psu_john

I agree with @Matt  you need to decide which way you want to go.  We booked our July Chill cabana back in late Sept/early Oct.  However, I would add this, there are limited numbers of cabanas.  If you look at my weeks sailing (7/12/19)  Chill is 449 and has been for weeks.  However, if you look at it, it says check on board, iows, it is sold out.    The Oasis Lagoon cabana is going for....wait for it...1049.  Thrill Island Cabana is 931.  The highest I ever saw for Chill was 899 ( I got ours at 449)
My point is  this week it could be the same, next week it might not be.  
Everything that I have been told about cabana locations is that there really isn't a bad location.  RCCL has taken care to make sure they are prime spots.
@ptod
Unfortunately my TA is doing a Trans Atlantic cruise on Disney this week, so I will have to wait to see if what the RCCL reps are saying is true until she comes back...she too deserves a vacation with her family.  As stated I purchased this many moons ago, actually the day I reserved my cabin through her.  I looked on my cruise planner and I have no letter associated with my reservation, just my reservation number.  Hence, now I am curious to see if in her details she has a letter associated with our cabana.

I think it boils down to the question of if you want to spend more time at the pool or beach.

You got it...I think a lot of people will feel and think like this.
 
And these are just intro prices.....they can range even now and will be going up in the future once everything is working and completed.

Congratulations on the big anniversary!

@CGTLH is correct.  Your soda package will get you soda at any bar, restaurant or lounge (including the MDR).  Just flash the SeaPass card and you will get a glass of soda.

Soda in the dining room would be covered. Also no need to bring the cup, they can check by seeing the sticker on your card.
One thing to keep in mind is the selection in the dining room won't be the same as the Freestyle dispenser.