The new Icebar on International Drive is just one reason to visit Orlando this fall

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - The Ice Man commeth _ and you can be he.

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Yes, the Icebar _ created first in Stockholm and now also in Copenhagen _ has just opened in Orlando on International Drive. And unlike its minimalist European cousins, the Orlando Icebar features themed ice sculptures and an elaborate 3,000-square-foot Chill Bar for pre- and apres-ice champber visits.

Here's how it works: You snuggle into a thermal hooded cape, gloves and footies, then spend up to 45 minutes in the Icebar, crafted from 50 tons of ice and maintained at a frosty 27 degrees. If you visit soon you'll find yourself in the Snow Queen's Palace, complete with polar bear and an intrepretation of Old Man Winter. (The theme will change ever six months.)

Included in your entry fee of $35 is a specialty vodka cocktail or, for those under 21, a mocktail.

Reservations are recommended. 407-426-7555; www.icebarorlando.com.

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REAL BARGAINS

Fall has always been a great time to visit the Florida theme parks _ crowds are smaller, temps drop and Florida-resident specials pop up. This year, you can even get freebies, including hotel stays and entry tickets.

Through Nov. 15, the Endless Summer Promotion arranged by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau dishes up these offers:

_Lodging: Stay two nights, get a third night free, or stay three nights, get a fourth night free. Good at dozens of area hotels including JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes; Orlando World Center Marriott; The Point Orlando Resort; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort; Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal; Quality Inn Plaza and Radisson World Gate.

_Tickets: Buy one, get-one free. Good at Gatorland, Fun Spot Action Park and Magical Midway, SkyVenture Orlando and Dinosaur World. Falcon's Fire Golf Club offers play one round, get a second free.

Info: www.orlandoinfo.com/endlesssummer; 888-675-4386.

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MORE DEALS

_The new Mona Lisa Suite Hotel in Celebration (that would be the town Disney built just outside the parks) is offering a one-bedroom suite for $99 through October, subject to availability. www.monalisasuitehotel.com; 407-964-7000.

_Heading to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights? For $95 per person, double occupancy, you can buy a package that includes one night of lodging at a Universal Orlando-area hotel, one admission to Halloween Horror Nights, transportation between the hotel and Universal Orlando, a CityWalk Party Pass and a 5 x 7 souvenir photo. You must have a UPC code from a Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero product. www.halloweenhorrornights.com.

Alternatively, you can buy a Halloween Horror Nights express pass for $39.99 and snag a $99 room at Rosen Plaza (www.rosenplaza.com, 800-627-8258) that includes transport to Universal for HHN. Valid Oct. 16-19, 29-31 and Nov. 1-2, based on availability.

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DISNEY FOR FREE?

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced a new promotion to admit visitors free on their birthday next year.

Visitors will have to show valid identification and proof of birth date to qualify. Details are available at www.disneyparks.com, where birthday visits can be registered in advance.

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© 2008, The Miami Herald.