Gaylord Texan Tells the Timeless Tale of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" in ICE

Annual ICE! attraction delights visitors with a life-size Who-ville created from two million pounds of hand-carved ice.

Grapevine, Texas—( June 30, 2009 ) In celebration of its fifth year hosting the awe-inspiring ICE! attraction, Gaylord Texan brings to life the 1957 Dr. Seuss holiday classic "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!"  In a series of scenes straight out of the original storybook pages, Gaylord Texan’s ICE! attraction will brilliantly showcase how the "Whoville-hating" Grinch with a heart two sizes too small learns the true meaning of Christmas. In mid-October, 40 master artisans will travel to Gaylord Texan from Harbin, China – otherwise known as the world’s "ice city" for its spectacular outdoor ice sculptures.  Transforming 5,000 blocks of ice weighing 2 MILLION POUNDS into the colorful city of Who-ville will take the carvers approximately 30 days. Visitors to the 14,000-square-foot ICE! attraction will feel as though they have been transported to the North Pole as they bundle up in warm parkas to enter this one-of-a-kind winter wonderland kept at wintry 9 degrees. From the Grinch’s mountaintop lair and 20-foot high ice slides to the picturesque Who-ville complete with feasting Whos and the Grinch’s loyal canine Max, the enchanting experience will make more hearts than just the Grinch’s grow three sizes.

"This classic Christmas story has been loved by the generations and makes a perfect addition to the magical winter wonderland we create each holiday season," said John Imaizumi, Gaylord Texan’s Senior Vice President and General Manager. "And our Grapevine destination, recently named the official Christmas capital of Texas, could not be a better home for Who-ville." 

Gaylord Texan’s famed ICE! attraction featuring "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" is presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by Reliant Energy and Häagen-Dazs.  Doors will open Thursday, November 12th, 2009 and remain open through Sunday, January 3rd, 2010.  For more information on ICE! attraction hours and pricing, please call Gaylord Texan at (817) 778-1000 or visit www.gaylordtexan.com.

Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan
The ICE! attraction is just one of many activities taking place this holiday season during Gaylord Texan’s annual Lone Star Christmas event.  Visitors to the resort will discover breathtaking holiday décor including 1.5 million holiday lights, presented by Reliant Energy, and 30 seven-foot tall ornaments strung from the top of its glass roof; a 50-foot tall rotating Christmas tree; miniature train sets;
14-foot tall decorated cowboy boots; a life-size gingerbread house; Santa’s workshop; and dozens of lavish holiday displays including 2,300 feet of garland, 5,600 wreaths, and 10,000 ornaments.

A variety of amusing holiday entertainers will also be present and include Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, toy soldier stilt walkers, singing cowboys, and more.

Lone Star Christmas Room Package
Visitors can enjoy all of Gaylord Texan’s holiday offerings with its special Lone Star Christmas room package.  Beginning at $179 per night, the package includes luxury room accommodations, breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children in Riverwalk Café, self-parking, and the resort fee.  Those who purchase a Lone Star Christmas room package before September 7, 2009, will receive discounted rates beginning at just $159 per night. Rates are subject to change and availability.  Reservations can be made by calling Gaylord Texan Reservations at (817) 778-2000 or by visiting www.gaylordtexan.com.

FUN FACT

ICE! featuring the Grinch is not the only one "going green" this year! As part of Gaylord Texan’s continued commitment to energy conservation, over 80% of the Lone Star Christmas holiday lights are now LED.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Martha Neibling, Director of Public Relations at mneibling@gaylordhotels.com or (817) 778-1145.  High-resolution images and media tours available upon request.