Gaylord Palms Resort: Spring 2021 Family Activities & Easter Events in Orlando
Looking for a memorable spring escape near Orlando? Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and family‑friendly entertainment.
Featuring the Everglades‑inspired Cypress Springs water park, diverse dining options, and a sprawling glass atrium, the resort is a self‑contained oasis that keeps you close to the city’s top theme parks yet lets you enjoy a full itinerary on the property.
Spring Events at Gaylord Palms Resorts
From March 12 to May 16 2021, the historic‑fort‑styled resort launches a curated spring calendar. Highlights include a brand‑new kid‑friendly show, an adults’ cocktail bar, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny—ideal for welcoming the season.
Paint Me A Fairytale
Upon entering the atrium, guests encounter a sea of tulips and daffodils. A small stage inside the fort replica hosts 'Paint Me A Fairytale,' a 30‑minute interactive performance that breathes life into classics such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Princess and the Pea.
To ensure social distancing, the resort requires online reservations and schedules all performances in the evening, leaving daytime pool hours untouched.
Food and Drinks at Gaylord Palms
Adjacent to the show is the ART Bar, where craft cocktails and mocktails—think Basil Botanist, Secret Garden, and For the Peeps—mirror spring’s vibrant palette. The bar’s signature 'Bourbon in Bloom' combines bourbon, muddled strawberries, raspberries, mint, simple syrup, and a splash of sparkling wine, finished with a mint‑leaf garnish and an edible‑flower ice cube.
- Related: Delicious Destinations: Orlando, Florida
Crystal River Rapids at Cypress Springs Water Park
While guests enjoy the 'Springtime Pool Party'—complete with games, prizes, sing‑a‑lons, and line dances—the resort quietly prepares to unveil 'Crystal River Rapids.' This high‑speed river will push currents to 3.5 ft/s, with cabanas for rent and plenty of beach chairs along the path.
- Related: The 14 Best Indoor Water Park Resorts in the U.S.
Easter Experiences at Gaylord Palms Resort
Inside the atrium, the Eggspression Garden offers a photo‑ready walk‑through featuring oversized Easter eggs and a giant chocolate bunny.
From now through April 4, guests can meet the Easter Bunny at the renovated Mediterranean‑styled Villa de Flora for character breakfast, or enjoy a special brunch on Easter Sunday. For cookie lovers, a DIY Easter cookie workshop runs on select days until April 4.
Year‑Round Family Activities
The resort also hosts scavenger hunts, Peter Rabbit‑themed in‑room activities, and wildlife encounters. Availability varies—check with the front desk to confirm which activities require tickets and which are free.
Tips for Visiting Gaylord Palms
Pre‑Plan Your Stay
With so much to experience, a few days is recommended. Reserve shows, dining, and a dedicated pool day in advance to keep the vacation stress‑free.
Health and Safety Protocols
Gaylord Palms enforces COVID‑19 guidelines: masks are mandatory at all times, and hand‑sanitizing stations are throughout the resort.
Choose an Atrium‑Facing Room
Rooms overlooking the atrium grant a front‑row view of nightly light shows and allow guests to sip cocktails from a private balcony.
