Ponyville Ciderfest 2015
It's been three weeks since this brony con, but I've finally composed all my thoughts into a LJ post. ;-)
Ponyville Ciderfest 2015
I've been slowly typing this up since the days I got home from Milwaukee, with very fond memories of this brony convention. Scooter was going to join us, Goaty, Scooter's friend Jova and I for Ponyville Ciderfest, but Scooter ended up starting a new job just days before the con so he had to decline attending. Darrell wanted to join us, too, for this would have been his chance to meet Ashleigh Ball, but couldn't, due to his work scheduling.
Having what felt like 3 hours sleep at the most Thursday night, I was so excited for this con. The travel plan was to get a cab(I ordered in advance for 6:15 AM) from home to the commuter train station, take that to Chicago's Union Station to get an Amtrak train to Milwaukee and take a short cab ride to the hotel. I had it all mapped out fine until the cab service called me and said the next cab for me would be 45 min late. Waiting for that would have ruined the entire scheduling I had set. My folks had already decided the night before to get up early with me and give me a send off, but having heard the issue, they gladly got ready and gave me a quick lift to catch the 6:38AM commuter train I planned on.
With my folks giving me a lift to the local station, they gave me a send off as I boarded my train to Chicago. From there, I got my Amtrak train to Milwaukee, and from there in Milwaukee, got a cab ride to the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee(or Marewaukee as one con organizer said.;-).
I got this reaaaally yeee-haw awesome Applejack cosplay hat just in time for the convention, and I put it on as soon as I got in the hotel. At the front desk, the clerk there already complemented me on my hat (the first of many). Now that's the best kind of welcome to a brony convention one can get. :-) After checking in, I scurried up to meet Goaty and Scooter's friend, Jouva. Was so neat to meet up a friend again and meet a new one.
Fun really starts on Friday when we attended opening ceremonies where the con organizers introduced us to all the guests attending, all of us giving them big cheers and applause for coming. Ashleigh Ball was a late show for the opening ceremonies, I wanted to wave my hat and give her a big YEEEHAAAW. She did show up just a little bit after opening ceremonies. So many announcements and only so much time made me think I'm really in store for a ton of non-stop solid fun.
We walked around the 2nd floor of the venue to get an idea where most everything is, grabbed something to eat and headed over to the Friday Voice Actor's panel. There we got introduced to all the 5 VA's attending, including Ashleigh Ball, where I finally gave her my AJ hat-waving 'yeee-haw!'. Artist Jenn Blake moderated the panel with questions written down by fans during the panel. Amazing fun just hearing all five of these VA's randomly speak in different characters.
Following the Friday VA panel we bought some autograph vouchers. As I got in the looooong line a staff member was looking for the sponsors where for a short period of time all sponsor levels get priority service. Being a sponsor I got literally up to the door to the autograph room in an instant. I got four vouchers, two for Ashleigh so I could get something for darrell signed, one for Tabitha, and one for Peter New, which I had him sign for my Mom. I bought the combo vouchers for myself so I got pics with Ashleigh, Tabitha and Peter. Truly an awesome experience meeting these people in person and getting a pic with them.
We checked out the vendor hall after autographs, I trying to resist the desire to buy a ton of pony plushies. The goods offered were really amazing, from artwork and cosplay items to scented pony themed candles and etched glassware. Goaty on the other hand bought a Fluttershy plushie. ;-)
We grab a bite to eat at the bar, and then scurry off to change into something formal for the Grand Galloping Gala. More of a dance ball than dinner(hors d'oeuvers were served), there was a waltz lesson to be given, but the instructor had to cancel their appearance at the last minute. A brony who knows about dance instruction in the group for the Gala offers to step in and give a dance lesson --Talk about saving the day. ;-) After entering, Goaty and I made it a clear point to recite the lines of the Cutie Mark Crusaders when they arrived at the Gala [Make New Friends But Keep Discord], "We're here! We're here! We made it to the Gala!" We sit and talk with other attendees about our FiM experiences, mostly about the cons we've been to and who was at the very same cons in the past. Goaty and I don't really dance, so we end up watching others waltz to piano adaptations of background pony music in a formal setting. Later in the Gala they start playing song clips that everyone starts singing and dancing to, starting with my desired 'At the Gala' to other unreleased songs of the show and topping it off with 'This Day Aria'
Later in the night, Goaty and I went up to the very top floor, the Polaris Room, where Ciderfest held one of their Cider Bar events(21+). This top floor room for what I knew rotated, for when I got off the elevator, I was looking on the floor for the tell-tale circular gap that separates fixed floor from moving floor. It wasn't to be found, for I just happened to overhear this floor was just remodeled, and they took out the rotating interior floor system. A tiny let-down there, but it was still a very impressive nighttime view of Milwaukee from 21 floors up. Quite the first day for myself, narf.
We skipped watching our usual Saturday morning streaming of the newest episode for I was certain it was the ep that was being presented by Ciderfest at 1PM.
