Central Florida Area Archives

Once Upon a Spring at the Gaylord Palms Resort

Once Upon a Spring Gaylord Palms Resort 2022

Once Upon a Spring, the annual celebration at the Gaylord Palms Resort has fun for the entire family blooming around every corner from March 3 to May 14, 2023.

The event features plenty of oversized pastel eggs, new Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse activities, an Easter Day Buffet, a pirate escape room, a themed scavenger hunt, and everyone’s favorite holiday hares, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.

Once Upon a Spring Event Highlights

Eggspress Yourself

Larger-than-life Easter eggs and thousands of spring blossoms highlight the Eggspression Garden, a themed walk-through experience in the atrium. A giant Easter egg archway greets guests on the self-guided trail with plenty of springtime photo spots for that perfect picture to share with friends and family.

Bountiful Easter Buffet Dining Experience

On Easter Sunday, April 9, from noon-6 p.m., Villa de Flora will host its annual Easter Buffet. The plentiful buffet features more than ten stations, including antipasto, house-made bread, gourmet salads, chilled favorites on ice like jumbo shrimp cocktail and cold-water oysters, a chef-crafted pasta bar, soups, short ribs, citrus-brined chicken, a seafood paella station, a “knife-to-plate” station with taste-tempting dishes like leg of lamb, prime rib and smoked ham, a children’s dining station and a delicious selection of signature desserts. The cost is $75 per adult and $35 per child ages 4-12, plus tax and gratuity. To check availability and make reservations, guests should visit GaylordPalmsDining.com.

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny

Mr. Easter Bunny will meet guests inside the resort each Saturday from March 4-April 8 at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On Easter Sunday, April 9, the Easter Bunny will pose for photos at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Mrs. Easter Bunny will also make special appearances on April 9, meeting guests at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Kids Get Crafty in an All-New Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse

Younger guests and their families can visit the all-new Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse, where they explore the world around them and enjoy activities with the help of a special guest. This season’s special guest is The Gardener, who will help kids create the perfect springtime craft – custom-painted flowerpots.

Get Hopping with a Springtime Scavenger Hunt

Young guests and families can embark on a springtime search throughout the resort in the Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt. Exploring a 4.5-acre garden of spring flowers and seasonal pastel colors, families work together and follow clues in their activity booklet during the at-your-own-pace activity. Guests who complete the quest receive a springtime surprise to help celebrate their puzzle-solving prowess.

Pirate and Princess Weekends 2021 Gaylord Palms Resort

Find Hidden Treasure in a Pirate Escape Room Experience

Ahoy! Guests are invited to set sail on a springtime adventure in the Pirate’s Treasure Escape Room. Captain Hornswaggle’s wife, Emerald, has recruited guests to her crew to pillage the Captain’s quarters and claim his most valuable treasure. A series of puzzles, games, and riddles reveals the treasure’s secret location, challenging guests to solve them before the Captain returns and makes them walk the plank.

Watch Dive-In Movies in a Splashy Cinema

Each Saturday during the celebration, overnight guests are invited to take in a Dive-In Movie on the large video wall near the zero-entry pool in Cypress Springs Water Park. Guests can enjoy the silver screen selections from the swimming pool or from seating around the pool.

More Adventure Kids Fun in a Live Stage Show

Younger explorers are invited to join Seth the Sea Turtle, Ava the Alligator, and Adventure Kid Sophie on Saturdays inside the Gaylord Palms atrium to discover the wonders of the spring season in an interactive, live show. These springtime shows occur at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Springtime Lights Come Alive in ‘Bloom’

When night falls at Gaylord Palms, a salute to springtime takes place in the skies above the atrium on the resort’s animated light curtains in the “Bloom” light show. Festive flowers, pastel Easter eggs, and bouncing bunnies come to life in the colorful display. Guests in select main atrium-view rooms can watch the show from the comfort of their balcony.

Packages and Tickets

Gaylord Palms is offering “Welcome to More” Spring packages that include guest rooms and event tickets. For tickets or room packages for Once Upon a Spring, guests may visit GaylordPalms.com.

Goblins & Giggles Weekends at Gaylord Palms

Guests will be goblin’ up the fun from September 9 to October 30, 2022, when Gaylord Palms kicks off its annual Goblins & Giggles Weekends celebration.

The event is full of family fun, with live shows, character interactions, animal encounters, costume contests, and plenty of candy.

Gaylord Palms Goblins and Giggles Halloween

Guests can solve puzzles to outwit a mischievous witch in a riddle-filled escape room, get their bones moving in a Halloween dance party, savor some witches’ brew in a themed pop-up bar, get their share of sweet treats, and more.

Goblins & Giggles Weekends packages are also available that include special room rates and admission to select event activities.

Goblins & Giggles Weekends at Gaylord Palms

A FA-BOO-LOUS DANCE PARTY: Young spirits are invited to join Morgana the Witch, Vlad the Vampire, and Grimm the Good-Hearted Goblin for the Monster Mash Bash Dance Party and Costume Contest. With their best costume – and dance moves – on display, they’ll catch on in a flash and be the graveyard smash of the ghoulish festivities. Monster Mash Bash takes place each Saturday during the event and is included for guests who book the Goblins & Giggles “Premium Saturday” package. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased separately for $16.99 per person.

GHOULS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN: Guests can meet some of the nicest ghouls around in Ghoul School. Cheerful descendants of legendary monsters take center stage in this walk-through, interactive show. At each stop, characters entertain guests with games, stories, and songs. Ghoul School takes place each Friday and Saturday during Goblins & Giggles Weekends. Tickets are $14.99 per person.

SWEET STORIES: Morgana the Witch conjures up some fun in a special storytime and cookie decorating party. Guests can join Morgana on Saturdays during the event and decorate tasty treats while she tells the tale of how she became friends with Grimm, the Good-Hearted Goblin. Tickets are $10.99 for a decorating kit with one large cookie or $18.99 for a kit with eight smaller cookies to decorate.

A HALLOWEEN ESCAPE: Guests will need to put on their thinking caps to solve puzzles and riddles that allow them to escape an eerie forest in the Secret Garden Escape Room. The escape room will be presented every Friday and Saturday during Goblins & Giggles Weekends. Pricing begins at $120 for a party of four.

FIND SPOOKLEY: Spookley takes center stage in the Hide & Seek Scavenger Hunt featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin – inviting guests to solve puzzles that reveal his Halloween hiding spots around the resort. The activity is offered daily, and tickets are $12.99 per scavenger hunt booklet.

