During the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve, and the weeks in-between, the Gaylord Palms Resort resembles an Orlando attraction more than it does a fancy resort (which it is). With breakfast experiences with Shrek, Cirque performances, Dreamworks Animation Meet and Greet Experiences, and a signature Ice Sculpture attraction, this is our guide to spending the Christmas Holidays at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.
Christmas at the Gaylord Palms
ICE! Christmas Attraction
Several years ago, the Gaylord Palms introduced their signature ICE! attraction in Orlando where 40 ice sculpture artisans spend an entire month carving out one-of-a-kind ice sculptures in the form of classic Christmas characters, Dreamworks Animation characters, and a crystal clear nativity. The highlight of the experience in an ice slide that lights up that you can slide down in warm clothes provided by the resort.
Click here for our guide to the ICE! attraction at the Gaylord Palms.
Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Stage Show
After the ICE! attraction, a new experience at the Gaylord Palms during the Christmas season is their Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Stage Show that showcases a talented cast of seasonal characters demonstrating stunning feats of showmanship. The performances are free to all guest staying at and visiting the hotel for the day.
Click here for our guide to the Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Stage Show at the Gaylord Palms.
Breakfast with Shrek
When visiting Disney World next door to the Gaylord Palms, many children go over to get their honorary Mickey ears. With breakfast at Shrek for their Shrekfeast, children are able to earn their ogre ears. Shrek, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots join in on the fun at this breakfast at the resorts Villa de Flora restaurant that comes with Shrek-shaped waffles with syrup.
Gingerbread House Decorating with Gingy
Another attraction at the Gaylord Palms is a gingerbread decorating experience with the popular gingerbread man character from the Shrek movies named Gingy. There are several different types of gingerbread creations that you can create with your family that range in the $15 dollar range for a Christmas Tree Ornament Kit to a modest $30 dollar range for a large gingerbread house. You can also save 20% on the experience if you purchase the Christmassy Dreamworks Experience Packages.
Click here for more information about Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating experience from the Gaylord Palms official website.
Dreamworks Animation Characters Meet and Greet
In addition to the breakfast with Shrek and gingerbread decorating with Gingy, there are also several opportunities for children and adults to meet characters from Dreamworks animation studious including the movies of Puss in Boots, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda. The characters are setup throughout the atrium with a couple of the spots by the Key West restaurant.
Swimming Pool Family Movie Nights and Gator Feedings
On most nights during our stay at the Gaylord Palms, a children’s movie was shown on the big screen outside at the children’s swimming pool and water park. This is a great experience for families staying at the hotel. Also, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, there is an Alligator Feeding demonstration within the atrium at 6:30 PM that you can view here.
Gaylord Palms Christmas Packages
The Gaylord Palms has several types of packages available to experience the different attractions above based on whether you are staying at the hotel or not that can be found here. If you are just visiting for the day, there is a fee for both self-parking and valet to the hotel.
Click here for more information about spending Christmas at Disney World and click here for all things to do around Orlando during the Christmas season.
Gaylord Palms Christmas Promotional Video
Gaylord Palms Map