Holiday Celebration Tour: Ice Slides and Life-Sized Gingerbread Houses

Planning a trip around the holidays in Orlando? This tour promises a charming yuletide experience, from giant gingerbread houses at Disney to icy adventures at Gaylord Palms and a cozy holiday town vibe in Celebration. We haven’t personally taken this tour ourselves, but after reviewing the details, it looks like a pretty well-rounded way to add some festive sparkle to your Orlando trip—especially if you’re traveling with kids or love winter-themed sights without the cold.

What really catches the eye are the stunning seasonal displays, like the elaborate gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian and the ice sculptures at Gaylord Palms. Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy sliding down a two-story ice slide or catching a snowfall in Florida? The fact that everything is included—from transportation to parkas—makes it easier to relax and enjoy the day. A possible downside? It’s a full 6-hour tour, so it might feel a bit long if you’re traveling with very young kids or aren’t big on wintery attractions.

This experience is likely best suited for families, holiday enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a quick dose of winter magic without the hassle of planning multiple outings. If you’re looking for a fun, festive day with a mix of Disney charm, icy adventures, and holiday cheer, this tour could be a good pick.

Key Points

• Includes transportation, entrance fees, and parkas, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.
• Visits three top Orlando holiday spots: Disney’s Grand Floridian, Gaylord Palms, and Celebration.
• Offers unique activities like ice slides and snowfall, perfect for creating holiday memories.
• A mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, with some very cold conditions inside the ice exhibit.
• Ideal for families or holiday lovers, but less so for those who dislike cold environments or long tours.
• Booking in advance is common, with most people reserving about a month ahead.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour: What to Expect

Starting with Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 2:30 pm with hotel pickup from select Orlando hotels, which is a real plus if you’re staying nearby. The round-trip transportation is via a comfortable air-conditioned bus, so you won’t have to worry about navigating or parking. The group size is capped at 10 travelers, which tends to foster a more intimate experience and allows your guide to give personalized attention.

Visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian

Your first stop is the Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort, a place that looks like it’s straight out of a holiday postcard. The highlight? The life-sized gingerbread house, a true seasonal spectacle. It’s not just pretty, but also a labor of love—taking hundreds of hours to craft. You’ll get about 30 minutes here, enough to soak in the festive details and maybe snap some photos. The admission here is free, so the primary value is in the experience and the visual feast.

Exploring Gaylord Palms’ Ice! Exhibition

Next, the tour takes you to Gaylord Palms Resort, where the real show begins. You’ll borrow a blue oversized parka, which is included in the price, and step into the “Ice!” exhibition. This year’s display features over ten scenes from The Polar Express, along with a stunning ice nativity scene. The highlight for many is the two-story ice slide that you and your friends can race down—something you don’t often get to do in Florida.

Inside, the temperature drops significantly, so dress warmly and wear closed-toe shoes (mandatory for entry). The exhibition lasts about two and a half hours, giving you plenty of time to marvel at the sculptures, take photos, and enjoy the chilly atmosphere. The experience is designed to be family-friendly, although the cold environment is something to keep in mind for very young children or those sensitive to low temperatures.

Wrapping Up in Celebration

As the evening approaches, you’ll head over to the charming town of Celebration. This area, designed by Disney, feels like a winter wonderland with decorated homes, lights, and festive activities. The highlight here is “Market Street,” where you’ll find seasonal sights like ice skating, Santa’s cabin, and, at the top of everyone’s list—the Florida Snow Falls—a scheduled snowfall that surprises visitors as they stroll the streets.

You’ll spend about two hours here, enjoying the holiday decorations, bustling shops, and the magical feeling of a small-town Christmas. It’s a leisurely way to wind down and soak in the holiday spirit.

How Good Is the Value?

At $119 per person, the tour provides a lot of holiday cheer for the price. Included are all entrance fees, a parka rental for the ice exhibit, and transportation. Compared to visiting each of these attractions separately, it’s a decent deal—especially considering the convenience of having transportation and logistics sorted for you.

However, keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so bringing some snacks or planning for meals before or after might be necessary. The experience is quite comprehensive, but if you’re not into cold environments or lengthy tours, you might find it a bit much.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer described it as “Very enjoyable,” appreciating the hotel pickup and the chance to see the gingerbread house, which they called “amazing.” They also enjoyed the guide’s insights and the opportunity to see multiple hotels via the monorail, adding to the trip’s charm.

While there’s only one review on record, the overall rating of 4.0 suggests that most guests found the experience satisfying, especially those seeking a festive holiday activity that combines Disney magic with winter wonderland vibes.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re visiting Orlando during the holiday season and want a well-organized, festive day trip, this tour offers a good mix of iconic sights and winter-themed fun. The convenience of transport and all-in-one entry makes it appealing, especially for families or groups wanting a stress-free experience. The ice slide and snowfall are particular highlights that add a playful, magical touch.

That said, if you’re not a fan of cold temperatures, or if your group prefers outdoor activities without the chill, this might not be the best fit. The 6-hour duration could feel lengthy for younger kids or those with limited patience for winter-themed attractions. Also, remember that it’s a seasonal tour, so availability may be limited outside the holiday months.

In summary, this tour is a solid choice if you’d love to see the holiday magic come alive in Orlando with some cool surprises—literally. It’s best suited for those who want a curated, festive experience without the hassle of planning multiple separate visits or managing transportation logistics.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included at select Orlando hotels, making it easy to start your holiday adventure.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 6 hours, starting at 2:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

What should I wear to the ice exhibit?
You must wear closed-toe shoes to gain admission. The tour provides a blue oversized parka for the ice display, but dressing warmly in layers is recommended.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally family-friendly, especially if your kids enjoy holiday sights and winter fun.

What attractions are included in the tour?
You’ll visit Disney’s Grand Floridian for the gingerbread house, Gaylord Palms for the ice sculptures and slides, and Celebration for the holiday town feel and snowfall.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the ice exhibit are included in the price. There are no additional costs for the attractions covered.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the bus is air-conditioned and designed for a relaxed experience. The group size is limited to 10 travelers, which helps keep things cosy.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

What is the best time to book this tour?
Most travelers book about 36 days in advance, which is a good idea during the busy holiday season to secure your spot.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves some walking and being inside cold environments, so consider this if mobility or health concerns are a factor.

If you’re after a festive day packed with holiday sights and fun, this Orlando tour offers a neat way to celebrate the season with minimal fuss. Just remember to dress warmly, plan for some snacks, and enjoy the magic that makes Orlando during Christmas feel truly special.