Saturday fun starts in the Mane Events room(where like most pony conventions the big events happen. ;)) for the Saturday Voice Actors panel. Before the panel started, I felt like playing some pony music and I chose "Raise This Barn". I play it juust loud enough for me, and next thing I know about 6-8 others start singing, so I turn it up. I was sorta amazed a simple thing like that can be such spontaneous fun. I was sort of hoping it would happen in the first place. ;-)
We are treated to a special presentation by the VAs with a 'blind reading' of a script. It is an MLP FiM fan fiction written up by Tabitha St. Germain involving all the characters of the VAs present, with a couple of substitutions for Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. The story revolves around Gilda building a nest atop of Rarity's Carousel Boutique, causing all kinds of annoyances for Rarity, specifically loud squawking sounds at night, keeping Rarity awake. With help from the Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith, they bring in a mirror in a desperate move to quiet Gilda, to which in turn makes Gilda admire herself in the mirror, making all kinds of quieter -- and hilarious -- cooing sounds. Trouble is, the mirror the Applejack and Big Mac brought in was a long forgotten and hidden mirror that is enchanted with strange powers. The mirror comes to life at night while in front of Gilda, where from the other side comes Sunset Shimmer, to enter Ponyville and seek out revenge for Twilight.
This story was a true marvel of Tabitha. Watching all the VAs read off dialogue in character so swiftly and easily(they did get hung up on a few lines with hilarious results) is truly magical to see first hand, as well as a lot of context that had nearly everyone rolling in the aisles laughing. We gave everyone a huge standing applause at the end. I was so impressed I started chanting Ta-Bi-Tha! Everyone around me joined in chanting Tabitha's name -- another little bit of spontaneous fun started by moi. =D
Right after that VA panel ended, it was on to presenting today's new MLP episode: The Mane Attraction.
With our front seats yet from the wrapped up VA panel, we get a nice view of the ep on a rear projection big screen. Watching an ep together is a HUUUGE treat. During the cold opening we're already laughing a ton, and at the intro we are all singing aloud and cheering. The story involves Applejack meeting up with an old friend from way back when she was younger, who had since turned into a pony pop music sensation. The biggest highlights of the show we all enjoyed was the two musical performances. The Ciderfest AV crew had the audio of the ep piped into the music concert's powerful system. It sounded great(no distortion, etc), but when when this techno music number (The Spectacle) played, we were all blown away by the pounding bass that came to life. For a moment I felt like the Saturday Night music concert had already begun. This was no doubt a nod to all the fans out there who have made their techno-based pony music. Everyone loved it. The other huge musical highlight was a piano-based song, The Magic Inside. This was more of a moving song that reached out and grabbed everyone. Truly outstanding work by Daniel Ingram. The applause and cheers at the end were mesmerizing to me. I will always remember how great it was to watch (and feel the bass of) this episode with about 500 other cheering bronies.
Off to autographs in the afternoon to get a special autograph from Marÿke Hendrikse for our friend who got us into MLP FiM: Scotty aka Fifi Lover. I first went to the vending hall and chose a nice Sanota print of decent size to have autographed. While standing in the long line (Super Sparkle Sponsors get line priority for a few min at the start of autographs) one of the staff members calls out for anyone wanting Marÿke's autograph, so I say I am, and get quickly whisked up into the autograph room. I meet Marÿke and hand her this rather large print of Sanota playing baseball. She likes the image very much and is also impressed I getting this for our friend, saying how nice of me. ^^
While Goaty grabs a late lunch(I ate a good size breakfast) I poked into the last few min of Whose(Hooves) Line Is it? Though not a big deal I missed it (the entire panel is on youtube), I did get a few good laughs out of it.
Later Saturday afternoon is a Kids' Sing A Long with Rebecca and Ashleigh. I was expecting it was going to be in one of the smaller panel rooms, but I was directed to the atrium area where the con has had nearly non-stop music and a dance floor there. They had set up a large screen to project lyrics from various youtube videos for everyone to sing along with. All the fillies and colts were on the dance floor in front of the screen singing and dancing, while the rest of the herd filled out the rest of the atrium area. A number of songs were performed, from Apples To The Core, the requisite Smile Song, to lesser played Dashie's "I'll Fly" and topping off with the biggest sing along with the MLP Theme. Truly a treat to hear Ashleigh and Rebecca perform in person for all us fans. =D
Goaty and I poke around the vendor hall for a little while before I head off to the top floor for the meet and greet dinner, which was just myself because I had the higher level registration than Goaty had so he couldn't attend. The dinner was on the Polaris top floor, served in a buffet style. I conversed with a few other bronies at the table I sat at, but otherwise I was quiet and listening to what anyone else had to say. Besides, I was hungry and I was rather chowing down. ;-) The only disappointment about the meet and greet dinner was it was not clear how we were going to meet the guests of honor (VAs, etc). Tabitha St. Germain was first to come around from table to table say hello and other fun quips, so we all figured that was going to be the pattern for all the other guests of honor. Most of us still sitting at our table were looking around yet to see who else was going to stop by. Ashleigh looked like she was heading around the tables but seemed to stop and talk with a few people for a while. Us at the table were looking to see who else is lurking about and then noticed some are already leaving the dinner for the hour is just about up. I concede this was basically over and head on back down below to catch up with Goaty.
Zipping down 18 floors after finding where Goaty is, I meet up with him and a bunch of people outside mane room where the concert is to be. The Shake Ups are performing out in the hallway very acoustically. At first I thought *this* was their intended performance, but quickly found out the AV crew was having power issues with all the amps and other equipment for the concert. So, keeping up the spirit of the con, the Shake Ups performed while Ciderfest staff and Hyatt maintenance worked on getting all the power back on. Goaty and I had tickets for the VIP Cocktail hour, so we had to leave what was passing as the concert behind, hoping that all would be working again later. I really wanted to hear the Shake Ups perform in their usual manor.
