Anime Vegas 2005 Review!

[Michaelangelo]

This is the Offical REVIEW topic for Anime Vegas 2005!

First of all...


THANKS RICH!  YOU ROCK AND ANIME VEGAS WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!

Ok, now on to about this topic.  This will take up both Anime Vegas October 28th, 29th, & 30th and In Vegas topics.  So please to those who went, post all reviews and pictures here!  We will start an Anime Vegas Topic for 2006 soon.  

I'm going to post this right now so I don't some how loose this one like I lost the last time I started to post *which had a review started*

[Danceingfae]

I will definately be posting more up here but i just wanted to get the comment out that *takes a big breath* THIS WAS THE BEST CONVENTION I HAVE EVER BEEN TO! I am so definately going next year!!!

Next post from me will be a lot longer... maybe i'll seperate it by days to make it easier, and have pics!

Just know for now, this weekend was so wonderful, in the taxi on the way to the airport it felt like waking from a wonderful dream. I didn't want to leave...

[CriticalCrittles]

I agree! As I said, I almost started crying as I was leavnig ;-;. And sorry for posting my reveiw in the wrong place apparently heh. But yes as I said before...AWESOME CON, DEFINATLEY GOING NEXT YEAR...assuming I can afford it heh. Please everyone share pics cuz I have none...especially of you know who hehe.

Edit: Oh PS! I just had so much fun pointing out who everyone in that pic was hehe...I couldn't tell or remember who some of them were, but I got most of them!!!  

[Michaelangelo]

And sorry for posting my review in the wrong place apparently heh.

Don't worry about it, this topic wasn't started in time.  I should of started it while we were still in Vegas.  Though you know how insane that was and how little time we had online.  

I'm going to start my review as soon as I get all of my photos ready, I still have to finish my Toronto Review and my Motor City Comic Con Review.  Heh and I'm doing another convention this weekend where it sounds like I'll be meeting up with Eclipse.  No TMNT guest, but I may do a review down in "The Lounge" with photos of that.  Just going to be keeping busy.

I still haven't woken up from that weekend and still don't have my voice back.     Going to make another cup of tea.  Man do I need to buy more Honey.

[Danceingfae]

Okay, my view of the Con. I arrived on Thursday around 4ish, and finally got to the hotel after 530pm. Reason it took me so long is because no shuttles went out to the Best Western Parkview. That really sucked, so instead of paying twelve dollars for a shuttle I had to pay around thirty for the taxi! *Bangs head on wall* Once again that sucked.

The hotel was okay. The beds were hard, but the rooms were spacious and close to the convention center, that was a big bonus. I got to spend a few hours by myself, which was really weird cause I’m use to either being on the phone with Ivey or having some one in the house with me. So a few hours by myself… it was interesting.

Once Ivey and Crittle arrived, the fun it seemed didn’t want to end! We were laughing and joking with each other! I ordered pizza so there would be food there once those two got in, and if we needed anything there was a gas station mini mart that is 24 hours right next door. That was much appreciated especially since this time I didn’t bring a lot of food with me.

The one bummer thing about the room was I’m in the rest room getting ready to head out when I feel something drip on me. I look up and the ceiling from the room above starts to pour down water! I jump out of the way as a mini waterfall happens, getting the toilet all wet and almost getting me soaked! I called Ivey and Crit over to show them. Ivey said I was living up to my name as Bathroom girl (from the TMNTFreaks Rp, if you don’t know, don’t ask!). I was ready to bap her good for that.

Brin arrived Friday morning and we had to switch rooms for two reasons. One probably because of the leaking roof and the second one, which is a stupid reason, was because they were saying they couldn’t guarantee her a room even though Brin had reservations. Well we got the room obviously or all shell would have broken loose, and were able to throw everything in before going to the convention.

Everyone but me had their badges preordered so I had to wait a few minutes while the other three went in. Finding them was easy, the convention was really small, had some nice dealer things but since it was most Anime and I’m not into that, it wasn’t of much interest to me. The only reason I go to these conventions is because of the TMNT voice actors.

I got to meet Wayne’s fiancé! She is super nice and I found out that Wayne talked about being sang to at Anime Next in June with her. (That was Arista, Mily, Hex, Ryoko (I think) and Me). I was thrilled to learn that! In the first panel we went to, Ivey was asking most of the questions along with the few that us girls tossed in. We turned the panel to a TMNT panel even though it was suppose to be something else… I forget what, lol.

