Orlando is a premier destination for family fun, with a heightened focus on creating magical memories during the holiday season. The city’s resorts pull out all the stops, transforming into winter wonderlands that captivate guests of all ages. Notably, properties within the iconic Walt Disney World decorate their venues with stunning holiday displays, while at the Caribe Royale Orlando, exquisite chocolate sculptures take center stage.
A festive holiday village complete with train and horse-drawn carriage rides is offered at the Orlando World Center Marriott, and the annual frozen attraction at Gaylord Palms Resort features breathtaking ice sculptures and a two-story slide, all meticulously carved from ice.
The Rise of Competitive Festivities
Orlando’s hospitality sector doesn’t hold back when it comes to festive offerings, often entering a friendly competition to outshine one another with extravagant holiday attractions. This year, however, Grande Lakes Orlando has introduced an exciting new amenity: a genuine 4,500-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink, marking a significant addition to the city’s winter festivities.
A Unique Ice Skating Experience
Debuting in late November, this ice rink is part of Grande Lakes Orlando’s annual Winter Wonderland Market. Inspired by European holiday markets, the experience features charming cottage-style stalls offering local crafts, delightful holiday treats, and seasonal beverages, alongside an enchanting hourly snowfall from snow machines.
Skating sessions at the rink are available for $25 per person on weekdays and $35 on weekends, operating through January 3. The rink reflects an investment of more than $1 million and took several years of planning, demonstrating the commitment to providing a unique holiday experience in Orlando.
Operational Challenges in a Warm Climate
Operating an ice rink in Central Florida comes with its challenges, particularly concerning the maintenance of ice. Grande Lakes Orlando partnered with SnowMagic, a specialist in creating winter-themed experiences, to ensure the rink remains functional despite the high temperatures. Keeping the ice frozen requires ongoing "melt control," with staff monitoring the ice depth overnight to maintain an ideal thickness of 3.5 to 4 inches.
Given the climate, the rink opens at 5 p.m., when temperatures drop enough to support skating. Despite this limitation, the demand remains high, proving that the allure of ice skating set against the backdrop of palm trees is a unique draw.
Creating Lasting Family Memories
According to Alissa Perez, director of marketing at Grande Lakes Orlando, the ice-skating experience stands out not just for its novelty but for its ability to foster family bonding. Her personal experience skating with her three children exemplified the joy and engagement the rink brings, resulting in a memorable outing devoid of distractions from devices.
Conclusion
With Orlando’s vibrant resort scene embracing the holiday spirit in increasingly creative ways, family-friendly amenities like the new ice rink at Grande Lakes Orlando enhance the magic of the season. Visitors can enjoy a truly unforgettable experience, combining winter sports with the warm Florida air, making this holiday abroad in Orlando a remarkable adventure worth celebrating.
