The holidays are filled with traditions, and I’m the ultimate sucker for twink- ling lights, classic tunes and Florida-themed ornaments (I love pink flamin- gos). When I decided it was time for new memories, the place I chose was already known for making magic: Orlando.
A holiday glow illuminated the Gaylord Palms Resort (gaylordpalms.com) just as I arrived via Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee, south of down- town Orlando. Strings of white lights and faux icicles acted as directional beacons. I’d heard how spectacular the holiday season was here, but noth- ing prepared me for the festive transformation I encountered at this massive hotel. The resort had morphed into a winter wonderland, literally. And the theme, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, was immediately apparent thanks to the decorations, which included a copy of the namesake book. (This year’s theme is Shrek the Halls, named for the DreamWorks Animation classic, and it runs from Nov. 12 to Jan. 2.) But it’s the overall concept — Gaylord Palms’ Best of Florida Christmas — that resonates with guests.
I threw on a red scarf to accompany my festive mood and headed for the lobby’s main stage area, where I found yummy hot chocolate. A hip jazzy quartet had the audience singing along with holiday standards: “Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin,’ ring-ting-tinglin.’” Then it was time for the show, Luminescence. Velvet-robed singers belted out tunes, including an electricguitar version of “O Holy Night.” Insider tip: The show schedule is on a loop with multiple performances daily. New holiday memory No. 1 had been achieved.
Departing Gaylord Palms the next day, I found myself chatting with Tammy the Who at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, one of two theme parks located in the Universal Orlando Resort (universal orlando.com). Seasonally, the park’s Seuss Landing turns into the Dr. Seuss’ storybook How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Happy Whos welcome all. The Who characters’ makeup is fantastic; it brings the artwork of children’s book illustrator and author Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) to life.
As I waited to have my photo snapped alongside Mr. Grinch, right after his rousing performance in Grinchmas — Universal’s adorable version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas — I got in the middle of a hysterical shtick between gutsy Tammy the Who and the big hairy green fella. Asked to tell the Grinch to get a haircut, I played along with Tammy’s request. Before I could blink, the Grinch ran afer Tammy in cartoonish fashion. Slightly winded from the chase, he returned and grinned wide as he put his shaggy arms around me for my photo. I too couldn’t stop smiling.
Moving to the sister park, Universal Studios, I found a bench on the New York City street near the towering Christmas tree adorned with countless red bows. There was a growing crowd for Universal’s version of the Macy’s holiday parade. Candy cane stilt-walkers, floats, balloons as well as faux circus elephants streamed by. Jolly St. Nick was seated in his iconic sleigh, with a giant goose chair motif. Of course, the parade included Macy’s famed helium balloons of Santa and the Little Drummer Boy, among others. (Grinchmas and the Macy’s holiday parade run from Dec. 3, 2011, to Jan. 1, 2012.) It’s new holiday memory No. 2.
Back at Gaylord Palms, I held a ticket to ICE! Yes, real ice in Florida. A visit to this frigid 9-degree attraction requires a parka (warm jackets are provided). Insider tip: Bring your own gloves and a scarf. Millions of pounds of ice are carved into iconic holiday figurines. Forty artisans from Harbin, China, spend one month chiseling these frozen masterpieces.
Exiting the ICE! exhibition, I came upon SNOW!, a winter carnival with 40 tons of real snowball-worthy flakes. The star attraction is tubing on snowdrifts. My last stop was the gift shop, where I couldn’t resist an ornament of a pink flamingo wearing a Santa suit. New holiday memory No. 3 provided the perfect wrap to my festive weekend in Orlando. visitorlando.com
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