Back up to the Polaris room where I was just an hour ago, this time with Goaty. I seldom drink, but I do on occasion, so I figured this was certainly a time for a little drink. There were these handful of pony themed drinks, so I tried the one called Apple Jack. One of the ingredients is ginger beer. It was… very strong on the ginger. so strong I just offered it to Goaty after many sips to see if I'd get used to that taste. ;-) We had better luck talking with some of the VAs this time around. I finally got to talk with Ashleigh Ball, telling her how wonderful her sing-a-long performance earlier Saturday was, and how I was reaaaally hoping she would have performed Raise This Barn. Sitting next to Ashleigh was Marÿke Hendrikse, who remembered me by name and said 'Hi' to me first! My mind was totally blown by that, for all the prior contact with her was at the autograph line like all the other fans who see her. With both of these VAs in front of me, I told them how they are a huge part of the magic of everyone's friendship and how they have made such a part in bringing fans together, here and elsewhere. I can't remember exactly what their reaction was, but I think they were touched none the less. All the while Goaty and I are hanging around, we didn't see Jouva around. I sent a text off to him asking if he's up here or on his way, but the poor guy didn't realize the VIP cocktail hour was happening now. I think he did find his way up but we never spotted him. We note the time is already 20 minutes past the planned end mark of the VIP cocktail hour, so Goaty and I decide to go back down and see how they're managing with the Saturday Night Concert.
Back on the second floor we see the musical performances have moved inside the Mane Hall. Approaching the doors I can distinctly hear The Shake Ups' Welcome To The Herd is being performed. We walk in and are now surrounded by the concert fun. People dancing, swaying or just sitting in the far rows of chairs listening to the music. I'm so glad I'm seeing The Shake Ups perform how it was planned to be. A slight disappointment, for we had just arrived for the next song to be played being their last song of their set. None the less, it's a huge favorite of mine and just about anyone else's, 20% Cooler, a song about Rainbow Dash. It was still a lot of fun.
Thereafter, the rest of the concert was filled with 8 more brony inspired musical talents. I'm not really big on techno-music genre, but I do appreciate it, the bass is very impressive in the power when I feel it through the floors, and the light show is quite a spectacle. Goaty was up front recording nearly all of the concert while we were there til about 1:30 AM. I was did some random recording of the concert, just a few, short clips for I know Goaty would have most of it. I decided to see how streaming with my iPad would be, so I fired up hangouts on it. Hangouts on mobile devices is a bit more complicated when you're trying to link to computer based hangouts, but after a good while of sitting there configuring and listening to the bass pounding music, I got it to work. Everyone who could in our usual nightly chats was there watching me stream the concert in Hangouts. That was another level of fun right there. I mostly sat in the frontmost row of chairs and watched the fun, but once in a little while I got up and panned around the concert and walked up next to Goaty, showing everyone else how much fun he was having. Of course I did flip the camera around to show everyone just how much I really enjoyed being there at the concert. ^^
As the concert continued into the night -- it was originally supposed to end at 12:30AM, but the power issues delayed everyone, I look at my watch and it's already about 1:30 AM. I go to check on where Goaty is, watching out for him when I can, and I can't seem to locate him. I walk around the concert, which actually has gained more people, and I have to look more closely. I don't see Goaty anywhere in the concert, so I draw the conclusion to where he's at: The bar! In this case the only bar open this late is the Cider Bar way up on the Polaris floor. One tall elevator ride to the top and walking into the Cider Bar, behold: I have found Goaty having a drink with a few other bronies (I believe one of them bought Goaty a drink). As long as i knew where he was at, I headed back down to my room to talk and chat with everyone about the wonderful Saturday.
Sunday's fun kicks off with the 3rd voice actor panel, where the most of the time was devoted to question and answers from the fans. The most memorable and hilarious moment of this VA panel was how Andrea Limbman was being missed here. Peter New calls first, getting her voice mail, and leaves a message. Ultimately all VA's there called her up at the same time leaving her messages. Andrea calls back a moment later, concerned as to why everyone's calling her, asking "are you all okay there?" Goaty got up and ask the VAs a question about the order of dialogue and singing are recorded. He also asked Ashleigh Ball to say in Rainbow Dash's voice "Hi to his Niece and Nephew!". She also added in Dashie's voice, "You've got a cool Uncle!" That really made Goaty's day for sure. ;-D
We head on over to the autograph line for one last time where we catch up with Jouva. We're all in the priority line for our sponsor level and Goaty's ADA condition. I notice how the other line for everyone else is long and winding again, so I decide for them to play music from the MLP albums. A lot of people are gladly bouncing about or singing along to the MLP music I play as I scoot up the line. Unfortunately for them I'm rather rapidly moving up to the autograph room, and before a 2nd song fully plays I'm already inside. This time around I got Marÿke's autograph for myself, especially since she remembered me(still in awe of that. XD) and she made that part of her signature to me, that I remembered who I was 'twice'. I also got my pic with Marÿke as well. Only other in the room I didn't get an autograph from was Rebecca Shoichet, Twilight's singing voice, et al. I told her how I am truly amazed at what this show has done, and how all the VAs are a part of that magic behind everyone's friendship of this show. She was rather touched by that. Lastly I got a pic with Rebecca as well.
