While this is happening up North…

Crazy Floridians have got their own version…

You'll find Polar Bear Clubs in cities all over the frozen North.  Members of these organizations gather every year to "take the plunge" into frozen waters… just for the thrill (and chill!) of it.  I guess it's one of those experiences that can't be explained.  If you're meant to participate… you just kinda know!

Some of the clubs — like the Coney Island Polar Bear Club — have been hosting such events for more than one hundred years!

Last year, Orlando (and specifically Kissimmee) was the newest city to have its own branch of the famed Polar Bear Club.  Yes, as in Sunny Florida.  (See pics here!)

Now, it's your turn!  This year's Orlando Polar Bear Club Plunge will be Dec. 5, at Gaylord Palms Resort.  Full details here. 

If you are not familar with Polar Bear Clubs, check out these videos:

Why?  Why not!  And… it's a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida.

The press release further explains:  "The short answer is simple… 'just because'," said [Gaylord Palms] resort General Manager Kemp Gallineau. "Because it's fun and memorable — something to laugh about, brag about and blog about.  And not everybody can go to Pamplona to run with the bulls."

For those who have not heard of the ICE! attraction, it is a 9-degree walk-through winter wonderland hand carved from two million pounds of ice.  It's one of those you've-got-to-see-it-to-believe-it attractions.  This year, you can experience ICE! AND bring home wacky photos.   How can you pass that up?

The Orlando Polar Bear Club plunge, which should make for good television news coverage, will be held at 8:30am on Dec. 5 at the Gaylord Palms ICE! attraction. 

For further updates about Orlando Christmas events, including ICE! at Gaylord Palms, visit www.christmasinorlando.com

Here is the fifth one!

Visit the Box Office at ICE! on Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009, from 10am-4pm, and receive the following special deal:

Buy any two adult tickets to ICE!, and get a $50 spa credit gift certificate for our new spa, Relâche!

To get this special, simply mention the promotion code TWEET5 at the Box Office.

Here is the fine print:

All tickets must be used on the day of purchase. Spa credit gift certificate expires on Jan. 31, 2010.  Cool Tweets discount applicable November 24, 2009 only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, or on previously purchased tickets. Not applicable to child or group rate tickets. Not applicable to online advance purchases. Promotion Code TWEET5 must be mentioned at the time of purchase. Although winter coats are provided, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Self parking is $12 plus tax per vehicle. A special event “express exit” parking coupon is available upon entry to the ICE! attraction, making the final parking charge (with coupon) $11 inclusive of tax. Other restrictions may apply.

Important details about the $50 spa credit gift certificate:  $50 credit is applicable to the purchase of any single or combination of spa and salon treatments valued over $120.  Gift certifcate is valid through Jan. 31. 2010.  Not applicable to spa merchadise or spa packages.  Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, including the ICE!-inspired treatments $99 special coupon.  Original certificate must be presented at time of appointment.  Subject to availability.  Some restrictions apply.

For information on ICE! visit gaylordpalms.com/ice

Here is the fourth one!

Visit the Box Office at ICE! today, Nov. 20, 2009, from Noon-4pm and receive the following special deal:

Buy any two adult tickets to ICE!, and get a $50 spa credit gift certificate for our new spa, Relâche!

To get this special, simply mention the promotion code TWEET4 at the Box Office.

Here is the fine print:

All tickets must be used on the day of purchase. Spa credit gift certificate expires on Jan. 31, 2010.  Cool Tweets discount applicable November 20, 2009 only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, or on previously purchased tickets. Not applicable to child or group rate tickets. Not applicable to online advance purchases. Promotion Code TWEET4 must be mentioned at the time of purchase. Although winter coats are provided, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Self parking is $12 plus tax per vehicle. A special event “express exit” parking coupon is available upon entry to the ICE! attraction, making the final parking charge (with coupon) $11 inclusive of tax. Other restrictions may apply.

Important details about the $50 spa credit gift certificate:  $50 credit is applicable to the purchase of any single or combination of spa and salon treatments valued over $120.  Gift certifcate is valid through Jan. 31. 2010.  Not applicable to spa merchadise or spa packages.  Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, including the ICE!-inspired treatments $99 special coupon.  Original certificate must be presented at time of appointment.  Subject to availability.  Some restrictions apply.

