GROUNDHOG DAY UPDATE: Florida Resort Invites Punxsutawney Residents to Stay Free in the Sunshine State

Although the nations most famous weathercasting groundhog called for six more weeks of winter weather, officials at Gaylord Palms Resort provided welcome news to the winter weary residents of Punxsutawney, Penn. The 1,406-room Orlando-area resort has presented Punxsutawney residents with an offer they may not be able to refuse: an early burst of warm weather. Theres one catch... to take advantage of the deal, the 6,000+ residents will have to make a trip south. The resort is offering a free nights lodging to residents, subject to availability, to be used during the next six weeks.

Kissimmee, FL (PRWEB) February 4, 2004---Although the nations most famous weathercasting groundhog called for six more weeks of winter weather, officials at Gaylord Palms Resort provided welcome news to the winter weary residents of Punxsutawney, Penn.

The 1,406-room Orlando-area resort has presented Punxsutawney residents with an offer they may not be able to refuse: an early burst of warm weather. Theres one catch... to take advantage of the deal, the 6,000+ residents will have to make a trip south.

The resort is offering a free nights lodging to residents, subject to availability, to be used during the next six weeks.

The towns most famous resident -- a groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil -- drew boos and hisses" from the thousands who gathered in 17-degree weather to witness his prediction, according to Associated Press.

We understand the disappointment of Punxsutawney residents -- and to everybody who was looking forward to an early spring," said John Caparella, general manager. We thought it was time to share one of Floridas most valuable resources... our great weather."

In order to take advantage of the free nights stay, Punxsutawney residents must call the resorts reservation office at 407-586-2000, and ask for the Punxsutawney Phil promotion. As proof of residency, guests will be asked to fax a copy of photo identification in advance of their visit, and provide a copy of it upon check in. There is a limit of one free nights accommodations per household or address. Offer is subject to room availability and expires March 29, 2004.

Gaylord Palms Resort, Central Floridas newest destination, celebrates the very best of the Sunshine State inside a 4.5-acre glass-topped atrium, kept at a perfect 72-degrees. Resort and guest room themes include festive Key West, historic St. Augustine and the mysterious Everglades. Resort features imaginative swimming pools, innovative dining options, nightly entertainment and the legendary Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a Mobil Travel Guide four-star facility.

About Gaylord Palms

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center has gained the attention of the meeting and convention industry by providing world-class convention and leisure-focused amenities -- all in one place. The award-winning Gaylord Palms is a Gaylord Hotels-branded property owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordpalms.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.

[Editors Contact: Keith Salwoski, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 407-586-0315

[Guest Contact: Gaylord Palms Resort, 407-586-2000

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