ENJOY SOME SPIRITS: Creepy cocktails and mysterious mocktails are on the menu at the Wicked Brews Spookeasy, a Halloween-themed pop-up bar open during the weekends. Guests can enjoy a tasty selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic craft beverages, specially created by the resort’s mixologists, in surroundings that conjure up the spirit(s) of a haunted pub, complete with eerie portraits and a wisecracking, singing ghost.

NOT MANY TRICKS, LOTS OF TREATS: Youngsters can add to their confection collection with sweet treats on the Trick-or-Treat Expedition. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to wear their best costumes as they meet some cheerfully spooky characters throughout Gaylord Palms’ atrium. Trick-or-Treat Expedition is held on weekends and is complimentary to guests staying overnight at Gaylord Palms.

GIVE ‘EM PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT: Elaborate pumpkin art is showcased on the Jack-O’-Lantern Walk, with crafty pumpkin carvings inspired by the spirit of the Sunshine State displayed inside the hotel’s atrium. Admission is complimentary.

DIVE-IN MOVIE: It’s time for a delightful dive-in movie as the family-friendly, animated feature film “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is presented for overnight resort guests in Cypress Springs Water Park each Friday and Saturday night during the event.

A SPOOKY CELEBRATION: Young explorers have been invited along as Adventure Kid Sophie, Seth the Sea Turtle, and Ava the Alligator to showcase some of Florida’s creepy creatures, like snakes and alligators, in the Adventure Kids Spooky Celebration. Kids also will learn about some of the mysterious plants in the hotel atrium’s indoor gardens. The show is presented each Saturday during Goblins & Giggles Weekends and is complimentary for guests.

LIGHT SHOW, FRIGHT SHOW: Brightly animated light curtains create a multi-sensory spectacle that tells the musical tale of the Phantom of the Atrium – a mysterious composer thought to be lurking in the rafters. The show, a combination of colorful LED lights and classical music, will be presented at 9 pm nightly. Many guests with main atrium-view rooms can enjoy the show from their balconies.

FANG-TASTIC FLORIDA ANIMALS: Accompanied by some of their favorite animals, Wild Florida will visit each Saturday during Goblins & Giggles Weekends to present Spooky Animal Encounters. Guests will learn more about snakes, alligators, and other amazing animals in this up-close experience with some of Florida’s diverse wildlife.

In addition to the Halloween special events, Gaylord Palms guests can enjoy plenty of family-friendly activities across the 64-acre resort. Gaylord Palms features a 4.5-acre atrium with indoor gardens and Florida wildlife, a 3-acre water park, delicious culinary offerings, soothing spa treatments, and more.

Goblins & Giggles Weekends tickets are on sale at GaylordPalmsGetaway.com/FallActivities.

For more information about the Goblins & Giggles Weekends packages, guests may visit GaylordPalmsGetaway.com, or call 407-586-0000

Meliá Orlando Anniversary Celebration

Melia Orlando 11th Anniversary September 2022

Meliá Orlando Celebration is celebrating its 11^th Anniversary as the first U.S. hotel of Spain-based Meliá Hotels and Resorts with special festivities for the entire month of September, including a Vintage 50s Party from September 2 to 4, a Peace & Love 60s Party from September 9 to 11, a Disco 70s Party from September 16-18 and a Neon 80s Party from September 23-25.

Weekend festivities for each themed weekend will include:

Friday — themed DJ Night with living statues
Saturday — themed characters guest interaction, classic car exhibition from each era, music quiz, live rock concert, and themed inflatables in the pool
Sunday – Family movie night

An official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® hotel, Meliá Orlando Celebration, is celebrating its renewed commitment to guests in some new, exciting ways, including:

Wellness and fitness, with Peloton Exercise Suites and exclusive Stay Well By Delos™ Suites featuring guided mediation from world-renowned interactive medicine and wellness pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra, sunrise simulator, vitamin C infusing shower, and mood-enhancing aromatherapy to provide a holistic wellness experience from start to finish.
Health and well-being, as the first U.S. hotel, to offer the Surface UV Light robot technology cleaning in all rooms and public areas.
Next Level Gastronomy, with the September 2022 opening of The Wilson, a brand-new two-floor restaurant owned and operated by In Good Company Hospitality (IGC), a New York-based restaurant group overseeing several venues across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The trendy new restaurant will focus on a “where the coast meets the curb” approach to its menu with freshly seasoned ingredients from local farms and purveyors that will highlight modern and playful interpretations of New American classics complemented by signature cocktails, award-winning wines, and craft beer. The Wilson is inspired by the fabled relationship between a fisherman and his beloved bulldog, celebrating true camaraderie.
Social interaction, which many people have longed for in the last two years, with weekly parties and rock concerts
Pet-Friendly perks, with an on-property dog park and dog menu at The Wilson Restaurant.

“We are so excited to welcome our guests and our friends and neighbors in Central Florida to come and be part of our celebration,” said Antonio Baez, Sr. Operations Director of U.S. Hotels for Melia Hotels & Resorts. “We have reinvented ourselves to be an entertainment and gastronomic venue which happens to have some rooms. It’s what our guests have been asking for and we are ready to deliver.”

Since its opening in September 2011, Meliá Orlando Celebration has grown into one of the most popular hotels in the greater Orlando area. The 289-room property offers old-world charm with new-world design and contemporary comfort. Beyond the hotel, quaint stores are just a short stroll away, allowing guests a break from the theme-park crowds, but not the excitement. The hotel is located just five miles from all the Disney parks and within close proximity to other major attractions, including Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando.

Meliá Orlando Celebration is located at 225 Celebration PI, Celebration, FL 34747.

For more information and reservations, visit www.melia.com or call 407-964-7000, Toll-Free Direct: 1-866-404-6662.

Once Upon a Spring at the Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Resort guests will see lots of larger-than-life, colorful Easter eggs all around the 4.5-acre garden atrium during the annual “Once Upon A Spring” special event.

The Gaylord Palms resort just celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the resort continues the festivities with the Once Upon a Spring event.

From March 4 to May 8, the Gaylord Palms Resort will be hopping with colorful springtime flowers, larger-than-life Easter eggs, an artful pop-up bar, sweet treats to eat (and decorate!), a themed escape room, sing-along fairy tales with Mother Goose, and more.

Once Upon a Spring at Gaylord Palms 2022

Once Upon a Spring Spotlight

Springtime Stories

Famous children’s tales take center stage when Mother Goose leads a musical storytelling experience in Paint Me A Fairytale, an interactive stage show in the hotel’s garden atrium. With the help of her storybook friends, Mother Goose brings classic tales like Little Red Riding Hood, the Princess and the Pea, and Jack & the Beanstalk to life through story and song.