For information on ICE! visit gaylordpalms.com/ice

In addition, the park will feature three new holiday shows this Christmas season, beginning Nov. 27.

At a new "ice rink stage" that flanks Bayside Stadium, a new show called "Winter Wonderland on Ice," will dazzle park visitors. 

'Tis the season on Sesame Street, as the park features "A Sesame Street Christmas," featuring Elmo and Big Bird, at Seaport Theater.

And the hilariously funny "Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas" show will feature sea lions and more, in a new show. 

For more information about November and December events in Orlando and Kissimmee, including Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, visit ChristmasInOrlando.com.

At ICE!, they are playing homage to the Snuggie, the crazy blanket with sleeves.  Wear your Snuggie (or equivalent product) into ICE! on Sunday (between 10am and 2pm) and purchase one adult ticket at half price.

Yes… we're talking about the famous "blanket with sleeves" that you see on late-night infomercials! It's a cultural phenomenon!

Purchase your ticket at the ICE! Box Office and then get ready to pose for a picture in your Snuggie! (No additional discounts or coupons)

Why?
Because it’s just so darn FUN!  Finally, Snuggies get their own day at ICE!

For more information about November and December events in Orlando, including Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, visit ChristmasInOrlando.com.

Not buying one will save the city about $22,000.

The city has also nixed the hundreds of small trees made of garland that usually hang from lamp posts around town, saving installation costs.  More here.

But don't worry.  The most spectacular Christmas trees in Orlando are at the Orlando International Airport, the individual theme parks (like the Epcot tree, at right), and at the hotels like Gaylord Palms.

(Photo of Epcot Christmas Tree:  Creative Commons/oneofthem)

For more information about November and December events in Orlando, including Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, visit ChristmasInOrlando.com.

Here is the third one!

Visit the Box Office at ICE! today, Nov. 19, 2009, from Noon-8pm and receive the following special deal:

Buy any ticket to ICE!, and get a coupon for a free scoop at our Haagen-Dazs shop!

To get this special, simply mention the promotion code TWEET3 at the Box Office.

Here is the fine print:

All tickets, including the ice cream coupon, must be used on the day of purchase. Discount applicable November 19, 2009 only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, or on previously purchased tickets. Not applicable to child or group rate tickets. Not applicable to online advance purchases. Promotion Code TWEET3 must be redeemed at the time of purchase. Although winter coats are provided, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Self parking is $12 plus tax per vehicle. A special event “express exit” parking coupon is available upon entry to the ICE! attraction, making the final parking charge (with coupon) $11 inclusive of tax. Other restrictions may apply.

For information on ICE! visit gaylordpalms.com/ice

Here is the second one!

Visit the Box Office at ICE! today, Nov. 18, 2009, from 2-8pm and receive the following special deal:

Buy one full-price adult ticket, get one child ticket free!

To get this special, simply mention the promotion code TWEET2 at the Box Office.

Here is the fine print:

All tickets, including the the free child ticket, must be used on the day of purchase. Discount applicable November 18, 2009 only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, or on previously purchased tickets. Not applicable to child or group rate tickets. Not applicable to online advance purchases. Promotion Code TWEET2 must be redeemed at the time of purchase. Although winter coats are provided, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Self parking is $12 plus tax per vehicle. A special event “express exit” parking coupon is available upon entry to the ICE! attraction, making the final parking charge (with coupon) $11 inclusive of tax. Other restrictions may apply.

For information on ICE! visit gaylordpalms.com/ice

Here is the first one!

Visit the Box Office at ICE! today, Nov. 17, from 6-8:30pm and receive the following special deal:

Buy two adult tickets, get two tickets free!

To get this special, simply mention the promotion code TWEET1 at the Box Office.

Here is the fine print:

All tickets, including the two free, must be used on the day of purchase. Discount applicable November 17 only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, or on previously purchased tickets. Not applicable to child or group rate tickets. Not applicable to online advance purchases. Promotion Code TWEET1 must be redeemed at the time of purchase. Although winter coats are provided, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Self parking is $12 plus tax per vehicle. A special event “express exit” parking coupon is available upon entry to the ICE! attraction, making the final parking charge (with coupon) $11 inclusive of tax. Other restrictions may apply.

For information on ICE! visit gaylordpalms.com/ice