Gaylord Palms Resort
A sprawling resort featuring massive indoor tropical atriums, stunning holiday events like ICE!, and a water park, offering a complete vacation experi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive atmosphere & ICE! magic
Gaylord Palms Resort
Best Time
Festive atmosphere & ICE! magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling resort featuring massive indoor tropical atriums, stunning holiday events like ICE!, and a water park, offering a complete vacation experience.
"This resort truly delivers on creating unforgettable memories, especially during the holiday season."
Book ICE! Tickets Early
Secure your ICE! tickets in advance, especially during peak holiday season, to guarantee entry and potentially better pricing. :ticket:
Explore the Atriums
Don't miss wandering through the stunning indoor atriums; they're a highlight even if you're not staying overnight. :tropical_fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
ICE! Featuring Beloved Holiday Characters
Indoor Atrium
Walk through a frozen wonderland of intricate ice sculptures depicting holiday stories and characters. A truly magical experience for all ages.
Lush Tropical Atriums
Main Atriums
Explore vibrant indoor gardens, complete with waterfalls, exotic plants, and even wildlife. A stunning escape that feels like a mini-vacation.
Festive Holiday Activities
Various Locations
From Mrs. Claus' story time and cookie decorating to holiday light shows, immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.
Old Hickory Steakhouse
Inside the Resort
Indulge in a fine dining experience with exceptional steaks and wine pairings, highly recommended by guests.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Atrium Experience
Holiday Magic is a Must-Do
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book ICE! Tickets Early
Secure your ICE! tickets in advance, especially during peak holiday season, to guarantee entry and potentially better pricing. :ticket:
Explore the Atriums
Don't miss wandering through the stunning indoor atriums; they're a highlight even if you're not staying overnight. :tropical_fish:
Consider a Package Deal
Look for package deals that might include accommodations, ICE! tickets, and other activities for potential savings. :moneywithwings:
Dress Warm for ICE!
You'll be provided with parkas, but it's still very cold inside the ICE! exhibit. Wear layers or warm clothing. :cold_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book ICE! Tickets Early
Secure your ICE! tickets in advance, especially during peak holiday season, to guarantee entry and potentially better pricing. :ticket:
Explore the Atriums
Don't miss wandering through the stunning indoor atriums; they're a highlight even if you're not staying overnight. :tropical_fish:
Consider a Package Deal
Look for package deals that might include accommodations, ICE! tickets, and other activities for potential savings. :moneywithwings:
Dress Warm for ICE!
You'll be provided with parkas, but it's still very cold inside the ICE! exhibit. Wear layers or warm clothing. :cold_face:
Kid-Friendly Fun Abounds
The resort is fantastic for families with toddlers and older kids, offering activities like Mrs. Claus' story time and an arcade. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise Gaylord Palms for its magical holiday experiences, particularly the ICE! event and festive decorations. The stunning tropical atriums and family-friendly amenities like pools and an arcade are also major highlights. While parking can be expensive, the overall convenience and immersive atmosphere make it a highly recommended destination for creating lasting memories.
"I had an amazing time at Gaylord Palms Resort with my granddaughters on a very last-minute stay, and I was truly impressed. From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming and accommodating, even with our short notice.
The holiday experience in December is absolutely magical. The seasonal décor, ICE sculptures, and festive atmosphere went above and beyond anything I expected. My granddaughters are four and one, and they had the best time, especially during story time with Mrs. Santa and all the family friendly activities throughout the resort.
What I loved most is how convenient everything is. From the restaurants inside the resort to the arcade, pool area, and even the little deli where you can quickly order food, everything is thoughtfully designed for families. We also enjoyed watching the holiday light shows, which were truly beautiful.
The hospitality, service, and overall experience were exceptional. This resort truly delivers on creating unforgettable memories. I highly recommend Gaylord Palms, especially during the holiday season, it’s perfect for families and little ones."
Lissette Sanchez Real Estate
"ICE, featuring Rudolph was an experience. Was able to purchase group tickets online easily. Staff was super helpful and efficient. It was ridiculously cold obviously but really such a marvelous sight. The skill and craftsmanship is truly amazing. Downside was $38 parking. Yes, you read that right parking was $38, $30 if purchased before visit online. I cant justify that amount for maybe two hours. Otherwise an unforgettable experience."
Karina Ramdial
"We had a wonderful time at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center during the ICE! experience. Everything was beautifully done—the ice sculptures, the cultural themes, and the overall show were absolutely amazing.
There were so many fun activities for kids, which made it even more special for our family. The atmosphere was magical, well organized, and truly unforgettable.
We had such a great time and created beautiful memories together. Highly recommended for families, especially during the holiday season!"
Yamila M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest airport to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is Orlando International Airport (MCO), approximately a 20-30 minute drive away. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or rental cars from the airport to reach the resort.
Gaylord Palms is conveniently located near Walt Disney World. You can use ride-sharing services, taxis, or a rental car for the approximately 15-20 minute drive to the theme parks. Some guests also inquire about shuttle services, though availability can vary.
Parking at Gaylord Palms Resort can be costly, with fees often around $38 for self-parking and higher for valet. Some visitors suggest looking for deals or considering ride-sharing if parking costs are a concern.