Celebrating its Florida history, Gaylord Palms mixologists have created an orange creamsicle cocktail for the resort’s 20th anniversary. Featuring orange-flavored vermouth and vanilla vodka, the birthday beverage is topped with an anniversary garnish made with cocktail rice paper.

Colorful Cocktails & Multicolored Mocktails

Resplendent artist palettes and pastel paintings serve as inspirations behind The Art Bar, a colorful pop-up bar that features a host of new cocktails and mocktails. Nestled in the Castillo de San Marcos Fort, the bar is the Gaylord Palms mixologists’ toast to the annual springtime celebration. The newly created menu features a wide range of libations made with colorful botanical and fruity ingredients with something to please every palate.

Make a Date to Decorate

Guests are encouraged to play with their food in Springtime Sweets Cookie Decorating, where they can decorate delicious cookies and take them home. This interactive, hands-on activity features a visit from the lovable Easter Bunny, who takes a break from delivering eggs to make a special appearance.

A Fanciful Escape Room

Amidst the bright hues of a dreamlike garden setting, guests work together in the all-new and original Journey Into Spring escape room experience to decipher riddles, find hidden keys and unlock mysteries and secrets of the season.

Eggspress Yourself

Larger-than-life Easter eggs and bouquets of blossoms highlight the Eggspression Garden, a themed walk-through experience. A giant Easter egg archway greets guests on the self-guided trail as they discover plenty of springtime photo spots for that perfect picture to share with friends and family.

Rabbits and Riddles

With a book of clues in hand, guests solve puzzles and riddles in the Blossomin’ Bunnies Scavenger Hunt. Successful springtime sleuths who find all of the hidden hares throughout the hotel atrium receive a special prize.

Springtime Nights, Springtime Lights

When night falls, a salute to springtime takes place in the skies above the atrium on the resort’s newly upgraded, animated light curtains. Blooming flowers, pastel Easter eggs, and bouncing bunnies come to life in a bright and colorful display that repeats throughout the evening.

Educating & Entertaining Animal Adventures

There’s plenty of springtime fun for the kids with adventures designed to entertain, enlighten and educate. Adventure Kid Sophie, Ava the Alligator, and Seth the Sea Turtle invite young explorers to join the Adventure Kids Club and learn about nature. At the same time, Wild Florida makes weekly visits to the resort and lets guests get up close with the Sunshine State’s indigenous wildlife. During Once Upon A Spring, Wild Florida will showcase animals like alligators and snakes and share how these unique species help the ecosystem throughout the season. Gaylord Palms has spots all around the resort with virtual animal encounters for guests who don’t want to come face-to-face with a real reptile. Using a mobile device and a special augmented reality application, guests can track down endangered species worldwide and then take a virtual photo with them.

Hoppy Easter!

On Easter Sunday, Villa de Flora will serve a plentiful Easter Buffet for guests to enjoy. In another highlight of the day, guests can visit the Easter Bunny on April 17 in meet-and-greet sessions from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fresh from delivering eggs, treats, and sweets to children worldwide, the Easter Bunny will pose for photos in the resort atrium.

Year-Round Family Fun

During a season known for warmer temperatures and sunshine, Gaylord Palms guests can highlight their springtime sojourn with family fun at Cypress Springs Water Park. The water park features waterslides for adults and children, a dedicated kids’ water-themed playground, two pools, and Crystal River Rapids – a new action river attraction inspired by Florida’s spring-fed rivers that takes guests through twists and turns at more than three feet per second. Cypress Springs Water Park is an exclusive amenity for overnight guests at Gaylord Palms Resort. Open year-round.

If there are spring showers, guests can find all sorts of fun activities throughout the indoor garden atrium. In addition to the special events, activities, and décor for Once Upon A Spring, guests can take a relaxing stroll through more than four acres of plants, flowers, waterfalls, streams, Florida fish, alligators, and other wildlife.

Inside the atrium, a delicious selection of restaurants and dining options awaits, including gourmet steaks and an award-winning wine list at Old Hickory Steakhouse, fresh, sustainable, and local seafood at MOOR, and a wide selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Villa de Flora.

Commitment to Clean

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, Once Upon A Spring activities have been created according to Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and enhanced protocols. The event will operate according to the latest local, state and federal legislation.

Packages and Tickets

In addition to the 20th-anniversary suite special, the Gaylord Palms offers Once Upon A Spring packages that include guest rooms, event tickets, and resort credit at discounted prices. To purchase tickets for Once Upon A Spring events – as well as find booking information for Valentine’s Day spa specials and the Easter Sunday Buffet – guests may visit GaylordPalms.com.

Explore the Summer of More at the Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021 - Fairy — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

The Summer of Fun at the Gaylord Palms Resort is going to fill the world-class property, featuring a 3- acre outdoor water park, two sparkling pools, and four-and-a-half acres of sprawling indoor gardens, with fun for the entire family.

From May 21 through September 6, 2021, the resort’s Summer of More will deliver the perfect getaway for families with immersive aquatic experiences, event-exclusive culinary and beverage offerings, soothing spa treatments, and an itinerary full of themed programming inclusive of live entertainment, family-friendly shows, activities, and much more.

“Summer travelers wishing to make the most out of their vacation can come here for a one-stop destination,” said Johann Krieger, General Manager for Gaylord Palms Resort. “From our Cypress Springs water park and EXPLORE activities to our award-winning restaurants and world-class spa, we offer everything you could want and deserve for the ultimate summer experience.”

The theme of this year’s itinerary of activities and events is EXPLORE, and this brand-new programming will encourage guests and local visitors to uncover the stories and discover the natural wonders of Florida.

Gaylord Palms Summer of Fun Highlights

Explore Summer: Uncover the stories and discover the natural wonders of Florida in this brand-new, guided, atrium adventure.

Secret Garden Escape Room: You’ve stumbled upon a beautiful and enchanted garden, but beware – an evil witch lurks in the shadows. Escape back to reality within 30 minutes, or you might find yourself under a spell and trapped forever in this garden as a gnome, frog, or spider! This family-friendly experience includes live performers.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021 - Fairy Set 2 — Photo: Gaylord Palms

Florida Explorer Scavenger Hunt: Your journey begins inside the 4.5-acre atrium, filled to the brim with flora (plant-life) and fauna (animal-life) from all over the state. To succeed in becoming a real-life Florida explorer, you will need to navigate through the atrium and learn about unique plants, animals, and historical landmarks.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021_Gator Springs_Gaylord Palms Resort — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

Illuminate Florida Show: High above the St. Augustine Atrium thousands of lights dance and create summer images to music several times a night.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021_Light Show_Gaylord Palms Resort — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

Animal Encounters with Wild Florida: A special educational opportunity to interact with and learn about a variety of incredible creatures.

