Shrek stars in ICE! escapade at Gaylord Palms

Other add-on options are a gingerbread-decorating station featuring the Gingy character and the opportunity to see the current "Puss in Boots" film in 3-D inside a 200-seat theater constructed for the season.

The DreamWorks effect will continue at Gaylord Palms after ICE! closes Jan. 2, Mendelson says. Look for themed pool parties in the future.

"It will be, in many ways, the backbone of our leisure programming," he says.

dbevil@tribune.com and 407-420-5477

ICE! at Gaylord Palms

Where: Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee

When: Daily through Jan. 2, operating hours vary.

Cost: Ticket prices vary according to day and time. ICE! prices range from $13.99-$29.99; SNOW tickets are $11.99-$22.99; ICE!-SNOW combo tickets are $25.98 to $43.98.

Phone: 407-586-4423

Online: ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com

Quick tips for ICE!

•Obviously, this is one cold attraction — unbearably cold if you're dressed in standard Florida clothes. Don't be ashamed to take gloves, heavy coats and scarves. My face was the coldest, most pained part of my body. Warm, hooded parkas are provided, but layers work even better (and they don't come with gloves or pockets).

•There are gloves, sweat shirts and the ilk for sale in the ICE! gift shop, along with a slew of holiday merchandise and DreamWorks goodies. Donkey ears, anyone?

•You'll be happy to have all those layers if you bring kids, because the little ones will want to go down the ice slides over and over and over.

•When arriving at the Gaylord Palms entrance, bear right toward the convention center side to park. There's no need to drive up by the resort lobby.

•Got sticker shock? There are promotions out there. Shop around and do an online search for ticket discounts. At the very least, buy tickets in advance through the official website (www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com). Admission is always discounted when purchased online, and there are electronic ticket booths for will-calls that let buyer skip the box-office line.