After autographs, Goaty and I decide to sit around and soak up a little of the brony con atmosphere outside the autograph room in the atrium. I noticed how some really enjoyed my playing of the pony music, so I thought I'd get a table that's near the autograph line and play music. Much to my surprise by the time we got back there the end of the line was practically outside the door, so our treat of music was a tad moot by then. Goaty and I just hung around the autograph room just to see who might come and go for the last bit of the session. At the end we did see some of the VA's come out, especially Tabitha, who came out of the autograph room and stopped by the table we sat at and dropped off a huge handful of Tootsie Rolls! Thanking Tabitha for that, it almost felt like Trick-or-Treating was going on. She actually came back again past me and dropped off even more Tootsie Rolls and I thanked her again and she smiled and waved back. I then knew how Spike felt. ;-)
Since most of the other panel rooms were wrapped up already, we decided to check out the charity auction. Lots of nice little MLP items and crafts up for bids. There wasn't really anything I felt I must have, if there was I'd likely be outbid. None the less it was fun watching the auction action, with what I'm sure is routine at brony auctions with audience involvement of closing the bids saying "going ONCE, going TWICE…..SOLD!!!"
The charity auction ran a bit long, about 45 minutes past where closing ceremonies were to begin. Literally as the last auctioned item was sold, the staff went directly into closing ceremonies. Lots of thank yous to many people, a general inclusion to myself, for being a sponsor level attendee. What was kind of a let down was the ceremony was rushed in the span of 15 minutes, but the feeling was more about the convention was drawing to a close. They ended it on a high note, informing us Ciderfest 2016 will happen in October, the weekend just shy of Halloween. I'll certainly be there. Goaty and I hung around with a few others in the mane hall as we watched the entire staff of more than 3 dozen people take group pics. It is amazing as to how many people it takes to run a convention like this. We were also amused (and took a hint from) the image of Rainbow Dash on the big screen pointing to an exit door saying "Get Out!".
We head to the bar for a bit to eat, already thinking about the fond memories we had with Ciderfest, looking at the pics and video we took. After eating, when we walked around it already felt a bit hollow, for there weren't any more activities or panels to attend. Attendees were already leaving -- Jouva had to make a very quick departure back east. Goaty and I more or less walked around the atrium floor, admiring the Ciderfest signs outside the rooms for the various activities. It was only then I realized the sponsor room I could have gone into and enjoyed…whatever it was inside there to offer. Seemed so small of a room to present anything significant. ;-)
After walking around the now-empty feeling venue, Goaty and I go up to my room for the evening, where I play about 6 MLP eps in a row. Best post con depression solution I know. Later that night for fun we try to have all our cameras set up for Google Hangouts so everyone else gets a good view of the last night of fun there in my room.
Monday is packing up everything and hoping it all fits back in, and making sure the nice autographed pictures don't get wrinkled. Goaty and I grab one last breakfast/lunch/brunch at the hotel restaurant(the bar on the ground floor Goaty migrates to won't be open til after we've checked out). We take notice how there's still a couple other bronies around the restaurant, so obviously not everyone's fled the hotel yet. ;-)
With all our belongings gathered up and double checking for anything we may have left out, Goaty and I check out of the hotel, and with at least an hour before either of us have to leave, we hang around in the lobby sitting areas, where we spot yet a few more bronies seated near by. We pass the time looking at our pics and video again, and I play a couple more eps on my laptop, purposely at a wide angle should anyone else be a tad curious. ;-)
Alas, the time for goodbyes comes about, as bittersweet as they are. Goaty and I head to the exit(just a moment before the others we spotted leave, too)where we bid ourselves adieu, underscoring just how much fun we had. I grab a cab and Goaty waits a few more minutes for the airport shuttle.
I arrive at the train station with plenty of time to spare. I thought about looking at some of the shops they had there but I didn't feel like lugging my stuff around, and I was rather content sitting in the waiting area, looking back at the last 3 days.
I hop on board the 1PM train to Chicago, and in what feels like a few mere minutes I'm already in the farmland of southeastern Wisconsin. I decide to start typing up my thoughts, but I got rather distracted by the passing scenery. I am usually good with a sense of distance, time and geographical location, but I must have really been lost in my thoughts for I suddenly realize I'm already a good 10 miles into Illinois already.
As the train nears Chicago, I'm thinking about the local commuter train that takes me back to Schaumburg. This train is scheduled to arrive at 2:29PM, while the commuter train leaves at 2:30PM. I would otherwise have to wait an hour for the next outbound commuter train. I keep checking the time and observing our current location as we're more into the central Chicago area. We go at a good clip for a lot of the line but have to go slow at certain junctions and especially entering the station. It appears that I do have a good chance of getting my next train but it's getting so close as we finally arrive in Union Station.
I grab my bag and things and scurry down the platform to the concourse, go up a few tracks and spot the train number I wrote down earlier, seeing how it's not left. The time is literally 2:30PM by my watch. I scurry down the platform and see there's people still boarding. A conductor ahead of me sees me in a mad dash and says I've got time yet so I don't have to panic. I get aboard find a nice place to sprawl myself and my bags out, hoping I don't have to(but would if needed) share the seat with anyone.
I give a call to my folks saying I'm already on the commuter train en route to our station, and they gladly oblige to pick me up when I arrive at our station. My Mom was really impressed when I gave her Peter New's autograph. ;-D
I am so very glad I attended Ponyville Ciderfest. I really had a lot of non stop fun with Goaty and when he was around, Jouva as well. There was never a moment I ever felt bored during the con, and the whole hotel felt like a big, non-stop party for all the bronies who attended. I really want to come back to this venue with as many of you my friends as possible.
