it, the theatre was filled with school groups, who were super excited about the show and really enjoyed it. The songs are catchy and you can’t help but want to get up and dance, no matter what your age. Of course, King Julien’s signature number “I Like to Move It, Move It” is played as well, which makes the crowd go WILD (pun intended).

“We are thrilled to partner with DreamWorks Animation to bring the hugely popular Madagascar characters to Busch Gardens,” said park President Jim Dean. “Both Busch Gardens and DreamWorks share a core the mission to provide quality entertainment to audiences. This show is certain to have families engaged and amused and will round out the triple play of amazing shows, thrilling rides and unique animal encounters that our park delivers.”

The lively stage show encourages families to sing, clap and dance along to original songs and party favorites on a 20-minute musical adventure. Singers, dancers and a live band join the rollicking Madagascar characters as they amp up the party to full throttle. And as part of each show, guests can meet the characters following the performance in Stanleyville Theater, which has been renovated and is now an enclosed and air-conditioned theater.

Here is a gallery of show images to get you excited. Be sure to add Busch Gardens to your summer “must-do” list this year!

 

Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens
Madagascar Live at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is fast becoming one of my favorite parks to just hang out in. I’m not a huge coaster person, but there is still so much to do here from animal habitats to shows to sky rides and train tours. It’s a great place to make a day trip over to, and don’t forget Adventure Island water park next door to cool off!

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Filed Under: Busch Gardens, Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Top Stories Tagged With: busch gardens, busch gardens tampa bay, Central Florida theme parks, Gloria the Hippo, high energy, King Julien, lex the Lion, live music show, Madagascar, Madagascar Live, Madagascar Live: Operation Vacation, Stanleyville Theatre, Tampa

It’s ICE ICE Baby! – Top 5 Favorite Scenes From Gaylord Palms Merry Madagascar

19 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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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!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
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!

 

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
See? Coconuts! Out of ice! So fun.

 

4. Sparkly Penguins!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
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!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
A pink and purple Eiffel Tower in ice?! Yes, please.

 

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
St. Basil’s Cathedral in the ice slide area is also a favorite – I love the color choices.

 

 2. Super Slides!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
The famous ice slides!

 

1. Frozen Waterfall!

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
This waterfall was my absolute favorite feature. SO beautifully colored and the bubble details are just great.

 

Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
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:

Gaylord Palms holiday lights
Such a beautiful resort all the time, even more so at the holidays!
Gaylord Palms Holiday decor
The lights and tree in the atrium lobby are just gorgeous. The holiday show is wonderful too.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Gingy with two of my little Christmas elves.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Gingy! This is Gingy’s Gingerbread decorating area, for an additional cost, you can decorate various types of gingerbread with Gingy!
Gaylord Palms ICE!
More Merry Madagascar merchandise.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Lots of ICE! themed merchandise is available as well as a wonderful selection of holiday ornaments and decor.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
Merry Madagascar ICE! mugs in the shop after the ice area.
Gaylord Palms ICE!
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!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
As always, the ICE! presentation ends with a solemn ice nativity scene.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Bubbles detail on the frozen waterfall. So pretty!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
1. This waterfall was my absolute favorite feature. SO beautifully colored and the bubble details are just great.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
My frozen kids had a blast.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Santa and Christmas are saved!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
More of the ice slides.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
2. The famous ice slides!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
3. A pink and purple Eiffel Tower in ice?! Yes, please.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Ice Kremlin in the ice slide area.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Another of my favorite parts – these little columns the penguins are on were SPARKLY and PINK in person!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
MORT!
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
See? Coconuts! Out of ice! So adorable.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
King Julien with Mort (my favorite!).
Gaylord Palms ICE!
The entrance to ICE! with shopping area and a cafe for holiday treats.
Gaylord Palms ICE! Merry Madagascar
Merry Madagascar in ICE!

 

You can see the rest of my photos on my ICE! 2012 flickr set.

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.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Orlando Area Resorts, Top Stories Tagged With: Christmas at Gaylord Palms, Gaylord hotels, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Palms ICE!, Gaylord Palms Orlando, Gingy, Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating, holiday events, holiday season, Holidays at Gaylord Palms, ice sculptures, Ice slide, ICE!, King Julien, Madagascar, Merry Madagascar, nativity, nativity in ice, Orlando area resorts, Orlando holidays, penguins

Orlando’s Gaylord Palms Wants You to Get Scared Shrekless and Prepare for a Merry Madagascar!

21 September 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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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!

