It's been a busy week of playing catch up with work and the like. But here's how things went for me:
First and foremost, thanks to all for the pro-tips, advice, and venting. It helped me know what I going to witness as well things to avoid.
As a first timer at the Expo, overall I really enjoyed the whole experience. I went in with very low expectations as I knew it was different, for better or worse, from other Con events. Started the morning flying standby for the Legends panel which had a few hiccups. Loved the hearing Xtina sing, RDJr share his skyride story, and become more familiar with the others. Made it onto the showfloor for a bit to check out the different booths. Loved the energy from the vendors and other attendees. Then hoofed it back to the Disney+ panel w/ a SP where I screamed and then cried when the Lizzie McGuire announcement was made. Excited for the most of the other offerings. Then signed up for Disney+ and was impressed by their customer service and ability to answer questions. Then spent the last 2 hours on the showfloor trying to see all the things. The archives exhibit and autotopia was a highlight as it's fun to see the details up close.
I agree that the Gold Lounge booth could have been organized better. Tried several times but the line was too slow or I was told an hour before the expo ended the line had been cut off bc it takes 40 minutes to go through. Seemed like they had too many bottle necks for things that slowed down the line (entry, giveaway, water, pressed penny). Related, I appreciate cast members and vendors that knew their lines/booths inside and out. For example at Team of Heroes, I was told it was a 10 minute line to go through. 35 minutes later I was walking out. On the flip side, the costumes archive peeps said it was about 15 minutes to get in and then going at your own pace. The line ended up being a bit less than that.
Another weekend highlight was the DMR party. Was fun to feel like a VIP for the night with great food for all (Vegan and carnivores lol), fun vibe, great gift bags, and the opportunity to see Fantasmic with fellow peeps here. if you ever run into
@soniam and
@OhioStateBuckeye you're in for a good time. Uber friendly, hilarious, kind, and wise about all things Disney. While I don't mind running solo, thanks for making the night memorable.
I'm thinking of attending again in the future however may attend every other expo. From things shared here, made mental notes about which panels to hit up next time (VoiceOver, Mousequerade, Footsteps w/ Walk).
I think I forgot to complain about that on the survey. I'm a little frustrated that some of the panels that I couldn't get into, standby and gold lines were closed, actually still had room. I really wanted to get into HM 50th but stayed away from the area too long after CMs were yelling at everyone to get away. I was right there, because we had just gone to the Simpsons. I also was discouraged from getting into standby for Archives panel by a CM who said I probably wouldn't get in. Loved the Disney+, Simpsons, Parks, Storytelling, and Character Voices panels. Sunday was the best day of the Expo. Friday, I only did MOG and Disney+. I was a little dismayed that everything, and I mean absolutely everything, had a line, and some were really long. I skipped the archives pavilion and gold member lounge because of this. We also tried to volunteer twice and were turned away due to too many people
Despite all of this, I did have a good time overall. I think I learned some good lessons, and actually accomplished a lot, considering it was my first time and that I only had 3 stage passes. I did have to forfeit my Marc Davis stage pass, since Parks ran over. I didn't use my chair or sleep pad, because I was worried they would take it. I did bring a cushion and inflatable pillow though. I think next time I would bring the seat cushion, my inflatable pillow, and 2 blankets (one for me and one for the ground). However, one day they had a sign up about now blankets. If it fits in your backpack, what do they care? I appreciate all of the info and advice I learned from this thread.
Also, I don't need much convincing for an excuse to get out to Disneyland. I don't think my son would enjoy it. Although, he will be 15 by then, so maybe. My husband is flexible, but he will have to babysit DS if he doesn't want to go. Plus, if school has already started, then DS won't be able to go.
There were definitely some great highlights and some unfortunate low lights. However, that's life. If it weren't for the bad, how would we know what's good