A summertime must, Gaylord Palms’ 3-acre water park, Cypress Springs, offers thrills and relaxation for every member of the family – from the tranquil South Beach Pool to exhilarating attractions including drop and racing slides, a multi-level water playground, the FlowRider surfing experience and an all-new action river, Crystal River Rapids.

Gaylord Palms Crystal River Rapids Once Upon a Spring Easter 2021

This new water attraction takes guests on a thrilling ride as they twist and turn through speeding currents. Exclusive poolside cabanas available for rent provide extra shade, comfortable lounge seating, a refrigerator, television, and a designated pool server. Premium poolside seating also available for purchase.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021_Relache Entrance Sign_Gaylord Palms Resort — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

Not to be left out…Adults who are searching for the ultimate in relaxation can unwind in the resort’s luxurious Relâche Spa and enjoy a de-stressing massage, rejuvenating facial, or calming body treatment.

The resort features multiple award-winning restaurants with unique culinary experiences, breathtaking atrium views, and mouth-watering seasonal dishes and summer cocktails. Dining options are available for every palate – even from the comfort of the guest’s room.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms 2020 — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the resort’s summer events have been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and enhanced protocols.

For more information about Gaylord Palms Resort and to book an overnight stay, room package, or events and activities, visit www.GaylordPalms.com.

For more information and the latest theme park news make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

7 Reasons to #SpringItOn at the Gaylord Palms

Disclosure: I was invited to experience the Once Upon a Spring fun at the Gaylord Palms Resort, however, all opinions and exclamation points are all my own!!!

Until May 16th the Gaylord Palms Resort is inviting guests to Spring It On with extra fun during their Once Upon A Spring celebration, and we were really excited to be invited out to check out the family-friendly events and activities.

7 Reasons to #SpringItOn at the Gaylord Palms

1. Blossomin’ Bunnies Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunts have become a staple of the special events at the Gaylord Palms resort, and the Blossomin’ Bunnies Scavenger Hunt is my new favorite!

With kid-friendly clues and super cute bunnies to find, the Blossomin’ Bunnies Scavenger hunt takes you throughout the 4.5 acres of indoor gardens for a basketful of fun.

2. Springtime Light Display

When the sun goes down, the St. Augustine Atrium lights up with images of blooming flowers, bunny rabbits scurrying, shooting stars, and a spring-colored kaleidoscope.

What I love about the Springtime Light Display is that they bring an extra touch of magic to the resort.

3. Paint Me a Fairytale Show

Inside the Castillo De San Marcos, the interactive show Paint Me A Fairytale takes guests on an adventure as Mother Goose uses her magic paintbrush to bring the pages of storybook favorites to life, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Princess and The Pea.

As a special keepsake, guests will take home a custom watercolor paint set and coloring book featuring characters from the show.

The Paint Me A Fairytale show is a really fun way for little ones to experience their bedtime stories!

To allow for social distancing, capacity will be limited, and advance online reservations are required.

4. Resort-Wide Spring Activities

During the Once Upon a Spring fun there is no shortage of activities to participate in around the resort!

Gaylord Palms Once Upon a Spring Easter 2021 Spring it On

Some of our favorites during our stay were the cookie decorating, the animal encounters, the animal encounters with Wild Florida, and of course the Springtime Pool Party!!!

5. Art Bar

Adjacent to the Paint Me A Fairytale in the Castillo de San Marcos is the Art Bar where you can choose from a variety of themed adult and kid-friendly beverages.

The Art Bar is a lot of fun because the drinks are unique and there is a resident ‘Artist-in-residence’ that keeps things lively!

6. Crystal River Rapids

GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Gaylord Palms is home to an AWESOME new not-so-lazy river called Crystal River Rapids that is such a great addition to the Crystal Springs Water Park!

Inspired by spring-fed Florida rivers, Crystal River Rapids takes guests on an exhilarating ride as they twist and turn through speeding currents at three-and-a-half feet per second. As guests race past roaring waterfalls, crumbling limestone walls, and larger-than-life sprinkling leaves, they will encounter thrilling water activations that will immerse them in the nature of Florida. With a state-of-the-art sound system, heated water for year-round enjoyment, and alcoves that allow guests to stop and take in the stunning views of Cypress Springs Water Park, this new action river adventure will allow for endless family-fun.

While I probably did about 30 laps around the Crystal River Rapids, I have to say that it was just as nice to sit in the alcoves and wait for Zoe to zoom by.

7. Commitment to Clean

When the Gaylord Palms Resort reopened in summer 2020, it debuted a variety of protocols and elevated practices in line with their high standards of cleanliness and excellent service that their STARs take VERY seriously.

I am BEYOND excited to say that the Gaylord Palm has sustained their high levels of cleanliness since our stay in July!

To find out more about Once Upon a Spring and how to book your resort stay, visit the Gaylord Palms website.

If you are looking for more pictures from our Spring It On staycation at the Gaylord Palms, check out our @onthegoinmco Instagram highlights!!!

Spring it On at the Gaylord Palms

The Gaylord Palms Resort is always finding new ways to entertain their guests, and now they are ready to Spring It On from March 12 to May 16 with an itinerary of family-friendly events and activities to welcome the spring season.

As a Spring Break Getaway with Easter events, Once Upon a Spring programming, activities, and an interactive show that brings classic fairy tales to life, and the all-new Crystal River Rapids action river, the resort will provide the perfect springtime retreat.

To celebrate the magic and creativity of the season, the interactive show Paint Me A Fairytale will take guests on an enchanted adventure as Mother Goose uses her magic paintbrush to bring the pages of storybook favorites to life, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and The Princess and The Pea. Through each classic story, guests will learn that magic lives within all of us when we treat others with kindness and have courage to tell the truth. As a special keepsake, guests will take home a custom watercolor paint set and coloring book featuring characters from the show. To allow for social distancing, capacity will be limited and advance online reservations are required.

Also coming to this year’s programming is the Eggspression Garden, an imaginative walkthrough experience featuring blossoming tulips, gigantic Easter eggs, a massive chocolate bunny and five additional spring-themed photo opportunities. Plus, colorful craft cocktails and mocktails, whimsical paintings and more will delight guests in the ART Bar.

