Spanning 60 acres in Kissimmee, Florida, just minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center stands as a titan of the Central Florida hospitality landscape. Known for its soaring glass-enclosed atriums and massive convention facilities, the property has recently entered a new era. In 2025, the resort unveiled a comprehensive $134 million renovation that reimagined the guest experience from the moment of arrival in the lobby to the finishing touches in over 1,400 guest rooms.

This resort is not merely a place to sleep; it is a self-contained destination featuring 1,718 guest rooms, a three-acre water park, nine distinct dining venues, and 500,000 square feet of meeting space. Whether for a high-stakes corporate summit or a family vacation centered on Florida’s natural beauty, the "new" Gaylord Palms offers an immersive environment that few other resorts can replicate.

What defines the 2025 renovation at Gaylord Palms?

The $134 million investment completed in 2025 focused on modernization and "elevated comfort." The most immediate change is felt in the grand lobby, which has been completely redesigned to offer a more fluid, open-concept welcome experience. The check-in process has been streamlined, integrating more digital touchpoints while maintaining the grand scale for which Gaylord Hotels are famous.

Key aspects of the renovation include:

  • Guest Room Overhaul: Over 1,400 rooms and suites received a top-to-bottom refresh. The design palette now leans toward a sophisticated "Coastal Florida" aesthetic, moving away from traditional hotel decor toward a brighter, more contemporary feel with upgraded tech amenities and high-end finishes.
  • Redesigned Dining: Two flagship venues, Old Hickory Steakhouse and Socio, underwent significant transformations. Socio, the lobby bar, has evolved into a high-energy Cuban-inspired lounge that serves as the social heart of the resort.
  • Refreshed Meeting Spaces: Roughly 77,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting space were updated with new aesthetics and enhanced audiovisual capabilities to meet the demands of modern hybrid events.

Exploring the 4.5-Acre Glass Atrium

The signature feature of the Gaylord Palms remains its massive 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium. This climate-controlled environment is kept at a perfect 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, allowing guests to explore Florida’s diverse ecosystems without the humidity or unpredictable weather. The atrium is divided into three distinct themed regions, each with its own architecture, flora, and fauna.

St. Augustine: Colonial Heritage

The St. Augustine area pays homage to North America’s oldest permanent European settlement. Guests will find a massive replica of the Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish colonial fort. This area is rich with history, featuring a wedding gazebo and an alligator habitat where visitors can observe Florida’s most famous reptiles in a safe environment. The lush greenery and winding stone paths evoke a sense of "Old Florida."

Key West: The Vibrant Coast

Inspired by the festive atmosphere of Mallory Square, the Key West atrium is bright and airy. The centerpiece is a 65-foot-long sailboat moored in a turquoise lagoon. This boat actually serves as part of the MOOR seafood restaurant. The vibe here is tropical and laid-back, featuring colorful architecture that mimics the eclectic charm of the Florida Keys.

The Everglades: The River of Grass

The Everglades region captures the mysterious and wild beauty of Florida’s inland wetlands. It is more densely forested and features mist-covered waterways. This area houses the Relâche Spa and the Old Hickory Steakhouse, which sits perched over the "swamp" like a luxury hunting lodge. It is perhaps the most tranquil part of the resort, ideal for a quiet stroll among the ferns and cypress trees.

Splash and Play at Cypress Springs Water Park

For families, the three-acre Cypress Springs Water Park is the primary outdoor draw. This is not just a standard hotel pool but a full-scale aquatic playground. Following an expansion in 2021 and ongoing refinements, the park offers several high-intensity and relaxation options.

  • The Crystal River Rapids: An "action river" that moves much faster than a standard lazy river, featuring currents and waterfalls that provide a more engaging experience for all ages.
  • Big Cypress Tower: This feature includes several thrill slides, including the "Florida Free Fall," a drop slide that starts with a trap door release.
  • The Wake Zone: A surf simulator where guests can practice bodyboarding or stand-up surfing under the guidance of instructors.
  • South Beach Pool: A more relaxed, tropical-inspired pool area designed for those who want to sunbathe and enjoy a cocktail away from the splash zones.

Dining and Culinary Excellence

With nine restaurants and bars, Gaylord Palms caters to every palate, from quick-service coffee to world-class fine dining.

