If you think this current cold snap was a bugger, imagine what 9 degrees feels like.
- Gaylord Palms holiday experience Ice! has returned
- Walk-through experience is made of 2 million pounds of ice
- Countries around the world are represented
Gaylord Palms' annual holiday festivities has returned, including the main event - Ice!
The walk-through experience is made up of 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice.
But, for the first time, most of the ice sculptures aren't depictions of well-known characters from TV or film. Instead, Ice! is celebrating Christmas around the World.
"I gotta tell you something - this is awesome," said Jene Geiger, visiting from the Tampa area. "I cannot believe this is hand-made."
Countries like Mexico, Ethiopia, England, and Germany are all represented with colors, clothing, people, and decor--all made of ice--that are consistent with the nation's traditions. Guests can also read about how a particular nationality celebrates the holiday.
Inside the Frostbite Factory, you can watch sculptors from Hardin, China, create their icy works of art live.
After about 15 minutes inside the attraction, your finger tips don't work that well.
"I wish I had my mittens on," said Janet O'Donnell, from Groveland. "It's harder to take pictures, but you have to take pictures of everything here because it's just too beautiful not to."
"We've got colder weather here in Central Florida, which is rare, but when it happens, it's even colder inside," public relations director Chris Brumbaugh said. The place got down to 4-degrees overnight.
Back again this year are the ice slides. No sled needed. Just your body.
"I am not getting on that slide, but my friend's husband is, so we're going to take some time to appreciate the entertainment in that," O'Donnell said.
The Geigers found enjoyment in staying on the sidelines, too.
"I think it'd take too long just to get down!" Geiger said, laughing.
"Um, too long to get up [the stairs]!" his wife said.
In addition to the Ice! experience, Gaylord Palms also has a snow-covered tubing hill, a gingerbread-decorating area and a free live stage show called Cirque Dreams Unwrapped.
The holiday festivities run through January 7.