We had an awesome cookie and Shrek milk reception to kick off the afternoon and each of the kids were given their own pair of Shrek ears, Madagascar stickers, and an ogre green bracelet to wear.
COOKIES!!! Green milk??? and Jen, striking a pose!
How could this event be any better?!
Cara's daughter, Sophie, was the cutest little ogre I ever did see!
Then again, Stimey, was pretty awesome too!
Each family was given tickets to experience the amazing ICE! exhibit complete with ice slides and the Madagascar characters carved out of two tons of ice! Thankfully they give you giant blue parkas to wear over your regular coat since it's colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra in that place! I had the best time with my pal Jen of Hip As I Wanna Be!
Jen and I were a bit disappointed to be told they didn't offer any slimming parkas. Whatevs.
I got to hang with the Penguins!
But by far the best part of ICE! is the six ice slides that were a total blast!! But don't take my word for it....see for yourself!
WOOHOO Jen!
Many of the families took advantage of the indoor ice skating located just outside the ICE! exhibit but Jen and I decided not to press our collective luck and don the skates ourselves. This was a wise decision given I once broke my ankle walking off a curb. True Story!
Each family was also given tickets to the Dreamworks Experience which featured a meet and greet with a number of our favorite Dreamwork's characters in life-size form! There was a fun scavenger hunt inside the Gaylord National atrium for the parents and kids featuring everyone's favorite feline, Puss in Boots. Plus a number of attractions we simply didn't have the time to do! I would have loved to have decorated a gingerbread house with Gingy but I think I'll make a return trip with the boys for that adventure! If you check out my pal Lara's blog, Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom you can read about her family's fun with Gingy!
Shrek and I go waaaay back. That Fiona chick was his rebound girl!
I had the absolute best time on Sunday at the Gaylord National and while I didn't bring the Trouble Brothers with me this go-round I do believe the boys would have LOVED the ice slides and all the characters roaming about. For families like my own with special needs children it would be best to visit on a weekday given the number of crowds that descend on the weekends. Also, the ICE! exhibit really is very VERY cold so be sure to pack hats and gloves for the kiddos!
**DISCLOSURE: I was given free access to ICE! which included tickets for ice skating as well as tickets to the character meet & greet in trade for writing this blog post. All of the opinions stated are truly my own.**