  1. Old Hickory Steakhouse: The resort’s crown jewel. Following its 2025 redesign, it offers an even more sophisticated atmosphere for enjoying artisanal cheeses and premium cuts of beef. The wine list is extensive, and the view over the Everglades atrium is unparalleled.
  2. Villa de Flora: This Mediterranean-inspired venue was recently renovated to evoke a coastal European chateau. It offers a premium buffet experience that is widely considered one of the best in the Orlando area, featuring seasonal dishes and fresh seafood.
  3. Socio: A Cuban-inspired lounge in the lobby that focuses on "interactive cocktail service" and shareable small plates (tapas). It is the ideal spot for a post-convention drink or a pre-dinner appetizer.
  4. MOOR: Located on the sailboat in the Key West atrium, this restaurant focuses on "dock-to-table" seafood, partnering with local fishmongers to bring the freshest catch to guests.
  5. Wreckers Sports Bar: Featuring a 37-foot LED screen and over 50 TVs, this is the go-to spot for sports fans. The menu features elevated pub fare and a large selection of Florida craft beers.

A Premier Destination for Conventions and Events

Gaylord Palms is arguably the most significant meeting destination in Florida outside of the Orange County Convention Center. Its 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space is designed to handle everything from intimate board meetings to massive trade shows.

The Florida Exhibition Hall alone provides 210,000 square feet of continuous space, while the Osceola Ballroom features a permanent performing stage. What makes the resort particularly attractive to event planners is the "all-under-one-roof" concept. Attendees can move from their guest rooms to general sessions, breakout meetings, and gala dinners without ever leaving the climate-controlled environment.

The Seasonal Magic: ICE! and Beyond

One cannot discuss Gaylord Palms without mentioning its seasonal programming. The resort has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Southeast.

  • ICE!: Held during the Christmas season, this attraction features two million pounds of ice hand-carved by master artisans from Harbin, China. Guests walk through a series of rooms kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit (parkas are provided) to see elaborate sculptures and ice slides.
  • Spring in Bloom: A more recent addition, this springtime celebration transforms the atrium with massive floral displays, scavenger hunts for children, and themed light shows on the atrium ceiling.

Practical Logistics: Know Before You Go

To ensure a smooth stay at Gaylord Palms, guests should be aware of several operational policies:

  • Cashless Policy: The resort is entirely cashless. All transactions—including dining, parking, and retail—must be handled via credit card or mobile payment.
  • Parking Fees: On-site self-parking is approximately $40 per day, while valet parking is $52 per day (prices are subject to tax).
  • Resort Fee: Like most major Orlando resorts, there is a daily resort fee that covers high-speed Wi-Fi, water park access, and shuttle service to the Walt Disney World theme parks.
  • Check-in/Check-out: Standard check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The Marriott Bonvoy app is highly recommended for mobile check-in and digital key access.

What is the best way to get to Gaylord Palms?

The resort is located at 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

  • From Orlando International Airport (MCO): The resort is approximately 19 miles (20-25 minutes) away via FL-417 South.
  • Theme Park Access: It is situated just 1.5 miles from the entrance to Walt Disney World. The resort provides scheduled shuttle services to the Disney Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Gaylord Palms close to Disney World?

Yes, the resort is approximately one mile from the Walt Disney World Resort property and provides shuttle service to the parks.

Do you have to stay at the resort to visit the water park?

Generally, access to Cypress Springs Water Park is reserved for overnight guests. However, during certain seasons, day passes may be available for purchase through the resort's official website.

What is the 2025 renovation?

It was a $134 million project that refreshed the main lobby, 1,418 guest rooms, several ballrooms, and the signature restaurants Old Hickory Steakhouse and Socio.

Does the resort allow pets?

Gaylord Palms has a strict no-pet policy, with the exception of service animals as defined by the ADA.

Is ICE! included in the room rate?

No, ICE! is a ticketed attraction. While some hotel packages include tickets, standard room bookings do not. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as they often sell out.

Summary

The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center has successfully transitioned into 2025 as a more modern, refined, and technologically advanced version of its former self. While its massive 4.5-acre atrium and "all-under-one-roof" convenience remain its biggest selling points, the $134 million renovation has injected a fresh, contemporary luxury that appeals to both the discerning business traveler and the vacationing family. From the rapid currents of the Crystal River to the quiet, upscale atmosphere of the newly redesigned Old Hickory Steakhouse, the resort continues to be a benchmark for immersive hospitality in Central Florida.