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Need Advice ICE! Gaylord National Harbor

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by KellyNIke, Dec 6, 2011.

  1. KellyNIke

    KellyNIke New Member

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    Thinking about taking the kids this year. Can anyone provide any feedback....good, bad, or eh!!!!! Thanks
     
  2. Chance3

    Chance3 New Member

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    I took my kids last year and it thought it was quite a bit overpriced for what it was. The Gaylord itself with all the decorations is absolutely gorgeous. If you can time it correctly, you should take the ferry over from Old Town, so as you approach the National Harbor you see the full light display and maybe run into the Madagascar characters. Personally, I am skipping ICE!
     
  3. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    It's a neat diversion. Cool ice displays, and you can see the decorations in the hotel (with big tree ceremony too).
     
  4. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    ICE is OK, but if you have time, I"d suggest Christmas Town in Busch Gardens down in Williamsburg. It was great!
     
  5. serendipity

    serendipity New Member

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    We went to ICE last year and saw the How the Grinch Stole Christmas display. It was very cool to see and we enjoyed a fun dinner at Rosa Mexicano before strolling through the ICE display. One thing to be aware of is that even with tickets--the wait can be very long depending on the time of day/crowds. For Grinch we waited in line for about 45 minutes before getting inside the actual ICE display. They had the line snaking through prints and information about Dr. Seuss which made it a little bit more interesting that just standing there. They give you these big blue, full length parkas to wear inside the ICE area as it is cold. National Harbor is fun to walk around and see the shops, grab a bite and then see the ICE show but the tickets are a bit pricey. While we enjoyed it, not feeling the need to repeat this year. Might be that Grinch was a favorite and Madagascar isn't too.
     
  6. Echogirl

    Echogirl Member

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    We went last year. I agree with serendipity, the wait was long 45 mins - 1 hour. We had two 8 year olds and an 11 year old and they started to peter out just waiting in line. The sculptures were neat and the kids loved the ice slide. I was able to find an online Ice coupon code, which reduced the price some. Park in the St. George or Mariner parking lot and not at the Gaylord (the Ice parking signs steer you towards the Gaylord so watch out). You'll save yourself about $10. Check the schedule at the Gaylord, it's beautifully decorated with a nightly "snowfall" and it's free. We timed it to see Ice first and then headed across the street to the Gaylord. Didn't eat there, but hear the restaurants are expensive. If we had to do it over again, we'd skip Ice, walk thru the Gaylord and check out some of the shops.
     
  7. Echogirl

    Echogirl Member

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    If you are looking for something fun for the kids, check out Zoolights at the National Zoo. My sister took her 9 yr old last year and again this year and raved about it (said it's really done well). They have lighted displays, hot chocolate, gingerbread house displays and you can see the animals. All of the animal houses are open as well. Best of all, it's free!
     
  8. KellyNIke

    KellyNIke New Member

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    Thanks for all the tips. The 8 and 5 year old are both fans of Madagascar so I think we might try it. And we are seeing the Zoolights as well....along with the National Christmas tree.
     
  9. hampshire

    hampshire New Member

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    We went the day after Thanksgiving, so I'm sure it was a peak time, but our wait, using timed tickets, was over 3 hours. We have friends with the same experience that weekend. Bring something to keep you entertained just in case.
     
  10. ChrisL

    ChrisL Member

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    Went last year. It was fun... but as others have said it is expensive.
     
  11. scioto

    scioto New Member

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    There is a half price deal for kids tickets on LivingSocial today for ICE!
     
  12. T8ergirl

    T8ergirl New Member

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    Gosh, we hated ZooLights. Cheesy light displays and very little animal action at night. And a schlep to get there. Sorry. I'm cranky. :)
     

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