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Our trip to the North Pole...

AKA...our road trip the Gaylord National Resort & ICE!

By Lani M. November 29, 2010
I am not exactly sure where to start, or how to make sure I cover everything...but here it goes.  Gaylord National Resort invited my family and me to come review their Christmas on the Potomac package.  I have only been to National Harbor once since it opened several years ago.  I have always thought of it as just a little too far away for a day trip, but boy was I wrong.  We made it to the Gaylord in about an hour, even while sitting in terrible construction traffic.  With all the crazy new horror stories coming from the TSA, the thought of a mini-vacation that doesn't involve airports, trains, or a serious road trip was also very appealing.


We arrived on Saturday, and started with a beautiful walk through the main entrance.  Tons of beautiful Christmas trees adorn the lobby and give you your first peak at what is to come.  The hotel decor is beautiful and classic.  We decided to start in the Atrium, The main focal point is a 60 foot glass Christmas tree crafted of 108 individual holly leaves.  Every night at 6 and 9 there is a tree lighting show which is amazing!  Not only does the Christmas tree light, but the fountains dance, the trees all sparkle, the northern lights above glow and all of this is choreographed to beautiful music.  Under the tree, you'll find the Potomac Express, an adorable miniature train.  I would recommend buying the 3 rides for $5, as one trip was not enough for any of the kids I saw.  The Brightest Star Fountain Show also takes place in the Atrium.  During the show, you'll hear a heartwarming narration of the classic Christmas story and watch as choreographed water "dances" to the music.  The show takes place nightly at 7, 8 and 9pm.  The fountain also runs 2-3 minute shows throughout the day from 11am to 5pm.  In addition to all of this, it actually snows in the Atrium every night at 6:15 and 9:15pm.  Don't worry, you don't get wet, but it really does snow!  It is so cool and definitely not to miss!

Make sure to take your time walking around the Atrium so you can check five of the most beloved Dr. Seuss character sculptures.  If you have older kids with you, there is even a polar bear scavenger hunt (pick up the free forms at the kiosk by the main lobby).  While I think it would be a little too tough for a toddler, my guess is that kids five and up would be really into it.  My husband and I decided to try and find the bears.  I got lucky and found a group of teenage girls that led me to the one bear I was missing, which was great since some of them are really well hidden!

Finally, make sure to look up!  There is a Northern Lights display nightly from 5 to 10pm.  There are 50-150-foot curtains hanging from the ceiling over the atrium.  Choreographed to music, the lights appear to "dance" and the colors change overheard just like the real Northern Lights.

Be sure to bring a cute outfit for your little one if you want to get a picture with Santa and/or the Grinch.  Each of these will cost you $14.99 (or more depending on what you buy).  Another option is to reserve space at Brunch with Santa or Breakfast with the Grinch during your visit...but do so early as these sell out quickly.

On to our ICE! experience... I was really not sure what to expect when I read about the ICE! show on the Gaylord website.  I will admit that at almost $30 per person (for adults), I had my doubts.  I just could not imagine how anything made of ice could really be that cool (pun not intended!).  But this was awesome!  To give you a general idea, ICE! is made of 2 million pounds of ice and takes 40 artisans from China about 40 days to hand-carve.  The show consists of 10 wintertime scenes along with four slides (three of which are two stories high).  Nine of the rooms take you through the beloved Dr. Seuss' story "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  The final room is a bigger-than-life crystal nativity scene.

While the price might seem steep, children under 3 are free, and there are discounted tickets for seniors and military.  If you can make it during the week, you can also save yourself some money.  I'd also say buy your tickets online to ensure you get in, and to save yourself from standing in one of the several lines.  Make sure you go to the bathroom before you turn over your tickets so you don't lose your place in line.  I want to give those of you who have never been to ICE! a heads up on the lines.  They were not terrible for us opening weekend, but I have heard they can get very busy as we get closer to Christmas (probably another good reason to try and go during the week if you can pull it off).  Once you turn in your tickets, you will walk through a maze with the most impressive Dr. Seuss memorabilia I have ever seen.  There are original sketches, painting, artwork and more.  Once you walk through this line, you will then be in front of a huge screen where you can find out more about how the exhibit was made (this is actually really interesting and helps to pass the time pretty quickly).  You will continue moving along while the short film plays.  By now, you will be seeing a counter where people are handing out the most stylish blue parkas you have ever seen.  OK, maybe not so stylish, but SUPER warm, and you will need them.  The ICE! exhibit is kept at a frigid 9 degrees!  It actually feels very refreshing, but be sure to wear the parka, and bring gloves!  Also be sure to wear long pants and closed toed shoes.

OK, now you have your jackets and are lined up to go into the exhibit.  You will be lined up and now you have to go through the revolving door to go into the exhibit.  One last stop for the little ones to be told not to touch the carvings....and you are in!!!  Now is when you will appreciate that you were held up a few times because they only let so many people come in at once.  This will really let you enjoy the exhibit, take pictures and get the full experience.  Even the line for the slides moved pretty quickly.

Go slowly, take pictures and take it all in.  And think about the fact this was all carved by hand...amazing!

Once you have thoroughly enjoyed your stroll through the story of the Grinch, you will exit into a large store with Seuss and Christmas goodies.  Then you can hit the skating rink (at an additional cost) or go and listen to the carolers.

So...what is my recommendation...GO!  But, I would say make it at least a half day trip.  If I were planning your trip, I would say buy tickets to ICE! for about 3pm...then head over to the Gaylord and walk around the atrium, enjoy the tree lighting, snowfall and more.  If you have budgeted well...go for the full package and stay the night ...and get a room facing the atrium!  It is amazing to look out at night and feel like you're looking at the North Pole.  My 3 year old was literally transported...first when we entered the hotel lobby, then when we took the escalator down to the lower level of the atrium, then when we got into ICE! and yet again when he looked out over the atrium from our balcony.

If you don't have the time or the money to stay overnight....take a trip up to the 14th floor using the glass elevators.  Walk towards the rooms and look for the glass doors that lead to a balcony.  You will get a beautiful bird's eye-view of the atrium.

Before going, I would strongly recommend checking out the Gaylor National website to plan out which activities you are most interested in, purchase tickets, make reservations, etc.  I would also recommend if staying overnight that you make dinner reservations!  When we went on Saturday night, everywhere had a wait of at least an hour.  If you do find yourself in this situation, there are hot dog and pretzel stands located in the center of the National Harbor...while it may be a last resort...at least it will tide the little ones over!