Gaylord Palms to Shrek the Halls at this year’s Ice! exhibit – Many other DreamWorks Animation events planned

Sightings of a lion, panda, penguins and a large cat were reported at the Gaylord Palms Resort yesterday, but guests need not panic. It was Christmas in July as DreamWorks Animation characters made an appearance at the hotel to help announce their part in this year’s holiday season at the resort.

Shrek, Alex, Po, King Julien, Puss in Boots and a host of other lovable characters from DreamWorks Animation will be back at the resort from Nov. 16 to Jan. 2, 2012. This year’s Ice! exhibit theme will be Shrek the Halls.

Guests will also be able to dine with the characters during DreamWorks Interactive Character Meals, decorate gingerbread with Gingy of Shrek-fame, peruse the grounds for the DreamWorks Themed Scavenger Hunt, and wake up to their favorite characters. Also exclusive to guests at Gaylord Palms will be a DreamWorks 3D Theater and Dinner Experience featuring the new Puss In Boots movie and live performances by characters.

“This Christmas is just the beginning of this long-term alliance with DreamWorks Animation,” said Rich Maradik, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Gaylord Hotels. “We’ll offer special experiences with these characters throughout the year – Christmastime, holiday weekends, birthdays, summer vacations – helping us create new and special family memories for many years to come.”

Gaylord Hotels will offer guests special “Christmassy DreamWorks Experience” packages at each of its resorts. The two-night package, which starts at $199 per person, includes a series of exclusive offerings available to DreamWorks Package guests only, such as:

ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls
The life-sized winter wonderlands hand-carved from two million pounds of ice will be themed this year to reflect the animated holiday television special Shrek the Halls. The characters will be brought to life through the colorful, interactive ice-sculptures and guests will re-live the story as they stroll through depictions of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy, Puss in Boots and others.

DreamWorks Interactive Character Meals
Fairytale photo opps will abound as kids dine with Shrek, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots and discover a Magic Fountain bubbling over with chocolate potions.

DreamWorks “Character Passport” Meet & Greets
Fans will be able to stroll through Shrek and Princess Fiona’s beloved swamp for a face-to-face encounter with the green ogres; explore the island of Madagascar, where Alex the Lion, King Julien and the Penguins call home; and discover China’s ancient Valley of Peace where Po has become a true kung fu master. Guests can even meet the star of DreamWorks’ newest film – Puss In Boots.

DreamWorks Themed Scavenger Hunt
The entire family can search the expansive, indoor atriums at Gaylord Hotel on this interactive scavenger hunt. Answers can be entered online to win the grand prize.

Family Photo
A professional photo of each family with their favorite DreamWorks character will be taken and provided to them as a special keepsake of their Gaylord Hotels Christmassy DreamWorks Experience.

DreamWorks Character Wake-Up Calls
Get a wacky wake-up call from one of the DreamWorks characters. Guests can choose from their favorites for a fun way to start the day!

DreamWorks Welcome Amenity
Guests will receive a special DreamWorks welcome amenity to commemorate their visit.

For more details, visit DreamWorksExperienceAtGaylordPalms.com

Below is a video and photo gallery of yesterday’s announcement with the characters. Children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and Give Kids the World were in attendance. Each group receives a portion of tickets sales to Ice!.