In between panels we had time to chit chat with the Va’s. That was when I got to meet Wayne’s fiancé and I showed off some of my drawings I did while at the airport. *G* The panels were real close together though so we didn't really get a chance to get much autographs done. After the convention, Brin, Ivey, Crit and me road to the strip and were going to all eat at the cheesecake factory, but Brin and Ivey had a show to go to so they weren’t going to have the time. They left and Crit and I went to eat at the cheesecake factory. This place is located in Caesars Palace, near a fountain that does a show on how Atlantis was sunk. Really, really cool!

We watched the show then were able to get seated quickly and ordered our food. I normally don’t drink but they had a drink called Georgia Peach and I love peaches so I decided to try it. It was really good and by the end of it, I was just more giggly then usual. No big, it was not enough to get me wasted and in Vegas, that would not have been a good idea anyways.

From the Cheesecake Factory we went to the Venetian and had Gelato, which is real Italian ice cream, not the fake sorbet that is sold in stores. They also have most of the hotel where the shops are located decorated like the streets of Venice, with canals, and even a piazza. It’s one of my favorite places in Vegas, I could live in that hotel.

Crit and I soon after went back to the hotel, we were really tired, and Brin and Ivey came in about as soon as I was almost asleep. The show that they saw was awesome! Very funny. It is an adult show so I can’t say too much about it here. The soundtrack that Ivey bought is hilarious.

There is more but my hands are getting cold, so I’m cutting this part of me review and will have the rest put up in a day or two. In the mean time, here's a pic!


This is Darren, Mike, and Wayne during one of our first panels


More to come!

[Brinatello]

Well, since Fae got it down pretty much of what happened Friday, I'll explain the other part of it.  After we left her and Crittle at Caesar's Palace, Ivey and I left in a taxi to the Wynn to see "Avenue Q," a Tony award-winning musical about puppets in New York.  The show is awesome, the music is memorable, and the adult humor is outrageous!  Before the show, Ivey and I browsed around the gift shop nearby where we were told some bummer news.  Rick Lyon, the main purpose of why were seeing the show, wasn't in the performance we were about to see!  He played in an earlier show and another actor took over the later performance.  Although that disappointed us, the show is still a MUST-SEE.  By the way, Ivey, I emailed Rick Lyon and he wrote back!  He was glad we enjoyed the show and answered my question about it becoming a touring group.  For now, it's in Vegas and NY only and won't be going to any other cities (I asked for San Diego) for quite a long time.  It runs till early March in Las Vegas.  One of my co-workers sounds very eager to go and may do so next year.  If I decide to hitch a ride with her, we may stay at the Wynn!  That'd be awesome.  The Wynn is gorgeous!  So gorgeous, I took a picture of the ladies room!  

[Michaelangelo]

Awww, you not going to give your own review of what happened durning the day Brin?   The point of reviews is seeing what each persons view of the weekend was... not just one point of view for someone else to pick up from

[Brinatello]

Sorry....

[Michaelangelo]

The trip started... excited and nervous I got to the air port for my first time flying in 12 years, and the first time ever traveling alone.   I wasn't too worried about being alone, I knew I could just about strike up conversation with anyone, so I thought.  I'm usually very good at it... talking to those in line at stores, waiting at SSI or a theatre.  Who would of thought talking to someone who's stuck next to you on the plane could be so much harder than those who could just wander off?

Once the plane a lady sat two seats away from me going over paper work on houses, I'm guessing she's someone who sells houses from the look of it.  The guy next to me, looked  like a type of buisness guy.  At first he talked a little, though he really started to get rude with some of his comments so I decided to go quiet and just look outside at the over cast.  I was surprise to see how far the clouds went... I never realized that the clouds would really stretch over states like that, so thick that it looked like winter out there... so cold looking... I though for sure there would be sometime before landing which I would get to see a clear view of the earth below... though that clear sky never came as I looked at the valley of thick clouds.   Knowing that parts of TN is in Eastern time zones, I did not realize that where I was going was in Central Time zone.