 …

Scared Shrekless at Gaylord Palms ResortGaylord 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.

 

…

 

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!

ICE! featuring DreamWorks' Merry Madagascar at Gaylord Palms Resort

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.

Be sure to “Like” Gaylord Palms on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information and promotions!

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Orlando Area Resorts Tagged With: Christmas at Gaylord Palms, Christmas hotel packages, DreamWorks, dreamworks animation, Gaylord Palms Christmas, Gaylord Palms holiday, Gaylord Palms ICE!, Gaylord Palms Orlando, gaylord palms resort, Halloween, Halloween hotel package, Holidays at Gaylord Palms, ICE!, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Merry Madagascar, Orlando hotels, Orlando resorts, Scared Shrekless, Shrek

Experience Cold and Snow in Florida at Gaylord Palms ICE-Shrek the Halls!

16 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Shrek the HallsMy family first visited the Gaylord Palms and its ICE! event back in 2007. We loved it back then and I’ve been lucky enough to attend the last two ICE openings at a media sneak peek. This year was the first time I brought my littlest guy, now 3, to experience the fun. I wondered what he’d think of the extreme cold temperatures, but despite his initial resistance to wearing the puffy blue parkas the hotel provides for ICE visitors, he was excited to see everything!

As you enter the Gaylord Palms convention center, you are greeted by the “Holiday Halls” where ICE!, Snow, Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating, and the DreamWorks Experience are held. In addition to the free elements of the Gaylord Palms holidays, the special ticketed events include ICE! with over 16,000 square feet of 9-degree weather – quite the contrast to the 80 degree temperatures we are experiencing.

This year, ICE! is Shrek-themed with perfect representations of your favorite characters including Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots, Donkey and more. It is amazing how much the huge blocks of colored ice look like their animated counterparts. Also within the experience are the slides made entirely of ice, which my big kids (and my friend and I) loved sliding down! It’s such a fun way to experience winter in central Florida!

Puss in Boots
I will admit to having a soft spot for Puss in Boots, love him, even in ice!

 

Shrek in Ice
Donkey, Puss in Boots and more in ICE!

 

Shrek characters in ICE
An overview of some of the characters from Shrek

 

ICE slide
This slide in ICE is so much fun (and cold!) to do!

Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW is another play area with a separate admission. Inside there are more slides and playground equipment and 130 tons of freshly made snow. No parkas are needed in here, it’s around 50 degrees, but snowball fights abound as you play in a courtyard themed to the Valley of Peace from Kung Fu Panda. The whole family loved making snowballs and playing in the snow – without the shoveling and scraping ice off your cars!

Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow
Walking through the SNOW!

New this year is Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating. This area was not open last night but will be now. There guests can purchase and decorated gingerbread houses, cookies or a tree ornament cookie and meet with Gingy himself!

The DreamWorks Animation 3D Theater Experience is also now open, where guests can walk the red carpet with Puss in Boots and enjoy gourmet theater food and beverages with Shrek and Princess Fiona before enjoying Puss In Boots on the big screen, in 3D!

Ticket prices vary by date and you can also look into a one or two-night DreamWorks Experience package to stay at the Gaylord Palms and get some amazing amenities, including interactive Character Meals, Meet & Greets and more. Check out pricing and more info at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com Be sure to check in on foursquare for a special treat too – free hot chocolate! Those on twitter can follow the action using the #GPICE hashtag and you can upload your photos to the group flickr account too. Speaking of flickr, for more photos from me check out my Gaylord Palms ICE set on flickr. As you can see below, photographers are on hand to capture your family’s experiences and allow you to bring home memories to last a lifetime.

ICE photo
Group shot of the family and Amanda Tinney's family too in our ICE! parkas!

Some of the free events within the hotel include Luminescence, a musical journey into the spirit of Christmas, Christmas Wonders and Majestic Christmas Tree Lighting and Visits with Santa. I can’t wait to bring the family back again and check out all of these beautiful events in person.

This Saturday, 11/19, Gaylord Palms is teaming up with the amazing local kids charity Give Kids the World, for 50% off admission to ICE! Be sure to use promo code: SEGKW when purchasing tickets! 

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Orlando Area Attractions Tagged With: Alex the Lion, Christmas at Gaylord Palms, DreamWorks, DreamWorks 3D Experience, DreamWorks characters, Gaylord hotels, Gaylord Palms, Gingy, Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating, Holidays at Gaylord Palms, ICE!, King Julien, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Po, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, Shrek, SNOW!

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