Heartwarming classic ... on ice!
See Ralphie at Gaylord Palm’s colorful ‘A Christmas Story.’
Gaylord Palms’ ICE! attraction is back, and it’s entered new territory. For the first time, the theme of the ice-sculpture exhibit is based on a live-action film, “A Christmas Story.” Famed scenes from the 1983 movie are represented by elaborate carvings executed by 40 artisans from Harbin, China.
As always, if you’re going to ICE!, which opens to the public on Friday, you’re going to want to dress warmly, to dig out those hats and gloves and wear two pairs of socks. It’s seriously cold in there. We’re talking single-digit/this-is-notwhy-we-moved-to-Florida frigid. Gaylord Palms provides parkas for visitors, but, trust me, you’ll want to be toastier than that.
Here are a few items about ICE!, which runs at the Kissimmee resort through Jan. 6.
■ All the scenes you’d expect from the film are there. Memorably brilliant are the one with Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley) in the pink bunny costume, bless his heart, the store window and the tongue vs. flagpole. (I liked how the warning outside the frigid tint said “Thank you for not touching, licking or sitting on the ICE!”)
■ The figures are spot-on even though their flesh is presented as ice-clear – it’s kind of arty.
■ This year, there are a few scenes that were designed to be Instagram-able. Now you can get an icy photo of yourself as the “Fragile” crate is unpacked. Also, the slide room is built into the story line, and the slides are curved. (Word on the street: the slides are fast and you bank a little as you approach the bottom.)
■ There’s even more “A Christmas Story” in the gift shop, most notably a leg lamp ornament.
■ If you don’t know the movie, it might be a little confusing. There are placards with quotes from the film’s narrator to help along, but, honestly, I bet you can find the movie on cable before going. (“He looks like a deranged Easter bunny … He looks like a pink nightmare.”)
■ Fear not, the traditional nativity scene is presented right after THE END of “A Christmas Story.”
■ Gaylord’s holiday offerings also include snow tubing, a revamped “Cirque Dreams Unwrapped” stage show and light production in the resort atrium, interactions with Mrs. Claus, gingerbread decorating, and an Elf on the Shelf character breakfast.
Pricing for ICE! varies, but expect an in-advance price for adults to run about $28.99. Gaylord also offers a number of combo plans for the attraction and other holiday activities. For tickets and more information, go to ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com.