Once I landed in TN, I walked around looking for my next gate, finding a store on Elvis and seeing some cool stuff I wouldn't mind buying for people, but knowing I was broke I bite my lip and decided not to do any shopping though I wanted something sweet so at a candy shop there I bought the SMALLEST piece of chocolate for 55 cents, than made my way to my gate.  I sat there going over some stuff I have to read for someone, and while doing that got bored and decided to make some phone calls.   I got on the phone with Pichu987 and learned of her flight problems.  She was suppose to be in Vegas Thursday morning, but her flight kept getting bumped.. so bad she didn't even get to leave that night.  After the 4 hours of waiting there, I finally got on the plane...  hoping for better people to be near me to talk too, knowing this was going to be a long flight.

A lady sat next to me, and her husband on the other side of her.  The people in front of me was funny and I enjoyed hearing them talk, they were so happy and seem to make friends so easy.  So I tried to talk to the lady next to me, the first few attempts she ignored me.  Finally she said hi, than we talked a little... but it was short and subbed the full time.  She acted like I was lower life, but if anyone else on the plane went to talk to her she would get excited, her husband just spent most of the time with his eyes closed like he just ran from TN to Vegas on foot... I felt bad for him.  Though when I tried to buy a smartsnack pack and was having a hard time getting the money out of my bag... he gave the lady the money for me, I handed him a five and told him not to worry about it, he gave me the change and said "I didn't do that for you, I did it to get her out of here!"  I felt like that was totally uncalled for.  I tried a few more times to talk with this subby lady next to me... though finally gave up.  

At one point on the plane the lady in front of me started to talk to me, she seemed so nice.  Than she asked me why I was going to Vegas, I said I was going to an "Anime Convention", she asked me what Anime was, and the subby lady opened her eyes and sat up saying before I could answer... "Don't ask, it's way too long for her to explain" she said rudely and took over the conversation.   This made me feel like just hitting her, the least she could of done was stick to herself the time when I was ignoreing her.  So I sat back and looked out the window again... I started to sing "Follow You Heart" and "Rainbow Connection" to myself... going over other songs I know as well, not being too quiet, but not shouting it either.  I felt like I wasn't wanted on the flight, and couldn't wait to land.... it was a LONG flight!  I couldn't even sleep on this plane ride.

Once I landed I went straight to the luggage area and got to meet up with Crittle.  Once we got in line for the Taxi, we got to talk a little.  I called my mom and let her know I landed and than spoke a little more with Crittle.  Heh she's a quiet one, but we got her to talk more before the weekend was over  Once we got in our Taxi we told him where to go, and he talked with us about anime and Ninja Turtles all the way to Best Western.  He was a very nice guy and even told us how to save money when taking the taxi back to the air port.  So I enjoyed that ride.

Once we got there, Fae informed us that she got us pizza ordered and we sat around talking a bit.  Once the pizza got there we ate and got drinks from the gas station in the parking lot.  It was a nice of talking of TMNT and Venture brothers.  I interviewed Crittle a little bit, though while interviewing her Fae asked me to turn off the camera.  So I did, than went over and saw water coming from the ceiling onto the toliet.  We were in room 102, so there was one floor above us... the thought of water just pouring down onto us from above was GROSS!!!!  We called Front Desk and they came in, telling us there's nothing they could do tonight.   So we had to stay with the room for the night.  I got some video of this problem, but only to take record of it incase needed in the future.

Crittle was the first of us to go to sleep, while she was in bed going to bed I read a part of a very touchy journal to Fae, than I read some funny ones to put us in a better mood before sleeping.   Fae and I got to bed late, with the alarm set to wake us up early... the convention was only hours away....

[Michaelangelo]

Hiya everyone,  here's part 2 of Vegas

Once we woke up we got our baths/showers in to get ready to leave.   Though we were a bit disappointed about the fact that we had to switch to a different room, esp since the second room was up on the second floor.  So we found ourself moved into room 206.  Once we checked in, we dropped our bags in the room and raced to the convention.   Getting there in time, to walk around the dealer room a little bit.   Than checking out Panel room 1, though going over the shedual I notice the first panel we really wanted to sit in was going to be upstairs in Panel room 2... New York Voice Actors.

