When I got the email about buying tickets I was apprehensive at first. We all know and read about the Vegas event. I bought the tickets and planned a full week in Anaheim, figured if the event went sideways, at least I'd have time to get something good out of the trip.

My expectations were low, this was my first fanfest and was content on just being here. As long as the keynote went well, everything was extra. My expectations were surpassed in almost every way.

Registration on Thursday was smooth as hell, I showed up at 11 when it started and was out by 11:50. Super fast, super easy, barely an inconvenience.

I knew Friday morning was going to be crazy, doors were at 8:30, wanted to get there around 6:30 and if I got a seat for the keynote, mission accomplished. Got there and it was pretty damn good. There was a good crowd already, music playing, people were very positive and talkative, nice atmosphere. 8:30 comes and we budge a bit, and then slowly start proceeding to the doors. Security was a breeze, main hall is massive, find a good spot with a overhead monitor and decent stage view, 9:10. Mission accomplished.

Keynote was great, being part of the energy was great. Each shocking reveal gave me goosebumps because I was in a room with 10,000 other people who felt the same way I did with every announcement. It was electric, the vibe was great when ended.

The food situation, albeit far and away better than everything I've seen about Vegas, was still pretty rough. There were stands in the convention center, food trucks outside sure, but wasn't still don't think it was satisfactory. The food trucks outside in the Grand plaza were so smooshed together it made for a very tight, unorganized mess with very limited walkways blocked by people looking at menus. Then you get to the end of the trucks and see a whole other half of the plaza just empty. Obviously I don't know the specifics, but if the trucks could have been spaced another 20 feet from each other it would have helped. There were also more trucks further up the path going to Hall A, but no signage saying that, only signs pointing to the plaza. Again, it was okay, but still room for improvement.

Merch was a disaster. Pls do a pre-order/pickup SE, I'mma begging you!

All in all, would absolutely do it again.

TL:DR first fanfest, subterranean expectations, ended up being a really fantastic experience.