When I was 14, “Ice, Ice, Baby” was a song by Vanilla Ice.
When I was 15, “Ice, Ice, Baby” was something my brother and his fraternity brothers said when they stepped.
When I was 19, “Ice, Ice, Baby” followed by “Too cold! Too cold!” was my cue to get out of the way in a party – the Alpha train was about to come through.
Now that I am Blah Blah years old with three kids, “Ice, Ice, Baby” means something totally different – but I have to admit that when I saw the #IceIceBabyGN hashtag on Twitter, I was taken back blah blah years to baggy pants, rayon shirts, and shiny shoes.
So today, this is what ICE! ICE! Baby means to me…
Sunday afternoon, the family spent the day at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
Now if you know anything about me from reading this blog, Eva and cold temperatures don’t mix…. until now.
Think we look all bundled up? Okay, so even all that isn’t enough to keep warm in Gaylord National’s ICE featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls©! First, they warmed up the parents with coffee, and warmed the kids up with sugar, gave us these huge blue coats, and we were ready for the 9 degree temperatures inside of ICE!.
Cupcakes and cakepops!
Now… I have never been anywhere where it was 9 degrees. Ever. So you know it would take a LOT for me not to notice how cold it was – after a while, baby girl and I were so amazed by the craftsmanship and the ice slide (or maybe just numb) that long after the boys left us for warmer spaces, we were still marveling at the sculptures and sliding down the two story ice slide.
After experiencing ICE! we headed back to the hotel lower Atrium to Gingy’s Bakery to build a Christmas tree out of cookies – now we’re speaking my language. I like building things… I like cookies… win!
Working hard…
Everybody pitching in!
The finished product…
Let’s eat!
After eating our work, we headed back to the ICE! dome and the kids took pictures with their favorite DreamWorks characters: Shrek, Po from Kung Fu Panda, Marty from Madagascar, and Puss in Boots from Shrek.
Snow IS beautiful – I can admit that, but for me to be able to experience it, it has to be cold… The Gaylord has a solution for that – one of the reasons I love this hotel so. Snowing – but 72 degrees! Yeeeeeessssssss!!! Dreams DO come true.
Each night, twice a night, from now until January 6th at 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm, it snows INSIDE the Gaylord during the Tree lighting show and Brightest Star Fountain Show – both are free.
If you are in the DC area, whether you are staying at the Gaylord or not, you can experience Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac™.
Here are just some of the activities that are open to the day guests. There are even more options for those who choose the Christmas on the Potomac Hotel Package. Visit www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com for details.
(if you are reading this from your email newsletter, click on the title to read more – if you are reading this from the front page, click on read more.)
From the ChristmasOnThePotomac.com website:
ICE! featuring Dreamworks’ Shrek the Halls
Gaylord National’s popular ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-NEW, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls. From Nov. 16, 2012 to Jan. 6, 2013, the DreamWorks animated holiday TV special will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and incredible 20-foot-tall ice slides carved entirely from TWO-MILLION pounds of ice. Relive the heartwarming story as you stroll through this amazing attraction featuring your favorite characters: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy and Puss in Boots as they celebrate Christmas in their own special way. When Shrek tries to plan the “perfect Christmas” for Fiona and the kids, his plans are disrupted by chaos and commotion. But, in the end, Shrek learns the true meaning of the holiday.
Note from me – “You HAVE to see the nativity presentation… GORGEOUS!”
Tree of Light
Suspended from the center of our atrium, the 60-foot-tall Christmas tree is made entirely of synthetic “candy” glass. By day, it looks like a spectacular stained-glass window. At night, it glows brilliantly and casts a festive mood throughout our atrium. (Atrium)
Note from me – “If you and your family enjoy looking at Christmas decorations, this place is definitely a must see…”
Nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony
Every evening kicks off when we bring the Atrium to life with the nightly lighting of the Christmas tree. Watch this beautiful extravaganza that features choreographed Christmas music and lights, indoor snowfall, and dancing fountains that shoot 60-feet high! Nightly at 6:30 p.m.