And, just in time for spring break, guests can experience Crystal River Rapids, the thrilling new action river attraction opening March 1 at Cypress Springs Water Park.

This exhilarating water ride will twist and turn guests through speeding currents at three-and-a-half feet per second as they race past roaring waterfalls, crumbling limestone walls and larger-than-life leaves. Guest can take in the stunning views of Cypress Springs Water Park from the river’s alcove, cabanas, spas or premium pool seating.

And, just in time for spring break, guests can experience Crystal River Rapids, the thrilling new action river attraction opening March 1 at Cypress Springs Water Park. This exhilarating water ride will twist and turn guests through speeding currents at three-and-a-half feet per second as they race past roaring waterfalls, crumbling limestone walls and larger-than-life leaves. Guest can take in the stunning views of Cypress Springs Water Park from the river’s alcove, cabanas, spas or premium pool seating.

Additional Once Upon a Spring Activities:

During the Springtime Pool Party, guests can enjoy fun in the sun with pool games, prizes, sing-a-longs and line dances at Cypress Springs Water Park. The ideal setting for family-fun, Cypress Springs features a brand-new action river attraction, zero-entry family pool, treehouse water play structure with four water slides, Big Cypress tower with an AquaDrop slide and two racing slides, and The Wake Zone Double FlowRider with a surfable, simulated wave.
Guests can explore the resort’s 4.5 acres of indoor gardens with seasonally themed Scavenger Hunts.

Meet the Easter Bunny while enjoying a delicious breakfast in the newly renovated Villa de Flora during the Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny Character Breakfast on select dates through April 4. On Easter day, guests can enjoy a specialty brunch at Villa de Flora.
On select dates through April 4, guests can get creative and enjoy a sweet treat by decorating either an Easter egg or bunny cookie in the Cookie Decorating experience. Plus, after decorating, guests can meet the Easter Bunny himself!

Join the resort’s exclusive characters Seth the Sea Turtle, Ava the Alligator and everyone’s favorite Adventure Kid Sophie as they explore the splendor of springtime in the interactive live show Adventure Kids: Sprout into Spring.
High above the indoor gardens, the atrium “skies” will be bright with the Springtime Light Display, as giant LED light curtains vividly display flowers blooming, bunny rabbits scurrying, shooting stars and spring-colored kaleidoscopes.

Enjoy up-close Animal Encounters with critters from Wild Florida’s nearby zoological park and learn more about the Florida eco-system and the animals’ unique personalities.
From the comfort of their guest room, families can enjoy an interactive video on their in-room TV that follows the classic story of Peter Rabbit in Adventure Kids: Bedtime Bunny Tales.

Plus, Relâche Spa is offering a Springtime Renewal special from March 1 – April 30 that allows guests to receive a $25 spa boutique credit and $25 off a future service with the purchase of any 50-minute or longer massage, facial or body treatment.

Once Upon a Spring activities are available on select dates, including March 12-20, 25-27, April 1-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30 and May 1, 7-8 and 14-15, 2021.

In celebration of the season, the resort is offering a special package with rates from $199. The package includes overnight accommodations, a Scavenger Hunt booklet and tickets to the Paint Me A Fairytale interactive show.

For more information, CLICK HERE. Individual tickets for select spring activities are also on sale.

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the resort’s spring events and activities have been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration with the latest local, state and federal legislation.

Pirate and Princess Weekends Return to Gaylord Palms Resort

The Gaylord Palms Resort is welcoming guests to enjoy a bounty of family-fun both inside the resort’s atriums and outside at Cypress Springs Water Park during their Pirate and Princess Weekends until March 7, 2021.

Pirate and Princess Weekends invites guests to join the story of the Captain and his crew of notorious pirates who have plundered the Florida Coast in search of The Princess’s priceless treasure. The pirates have made Gaylord Palms Resort their outpost commandeering the resort’s Everglades Swamp, and guests will get to embark on their own adventure as they choose to take the pirate oath or become an honorary princess or prince for the day.

This year several new Pirate and Princess Weekend activities have been added to the line-up of swashbuckling fun that includes the Pirate Pool Party with Jolly Roger, the Princess Academy show where tales of The Princess and the Swordmistress are brought to life, and an exciting journey with Adventure Kid Sophie and friends as they explore the natural world we live in during Adventure Kids: Join the Club.

The new Pirate Outpost Invasion deep in the newly established Everglades Outpost is an interactive show experience where guests will hear tales of adventure, swashbuckling music, and enjoy a sip of The Captain’s brew. But take heed, because the pirates have made anchor in a nearby harbor and could invade at any time! Experience includes special pirate keepsakes. To allow for social distancing, tickets will be time-specific and capacity will be limited.

Guests can wet their whistle among relics from past treasure hunting voyages and the pirates who scoured the seven seas to retrieve them in the resort’s new, hidden Pirate Speakeasy. These crafted cocktails are fit for a true buccaneer.

In addition to the Pirate and Princess Weekends events, resort guests can enjoy several daily activities.

The Princess’s Shiny Stash Treasure Hunt leads guests throughout 4.5 acres of the resort’s indoor gardens to find the precious treasures hidden from the Princess’s kingdom. But be careful, because pirates love treasure!

As night falls, guests will want to watch high above the trees inside the resort’s St. Augustine Atrium to see the Pirate & Princess Light Display. Each night colorful lights and imagery of swords clashing, waves crashing, pirate ships, crowns, tiaras, and brilliant jewels will appear creating the perfect close to a day of an exciting adventure.

The Wildlife Rescue Experience is a virtual adventure that guides guests throughout the resort to track down endangered species and help ensure that they are monitored for their protection. The experience highlights indigenous animals from Florida and, with the magic of augmented reality, brings them to life before the participants’ eyes.

In celebration of Pirate and Princess Weekends, the resort is offering a special package starting at $189. The package includes overnight accommodations, a Princess’s Shiny Stash Treasure Hunt Booklet, and tickets to the new Pirate Outpost Invasion interactive show. The package excludes resort fee and parking.

For more information, visit CLICK HERE.

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, Pirate and Princess Weekends has been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration of the latest local, state, and federal legislation.

Gaylord Palms Announces Partnership with Wild Florida

Gaylord Palms Partnership with Wild Florida

The Gaylord Palms is pleased to announce Wild Florida as the resort’s new wildlife partner, providing brand-new educational and interactive guest experiences, including up-close animal encounters and live shows.

For almost two decades, Gaylord Palms has become known for its 4.5-acres of atrium-enclosed gardens with thousands of tropical plants and several species of animals that are native to Florida. With this new partnership, Wild Florida is providing access to many of these unique species including alligators and snakes.

