Ice at the Gaylord Texan
Gaylord Texan has the ICE experience every year but 2009 is different because they have How the Grinch Stole Christmas on display. In fact, that was what most of the exhibit featured. This was our first year to go and we had no idea the line would be SO LONG. It took longer to get thru the line than it did to walk thru the exhibit...and we bought tickets online BEFORE we got there...AND we were the first in line for our "seating". I think they sell so many for each "seating" that they get so far behind. Do not go thinking you will see the exhibit at 5:30...or even 7pm if you buy a 5:30 "seating". They did have a few distractions while we were waiting. There were a group of carolers that did a few songs and a lady with a really cute monkey. He was not shy and seemed to enjoy the attention....much like David.
Once you FINALLY get in, it is really cool. The sculptures are beautiful. I love Grinch so that was fun. I cannot imagine how long this takes to build...so let's look on their website at http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/lone-star-christmas/the-ice-experience.html. "ICE! will be created by dozens of artisans who migrate to the Dallas / Ft. Worth area each year from Harbin, China to craft this elaborate attraction out of nearly 2 million pounds of ice. It takes them nearly an entire month of 12-hour shifts to transform the refrigerated tent where the exhibit is held into a remarkable icy wonderland."
You do not even realize this is in a tent. They say it is 9 degrees, and I believe it. Even though you get a parka, dress warm and bring gloves.
My favorite part was the ice slide. It was actually made of ICE. I am a big girl and was a little uneasy about going down the slide...but I am glad I did. I would have liked to go again but, of course, the lines were too long.
All of the major scenes and memorable characters of Whoville were featured. The colors were beautiful. My niece asked if they used Kool-Aid to get the ice to change colors. We teased that we were going to taste the ice to see. I do not know what they used but it was pretty.
At the end of the exhibit, there were other sculptures of the typical Christmas scenes. I do not remember other religions represented, it would have been nice to see something about Hanukkah. Shame.
After waiting in the lines, I felt rushed to get thru the exhibit. Maybe there is a less busy time to go. We went the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so maybe a...Tuesday morning would be better. LOL.
All in all, this was a fun outing...but we all agreed it is not to be a family tradition. We did enjoy the Gaylord and all the pretty holiday decorations. We try to get out there every year. I will blog and post some photos of the hotel later this week. If you have a chance, get out and see the hotel....and if you have over two hours to stand in line...go see ICE.
Tiff
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