Ponyville Ciderfest 2015
I've been slowly typing this up since the days I got home from Milwaukee, with very fond memories of this brony convention. Scooter was going to join us, Goaty, Scooter's friend Jova and I for Ponyville Ciderfest, but Scooter ended up starting a new job just days before the con so he had to decline attending. Darrell wanted to join us, too, for this would have been his chance to meet Ashleigh Ball, but couldn't, due to his work scheduling.
Having what felt like 3 hours sleep at the most Thursday night, I was so excited for this con. The travel plan was to get a cab(I ordered in advance for 6:15 AM) from home to the commuter train station, take that to Chicago's Union Station to get an Amtrak train to Milwaukee and take a short cab ride to the hotel. I had it all mapped out fine until the cab service called me and said the next cab for me would be 45 min late. Waiting for that would have ruined the entire scheduling I had set. My folks had already decided the night before to get up early with me and give me a send off, but having heard the issue, they gladly got ready and gave me a quick lift to catch the 6:38AM commuter train I planned on.
With my folks giving me a lift to the local station, they gave me a send off as I boarded my train to Chicago. From there, I got my Amtrak train to Milwaukee, and from there in Milwaukee, got a cab ride to the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee(or Marewaukee as one con organizer said.;-).
I got this reaaaally yeee-haw awesome Applejack cosplay hat just in time for the convention, and I put it on as soon as I got in the hotel. At the front desk, the clerk there already complemented me on my hat (the first of many). Now that's the best kind of welcome to a brony convention one can get. :-) After checking in, I scurried up to meet Goaty and Scooter's friend, Jouva. Was so neat to meet up a friend again and meet a new one.
Fun really starts on Friday when we attended opening ceremonies where the con organizers introduced us to all the guests attending, all of us giving them big cheers and applause for coming. Ashleigh Ball was a late show for the opening ceremonies, I wanted to wave my hat and give her a big YEEEHAAAW. She did show up just a little bit after opening ceremonies. So many announcements and only so much time made me think I'm really in store for a ton of non-stop solid fun.
We walked around the 2nd floor of the venue to get an idea where most everything is, grabbed something to eat and headed over to the Friday Voice Actor's panel. There we got introduced to all the 5 VA's attending, including Ashleigh Ball, where I finally gave her my AJ hat-waving 'yeee-haw!'. Artist Jenn Blake moderated the panel with questions written down by fans during the panel. Amazing fun just hearing all five of these VA's randomly speak in different characters.
Following the Friday VA panel we bought some autograph vouchers. As I got in the looooong line a staff member was looking for the sponsors where for a short period of time all sponsor levels get priority service. Being a sponsor I got literally up to the door to the autograph room in an instant. I got four vouchers, two for Ashleigh so I could get something for darrell signed, one for Tabitha, and one for Peter New, which I had him sign for my Mom. I bought the combo vouchers for myself so I got pics with Ashleigh, Tabitha and Peter. Truly an awesome experience meeting these people in person and getting a pic with them.
We checked out the vendor hall after autographs, I trying to resist the desire to buy a ton of pony plushies. The goods offered were really amazing, from artwork and cosplay items to scented pony themed candles and etched glassware. Goaty on the other hand bought a Fluttershy plushie. ;-)
We grab a bite to eat at the bar, and then scurry off to change into something formal for the Grand Galloping Gala. More of a dance ball than dinner(hors d'oeuvers were served), there was a waltz lesson to be given, but the instructor had to cancel their appearance at the last minute. A brony who knows about dance instruction in the group for the Gala offers to step in and give a dance lesson --Talk about saving the day. ;-) After entering, Goaty and I made it a clear point to recite the lines of the Cutie Mark Crusaders when they arrived at the Gala [Make New Friends But Keep Discord], "We're here! We're here! We made it to the Gala!" We sit and talk with other attendees about our FiM experiences, mostly about the cons we've been to and who was at the very same cons in the past. Goaty and I don't really dance, so we end up watching others waltz to piano adaptations of background pony music in a formal setting. Later in the Gala they start playing song clips that everyone starts singing and dancing to, starting with my desired 'At the Gala' to other unreleased songs of the show and topping it off with 'This Day Aria'
Later in the night, Goaty and I went up to the very top floor, the Polaris Room, where Ciderfest held one of their Cider Bar events(21+). This top floor room for what I knew rotated, for when I got off the elevator, I was looking on the floor for the tell-tale circular gap that separates fixed floor from moving floor. It wasn't to be found, for I just happened to overhear this floor was just remodeled, and they took out the rotating interior floor system. A tiny let-down there, but it was still a very impressive nighttime view of Milwaukee from 21 floors up. Quite the first day for myself, narf.
We skipped watching our usual Saturday morning streaming of the newest episode for I was certain it was the ep that was being presented by Ciderfest at 1PM.
Saturday fun starts in the Mane Events room(where like most pony conventions the big events happen. ;)) for the Saturday Voice Actors panel. Before the panel started, I felt like playing some pony music and I chose "Raise This Barn". I play it juust loud enough for me, and next thing I know about 6-8 others start singing, so I turn it up. I was sorta amazed a simple thing like that can be such spontaneous fun. I was sort of hoping it would happen in the first place. ;-)
We are treated to a special presentation by the VAs with a 'blind reading' of a script. It is an MLP FiM fan fiction written up by Tabitha St. Germain involving all the characters of the VAs present, with a couple of substitutions for Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. The story revolves around Gilda building a nest atop of Rarity's Carousel Boutique, causing all kinds of annoyances for Rarity, specifically loud squawking sounds at night, keeping Rarity awake. With help from the Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith, they bring in a mirror in a desperate move to quiet Gilda, to which in turn makes Gilda admire herself in the mirror, making all kinds of quieter -- and hilarious -- cooing sounds. Trouble is, the mirror the Applejack and Big Mac brought in was a long forgotten and hidden mirror that is enchanted with strange powers. The mirror comes to life at night while in front of Gilda, where from the other side comes Sunset Shimmer, to enter Ponyville and seek out revenge for Twilight.
This story was a true marvel of Tabitha. Watching all the VAs read off dialogue in character so swiftly and easily(they did get hung up on a few lines with hilarious results) is truly magical to see first hand, as well as a lot of context that had nearly everyone rolling in the aisles laughing. We gave everyone a huge standing applause at the end. I was so impressed I started chanting Ta-Bi-Tha! Everyone around me joined in chanting Tabitha's name -- another little bit of spontaneous fun started by moi. =D
Right after that VA panel ended, it was on to presenting today's new MLP episode: The Mane Attraction.
With our front seats yet from the wrapped up VA panel, we get a nice view of the ep on a rear projection big screen. Watching an ep together is a HUUUGE treat. During the cold opening we're already laughing a ton, and at the intro we are all singing aloud and cheering. The story involves Applejack meeting up with an old friend from way back when she was younger, who had since turned into a pony pop music sensation. The biggest highlights of the show we all enjoyed was the two musical performances. The Ciderfest AV crew had the audio of the ep piped into the music concert's powerful system. It sounded great(no distortion, etc), but when when this techno music number (The Spectacle) played, we were all blown away by the pounding bass that came to life. For a moment I felt like the Saturday Night music concert had already begun. This was no doubt a nod to all the fans out there who have made their techno-based pony music. Everyone loved it. The other huge musical highlight was a piano-based song, The Magic Inside. This was more of a moving song that reached out and grabbed everyone. Truly outstanding work by Daniel Ingram. The applause and cheers at the end were mesmerizing to me. I will always remember how great it was to watch (and feel the bass of) this episode with about 500 other cheering bronies.
Off to autographs in the afternoon to get a special autograph from Marÿke Hendrikse for our friend who got us into MLP FiM: Scotty aka Fifi Lover. I first went to the vending hall and chose a nice Sanota print of decent size to have autographed. While standing in the long line (Super Sparkle Sponsors get line priority for a few min at the start of autographs) one of the staff members calls out for anyone wanting Marÿke's autograph, so I say I am, and get quickly whisked up into the autograph room. I meet Marÿke and hand her this rather large print of Sanota playing baseball. She likes the image very much and is also impressed I getting this for our friend, saying how nice of me. ^^
While Goaty grabs a late lunch(I ate a good size breakfast) I poked into the last few min of Whose(Hooves) Line Is it? Though not a big deal I missed it (the entire panel is on youtube), I did get a few good laughs out of it.
Later Saturday afternoon is a Kids' Sing A Long with Rebecca and Ashleigh. I was expecting it was going to be in one of the smaller panel rooms, but I was directed to the atrium area where the con has had nearly non-stop music and a dance floor there. They had set up a large screen to project lyrics from various youtube videos for everyone to sing along with. All the fillies and colts were on the dance floor in front of the screen singing and dancing, while the rest of the herd filled out the rest of the atrium area. A number of songs were performed, from Apples To The Core, the requisite Smile Song, to lesser played Dashie's "I'll Fly" and topping off with the biggest sing along with the MLP Theme. Truly a treat to hear Ashleigh and Rebecca perform in person for all us fans. =D
Goaty and I poke around the vendor hall for a little while before I head off to the top floor for the meet and greet dinner, which was just myself because I had the higher level registration than Goaty had so he couldn't attend. The dinner was on the Polaris top floor, served in a buffet style. I conversed with a few other bronies at the table I sat at, but otherwise I was quiet and listening to what anyone else had to say. Besides, I was hungry and I was rather chowing down. ;-) The only disappointment about the meet and greet dinner was it was not clear how we were going to meet the guests of honor (VAs, etc). Tabitha St. Germain was first to come around from table to table say hello and other fun quips, so we all figured that was going to be the pattern for all the other guests of honor. Most of us still sitting at our table were looking around yet to see who else was going to stop by. Ashleigh looked like she was heading around the tables but seemed to stop and talk with a few people for a while. Us at the table were looking to see who else is lurking about and then noticed some are already leaving the dinner for the hour is just about up. I concede this was basically over and head on back down below to catch up with Goaty.
Zipping down 18 floors after finding where Goaty is, I meet up with him and a bunch of people outside mane room where the concert is to be. The Shake Ups are performing out in the hallway very acoustically. At first I thought *this* was their intended performance, but quickly found out the AV crew was having power issues with all the amps and other equipment for the concert. So, keeping up the spirit of the con, the Shake Ups performed while Ciderfest staff and Hyatt maintenance worked on getting all the power back on. Goaty and I had tickets for the VIP Cocktail hour, so we had to leave what was passing as the concert behind, hoping that all would be working again later. I really wanted to hear the Shake Ups perform in their usual manor.
Back up to the Polaris room where I was just an hour ago, this time with Goaty. I seldom drink, but I do on occasion, so I figured this was certainly a time for a little drink. There were these handful of pony themed drinks, so I tried the one called Apple Jack. One of the ingredients is ginger beer. It was… very strong on the ginger. so strong I just offered it to Goaty after many sips to see if I'd get used to that taste. ;-) We had better luck talking with some of the VAs this time around. I finally got to talk with Ashleigh Ball, telling her how wonderful her sing-a-long performance earlier Saturday was, and how I was reaaaally hoping she would have performed Raise This Barn. Sitting next to Ashleigh was Marÿke Hendrikse, who remembered me by name and said 'Hi' to me first! My mind was totally blown by that, for all the prior contact with her was at the autograph line like all the other fans who see her. With both of these VAs in front of me, I told them how they are a huge part of the magic of everyone's friendship and how they have made such a part in bringing fans together, here and elsewhere. I can't remember exactly what their reaction was, but I think they were touched none the less. All the while Goaty and I are hanging around, we didn't see Jouva around. I sent a text off to him asking if he's up here or on his way, but the poor guy didn't realize the VIP cocktail hour was happening now. I think he did find his way up but we never spotted him. We note the time is already 20 minutes past the planned end mark of the VIP cocktail hour, so Goaty and I decide to go back down and see how they're managing with the Saturday Night Concert.
Back on the second floor we see the musical performances have moved inside the Mane Hall. Approaching the doors I can distinctly hear The Shake Ups' Welcome To The Herd is being performed. We walk in and are now surrounded by the concert fun. People dancing, swaying or just sitting in the far rows of chairs listening to the music. I'm so glad I'm seeing The Shake Ups perform how it was planned to be. A slight disappointment, for we had just arrived for the next song to be played being their last song of their set. None the less, it's a huge favorite of mine and just about anyone else's, 20% Cooler, a song about Rainbow Dash. It was still a lot of fun.
Thereafter, the rest of the concert was filled with 8 more brony inspired musical talents. I'm not really big on techno-music genre, but I do appreciate it, the bass is very impressive in the power when I feel it through the floors, and the light show is quite a spectacle. Goaty was up front recording nearly all of the concert while we were there til about 1:30 AM. I was did some random recording of the concert, just a few, short clips for I know Goaty would have most of it. I decided to see how streaming with my iPad would be, so I fired up hangouts on it. Hangouts on mobile devices is a bit more complicated when you're trying to link to computer based hangouts, but after a good while of sitting there configuring and listening to the bass pounding music, I got it to work. Everyone who could in our usual nightly chats was there watching me stream the concert in Hangouts. That was another level of fun right there. I mostly sat in the frontmost row of chairs and watched the fun, but once in a little while I got up and panned around the concert and walked up next to Goaty, showing everyone else how much fun he was having. Of course I did flip the camera around to show everyone just how much I really enjoyed being there at the concert. ^^
As the concert continued into the night -- it was originally supposed to end at 12:30AM, but the power issues delayed everyone, I look at my watch and it's already about 1:30 AM. I go to check on where Goaty is, watching out for him when I can, and I can't seem to locate him. I walk around the concert, which actually has gained more people, and I have to look more closely. I don't see Goaty anywhere in the concert, so I draw the conclusion to where he's at: The bar! In this case the only bar open this late is the Cider Bar way up on the Polaris floor. One tall elevator ride to the top and walking into the Cider Bar, behold: I have found Goaty having a drink with a few other bronies (I believe one of them bought Goaty a drink). As long as i knew where he was at, I headed back down to my room to talk and chat with everyone about the wonderful Saturday.
Sunday's fun kicks off with the 3rd voice actor panel, where the most of the time was devoted to question and answers from the fans. The most memorable and hilarious moment of this VA panel was how Andrea Limbman was being missed here. Peter New calls first, getting her voice mail, and leaves a message. Ultimately all VA's there called her up at the same time leaving her messages. Andrea calls back a moment later, concerned as to why everyone's calling her, asking "are you all okay there?" Goaty got up and ask the VAs a question about the order of dialogue and singing are recorded. He also asked Ashleigh Ball to say in Rainbow Dash's voice "Hi to his Niece and Nephew!". She also added in Dashie's voice, "You've got a cool Uncle!" That really made Goaty's day for sure. ;-D
We head on over to the autograph line for one last time where we catch up with Jouva. We're all in the priority line for our sponsor level and Goaty's ADA condition. I notice how the other line for everyone else is long and winding again, so I decide for them to play music from the MLP albums. A lot of people are gladly bouncing about or singing along to the MLP music I play as I scoot up the line. Unfortunately for them I'm rather rapidly moving up to the autograph room, and before a 2nd song fully plays I'm already inside. This time around I got Marÿke's autograph for myself, especially since she remembered me(still in awe of that. XD) and she made that part of her signature to me, that I remembered who I was 'twice'. I also got my pic with Marÿke as well. Only other in the room I didn't get an autograph from was Rebecca Shoichet, Twilight's singing voice, et al. I told her how I am truly amazed at what this show has done, and how all the VAs are a part of that magic behind everyone's friendship of this show. She was rather touched by that. Lastly I got a pic with Rebecca as well.