“We are very excited that Wild Florida is our new wildlife partner because they provide a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests,” said General Manager of Gaylord Palms Johann Krieger. “Their family-friendly experiences allow our guests to learn more about Florida’s diverse ecosystem and get up-close with unique animals, all while exploring the rest of our resort’s distinctive environment.”

Educational and interactive guest experiences Wild Florida is providing include:

20 alligators that live inside the resort’s St. Augustine atrium habitat, Gator Springs
Six hatchlings, also known as baby gators or “grunts,” that have a home in the Everglades atrium
Four snakes that guests can see in Sawgrass Place, located within our Everglades atrium
Live gator feedings with a Wild Florida representative at Gator Springs at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday
Up-close animal encounters with critters from Wild Florida’s nearby zoological park on select days

Plus, each experience is complimentary for overnight guests, allowing them to enjoy the lush gardens and native species at any time throughout their stay.

“Gaylord Palms Resort is an amazing world-class facility,” said Sam Haught, Co-owner of Wild Florida. “We are grateful to partner with a company that shares our same passion for inspiring visitors to make a connection with Florida’s wildlife.”

In accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” practices, the resort provides enhanced cleaning technology, hospital-grade disinfectants, attendants dedicated to sanitizing frequently throughout the day, social distancing protocols, and hundreds of new cleaning processes to take care of guests while they enjoy the resort’s amenities.

For more information about Wild Florida’s new educational and interactive experiences, visit the resort’s website.

Our Christmas at Gaylord Palms Adventure

Disclosure: I was invited by the Gaylord Palms Resort to experience Christmas at Gaylord Palms, but all opinions and overuse of exclamation points are all my own!!!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms has become a valued holiday tradition in my family over the years, and the holiday season begins for us when we walk through the revolving doors of the resort.

There’s a special magic to their larger-than-life celebrations!!!

And with it being 2020 we were nervous about what that would mean for our beloved tradition, but I’m BEYONDDDD excited to say that their magic is still there and even more joyful than before.

Commitment to Clean

The Gaylord Palms Resort STARS really have gone above and beyond when it comes to making their guests feel comfortable with enhanced cleaning procedures and new contact-less service options.

There’s absolutely NOTHING like waking up to this view…

Or taking a moment to sit on your atrium balcony at the end of your day.

See? That’s some holiday Magic right there!!!

I Love Christmas Movies

This year the new I Love Christmas Movies takes you through 17,000 square feet of holiday movie magic.

A Production assistant takes you and another party through iconic movie scenes from THE POLAR EXPRESS, A CHRISTMAS STORY, ELF, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS.

We had a great time enjoying the interactive elements, and went through several times during our stay!

It’s a unique experience chocked full of fun movie facts, movie replicas, special effects, and fun photo opportunities.

We had a great time, and our PA was awesome at helping us snap family photos!

Just make sure to hit your mark!

I do have to say that I was super excited to see the Nativity scene they created to keep the tradition going…

And for the return of ICE! in 2021!!!

Snow Factory

While the Snow Factory has looooong been a favorite stop for us, this year the area has been completely been redesigned.

Let’s start with the slides!!!

This year 6 slides made of REAL ice let guests can choose their thrill experience! There’s the speed slide for a race to the bottom or the opportunity to brave the “ice coaster” plummet.

Then our favorite…the Snowball Build & Blast lets families compete to see who can make the best snowballs out of ice AND how accurately they can throw them.

We are a SUPER competitive family, so we played as much as we could during our stay!!!

Explore the Alpine Village

The Alpine Village is really the heart of Christmas at Gaylord Palms, and this year the village has been designed with more room for social distancing with the same amount of fun!

Zoe was stoked for her annual visit to the Build A Bear Workshop! She always makes a special friend, and this year it was awesome to see costumes that tied to the movies in I Love Christmas Movies!

Why yes…that is a Cousin Eddie outfit for your Build A Bear!!!

And you can’t sleep on the outfits that are exclusive to the Gaylord Palms Resort!

Also tucked into the Alpine Village are fun, hands-on experiences.

We had a blast in the Elf Training Academy making ornaments.

You seriously aren’t shocked that I monogrammed mine…right?

And we created our annual Gingerbread house with Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man!

PRO-TIP: At the entrance to the Alpine Sweet Shop, you will find bags of candy to purchase. Our bag was less than $3 and having the extra options made the decorating process less stressful. It was AWESOME!!!

Help the Grinch

A staple of every event at the Gaylord Palms Resort is their scavenger hunt, and this year you get the explore the beautifully decorated resort to help The Grinch.

The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt lets families solve puzzles together for a great prize.

Time together + holiday fun + the opportunity to walk-off and earn more holiday treats = Priceless

Amazing Entertainment

Christmas at Gaylord Palms has gone out of its way to maintain its fantastic entertainment schedule in a safe environment for performers and audience members.

Cirque Dreams Unwrapped is once again filling the St. Augustine Atrium Stage with thrilling acts several times a night.

The Greatest Story, a multicultural, musical journey celebrating the story of Christ, will fill your heart with the holiday spirit.

Christmas atChristmas at Gaylord Palms 2020 Gaylord Palms 2020

And you won’t want to miss the #LIT light show featuring thousands of sparkling lights, a larger-than-life Christmas Tree, and holiday music.

Tickets and Packages

Tickets and overnight Christmas packages including admission into the I Love Christmas Movies experience are available now at ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com and ILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com.

Online advance reservations are required for all ticketed Christmas at Gaylord Palms events and face-coverings must be worn at all times during activities.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms 2020

The Gaylord Palms Resort, located in Kissimmee, Florida, has been inviting guests to enjoy their interactive and immersive holiday experiences for almost two decades, and this season Christmas at Gaylord Palms, happening daily from November 13, 2020, until January 3, 2021, includes a full line-up of new and returning favorites.

New Holiday Experiences Debut

For the 2020 holiday season, the marquee attraction is a new experience called I Love Christmas Movies, a multi-sensory pop-up exhibition created in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Once inside of the exhibition, guests will find that they have stepped into 15 fully immersive scenes with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more from such beloved holiday movies as THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™.

The Snow Factory will also be opening during Christmas at Gaylord Palms to transport guests into a winter wonderland filled with chilly fun including Snow Flow Mountain and the Snowball Build and Blast.

Returning Holiday Favorites

When guests return to Christmas at Gaylord Palms, in addition to the 4.5 acres of indoor atriums decorated for the holidays they will find many of their favorite holiday experiences.

Cirque Dreams Unwrapped will awe audiences multiple times a night with unique acts during their live performances on the St. Augustine Stage.

The Greatest Story, a multicultural, musical journey celebrating the story of Christ, will fill your heart with the holiday spirit.

The newly reopened Villa de Flora is home to breakfast with character…a mean, green one…The Grinch.

At the Elf Training Academy, kids will see if they have what it takes to be one of Santa’s helpers.

The St. Augustine atrium will be #LIT with a light show featuring sparkling lights, a larger-than-life Christmas Tree, and holiday music.

Join Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man in the Gingerbread Decorating Corner to create holiday-themed gingerbread cookies or a complete gingerbread house.

Get your list ready, because you can meet Santa in a redesigned space with photographers on-hand to capture the moment in a socially-distanced way.

Christmas classics and traditions are celebrated with the retelling of “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” an immersive Storytime with The Nutcracker’s Sugarplum Fairy, and Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, a holiday sing-along.

This year’s holiday-themed scavenger hunt, The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt, will help the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes by showing him the meaning of the season.

The Christmas at Gaylord Palms season closes out with The Journey of Los Tres Reyes Magos live show taking place December 27, 2020, to January 3, 2021. Guests will join the Three Kings in a musical celebration as they retell the Christmas story and the celebrations surrounding it, including Las Posadas and el Día de Los Reyes.

Tickets and Packages

Tickets and overnight Christmas packages including admission into the I Love Christmas Movies experience are available now at ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com and ILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com.

Online advance reservations are required for all ticketed Christmas at Gaylord Palms events.

For more information about the Gaylord Palms ‘Commitment to Clean’ program with enhanced protocols, visit gaylordhotelsclean.marriott.com.

Considering a stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort? You can find out more about our latest stay here.

Our Stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort

Disclosure: This video was made during a hosted stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort. However, all opinions and exclamation points are 100% my own.

The Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee is one of my family’s favorite places for a staycation, and since the resort reopened earlier this year they have implemented a variety of new protocols and elevated practices in line with their high standards of cleanliness and excellent service.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect during your next stay at the resort!

Face Covering Policy

Per county ordinances, face coverings must be worn when you are in all public spaces.

However, face coverings are not required while eating or drinking in a restaurant, exercising in the fitness center, enjoying the pools or water attractions, or while seated in a socially-distanced pool chair (more on the pool chair in a moment).

Checking in at the Gaylord Palms Resort

The check-in desks have some new additions as you would expect, but the resort is also encouraging guests to take advantage of the contactless service provided by the Marriott Bonvoy App that is free to download.

With the Marriott Bonvoy app, you can check-in to your room, use your phone as a mobile key, and chat with associates for everything from room service to ordering amenities.

Travel with Confidence

Throughout the resort you will see information and visual cues, such as social distancing markers, to help ensure the Gaylord Palms is a safe environment for your family to enjoy.

Also, you will notice the presence of the on-site custodial staff. The resort already has an existing rigorous cleaning protocol, and now it has been enhanced with a requirement that surfaces must be treated with hospital-grade disinfectants with an increased frequency.

Housekeeping Services

When we arrived at our room, we found that it was as lovely as ever with the addition of hand sanitizer and an additional wipe.

It is important to note that the resort has implemented an “upon request only” housekeeping service and no STARS are permitted into guest rooms while a guest is present unless for emergency reasons.

Cypress Springs Water Park at the Gaylord Palms Resort

The highlight of any visit to the Gaylord Palms for my family is spending time at the Cypress Springs Water Park!!!

But to allow guests to have a comfortable experience with proper social distancing they are limiting the pool’s capacity on a first-come-first-served basis.

This system also includes guidelines on the distribution of wrist bands to access the facilities:

Guests who have booked a guest room with two queen beds will receive four wristbands allowing access to the pools.
Guests who have booked a king guest room will receive two wristbands allowing access to the pools.
Guests who have booked a suite will receive five wristbands allowing access to the pools.

If the pool is as important to you as it is to our family, I would suggest upgrading to Premium Pool Seating.

Overall we had a fantastic stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort that was really no different than anything we have ever experienced at the resort!

The STARS were all welcoming and courteous, the food was awesome (try the totchos at Wrecker’s…you’ll thank me later), and we felt extremely comfortable and safe.

If you are considering a stay to experience Christmas at the Gaylord Palms, you won’t regret it!

I Love Christmas Movies Coming to Gaylord Palms

I Love Christmas Movies Gaylord Palms Resort Christmas 2020

As the holiday season approaches, Gaylord Palms is excited to announce a new one-of-a-kind marquee Christmas pop-up experience that will debut November 13, 2020, and run through January 3, 2021. Called I Love Christmas Movies, the new experience presents a multi-sensory exhibition in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products allowing guests to experience beloved holiday movies in a completely new way.

The new pop-up experience anchors Gaylord Palms’ lineup of renowned annual Christmas programming, promising an enchanting holiday celebration this year.

With the unveiling of the new, I Love Christmas Movies immersive pop-up experience, visitors will enjoy enhanced holiday fun and delights as they discover this exclusive activity offered only at Gaylord Hotels for a limited time.

I Love Christmas Movies presents a fully immersive exhibit featuring key moments from some of the most iconic Warner Bros. Pictures Christmas movies including THE POLAR EXPRESS, A CHRISTMAS STORY, ELF, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS.

As guests young and young at heart navigate the multi-sensory exhibits, they will enjoy over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more, making participants feel as if they have stepped into the part of the actual story. Guests will travel with Buddy the Elf from Santa’s North Pole workshop to New York City; take photos in front of the Griswold’s house adorned with thousands of Christmas lights; and more.

For almost two decades, Gaylord Palms has become legendary for providing magical holiday events and activities for winter visitors to experience, and this year will be no different.

A lineup of additional signature activities and experiences visitors have come to know and love over the years is being developed and will be featured alongside the new I Love Christmas Movies experience.

With a full lineup to be announced soon, visitors can look forward to experiences such as ice tubing, scavenger hunts, gingerbread decorating, elf training academy, holiday stage shows, and much more, all

to be enjoyed within acres of airy indoor atriums decorated with millions of twinkling holiday lights, towering Christmas trees, and thousands of shimmering ornaments.

“The holidays are the perfect time of year to make memories with friends and family, and we know that this year more than ever, guests will be looking for places where they can celebrate the magic of the season in a safe environment,” said General Manager Johann Krieger. “This year we are excited to present the new I Love Christmas Movies experience, along with our other amazing events and activities our guests have come to know and love.”

