Experience at Gaylord National ICE Exhibit Featuring Dreamworks' Merry Madagascar

To help bring in the holiday spirit, head over to Gaylord National for the ICE! exhibit. This year, the ICE! show features Dreamworks characters from the animation movie Madagascar. Last year, it featured characters from The Cat In the Hat.

Ice sculptures were created by talented artisans of Harbin, China. Find ice sculptures from wall to wall featuring the Madagascar crew of characters geared up for the winter holidays.

A very popular section of this exhibit features the ICE slides. There are a total of four slides but each slide may only be ridden by one person at a time (no sliding down with children on your lap). Also make sure you have closed toe shoes (and no heels) if you want to go for a ride down the slide.

Other ice sculptures featured in the exhibit include the Statue of Liberty, a waterfall, an igloo, and much more.

After you exit the 9 degrees cold exhibit of ice sculptures, enjoy ice skating indoors. With skate rentals, the cost is $10 per person (Gaylord resort guests); $12 per person (non-resort guests).

There is also a winter-themed miniature train ride available for younger children, and parents can hop on it as well. The train ride goes around a beautifully decorated Christmas tree 3-4 rounds. It is a wonderful experience for toddlers and for parents watching their children smile. The cost is $2 per ride/person. A discount is available for three rides at $5.

Find sweet treats and beautiful holiday ornaments for sale in the gift shop area before exiting outdoors, where you can find the high-end portable restrooms with an actual toilet and sink; not a small box toilet like the ones on the airplanes.

Tickets for the ICE! exhibit range from $25-35 depending on whether its during the peak times. The show runs through Jan. 8, 2012. If you plan to stay at Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center for two-nights or more, take advantage of the package deal they are offering. In addition to stay and admission to the ICE! exhibit, you get a souvenir photo, access to the meet and greet session with Dreamworks characters such as Shrek, Gingy, Po from Kung Fu Panda, and others. The package also offers a meal with interaction with the characters and scavenger hunt fun.

Though, even if you don't take the package deal, simply head over to Gaylord National to view the beautiful holiday decorations, such as the glass Christmas tree that dangles from the ceiling. There are also a number of evening activities suitable for the entire family such as the viewing of the tree lighting and fountain show.

Paid parking is available. The show offers a parking garage at $10, but many find it more affordable to simply park at St. George Garage, which is literally across the street from the ICE! show.