After autographs, Goaty and I decide to sit around and soak up a little of the brony con atmosphere outside the autograph room in the atrium. I noticed how some really enjoyed my playing of the pony music, so I thought I'd get a table that's near the autograph line and play music. Much to my surprise by the time we got back there the end of the line was practically outside the door, so our treat of music was a tad moot by then. Goaty and I just hung around the autograph room just to see who might come and go for the last bit of the session. At the end we did see some of the VA's come out, especially Tabitha, who came out of the autograph room and stopped by the table we sat at and dropped off a huge handful of Tootsie Rolls! Thanking Tabitha for that, it almost felt like Trick-or-Treating was going on. She actually came back again past me and dropped off even more Tootsie Rolls and I thanked her again and she smiled and waved back. I then knew how Spike felt. ;-)
Since most of the other panel rooms were wrapped up already, we decided to check out the charity auction. Lots of nice little MLP items and crafts up for bids. There wasn't really anything I felt I must have, if there was I'd likely be outbid. None the less it was fun watching the auction action, with what I'm sure is routine at brony auctions with audience involvement of closing the bids saying "going ONCE, going TWICE…..SOLD!!!"
The charity auction ran a bit long, about 45 minutes past where closing ceremonies were to begin. Literally as the last auctioned item was sold, the staff went directly into closing ceremonies. Lots of thank yous to many people, a general inclusion to myself, for being a sponsor level attendee. What was kind of a let down was the ceremony was rushed in the span of 15 minutes, but the feeling was more about the convention was drawing to a close. They ended it on a high note, informing us Ciderfest 2016 will happen in October, the weekend just shy of Halloween. I'll certainly be there. Goaty and I hung around with a few others in the mane hall as we watched the entire staff of more than 3 dozen people take group pics. It is amazing as to how many people it takes to run a convention like this. We were also amused (and took a hint from) the image of Rainbow Dash on the big screen pointing to an exit door saying "Get Out!".
We head to the bar for a bit to eat, already thinking about the fond memories we had with Ciderfest, looking at the pics and video we took. After eating, when we walked around it already felt a bit hollow, for there weren't any more activities or panels to attend. Attendees were already leaving -- Jouva had to make a very quick departure back east. Goaty and I more or less walked around the atrium floor, admiring the Ciderfest signs outside the rooms for the various activities. It was only then I realized the sponsor room I could have gone into and enjoyed…whatever it was inside there to offer. Seemed so small of a room to present anything significant. ;-)
After walking around the now-empty feeling venue, Goaty and I go up to my room for the evening, where I play about 6 MLP eps in a row. Best post con depression solution I know. Later that night for fun we try to have all our cameras set up for Google Hangouts so everyone else gets a good view of the last night of fun there in my room.
Monday is packing up everything and hoping it all fits back in, and making sure the nice autographed pictures don't get wrinkled. Goaty and I grab one last breakfast/lunch/brunch at the hotel restaurant(the bar on the ground floor Goaty migrates to won't be open til after we've checked out). We take notice how there's still a couple other bronies around the restaurant, so obviously not everyone's fled the hotel yet. ;-)
With all our belongings gathered up and double checking for anything we may have left out, Goaty and I check out of the hotel, and with at least an hour before either of us have to leave, we hang around in the lobby sitting areas, where we spot yet a few more bronies seated near by. We pass the time looking at our pics and video again, and I play a couple more eps on my laptop, purposely at a wide angle should anyone else be a tad curious. ;-)
Alas, the time for goodbyes comes about, as bittersweet as they are. Goaty and I head to the exit(just a moment before the others we spotted leave, too)where we bid ourselves adieu, underscoring just how much fun we had. I grab a cab and Goaty waits a few more minutes for the airport shuttle.
I arrive at the train station with plenty of time to spare. I thought about looking at some of the shops they had there but I didn't feel like lugging my stuff around, and I was rather content sitting in the waiting area, looking back at the last 3 days.
I hop on board the 1PM train to Chicago, and in what feels like a few mere minutes I'm already in the farmland of southeastern Wisconsin. I decide to start typing up my thoughts, but I got rather distracted by the passing scenery. I am usually good with a sense of distance, time and geographical location, but I must have really been lost in my thoughts for I suddenly realize I'm already a good 10 miles into Illinois already.
As the train nears Chicago, I'm thinking about the local commuter train that takes me back to Schaumburg. This train is scheduled to arrive at 2:29PM, while the commuter train leaves at 2:30PM. I would otherwise have to wait an hour for the next outbound commuter train. I keep checking the time and observing our current location as we're more into the central Chicago area. We go at a good clip for a lot of the line but have to go slow at certain junctions and especially entering the station. It appears that I do have a good chance of getting my next train but it's getting so close as we finally arrive in Union Station.
I grab my bag and things and scurry down the platform to the concourse, go up a few tracks and spot the train number I wrote down earlier, seeing how it's not left. The time is literally 2:30PM by my watch. I scurry down the platform and see there's people still boarding. A conductor ahead of me sees me in a mad dash and says I've got time yet so I don't have to panic. I get aboard find a nice place to sprawl myself and my bags out, hoping I don't have to(but would if needed) share the seat with anyone.
I give a call to my folks saying I'm already on the commuter train en route to our station, and they gladly oblige to pick me up when I arrive at our station. My Mom was really impressed when I gave her Peter New's autograph. ;-D
I am so very glad I attended Ponyville Ciderfest. I really had a lot of non stop fun with Goaty and when he was around, Jouva as well. There was never a moment I ever felt bored during the con, and the whole hotel felt like a big, non-stop party for all the bronies who attended. I really want to come back to this venue with as many of you my friends as possible.