Gaylord Texan Resort & Gardens
A sprawling resort with a massive indoor atrium, offering seasonal attractions like ICE!, a waterpark, and diverse dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the full Christmas magic!
Gaylord Texan Resort & Gardens
Best Time
Experience the full Christmas magic!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling resort with a massive indoor atrium, offering seasonal attractions like ICE!, a waterpark, and diverse dining.
"The resort is like a small city: shops, restaurants, and entertainment are all on site."
🎟️ Book ICE! Tickets Early
ICE! is a major draw; secure your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
💧 Stay Cool at Paradise Springs
The waterpark is a summer highlight, perfect for families to escape the Texas heat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
ICE! Holiday Exhibit
Indoor
Walk through a magical world carved from two million pounds of ice, featuring beloved holiday movie themes.
+1
Indoor Atrium & Riverwalk
Atrium
Experience a Texas oasis with lush greenery, waterfalls, and a charming Riverwalk, all under a glass roof.
+2
Paradise Springs Waterpark
Outdoor
A sprawling waterpark perfect for summer fun, featuring pools, slides, and a lazy river.
+2
Universe of Light: DC Super Heroes
Indoor
An immersive, lantern-filled walkthrough attraction bringing DC Super Heroes and Villains to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Holiday Magic
Explore Beyond the Atrium
+1 to seasonal events like the DC Super Hero Universe of Light,Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book ICE! Tickets Early
ICE! is a major draw; secure your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
💧 Stay Cool at Paradise Springs
The waterpark is a summer highlight, perfect for families to escape the Texas heat.
✨ Explore the Atrium
Don't miss the stunning indoor gardens and Riverwalk, a unique feature of the resort.
💰 Look for Discounts
TikTok creators often share discount codes for attractions like ICE!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book ICE! Tickets Early
ICE! is a major draw; secure your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
💧 Stay Cool at Paradise Springs
The waterpark is a summer highlight, perfect for families to escape the Texas heat.
✨ Explore the Atrium
Don't miss the stunning indoor gardens and Riverwalk, a unique feature of the resort.
💰 Look for Discounts
TikTok creators often share discount codes for attractions like ICE!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The resort is massive; you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all its features.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests often praise the Gaylord Texan's impressive indoor atrium and its spectacular seasonal transformations, particularly the holiday ICE! exhibit. While many find the resort to be a fun-filled destination for families with excellent amenities, some reviews mention that rooms can be a bit dated and that the overall experience can be overpriced for the value received.
"The convention space is phenomenal—spacious, well laid out, and very convenient. The only drawback is that the walls are a bit thin, so you can hear what’s going on in the other rooms during conferences. On the plus side, the in-house catering is excellent.
The guest rooms are comfortable and have everything you need, though they are a little on the older side. The beds were softer than I prefer, but overall, still a good night’s sleep. If you’re booking, I recommend choosing a room on the conference side. The balcony rooms that face into the dome area with the glass roof can be noisy.
Housekeeping is quick and efficient, and customer service is excellent—I had no complaints at all there. The hotel itself is like a small city: shops, a mini grocery store, restaurants, and entertainment are all on site. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and very impressive overall."
Rebecca Clark (Becca)
"I have never pushed a hotel review before but I’m leaving one because I wanted the other families to have it… I saw a few negative reviews before coming so I was a little weary beforehand. I want to say what an amazing experience we had. Our daughter is 8 and when I say they thought of EVERYTHING I mean it. The hotel was so kid friendly, the pool amazing, I appreciated the comfortable temperatures inside where you can wear a sweatshirt especially in these hot summers. The food was all great, we loved the waterpark. We had a blast doing the scavenger hunt and dance party too! Kind staff and very comfortable rooms. Loved it all !"
Adelaide Strnge
"The location is just 15 mins from DFW Airport. The service was mediocre from the long wait at c-in & c-out, to not having any HK service. I was there for 2 nights for a convention. Upon arriving to my room I discovered trash in the bin. The grout along the bathroom tub had black mold. The features throughout the resort are fascinating. The food at Texan Station was surprisingly good. I dined there 3 times. Overall I believe it's overpriced. I paid $410 per night. I've definitely stay at better resorts for better rates and got more value."
A Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gaylord Texan is conveniently located about 15 minutes from DFW Airport. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and hotel shuttles are readily available options for a quick transfer.
Yes, the resort offers parking options, though fees may apply. It's advisable to check the resort's official website for current parking rates and availability.
While the resort itself is a destination, it's located in Grapevine, TX, which has its own attractions. However, most significant sights will require a short drive or ride-share.
The resort is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. For longer distances within the resort, consider the internal pathways and the sheer scale of the atrium.
Public transport options directly to the resort might be limited. It's generally recommended to use ride-sharing services or a rental car for the most convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for ICE! vary depending on the date and time. It's best to check the official Gaylord Texan website for current pricing and to book in advance, as popular dates sell out.
No, many of the seasonal attractions like ICE! and the Universe of Light are open to the public, not just hotel guests. However, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended. +1
Operating hours vary by attraction and season. For example, ICE! has specific hours during the holiday season, and the waterpark is seasonal. Always check the resort's schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Gaylord Texan often offers packages that bundle hotel stays with tickets to their seasonal events, which can be a cost-effective option.
Keep an eye on social media, especially TikTok, as creators sometimes share discount codes or promotions for attractions like ICE!
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The resort boasts a waterpark (Paradise Springs), multiple restaurants, shops, a spa, and seasonal entertainment like holiday shows and themed light experiences.
Absolutely! Families rave about the kid-friendly atmosphere, with activities like scavenger hunts, dance parties, and the waterpark making it a hit with children.
The resort offers a variety of dining, from casual eateries like Texan Station to more upscale options. Some guests find the food quality good, while others feel it's overpriced for the value.
Guest rooms are generally comfortable and well-equipped, though some reviews suggest they might be a bit dated. Opting for rooms on the conference side is recommended to avoid noise from the atrium.
Take your time to wander through the atrium, explore the winding paths, and admire the Texas-themed decor. It's a unique space that offers a different vibe day and night.
📸 📸 Photography
The indoor atrium with its greenery, waterfalls, and Texas landmarks is a prime photo spot. During the holidays, the decorated areas and ICE! sculptures are also very photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the ICE! exhibit, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the ice sculptures. Be mindful of other guests.
The Paradise Springs Waterpark offers fun shots, especially with families enjoying the slides and pools. Remember to protect your phone or camera from water.
Both daytime and evening offer different photographic opportunities. Daytime captures the lush greenery, while evening can offer a more dramatic ambiance with lighting.
During holiday events, there are often themed backdrops and characters that are perfect for kids' photos. The Universe of Light also offers superhero-themed photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Beyond the waterpark, the resort consistently offers engaging activities like scavenger hunts and dance parties, ensuring entertainment for all ages. ✈️ Business Travelers & Conference Attendees
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Following social media accounts, especially on TikTok, can reveal discount codes for popular attractions like ICE!. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Atrium: A Texas Oasis
+1 This meticulously crafted environment provides a unique escape, offering a refreshing ambiance regardless of the outside weather. It's a popular spot for leisurely strolls and capturing memorable photos. This indoor paradise is more than just a visual spectacle; it's a functional space that houses restaurants and provides a central hub for guests. The glass roof allows natural light to flood the area, enhancing the vibrant plant life and creating a serene atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying a meal at one of the adjacent eateries or simply taking in the sights, the atrium offers a truly immersive experience that sets the Gaylord Texan apart.
Seasonal Spectacles: ICE! and Beyond
+2 This immersive experience requires guests to wear parkas provided by the resort due to the sub-zero temperatures inside. Beyond ICE!, the resort offers a plethora of other seasonal activities. During the holidays, expect snow tubing, snowball fights, a Christmas Cirque show, and a carousel.
In other seasons, they've hosted unique events like the Universe of Light featuring DC Super Heroes, an indoor attraction with elaborate lantern displays. Family Fun at Paradise Springs
+1 It's an ideal spot for kids to burn off energy and cool down from the Texas heat. Even outside of the waterpark, the resort is designed with families in mind. Reviews highlight the resort's kid-friendly atmosphere, with activities like scavenger hunts and dance parties often available.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit