I have seen movies about the future and that we may one day live in a glass enclosed world but never thought I would experience it.  On a recent trip to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando we were amazed that there was a city under glass right here in Florida. 

I had been on their website but nothing could have prepared me for what I found at Gaylord Palms.  Located one exit south of Disney off I-4 this massive building sits on 64 acres and has 1,406 themed rooms.  Our second day there it poured down with rain but it didn’t bother us as we sat outside with a latte at the coffee shop under the protection of the glass ceiling.

Upon check-in we strolled through lush tropical landscaping, fountains, Japanese Koi ponds, alligators, a coffee shop, restaurant, arcade, and boutiques.  Not the usual walk through a hotel lobby!  There is a whopping four and a half acres, all under glass.  The hotel bosts various Florida destinations such as St. Augustine and the Everglades.   Guest rooms are decorated in Old Spanish and Mission style.  French doors open onto private balconies where you have a view of palm trees that edge the cobble streets below.  Apart from the luxury of décor and bedding in each room you will also find an iConnect computing system (so don’t have to bring your laptop) a mini refrigerator and your own door bell! 

In the evening we went over to the Key West Atrium.  Bright tropical colors fill this area and through the forest of trees you come across a lagoon where Captain Jack Sparrow could be found having a pirate’s meal aboard a sailboat at Sunset Sam’s Fish Camp.  Not only was the food to die for…or walk the plank for.... but there is continuous entertainment each evening.  Jugglers, music, fire eaters and more all keep the family entertained.  Meals are reasonably priced and you got entertainment too!  I have a pet peeve about service, I hate to sit at a table full of dirty plates or wait for hours for service but here everything including the service was right on. 

There are two pools at Gaylord Palms.  South Beach is for adults only and offers a trendy Miami style layout.  Marine Activities pool is for the family, with an octopus slide and fountains. Hot tubs are dotted around so you are never far from one at either pool.  There is also the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, a 9 hole executive putting course, a bocce court, a reptile house and much more. 

This Holiday season the hotel will have one of the most spectacular attractions in Florida, ICE! at Gaylord Palms,  as almost two million pounds of ice are brought in!  From igloos to an ice rink it is a true Polar experience not often found in Florida.  You will be able to see the Christmas show “Luminescence- A Christmas Fantasy” which is part rock and roll, part holiday tale and part aerial exhibition. You can also enjoy a Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, the County Wreath Collection, brunch with Mrs. Claus and a visit from Santa, in person or via email.  Your children can even be tucked-in by a one of the holiday characters and Holiday bedtime stories are broadcast every night via a special in-room channel. 

This is a hotel of the future, one I have never experienced before.  There is so much to see and do that you can park your car when you arrive and never have to get in it again until you are ready to go home.  If you are craving a unique travel destination then look no further than Gaylord Palms. 

On this trip I decided to do something a little different.  I went up in an open air cockpit!  My father had been with the RAF and had told me many stories of how fantastic it was to have the wind on your face and feel as free as a bird.  I had run across a company called Biplanes Rides Over Kissimmee that offered this fantastic experience.   I put my goggles on and jumped on board this 1943 Boeing Stearman.  I felt as if I was back in the 1940’s and that Humphrey Bogart would say, “Play it again Sam.”  What a thrill it was to look down over Orlando and get a birds eye view of Sea World.  I flew over International Drive and waved to all the motorists stuck in the long lines of traffic.  I even got to take the stick and fly the plane for a few minutes.  To top it off we fly right over Gaylord Palms and I got to see just how huge the hotel really is.  This makes a great Christmas gift!

To make your reservations fro Gaylord Palms call 407-586-MEET (6338) www.gaylordhotels.com 

For Biplane Rides Over Kissimmee call 1-888-TWO WING (896-9464) www.biplaneridesoverkissimmee.com