Gaylord Palms Resort is giving summer visitors an opportunity to compete for a treasure of$10,000 in cold cash. The competition, complete with clever clues and challenging puzzles, should appeal to fans of reality television who have sat back thinking "I bet I could do a better job… and actually win the prize!" This interactive experience, called the Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge, will be offered May 2 through Aug. 28, 2008.

Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge is a contest of skill that will give package guests an opportunity to act and think like pirates and treasure seekers as they earn points while traversing the resort and deciphering clues, solving intricate puzzles, and performing other "piratey" tasks. At the end of the summer, the team that accumulated the greatest number of points during their stay will be awarded the $10,000 prize. The second-place team will win a $3,500 cash prize and the third-place team will be awarded a three-night stay at a Gaylord hotel.

The Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge is intended for groups of adults or families. Some tasks are appropriate for family members to tackle together, while others will challenge even the most creative of adults.

In addition, children ages 10 and under can participate in Little Pirates Treasure Hunt, a special activity designed just for them. The hunt includes totally kid-friendly clues and a small prize for those who complete the adventure. The Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge experience unfolds over two days, and can easily be combined with visits to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and attractions.

Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge room packages start at $219 per night plus tax and parking. The package, which must be purchased for a minimum of two nights, includes Florida-view accommodations, one registration to compete in the Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge, participation in the Little Pirates Treasure Hunt (for children ages 10 and under) and an official Treasure Seekers Log Book. In addition, the package includes the following "resort fee" amenities: complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Walt Disney World theme parks; daily newspaper; fitness center access; wireless and high-speed Internet access in guestroom; and two bottles of Dasani water delivered daily to guest room refrigerator.

"This is not your ordinary summer resort experience," said Kemp Gallineau, general manager.
"But then again, we’re not your ordinary Florida resort, either."

To make a reservation, or to receive more information about Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge, call 407-586-HUNT, or visit www.SummerTreasureHuntChallenge.com. For official rules, guests can visit www.SummerTreasureHuntChallenge.com/rules.

The Thrill of the Hunt
Pirates and their quest for hidden treasure have been recurring themes in popular culture. But due to the success of Disney’s "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie franchise, these swashbucklers have enjoyed newfound popularity. Since the original installment debuted in 2003, interest in pirates has catapulted. In addition, hit reality television shows like "Survivor," "Road Rules," "Kid Nation" and
"Amazing Race" and movies like "National Treasure" have increased the appeal of scavenger hunts to the family audience.
"Activities such as the Gaylord Palms Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge are the natural progression of these trends," said Gallineau. "We are giving families a safe and controlled way to put themselves in the middle of the action while competing for their own treasure – just as they have seen on television or in the movies."

Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge is part of Best of Florida LIVE!, an ongoing Gaylord Palms exhibition that celebrates the history, events, creatures and habitats of the Sunshine State. Because Spain used the state as a staging area for convoys, pirates played a noteworthy role in Florida past. These pirates preyed upon the treasure-rich Spanish fleets that sailed the waters near Florida. In fact, the state is home to the popular Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa, a long-running festival that celebrates these infamous visitors.

WOW! What a Summer
Visitors to Gaylord Palms this summer will also have a chance to experience all that is new at the resort, including the colorful Clearwater Cove water activities playground, Coquina Dunes executive putting course, and the trendy SORA sushi bar. Gaylord Palms Resort features a soaring 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium that celebrates the best of Florida, including the destinations of St. Augustine, Key West, and the Everglades. Inside the atriums, guests encounter live alligators and other native creatures, enjoy amazing landscapes, visit innovative shops, dine at award-winning restaurants and participate in on-site entertainment.

In addition, complimentary shuttle service is offered to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and
attractions, where guests will find plenty to do this summer:

• Universal Orlando Resort will showcase "The Simpsons" in a new simulator ride experience.

• The newly renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut Toy Story Mania!, a 3-D ride; "Block Party Bash," an interactive new Disney parade; and "Playhouse Disney- Live on Stage!," with a whole new cast.

• SeaWorld Orlando is home to a brand-new state-of-the-thrill water park, Aquatica

• Epcot is featuring a new gallery exhibition, "National Treasures." Three dozen artifacts from American history are on display in the American Heritage Gallery of the American Adventure pavilion, including items from Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington Carver.