Gaylord Palms’ ICE! recreates ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

Kids enjoy "Alpine Rush Snow Tubing" at the 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

The annual ice sculpture exhibit returns to Gaylor Palms. Dress accordingly. Click <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center/christmas-at-gaylord-palms/csyr9pd/ice.mi" target="_blank">here</a> for more information.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

Shrek is one of the characters at Ice! this year.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

The nativity scene at Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Detail from the entrance gate to the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

Some of the characters that guests can see at Ice! this year.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

Characters from "Shrek" are part of the Ice! attraction this year.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

ED SACKETT, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Chinese artisan Shuli Huo sprays chilled water on trees to create a coating of ice Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006.

George Skene, Orlando Sentinel

Polar bear guests visit a Santa Claus made of ice. Left to right, Patrick Koch, Stephen Parker and Brian Scheick all of Deland. On Friday, Gaylord Palms Resort's ICE! opened an hour early to welcome guests as they become official members of the Orlando Polar Bear Club. Afterwards, participants will be recognized at a "warm-up" coffee and cocoa reception, during an official induction into the club. Guests were invited to tour the 9 degree ice displays clad only in bathing suits to debut their Polar Bear club.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

The entrance to the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Carousel at the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Artisans from Harbin, China work on creating the 2007 edition of Ice!, the annual holiday ice attraction at the Gayord Palms Resort in Kissimmee on Tuesday.

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

"Frosty the Snowman" characters made of ice are found throughout the ICE! exhibit at Gaylord Palms this year.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

Kids enjoy "Alpine Rush Snow Tubing" at the 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

A walrus in the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

ED SACKETT, ORLANDO SENTINEL

ICE! show at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Li Zuo Chao, an artisan from Harbin, China, sculpts in a spray of ice as he and a team 40 work on creating the 2007 edition of Ice!, the annual holiday ice attraction at the Gayord Palms Resort in Kissimmee on Tuesday.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Orlando Sentinel

An Ice sculptor from Harbin, China, works in 9-degree temperatures, carving the Nativity angel, while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" Ð a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

CARIN PEREZ, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

The Hall of Ornaments at the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Yin Guo Long, an artisan from Harbin, China, sculpts on the Nativity scene as he and a team 40 work on creating the 2007 edition of Ice!, the annual holiday ice attraction at the Gayord Palms Resort in Kissimmee on Tuesday.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

"Santa's Magical Flight" slide at Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Li Hui Xian, an artisan from Harbin, China, slides blocks of ice while building a wall as he and a team 40 work on creating the 2007 edition of Ice!, the annual holiday ice attraction at the Gayord Palms Resort in Kissimmee on Tuesday.

ED SACKETT, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Fabien Lafontant, 8, from Miami, goes down one of three ice slide in a castle scene Saturday, November 25, 2006. A staff of ice carvers stay on hand at ICE to repair and create new smaller pieces in the annual exhibit. For the fourth year two million pounds of ice have been cut and carved into a winter holiday at Gaylord Palms Resort and kept at a frigid 9 degrees.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Igloo ("Chip's Polar Lair") at the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

Puss in Boots is carved in ice for the Gaylord Palms attraction.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Orlando Sentinel

An Ice sculptor from Harbin, China, works in 9-degree temperatures, carving the Nativity angel, while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" Ð a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

GEORGE SKENE, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Debra Bennett of Tampa runs with polar bear clubers through an ice tunnel. On Friday, Gaylord Palms Resort's ICE! opened an hour early to welcome guests as they become official members of the Orlando Polar Bear Club. Afterwards, participants will be recognized at a "warm-up" coffee and cocoa reception, during an official induction into the club. Guests were invited to tour the 9 degree ice displays clad only in bathing suits to debut their Polar Bear club. The carved ice display has become a regular seasonal feature at Gaylord Palms and last until January 4.

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel

Not a creature stirs in Ice at Gaylord Palms. They're all frozen solid. The theme for 2015 is "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Caitlin Dineen, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

GEORGE SKENE, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Polar bear guests play in a house made of ice to look like candy. On Friday, Gaylord Palms Resort's ICE! opened an hour early to welcome guests as they become official members of the Orlando Polar Bear Club. Afterwards, participants will be recognized at a "warm-up" coffee and cocoa reception, during an official induction into the club. Guests were invited to tour the 9 degree ice displays clad only in bathing suits to debut their Polar Bear club. The carved ice display has become a regular seasonal feature at Gaylord Palms and last until January 4.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

Kids enjoy "Alpine Rush Snow Tubing" at the 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The final room at the 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features a nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice. The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Igloo ("Chip's Polar Lair") at the Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the theme for the annual ICE! attraction at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee for 2015.

