That would be the temperature inside and the weight of ice it took to create this year's Ice Kingdom at The Queen Mary. This year's theme is based on the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. But with a bit of a twist here and there. You may catch the innuendo at first glance, but most people I asked did not.
This year's effort is brought to us by artisans created by an international team of ice sculpture experts from Harbin, China and enhanced with LED lighting to create a visually spectacular experience like no other. The sculptures this year are incredibly detailed and more animated than last year. They may not move, but the colors and settings seem as though they were drawn by an animator.
And of course there is tubing from a 100 ice slide, and ice skating on a 6,000 square foot ice rink. In case you forgot your skates, rentals are available for just a few dollars ($2.95). And don't forget to become part of the world's largest sno-globe, bounce in a 30' tall snowman bounce-house I have ever seen, or ride the 20' rocking horse. And for the very brave, The Bucking Reindeer is a must do!
To keep warm inside The Ice Kingdom, parkas are given to visitors. It IS only 9 degrees inside, so bring your mittens, too! Also, as all of us love to use social media to take and share pictures, try to keep your phones and batteries warm by keeping them in your mittens or pocket. The chill will run your battery down a little faster than normal.
But by all means, this year's CHILL at the Queen Mary is worth warming up to!