Two days to go before Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith opens. And, now just two posts remaining recapping my trip last month to Star Wars Celebration 3 in Indianapolis...
For the three days me and my friend Rob had been in Indy for SWC3, we experienced long lines and great moments. We got to see some outstanding footage and meet some cool people. But, on this fourth and final day (Sunday April 24) of our trip, we just had one thing in mind, getting our stuff together and getting ready to head home.
The main schedule of SWC activities went on till about 4pm, but the flight plans we'd scheduled called for us to leave at 3:30. Which meant we had to be at the airport by 1:30. So we didn't get to spend much time at the Convention Center on this final day. (Not without protest, mind you. We both wanted to stick around till the Celebration officially ended, but to do that would call for a later flight. A later, more expensive flight. As much as we wanted to, our finances just wouldn't allow it. )
Once again, we decided to try our luck getting into the Celebration Store, since we had zero luck the previous three days we had tried it. And, to our surprise, we made it inside. Looking inside the place, I could clearly see why the Storehad so much trouble. The place had no organization whatsoever. Hardly anyone ran it and they had like five or six registers, three of which were open that day we were inside. I can think of a million other places that had better run facilities than that Store. And through all of that, we still had to be in yet another long line. After moving about several yards in roughly an hour, and still not moving any closer to the fron of the store to get our order, we gave it up and left. If we didn't have to leave for the airport, ther might've been a shot we got to the front, but we couldn't risk missing our filight.
For the three days me and my friend Rob had been in Indy for SWC3, we experienced long lines and great moments. We got to see some outstanding footage and meet some cool people. But, on this fourth and final day (Sunday April 24) of our trip, we just had one thing in mind, getting our stuff together and getting ready to head home.
The main schedule of SWC activities went on till about 4pm, but the flight plans we'd scheduled called for us to leave at 3:30. Which meant we had to be at the airport by 1:30. So we didn't get to spend much time at the Convention Center on this final day. (Not without protest, mind you. We both wanted to stick around till the Celebration officially ended, but to do that would call for a later flight. A later, more expensive flight. As much as we wanted to, our finances just wouldn't allow it. )
We woke up around 8:30am, and we spent more time at the hotel room that morning then we did the other three days. Mostly, we spent it packing up all of our stuff and packing in all the new stuff we had acquired from SWC. Luckily for the both of us, we had enough room in both of our carry on bags to put everything (including our newly acquired Darth Vader talking action figures) safely without breaking it. I also had a newly purchased poster tube, which contained several posters I had either bought or gotten for free at the SWC.
With that done, we double checked to see if we had everything packed and then we left our hotel room. We then grabbed breakfast, officially checked out of the hotel, and waited for the shuttle van to take us to the Convention Center one last time. After the wait, we made it to the Center around 10:45 am, taking along our bags. For the first time of our entire stay, we were able to go inside without any long lines or delays. My guess is that it was the last day, things would be less restrained as compared to the other days.
Once again, we decided to try our luck getting into the Celebration Store, since we had zero luck the previous three days we had tried it. And, to our surprise, we made it inside. Looking inside the place, I could clearly see why the Storehad so much trouble. The place had no organization whatsoever. Hardly anyone ran it and they had like five or six registers, three of which were open that day we were inside. I can think of a million other places that had better run facilities than that Store. And through all of that, we still had to be in yet another long line. After moving about several yards in roughly an hour, and still not moving any closer to the fron of the store to get our order, we gave it up and left. If we didn't have to leave for the airport, ther might've been a shot we got to the front, but we couldn't risk missing our filight.
Afterwards, we got to check out the Exhibit Hall one last time. This was probably the one area of the Center we visited the most of our stay (and where I got the most free stuff). After about a half hour or so, we left and made our way outside and called the hotel shuttle van to take us to the airport. About 20 minutes later, our van arrived and we left the Convention Center for the last time.
We made it to the airport in plenty of time and, after an unusually long process with the security screening (especially with me because of all the metal zippers I had on my sweatsuit setting off the detectors) we waited at the lounge as we prepared to board our flight. I couldn't help but notice a lot of people who were just coming from the SWC waiting at the airport as well, not just at our flight but for others as well. I could spot them from the SWC badge lanyards they were wearing or various T-shirts and gear that I'd saw at the Celebration. It was cool that all of us shared that one bond at being at one of the biggest fan events of the year for those four days.
At about 3:30, me and Rob boarded our plane for Detroit. As compared to my first plane ride, this time I was more prepared for this flight. I expected the plane to shake and jerk as it prepared to leave the ground. This time around, I wasn't as nervous and I had no problems as it took off. The hour or so flight wasn't so bad and it didn't take long for us to land in Detroit. This time, however, we were in for a bit of a surprise. We didn't expect the weather to be so cold that there was actually snow on the ground as we approached Detroit. Also, due to all the high winds and cold air, our plane actually experienced a little turbulence as it took several huge dropoffs as it descended to the ground. More than enough to make anyone's lunch come back up. A good thing I took a Dramamine pill before I left. I can't say enough good things about that pill for making me enjoy my first ever plane rides without incident.
And with that, the trip was over. Four days ago, we had left for Indianapolis to attend Star Wars Celebration 3 and now it was done and we were heading back to our respective homes. What can I say, it was four incredibly amazing days, filled with stories and moments that I know me and Rob will never forget. I know I had a great time and it was definitely something that I was proud to be a part of.
Next up: The final episode -- reflecting back on my entire SWC3 experience.
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