Yes, you can visit Gaylord Palms without staying overnight, especially to explore the atriums or attend special events like ICE!. However, some activities might require a resort pass or separate ticket purchase.
The address for Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. This is a key landmark for navigation and booking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for ICE! at Gaylord Palms can vary, but expect them to be around $23-$40 per person, with potential discounts available through sites like Groupon. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, Gaylord Palms occasionally offers deals and discounts, especially through platforms like TikTok Travel Deals or specific promotions. It's worth checking their website or social media for current offers.
Operating hours for Gaylord Palms Resort vary by season and specific attractions. The resort itself is generally accessible, but specific events like ICE! have set hours, typically running from late November through early January.
It is strongly recommended to book ICE! tickets in advance, especially during the busy holiday season, to ensure availability and potentially secure better pricing.
ICE! tickets typically grant access to the main ice sculpture attraction. Additional activities like gingerbread cookie making, tubing, and Mrs. Claus' story time may require separate purchases or package deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond ICE!, Gaylord Palms offers stunning tropical atriums to explore, multiple pools with slides, an arcade, various dining options, and seasonal events like summer scavenger hunts.
Yes, Gaylord Palms is very suitable for toddlers. The resort offers family-friendly activities, spacious atriums for exploration, and pools with areas for younger children. The overall environment is often described as magical for kids.
Yes, you can see alligators at Gaylord Palms Resort. They are part of the resort's naturalistic environment within the atriums, adding a unique Florida touch to the experience.
Gaylord Palms features multiple pools, including options with slides and dedicated areas for younger children. The pool areas are well-maintained and offer a relaxing escape.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy walking through the resort's impressive atriums, admiring the tropical landscapes and architecture, even if they are not guests. It's a popular spot for a casual stroll.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highly recommended dining options include the Old Hickory Steakhouse for a fine dining experience and Villa de Flora for a buffet. The resort also has casual eateries, cafes, and a Cold Stone Creamery.
Yes, there is a Starbucks located within the Gaylord Palms Resort, offering convenient coffee and snack options for guests and visitors.
Yes, the staff at Gaylord Palms often provides menus for ordering food and drinks directly to your lounge chair by the pool, enhancing the resort experience.
Yes, Gaylord Palms has quick-service options like a deli and cafes, perfect for grabbing a bite without a formal sit-down meal. This is convenient for families with young children.
Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms specializes in high-quality steaks and offers an extensive wine and cheese selection, providing a sophisticated dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush tropical atriums, especially with the waterfalls and unique plant life, offer stunning backdrops. During the holidays, the festive decorations and ICE! sculptures provide numerous photo opportunities.
While it's cold, the ICE! sculptures are incredibly detailed and make for unique photos. Just be quick and protect your camera or phone from the cold.
Yes, balcony rooms facing the atrium offer beautiful views of the waterfalls and gardens, providing a serene and picturesque setting for photos without the need to leave your room.
During the holiday season, the resort is adorned with elaborate decorations, including large Christmas trees and festive displays, creating numerous opportunities for memorable holiday photos.
The atriums have natural light during the day and beautiful ambient lighting in the evenings, both of which are great for photography. The holiday light displays also offer unique lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a package deal that includes activities to maximize value. The convenience of having dining, entertainment, and lodging all in one place makes it stress-free for parents. Plus, the sheer scale and beauty of the resort provide a sense of wonder for kids.
couples seeking a unique getaway
During the holiday season, the festive decorations and the magical ICE! event provide a memorable backdrop for a romantic getaway. The resort's beautiful architecture and diverse amenities ensure there's always something new to discover together, making it more than just a place to stay, but an experience in itself.
Budget Travelers
Consider visiting for a day trip to experience specific events like ICE! rather than an overnight stay if budget is a primary concern. Eating at some of the quicker service locations or the deli can also help manage food costs compared to fine dining.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of ICE! at Gaylord Palms
Beyond the ice sculptures, the ICE! experience often includes a 'Village' area with additional festive activities. This can include opportunities to meet characters like Mrs. Claus for story time, decorate gingerbread cookies, and enjoy snow tubing. While the ICE! itself might take about 30 minutes to explore, the surrounding village activities can extend your visit. It's a highly recommended holiday activity, especially for families, though booking tickets and considering package deals is advised due to its popularity and cost.
Exploring the Tropical Atriums
These atriums offer a unique environment for guests to explore, providing a sense of being outdoors without the typical Florida humidity or insects. They serve as a central hub for the resort, connecting various restaurants, shops, and guest areas. Even if you're not staying at the resort, a walk through these atriums is a popular activity, offering a visually stunning and relaxing experience. The ambiance changes from day to night, with beautiful lighting enhancing the tropical feel after dark.
Family-Friendly Fun and Amenities
During the holiday season, the family-focused programming is particularly robust, with activities like Mrs. Claus' story time, gingerbread cookie decorating, and character meet-and-greets. Even outside of the holidays, the resort often features seasonal scavenger hunts and other interactive events. The spacious atriums also offer a sense of wonder and discovery for children, making the entire resort feel like an adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit