Icebar Orlando (stylized as ICEBAR Orlando) is an ice bar located in International Drive in Orlando, Florida. At over 1,200 square feet (110 m2),[1][2] the company claims that it is the world's largest permanent ice bar.[3] Its decor, furniture and glassware are constructed entirely of ice, and the bar also has various ice carvings. Icebar Orlando also runs a bar and nightclub named the Fire Lounge, which is located next to the ice bar and is maintained at a standard room temperature.
Icebar Orlando is composed of over 70 tons of carved ice,[4] and is maintained at a temperature of 27 °F (−3 °C).[1][5] Its interior, including the furniture such as couches, tables and chairs, walls, sculptures and various decor, is entirely constructed out of ice.[1] It also has a fireplace sculpted in the appearance of Old Man Winter, which is fired with low-watt electric flames.[2] Icebar Orlando was first sculpted by Aaron Costic, an Ohio-based artist.[2] The facility was later expanded in 2008 by ice sculptor David Berman.[6] In 2008, the projected monthly electric bill for Icebar Orlando was $3,500.[2] Bioclimatic filters are used to reduce electricity costs.[2]
People of all ages are allowed to visit Icebar Orlando, and are provided with an insulated thermal cape and gloves to endure the coldness and keep patrons comfortable.[1][2] An admission fee is charged, adults are provided with an alcoholic drink, and those under the legal drinking age of 21 are provided with a non-alcoholic drink.[1] Drinks are served in glasses made out of ice by servers wearing fur hats and snow suits.[2] For safety reasons, visitors are allowed to remain inside the ice bar for only 45 minutes, and the bar also serves warm drinks.[2][5] Staff is on a rotational schedule, whereby they are in the facility for 30 minutes and then outside of it for 15 minutes.[2] Some staff members, such as bartenders, bundle up in several layers of clothing to keep warm.[7]
Events are hosted at Icebar Orlando, such as an annual New Year's Eve masquerade ball.[8] and the Kickoff Afterparty for the annual nearby MegaCon. It has been described as a popular meeting place in central Florida.[a]
The Fire Lounge
The Fire Lounge (stylized as "FIRE Lounge") is a bar and nightclub that is also located at Icebar Orlando, and is maintained at a normal room temperature.[4] Visitors to Icebar Orlando are first led through the Fire Lounge, where they are provided with gloves and a thermal cape.[1][4]
^"the neighboring IceBar Orlando also on International Drive, which is among Central Florida's top meeting spaces, according to Orlando Business Journal research."[9]