As the safety of guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the Christmas at Gaylord Palms program is being developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social-distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration with the latest local, state and federal legislation.

Overnight Christmas packages including admission into the I Love Christmas Movies immersive pop-up experience are available to book now. Tickets for all the events and activities for Christmas at Gaylord Palms will go on sale in early October.

For more information about the I Love Christmas Movies pop-up and Christmas programming, visit ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com, which will be updated with this year’s lineup soon.

You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Gobblins & Giggles Returns to the Gaylord Palms

Gobblins and Giggles Halloween 2020 Gaylord Palms Resort

This fall, guests are invited to Gaylord Palms Resort to experience a memorable family vacation by enjoying the resort’s Goblins & Giggles celebration, occurring weekends September 11 through October 31, 2020.

Goblins & Giggles Getaway Weekends offers a wide array of family-friendly activations from spooky animal encounters and a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt to wicked pool fun and a meet and greet with Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Most of the activations take place Friday through Sunday.

In celebration of Goblins & Giggles, the resort is offering a special package starting at $189. The package includes overnight accommodations, a Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt booklet and tickets to the new Castillo de San Marcos ALIVE! Ghost Experience. The package excludes resort fee and parking.

Weekend events and activities include:

NEW! Castillo de San Marcos ALIVE! Ghost Experience features live storytellers who recount real-life ghost stories for all who are brave enough to listen. Guests will explore the fort’s stone walls and encounter the spirits who remain trapped within. Includes an imaginative walkthrough experience transporting visitors of all ages through a world of Halloween Jack-o-Lantern fun.
NEW! The resort’s haunted hideaway SpookEasy offers spine-chilling craft cocktails and a spooky collection of terrifying, ghostly artwork procured by owner’s past. *This haunt is PG-13 due to graphic spooky activations inside.*
NEW! Meet and Greet with Spookley the Square Pumpkin at a fun photo op. One day in the pumpkin patch, the strangest little pumpkin hatched. Spookley the Pumpkin was different. All the other pumpkins teased him, until Spookley proved that being different can save the day.
Spooky Animal Encounters provides guests with the opportunity to conquer their fears by getting up-close to live animals and learn about common myths surrounding some of the world’s most misunderstood creatures.
Guests, young and young at heart, can explore the resort during a Trick-or-Treat Expedition, with stops throughout the resort for some deliciously spooky treats.
Seth the Sea Turtle, Ava the Alligator and everyone’s favorite Adventure Kid Sophie explore Florida’s creepier flora and fauna during Adventure Kids: A Spooky Celebration.
Families can hang out poolside with the Halloween host with the most Jack O’ Lantern for some Wicked Awesome Pool Fun in the sun.
Spend the evening at Moonlight Movies watching family-friendly movies on the resort’s pool screen at Cypress Springs Water Park.

Daily activities include:

The Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Spookley found eight spooktacular hiding spots at the resort for his game of Halloween Hide & Seek. Guests solve puzzles to find each clue’s missing word and then use the clues to find Spookley.
The Wildlife Rescue Experience guides guests throughout the resort to track down endangered species and help ensure that they are monitored for their protection. The virtual adventure highlights indigenous animals from Florida and, with the magic of augmented reality, brings them to life before the participants’ eyes.
From the comfort of their guest room, families can enjoy two interactive Halloween videos: Bedtime Stories with Morgana, a treat-making witch from Spooksville, and Monster Mash Bash with Vlad the Vampire.
The Phantom of the Atrium Light Display is a haunting masterpiece filled with mystery, mischief and, of course, magic in the St. Augustine atrium sky.

Guests can relax and unwind at Cypress Springs Water Park & Resort Pools, which feature a zero-entry swimming pool, multi-level water playground, racing slides, a drop slide and a FlowRider surf simulator. The pool experience, an exclusive amenity for hotel guests has been upgraded to implement new cleanliness and social distancing measures, while balancing the aquatic experience guests have come to love. In addition to spaced seating, guests can rent a private cabana for the day including shaded seating, a flat-screen television, refrigerator, and snacks. Premium guaranteed pool seating is also available for purchase.

For more information or Goblins & Giggles events and overnight room packages, visit GaylordPalms.com.

Summerfest 2020 at the Gaylord Palms Resort

DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Gaylord Palms Resort to stay at the resort with my family to experience SummerFest. All opinions are completely my own.

The Gaylord Palms Resort has always been a special place for my family, and this summer the resort is welcoming back guests in a big way with their Summerfest offerings!

Safety is Key

Guests at the Gaylord Palms will find that Marriott has implemented a new Travel with Confidence Program that welcomes back guests with enhanced cleaning procedures, safety and social distancing reminders throughout the resort, and extra in-room amenities.

Discovering fun around the Resort

A staple of celebrations at the Gaylord Palms Resort has been their scavenger hunts, and the Florida Scavenger Hunt is not for the faint of heart.

We are looking for the best and brightest Florida Explorers to pass on the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully explore the interesting, incredible, and sometimes treacherous state of Florida. Your journey begins inside the 4.5-acre atrium, filled to the brim with Flora (plant-life) and Fauna (animal-life) from all over the state. To succeed in becoming a real-life Florida explorer, you will need to navigate through the atrium and learn about unique plants, animals, and historical landmarks. Good Luck!

The Florida Scavenger Hunt, $9.99 plus tax at the Pool Towel Hut, is available for guests to do at their leisure, but don’t be fooled…this one isn’t a walk in the atrium! (See what I did there…)

Illuminated Evenings

Every evening at 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm the St. Augustine Atrium lights up with a celebration of all things ‘Florida’ in a way you’ve never seen before!!!

This multisensory celebration of the Sunshine State will excite and amaze with an epic musical score set to millions of choreographed lights. Take a journey from the swamplands to the beach, and enjoy all Florida has to offer!

While I could have watched the show from my balcony (super cool, right?), I opted for a private viewing from underneath in the atrium.

Either way, you can’t go wrong!!!

Fun in the Sun

You can’t celebrate something like Summerfest without a trip to the Cypress Springs Waterpark!

While the pools, slides, and kiddie play area are amazing, this summer you can experience a fab pool party with DJ Sunny on Fridays and Saturdays.

ALSO, they now have reserved seating that takes the hassle out of finding a great seat at the pool.

Trust me, once you get there no one will want to leave!!!

These are just a few of the Summerfest offerings that my family enjoyed during our stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort, but there are so many more ways you can explore this celebration!

And on top of all of these things, you can take advantage of some AMAZING deals for your vacation on their official website.

We all agree that Summerfest is definitely a 10/10 experience!!!