Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf All photos courtesy of Bungalow Scenic Studios
How Bungalow saved Christmas Orlando fabrication specialists Bungalow Scenic Studios makes things happen by Gabrielle Russon
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hristmas was coming, but the artisans responsible for carving two million pounds of ice for the Gaylord Hotels’ signature holiday shows were stuck in China, unable to leave home due to travel restrictions. The pandemic had ruined so many events, and it seemed that Gaylord’s annual festivities were at risk of becoming another disappointment to add to that list in 2021.
With the clock ticking, the Orlando-based Bungalow got to work building massive sets, a 16-foot-tall Mr. Narwhal, and an exact replica of Santa’s Kringle 3000 sleigh for Gaylord’s experience based on the holiday classic Elf. “Every aspect of it was over the top,” said Nickolaou, Senior Director for Special Events and Creative at Gaylord Hotels.
Gaylord executive Niko Nickolaou called Bungalow Scenic Studios.
Just like that, Bungalow helped save Christmas.
“We’ve worked on this concept. We want you to be our designers/fabricators/installers of this experience. It needs to happen at four properties across the country in less than 90 days,” was how Nickolaou’s phone conversation began with the fabrication specialist.
The appropriately titled “Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf ” shows opened on time in Orlando, Dallas, Denver and Nashville. The 400,000 visitors were undoubtedly unaware of the tight deadlines and the COVID-19 challenges that lurked behind the scenes.
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