February 14, 2023
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Spring is blooming at Gaylord Palms as the 64-acre resort hotel prepares for its annual "Once Upon a Spring" celebration from March 3-May 14, 2023. The event features plenty of oversized pastel eggs, activities in the new Adventure Kids' Clubhouse, an Easter Day Buffet, a pirate escape room, themed scavenger hunt and everyone's favorite holiday hares, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.
Here's a look at the special events and activities in this year's springtime spotlight:
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 selfguided 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 10 stations, including antipasto, house-made breads, 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. Cost is $75 per adult, and $35 per children 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.
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 take place at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Search for AR Animals in Mobile Game
Gaylord Palms Resort transforms into a virtual animal safari for families to discover and learn about endangered animals in Wildlife Rescue, a game played at the resort that tracks animals from around the globe. The adventure, which takes place in a free app on guests' smartphones, brings each animal to life via augmented reality and allows guests to pose for a sharable photo with their new wildlife discovery.
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.
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. Open year-round, the water park features waterslides for adults and children, a multi-level kids' water playground, two swimming pools, surf simulator, hot tubs and an action river attraction. Cypress Springs Water Park is an exclusive amenity for overnight guests of Gaylord Palms Resort.
In case of spring showers, guests can find all sorts of fun activities throughout the indoor garden atrium. In addition to the special events, activities and décor during the Once Upon a Spring celebration, guests can take a relaxing stroll through acres of plants, flowers, waterfalls, streams and Florida wildlife.
Across the resort, guests find a world of cuisine in a variety of diverse restaurants, including gourmet steaks at Old Hickory Steakhouse, fresh, sustainable and local seafood at MOOR, classic pub favorites at Wreckers Sports Bar, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Villa de Flora's buffet.
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.
ABOUT GAYLORD PALMS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center offers a mix of entertainment both inside and out, creating a superior guest experience in one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Guests are welcomed to the resort's 4.5-acre glass atrium that features winding waterways, lush gardens and animal habitats. The resort's amenities include family-friendly dining and shopping, an awardwinning spa and Cypress Springs Water Park. The hotel is located within minutes of the area's theme parks and attractions.