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

Chinese artisans work on the Ice! attraction at Gaylord Palms, on Monday, November 7, 2011.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

George Skene, Orlando Sentinel

Debra Bennett and John Endries get their picture made with the frozen Santa. They came from Tampa. On Friday, Gaylord Palms Resort's ICE! opened an hour early to welcome guests as they become official members of the Orlando Polar Bear Club. Afterwards, participants will be recognized at a "warm-up" coffee and cocoa reception, during an official induction into the club.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Li Zuo Chao, an artisan from Harbin, China, sculpts in a spray of ice as he and a team 40 work on creating the 2007 edition of Ice!, the annual holiday ice attraction at the Gayord Palms Resort in Kissimmee on Tuesday.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

ED SACKETT, ORLANDO SENTINEL

ICE! show at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

ICE! 2011 at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee seen on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The 2011 version of the frozen attraction is filled with characters from 'Shrek.'

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Orlando Sentinel

Chinese artisans work on the Ice! attraction at Gaylord Palms, on Monday, November 7, 2011.

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Charles King / Orlando Sentinel

The 2016 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms features "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The walk-through holiday attraction is made from two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. (Charles King/Orlando Sentinel)

Carin Perez, Orlando Sentinel

The 2010 version of ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee depicts the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem in 8 wintery scenes made almost entirely of ice. It runs from Nov. 20 - Jan 2.

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL

The entrance to the Nativity scene at Gaylord Palms' ICE attraction.

Orlando Sentinel

Ice sculptors from Harbin, China, work in 9-degree temperatures while creating scenes that will be displayed during the annual ICE! exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. A team of 40 Chinese artisans spend a month creating the award-winning attraction, which opens Nov. 23 and runs through January 5, 2014. New for this year's ICE!: "Artisans in Action" ¿ a live ice-carving zone, where sculptors demonstrate their unique skills and guests get an up-close view of ice masterpieces being created. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583297061Z.1

Wearing a parka and snow boots, Yu Zheng Qiang looks as if he's headed to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.

Instead, he's bringing Santa to Florida.

Since early November, Yu and more than 40 other ice sculptors from China have been creating hand-carved displays for the Gaylord Palms Resort's annual holiday attraction ICE!, which opens Saturday.

"It's takes a village [to create ICE!]," said Aaron Mendelson, special events director at Gaylord Palms.

Now in its eighth year, ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland that features dozens of three-dimensional figures made from more than 2 million pounds of colored ice. This year, ICE! tells the story of the classic holiday tale, "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Also this year, the Palms will reveal a new attraction called SNOW!, featuring more than 40 tons of real snow, an indoor sledding hill and winter-themed carnival games.

Last week, about a dozen ice sculptors scurried around the display, preparing for the large crowds expected to walk through the attraction. Using hand-made chisels, specially designed scrapers and chain saws, Yu and his fellow artists were busy making sleeping children, a smiling moon, sugar plums and Santa's sleigh.

Most of the men, including Yu, 57, are from Harbin, a city in northern China that's known for its annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Like many of the others, Yu went to college to learn how to carve in wood, stone and ice.

"As long as you have an imagination, it's not too difficult to learn how to carve," Yu said through a translator.

The artists, who speak very little English, create the displays using detailed blueprints, written in Chinese.

Each November, dozens of men from Harbin travel to the U.S. to create the holiday displays at the Gaylord Palms as well as at other Gaylord sites in Nashville, Dallas and Washington, D.C. They stay about a month, and most return home when ICE! opens. A few stay in Orlando until the display closes in case it needs a touch-up or a guest breaks something.

Since its first appearance in 2003, Mendelson said ICE! has become a holiday tradition for many Central Florida families because of the displays and the winter experience. The exhibit, which is housed in a large tent and kept at a see-your-breath, can't-feel-your-toes 9 degrees, gives Floridians a rare chance to feel ultra-low temperatures.

Most people can withstand about 25 minutes in the cold before bolting outside to warm up in the Florida sun. Yu said the cold doesn't bother him.

"While I’m working, I don't feel it," Yu said.

Jon Busdeker can be reached at 407-420-6226 or [email protected].

ICE! and SNOW!

When: Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee

When: Opens Saturday through Jan. 2; hours vary

Price: ICE! tickets start at $9.99; SNOW! tickets start at $7.49

Details: 407-586-4423 or http://www.gaylordpalms.com

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