As if Orlando didn't have enough fun already... giant resort Gaylord Palms is staging a pirate-themed Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge. Families can play from May 2 through Aug. 28 2008; the grand prize is a cool $10,000 cash. There's a Little Pirates Treasure Hunt for kids 10 and under, too.

Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge at Gaylord Palms

Gaylord Palms is a giant resort, close to the theme parks in Orlando, set on 63 acres, and with a signature feature: a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium. Inside the atriums are three themed sections on different aspects of Florida (called "Best of Florida LIVE!"): The Everglades (see alligators), St. Augustine, and Key West.   The resort has a kids club --La Petite Academy Kids Station, for ages 5 to 13-- and is known for its unique ICE!  attraction, staged in wintertime.

This summer marks the second annual Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge, which runs from May 2 through Aug. 28 2008. Guests who book a special package get a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.

Players will need to act like pirates, as they follow clues through the resort and solve puzzles using their treasure map. Solved clues get recorded in their Treasure Seekers Log Book, which teams turn in at the end of their stay along with some special “tie breaker” challenges that require some creativity. At the end of the summer, the team with the most points wins; in case of a tie, judges will look at the "tie-breaker" challenges.

Winning team gets $10,000; runner-up gets $3,500 cash prize, and the third-place team wins a three-night stay at a Gaylord hotel.

The Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge is played over two days and is designed for families or for groups of adults. Also, kids 10 and under can do the Little Pirates Treasure Hunt, with  kid-friendly clues and a small prize at the end.

Pirates Treasure Hunt Challenge package starts at $219 per night (plus tax and parking; minimum of two nights.)

• Find out more at www.GaylordTreasureHunt.com, or call 407-586-HUNT.
• read more about Gaylord Palms at About.com
• Check prices

* photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms Resort.