"When you start your day below freezing, there is no place to go but up!"
 
This is the collective motto of Polar Bear Clubs everywhere. For more than 100 years, members of Polar Bear Clubs around the world have gathered in their bathing suits to "take the plunge" into icy winter-chilled lakes and waterways, often to benefit Special Olympics programs. While it's easy to chalk it up as an oddball Northern phenomenon, the activity is about to catch on... in sunny Orlando, of all places!

Established last year, Orlando has its own branch of the famed Polar Bear Club, with its second annual "plunge" planned for Saturday, December 5 at 8:30 am. This organization - based loosely on the traditions of its brave Northern counterparts - will give residents (and visitors) the opportunity to take their own cold-weather plunge through ICE!, Orlando's 9-degree holiday attraction hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice.

The attraction, carved by a team of 40 artisans from China, features a walk-through winter wonderland of ice sculptures and monuments, all intricately carved from ice. The highlight of the attraction - four ice speed slides - will provide a thrilling (and icy) "plunge" for participants.

Ticket holders will have the only opportunity this season to visit ICE! in a bathing suit. Afterward, participants will be named official members of the Orlando Polar Bear Club and will receive a special certificate to commemorate their plunge.

A post-plunge warm-up reception will include coffee and cocoa. In addition, participants will be invited to return to the attraction later that morning while fully clothed.

On December 5, ICE! will open one hour early to welcome guests who would like to become an official member of Florida's only Polar Bear Club. The special Orlando Polar Bear Club ticket, which is now on sale, is available for $21.99 plus tax. For every ticket sold, $7 will be donated to Special Olympics Florida!
 
But why would a person want to run through the 9-degree ICE attraction in a bathing suit? "The short answer is simple... 'just because,'" said resort General Manager Kemp Gallineau. "Because it's fun and memorable - something to laugh about, brag about and blog about - and it's benefiting a great organization, Special Olympics Florida."

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.orlandopolarbearclub.com

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Coming in from out of town? Overnight rates are available starting at $129 per night at the beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort.

Check out this super "cool" video from last year's inaugural Polar Bear Club!

Watch ICE!, right now (and the morning of the Polar Bear Club event), via webcam!

Check out the Polar Bear Club Facebook page!

I need no convincing: I want to get my tickets now!


Top 5 Reasons to Join the Polar Bear Club on December 6
1. What better way to work off pumpkin pie and stuffing then a brief jog (through beautifully carved ice)?
2. Wouldn't you rather have mild "ticker shock" from the cold, than "sticker shock" at the mall the day after Thanksgiving?
3. You'll be supporting Special Olympics Florida athletes!
4. You'll become a member of the Polar Bear Club! How cool is that?! (pun intended)
5. Did we mention this all benefits Special Olympics? 

 

 

 

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