There was already a fairly long line for Dooneys, packet pick up, and the expo, when we got there. We went to our prearranged posts and waited patiently. When they started a soft opening and letting a few people in at a time early I got excited. I just wanted to be done with it!
I went to merchandise first, which was actually apart from packet pick up this time. The hubs and his mom attempted the expo merchandise area. I got right in after some confusion, bought my three desired items, a jacket for the hubs and got out easily. Even got my preorder jacket without hassle.
Preorder:
That was not the case for my tag team partners. They said it was a madhouse in their section. Pushing, crowding, and crazy princesses snatching items, depleting shelves faster than the poor cast members could keep up. Taking multiples of items. I didn't believe it because my own experience was so nice, but I later saw it for myself.
I had to pick up two bibs and deal with being registered for both the half and Glass Slipper somehow. I also had an issue picking up my preordered pin, but some amazing cast members helped me with both issues and I was on my way.
When I got to the expo part the hubs mentioned he thought he saw something I would like in the merchandise there so I scurried over. It was a madhouse. People everywhere, cast members surrounded by people trying to get items they wanted. I finally saw the sweatshirt that they hadn't shown on the sneak peak and didn't have in the first area. I dodged people and luckily saw one on the rack in my size. I scooped it up and found the end of the crazy long check out line.
While in line I witnessed chaos, discussing it with those around me who only had a few items. I saw one wine glass fall and break, but I think the woman legitly just dropped it. I was feeling claustrophobic and anxious- and a little guilty that I was in the middle of this mess. I hope that my actions didn't screw people up or that I was accidentally rude to anyone like the behaviors of so many around me. I almost put the sweatshirt back several times and just left.
I finally got to the front of the line and watched several people buying multiples of items. I even saw someone spend $1200. Obviously I began to suspect that many of these items would appear on eBay shortly. I smiled at my cashier and told her I had just one item- that I'd make her job easy at least for a few minutes. She smiled back looking frazzled and I felt bad for her.
We stopped to have lunch at the little restaurant in ESPN and then I realized I forgot to grab a poster board from the upstairs area to decorate. The line for getting back into the expo was so long that I approached the cast member manning the door to see if there was ANY way I could just go and grab a poster board that was RIGHT THERE. He told me he couldn't stop me but policy was... And I felt bad for him, a little embarrassed that I asked to break the rules. Not very princess like. I bet people were yelling at him all day, too. I told him I would follow the rules and he was appreciative. I bet a lot of people weren't so cooperative based on his demeanor. After seeing the line I decided the poster board wasn't that important. I was frustrated and overwhelmed by the crowds. Maybe tomorrow.
The packet pick up line was out the gate as we left just after 11:40. This is my third princess and who knows how many Disney races, and I HAVE NEVER seen such ridiculousness. I really do feel embarrassed to have been there and didn't even really look around because I just wanted to get out. This very well might be my last princess since I will be finally getting my pink C2C at Tink this year. I left feeling disappointed in humanity and unhappy- not excited and inspired to rock the races this weekend. I'm happy that I did get the merchandise I wanted, but almost ashamed, too, and I didn't even do anything wrong.
That's not to say that everyone was greedy and crazy- I met some very pleasant people today who were considerate and helpful. I watched awesome cast members work hard to make my experience and other people's days positive. Unfortunately there were also those who would stop at nothing to get what they want- and those are the ones who tarnished the expo for many.
I'll conclude with a snap shot of my haul from the expo... But I feel bad even posting this after seeing and reading about the day. I'm glad to have my keepsakes, but am saddened by the chaos they caused. 
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