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

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

This 6-hour tour in Orlando offers a festive escape into the holiday spirit, even without snow. For $119 per person, you’ll visit three of Orlando’s most enchanting holiday attractions — from a gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian to ice slides at Gaylord Palms, culminating in a charming holiday scene in Celebration. The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, admission fees, and parkas for the icy experience.

What we really love about this experience is how smoothly everything is organized — the comfortable bus makes the day relaxing rather than rushed, and the guided commentary adds extra insight into each attraction. We also appreciate that all entrance fees and warm clothing are included, removing some guesswork and extra expenses.

A possible consideration is that the ice attraction is quite cold, so dressing appropriately is essential. Also, since the tour is quite popular, booking 36 days in advance is recommended if you want to secure your spot.

This tour is best suited for families with kids, holiday enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun, festive day without the hassle of planning multiple visits. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Orlando’s holiday charm with minimal effort and maximum visual delight, this tour hits most of the right notes.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Price: Entrance fees, warm parkas, and transportation are covered, making it easier to enjoy without extra costs.
• Family-Friendly: Designed for kids and adults alike, with plenty of photo opportunities and interactive fun.
• Comfortable Travel: Uses a well-air-conditioned bus with hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Orlando hotels.
• Seasonal Highlights: Includes iconic gingerbread houses, ice slides, and a snow-filled town square, all crafted for holiday magic.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits top Orlando holiday attractions, providing a genuine taste of the season’s charm.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, expect a personal touch and more attention from guides.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with Disney’s Grand Floridian

The day kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, making the start of your holiday adventure hassle-free. Your guide, whose enthusiasm and knowledge are often praised, takes you to see the life-sized gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian. This is no ordinary gingerbread display — it’s a decadent, intricate structure that takes hundreds of hours to craft, and you’ll get about 30 minutes to marvel at the detailed decorations and festive aroma.

This stop is a true highlight, especially for Disney fans and those who enjoy seeing Christmas craftsmanship at its best. One reviewer said, “the gingerbread house was amazing,” emphasizing how the visual feast amplifies the holiday atmosphere. It’s a warm, welcoming scene that feels like stepping into a winter wonderland, even without snow.

Into the Cold at Gaylord Palms

Next, the tour takes you to the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, where the temperature drops dramatically to create the “Ice!” exhibition. Here, you’ll borrow a blue oversized parka — a necessity, as the inside is really cold — and step into a wintery scene filled with sculptures, scenes from The Polar Express, and a two-story ice slide.

The ice slide is a standout feature, allowing you to race side by side, which is great fun for kids and adults alike. The last scene is a stunning ice nativity, perfect for capturing memorable photos. The exhibition lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the details and take photos. One reviewer described it as “the ultimate holiday display,” highlighting its visual appeal and festive spirit. Just remember to dress warmly!

End in the Festive Town of Celebration

The final stop is Celebration, Florida, the town developed by Disney. As evening falls, the town transforms into a Christmas scene straight out of a storybook. You can enjoy ice skating, visit Santa’s cabin, and, if you’re lucky, catch the “Florida Snow Falls,” an hourly snowfall that transforms Market Street into a winter scene.

This part of the tour is relaxed and free-form — you’re encouraged to explore, take photos, and enjoy the decorated houses and lights. It’s a perfect way to end your day, especially if you love the look of a small, classic Christmas town.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour’s value lies in its all-inclusive nature. The admission to the Ice! exhibit, parka rental, and transportation are all covered, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses. The air-conditioned bus makes traveling between spots pleasant, especially in Florida’s unpredictable winter weather.

However, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning to buy a quick meal is wise. Also, because the tour involves some walking and exposure to cold, dress comfortably — closed-toe shoes are mandatory for the ice exhibit.

The small group size (max 10 travelers) is ideal for those who prefer a more personalized experience and better interaction with the guide. The guide’s commentary, as noted by a review, was knowledgeable and engaging, adding depth to the visits.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re visiting Orlando during the holiday season and want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. Families with children will find it especially enjoyable, thanks to the visual spectacles and interactive ice slide.

If you appreciate seasonal decorations and festive displays, this tour delivers plenty of photo opportunities and magical moments. It’s also a great choice for those who want an easy, guided day that combines iconic Disney holiday traditions with local Florida charm.

Final Thoughts on the Holiday Celebration Tour

This experience offers a well-organized, family-friendly way to enjoy Orlando’s holiday sights. The combination of Disney’s gingerbread house, the ice sculptures and slides, and Celebration’s winter scene makes for a diverse and memorable day. One traveler called it “very enjoyable,” and it’s easy to see why — it balances spectacle with comfort, making it accessible to most visitors.

While the cold environment at Gaylord Palms requires some preparation, the value for all-inclusive pricing makes it a good deal. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guide helps uncover hidden details that you might miss on your own.

If you’re after a concentrated dose of holiday cheer in Orlando, this tour is a solid choice — especially if you want a stress-free, festive experience that captures the season’s spirit with style.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if you are staying at select Orlando hotels, making the start of your day convenient.

How long do we spend at each attraction?
You’ll have about 30 minutes at Disney’s Grand Floridian, 2 hours and 30 minutes at Gaylord Palms, and 2 hours at Celebration, giving enough time to explore and enjoy each spot.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably, with closed-toe shoes required for the ice exhibit. Warm clothing, like the provided parkas, is essential for the ice display.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s activities are kid-friendly, especially the ice slide and festive displays.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 36 days ahead, as the tour is popular during the holiday season.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees to the attractions are covered, including the Ice! exhibit and the gingerbread house at Disney.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, which helps keep it intimate and personalized.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this Holiday Celebration Tour offers a thoughtfully curated way to enjoy Orlando’s festive attractions with minimal fuss. It’s ideal for families, holiday lovers, or anyone wanting a joyful, visually spectacular day. The combination of well-organized logistics, immersive sights, and a friendly guide makes it a memorable way to celebrate the season in Florida. Just be prepared for the cold and book early to secure your spot in this popular holiday outing.