Northern Lights
Look up and be amazed by fifty 150-foot tall light curtains hanging from the ceiling of our 20-story atrium. The Northern Lights will light the atrium nightly from 6 p.m.-Midnight. (Atrium)
Brightest Star Fountain Show
Hear a heartwarming narration of the classic Christmas story and watch as choreographed water “dances” to the music. The show also features whimsical lighting. The quantity of performances will be reduced to twice nightly Times: 6:30pm (following the nightly Tree lighting) and 9:30pm
Note from me – “The fountain is doing interesting things all day. This is just the big party!”
Nightly Indoor Snowfall
It’s always 72 degrees in our atrium, but you won’t believe your eyes as it snows inside! A “must-see” during our Christmas celebration – a delightful indoor flurry occurs twice every night. (Occurs during the Tree Lighting Show and Brightest Star Fountain Show.) Nightly at 6:30 p.m.; 9:00 p.m.
Note from me – “I can’t think of anything more perfect than watching it snow… when it isn’t cold. Genius.”
Holiday Dining
The holidays are a magical time at Gaylord National Resort! What better way to enjoy the festivities than with a full stomach?
Note from me – “I have experienced eating at the Gaylord, and it is fantastic! And you know how much I like to eat… :)”
Brunch With Santa
Enjoy a fabulous brunch buffet – so big it won’t fit into Santa’s sleigh! Kids can tell Santa what they want for Christmas and each family will receive one (1) group photo with Santa. December 9, 16 and 23 only. 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (last seating at 1:30 p.m.)
Photos With Santa
Tell Santa what you really want for Christmas this year and get your photo with him. (Photo purchase required to meet Santa.) Operating Hours: Nov. 16 – Dec. 23 | Monday – Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Dec. 24: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Potomac Express
Take a ride on our winter-themed miniature train underneath our Tree of Light in the Atrium. Open daily. Nov. 16 – Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 – 6 | Monday-Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Dec. 24 – Jan. 1: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Seasonal Spa Treatments
Celebrate the holidays and pamper yourself with these very merry spa treatments for men and women at Gaylord National’s very own Relâche Spa. No matter your choice, these treatments are pure bliss. Spa gift certificates also make great stocking stuffers!
Note from me – “Baby girl has her eye on one of these…”
ShrekFeast Interactive Character Meal
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Become an honorary Ogre and join Shrek, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots for a fairytale feast fit for a king with tableside hugs and photos. Discover a Magic Fountain bubbling over with intoxicating chocolate potions and Shrek-shaped waffles with syrup whilst solving riddles and puzzles on your quest to become an honorary Ogre or Ogress.
DreamWorks Character Holiday Meet & Greets
The DreamWorks gang is all here, and you can meet them all at our Holiday Meet & Greets! Stroll through Shrek’s beloved swamp for a face-to-face encounter with the green ogre himself; explore the island of Madagascar. Discover China’s ancient Valley of Peace where Po, The Kung Fu Panda, has become a true kung fu master; and greet Gingy in a giant gingerbread house! You can even meet the star of one of DreamWorks’ newest films – Puss in Boots!
Note from me – “The kids really enjoyed this part…”
Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating
This fun, sticky, interactive decorating tradition just got a whole lot sweeter! Hosted by Gingy, the most famous of all Gingerbread men, you can choose from four different design options to create either a delectable gingerbread cookie family or a complete gingerbread house. Larger size families and groups can even choose to create both! After you’ve decorated to your heart’s content (don’t forget the gum drop buttons!) make your way to meet Gingy for a heartwarming hug that you can capture with your own camera.
Note from me – “They give you baby wipes to get all the sticky stuff off, but my kids just ended up licking their fingers.” *shrug*
We had an amazing time, and I’ve already had to promise to take the kids back again so that they can experience more of Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac. Visit www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com for pricing, more activities, specials, and more information.
My family was given passes and tickets to the activities and attractions. As always my opinions are my own. For more information on sponsored posts, click on “About”.
