Saturday, February 28, 2009

MegaCon!




Terry and I arrived on time to drive the time machine into the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday. There was a long line of vehicles at the loading docks, but we were asked to go to the front of the line (presumably so we wouldn't drive over anyone setting up their booth!)
It's always a thrill for me to drive on carpeting. (The time machine likes it too!)
The decorating staff was very friendly and helped us get into position. We hung the Team Fox banners high and proud, then Terry arranged for a power source so we could plug the car in. The car's battery can operate all the lights and effects for a period of time, but will eventually go dead if the engine isn't recharging it. We spent time cleaning the car up and then checked into the Peabody Hotel next door. Ducks were enjoying swimming in the hotel lobby's fountain, as is tradition. We were beat from the drive and the set-up and the weather was lovely, so we enjoyed it by relaxing in a hammock in my favorite secret Orlando place, then having dinner with friends at Cafe TuTu Tango. We recommend this restaurant -not only does it have wonderful food, and art, but belly dancers as well. I was invited to join one of them and did my best (briefly.) Oh my!
Friday morning it's prep time. I set the computer and photo printing gear and Terry does a mad dash for an extra collection jar. She finds one at a convenience store, a 3 gal water jug with a long skinny neck. The $ goes in but how do we get it out! Deal with that later. The show starts off well. Vendors walking by make donations. What a great start.
When the public comes in, it's all hands on deck. R2D2 stopped by, as well as Joey Fatone and Lou Ferrigno. Terry was interviewed for about 10 minutes by a camera crew with Orange TV. Both of us taking photos, talking with all manner of characters and having a blast showing the car. The day flies by with visits from friends and well wishers.
At 7:00pm sharp, the show ends for the day, and our 'board of directors' takes us to Epcot for a fancy french dinner! The frenzy, excitement, questions, and everything is almost overwhelming, not to mention standing on the concrete floor for 10 hours, but it was a great day. -And we'll be ready for Saturday, which is supposed to be REALLY crazy.
-O.