ICE! Featuring The Polar Express at Gaylord Palms 2026 | Tickets, Dates & Guide

ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™ at Gaylord Palms 2026: Ultimate Guide to Dates, Tickets, Ice Slides & Holiday Magic in Orlando

Experience one of Central Florida’s most magical holiday traditions as ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ returns to Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee (near Orlando and Walt Disney World) for the 2026-2027 Christmas season.

This signature attraction transforms a massive indoor space into a frozen wonderland inspired by the beloved animated film The Polar Express. Guests journey through larger-than-life ice scenes, race down towering ice slides, and capture unforgettable family photos—all while staying warm in complimentary parkas. Whether you’re a local or planning an Orlando Christmas vacation, ICE! is a must-see centerpiece of Christmas at Gaylord Palms.

Event Dates and Overview

Christmas at Gaylord Palms runs November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027, with ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ as the star attraction throughout the season.

The 19,000- to 20,000-square-foot experience features approximately 11 iconic scenes from the story, carved from roughly 2 million pounds of ice (about 6,700 massive blocks). It’s kept at a chilly 9°F to preserve the intricate sculptures. Most visitors spend 20–40 minutes exploring at their own pace in this self-guided attraction (single entry only).

What to Expect Inside ICE! Featuring The Polar Express™

Step into Hero Boy’s magical Christmas Eve journey. Highlights include:

• Captivating ice tunnels and passageways bringing the story to life.
• Five two-story ice slides (including a kid-sized option), themed around Glacier Gulch, where you zoom beneath a towering sculpture of the Polar Express train with dramatic lighting and fog effects. Slides stand about 10 feet high—as tall as a basketball hoop.
• Iconic scenes: Dancing ice waiters juggling hot chocolate (complete with photo ops inside a frozen passenger car set to the “Hot Chocolate” song); Santa’s elves monitoring the naughty-or-nice list; an 11-foot Santa presenting the first gift of Christmas—a silver bell; and the grand arrival at the North Pole.
• Vibrant, specially formulated colors that match the film’s characters and stay bright all season.
• Photo opportunities throughout, plus a crystal-clear ice Nativity display in many years’ setups.
• Live sculpting demonstrations by master artisans who remain onsite.

The attraction is designed for all ages and has no strict time limits once inside (beyond the natural chill factor).

How the Magic Is Made

Nearly 40 master artisans travel more than 6,000 miles from Harbin, China (“Ice City”), and spend about 5–6 weeks (roughly 12,000 total hours of work and ~35 days of carving) creating the exhibit. They use chisels, chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders, and chainsaws, following a detailed 300-page design book of hand-drawn sketches and blueprints.

This marks a popular return of The Polar Express theme (previously featured in 2019), driven by guest demand. Across Gaylord properties, ICE! drew about 1.4 million visitors in 2025.

Tickets, Pricing & Packages

Tickets must be purchased in advance online (no on-site box office). Electronic tickets are emailed and scanned on a phone. Timed entry is required—arrive at least 15 minutes early; late arrivals (more than ~5 minutes) may not be admitted.

Reported ticket prices typically range from about $33–$44 depending on the date (kids 3 and under free; guests under 18 generally need a paid adult). Check the official ticketing site for current rates, as they vary by day and demand.

Money-saving options (subject to blackouts and terms):

• Early bird savings on tickets and overnight packages (book early, e.g., by early August for certain deals).
• Discounts for AAA/CAA, military, teachers, seniors (62+), first responders, and Marriott Bonvoy members (often up to 15–25% off tickets or rooms).
• Overnight packages that include room + *ICE!* tickets (some with atrium views or Bonvoy points bonuses).
• Holiday Activity Passes that bundle *ICE!* with other experiences (ice tubing, scavenger hunt, gingerbread decorating, Mrs. Claus activities, Cirque show, and more) for savings up to 50%.

Overnight guests often receive a complimentary Chill Pass for priority access. Parking is extra (self-parking around $38/day; valet higher; day guests charged per entry).

Book tickets and packages at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com or the linked Gaylord Palms ticketing portal.

Visitor Tips for the Best Experience

• What to wear: Complimentary hooded parkas (infant to adult 4XL) are provided. Wear closed-toe shoes (required for slides), long pants, and bring or buy hats/gloves. Pathways are carpeted; warm shoes are recommended.
• Accessibility: Many areas and photo ops are accessible. Ice slides require unassisted stair climbing and height requirements.
• Photos: Personal photos/video allowed (protect devices from extreme cold; lenses may fog temporarily on exit). No tripods or extra lighting.
• Duration & tips: Allow extra time for parking and walking the large resort. Download the Gaylord Hotels app for navigation. Combine with other Christmas activities for a full day or overnight stay.

More Christmas Magic at Gaylord Palms

Beyond ICE!, enjoy over 3 million Christmas lights, Alpine Village vibes, holiday shopping at one of Florida’s largest Christmas stores, and attractions such as:

• POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance – family cirque/musical/magic show.
• Snow Flow Mountain ice tubing.
• Gingerbread decorating, Photos with Santa, Snowball Build & Blast, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, scavenger hunts, and more.

Plan Your Visit Today

ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ at Gaylord Palms is a true Orlando holiday highlight—combining artistry, adventure, and pure Christmas wonder. Tickets and packages sell quickly for peak dates, so secure yours early for the best rates and timeslots.

For the latest details, tickets, and offers, visit the official site: https://www.christmasatgaylordpalms.com/ice. Create lasting family memories in this one-of-a-kind frozen Polar Express journey this holiday season!