I’ve been living in the Orlando area for almost a year and living close to Walt Disney World since March. On occasion, I forget that there is so much to do beyond what I like to call “The Disney bubble”. Believe it or not, one of the most interesting holiday offerings that occurs off-property is right in my backyard (or front yard, however you see it).
I had the opportunity to check out the media sneak peek of “The DreamWorks Experience” at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. This holiday offering (which officially started on November 16, 2011) is made up of two exhibits: “ICE! Featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls” and “Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW!” I had the chance to check both “ICE!” and “SNOW” out during the sneak peak and I was thoroughly impressed. Since this was just a preview before the official opening day, the staff and workers were still running around setting things up (a lot of the offerings, such as a holiday themed show and a 3D theatre were not available for us to check out), but what they did have available was very impressive.
My husband and I arrived a little earlier than most (we live five minutes from the resort) and we did not know what to expect. After checking in and waiting around, we were let in to a large room that housed the retail store and the entrances to both “ICE!” and “SNOW!” At the entrance to both exhibits, there were also an alternative entrance for a meet and greet with Shrek and Princess Fiona (at “ICE!”) and Puss and Boots (at “SNOW!). I thought this was a nice touch, because this is a very family centered event and the kids really seemed to enjoy the character. An interesting fact about me is that I am incredibly cautious around costumed characters. Strangely, I am perfectly okay with Mickey Mouse, but as soon as I am around anyone else, I freeze. Before I knew it, we were headed into “ICE!” to be fitted for bright blue parkas. Yes, you read that right, parkas in Orlando.
The ice sculptures at “ICE!” are kept at a rather chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit, which to anyone who has never actually experienced those temperatures is incredibly cold. As a native from Maine, it was not too bad, but after living in Florida for almost a year, it was pretty chilly. The sculptures took over a month to create and it was incredible to see all of the detail that the artists took to create the magnificent creations that included Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all of your favorites from the films. After getting past the cold, I was able to really take a closer look at each piece of art and I was impressed. The fact that it took a month for everything to be created really showed how talented the artists were. I was bundled up quite a bit and there was a major difference in temperature once I stepped out of the building where the exhibit is held.
After a brief break for cookies and hot chocolate, we checked out the “SNOW!” exhibit. As I mentioned before, this is a very family centered event, and “SNOW!” is very much geared towards the children. However, my husband (who is also from Maine) and I got a laugh over the snow that coats the floor. “SNOW!” is made up of playground equipment for the kids and it sits atop real snow. I have not seen snow for some time, so it was a lot of fun to try and make snowballs and to try and not slip and fall as I walked across it.
“The DreamWorks Experience” is an alternative way to enjoy the holidays here in Orlando and is well worth the price if you are able to attend. You can either attend “ICE!” or “SNOW!” separately, or combine them both into a package. Ticket information and details about the various events can be found on The Gaylord Palms Resort website (www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms). “The DreamWorks Experience” runs until January 2, 2012.
-Katie Bonneau
Katie can be reached on twitter at @waltcast_katie
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