So we moved up stairs for Panel room two and found the room all to ourselfs.  We started to goof off a bit, having fun.   Sitting up there with the mics acting like we're who the panel was about, though as soon as others showed up we raced back to our seats and just started to talk with everyone who came into the room.  The Voice Actors were a bit late, though as soon as they came in I got up and said hi fastly to Mike and Wayne as they made their way up to the front.  It was good to see them.

I had my camera set up already to record the panel, so if anyone is interested in seeing the panels from Anime Vegas please just let me know.  And I'll bring them to meet ups.   This panel was a lot of fun, it became mainly a TMNT panel as we asked Turtle questions and I got Mike to do Toddler Leonardo's voice.   After the panel we got up and talked a bit with the VAs, and walked to the next panel with them.  Durning this time I got to fill Mike in on what happened to my arm a year ago.   Than we started the next panel, which is what the picture in Fae's review is from.   Once again we felt like a part of the panel asking questions but we tried to keep on topic and I really did try not to ask all the questions so I'd raise my hand if no one else had their hands up.

After this panel we said bye to Mike, Wayne and Darren heading up stairs hoping to see Sam at another panel.  Though we learned that Sam had traffic problems and would not be able to make it to this panel so we packed up our little camp site in the front roll and went for a walk around the convention for a bit.  I wanted to see more than the panel rooms any how, this convention wasn't too crowded so I got to enjoy walking without too much flinching of the arm.  

After doing some shoping we went back up stairs for the next panel.  Which was Japan to America with Mike in it.   I really wish we did the autographs durning this panel instead.  I was in pain and the panel was mainly talk of every process the animes go through getting here.   As interesting as this would normally be, I wasn't feeling up for it this time.  So I was happy when the next panel started up which was TMNT to Yugioh.. which was Wayne, Darren, Megan and Veronica it was Great.  We sat there talking a lot and laughing.  Veronica was funny going "So what are we suppose to be doing here?"  hehe  another great funny panel which woke me back up.  I felt bad though to learn that I missed their autograph session though... but there was no shedual that I could find that said when everyone was going to be doing autographs.

After this panel we hung out a bit more at the convention walking around.  Than headed back to our hotel room.  Where we sat around tired (and I know I was sore)... we should of left right away to get dinner, but we really didn't move too much.  Here are some pictures from sitting around in the room before going down to the strip.


Fae on the phone


Crittle watching TMNT on Fae's lap top


Brin watching TMNT on Fae's lap top


The starting of our set up for the Saturday night party

After this we headed down to the strip we were going to try and eat than Brin and I were going to head to Avenue Q.   Though we ran out of time, so Brin and I had to head over to the Wynn, leaving Fae and Crittle to enjoy Vegas without us.  Once at the Wynn Brin and I split a very costly sandwhich and had something to drink.  


Brin at the table as we waited for our food.

After eatting we went over and check out the gift shop for the shows at the Wynn, I bought a Program and Soundtrack right than.  Than we went and got our play bill and found our seats.   I can not describe how funny the show is.  It's Sesame Street for ADULTS.  It's out to teach lessons and be funny, handle serious topics with a sense of humor.   How people feel about Gays, Racist, and Making out.... all in humor with puppets.   You have such songs as "Internet if for Porn", "Everyone's a little bit Rasict" and "If you were Gay".   I wasn't too sure about the idea of FULLY Puppet nudety, I grew up in a house where we didn't find that kind of stuff funny... looked down upon it more.  Though man the way they handle it in the show was GREAT!!!!!  

I will be making music video to the songs in this show!

There is a story line to Avenue Q, it's about the people who live on this street where they're all broke and trying to go on with life.   A new character moved onto the street, Princeton, and the story is around him finding his purpose in life.  We learn all of the different story lines in the beginning songs and it works through each of these story lines.   They put up with a lot of crazy stuff from loosing their jobs, having to deal with bills, romance, and the stress of finding out what they were born to do with their life.

It's really a GREAT story, and very well done down.  Check out their web site at Avenue Q to find out more.  Also if you want to see this show and are thinking of going to Anime Next, check out the Anime Next topic, because some of us are planning to see it in New York while out there.

After the show I hit the gift shop again and picked up a mug and a pen.  Brin and I stood around and talked with the people at the gift shop for awhile, than caught a taxi back to our room.  Where Fae and Crittle were already back and in bed.  So we headed to sleep, to get ready for Saturday.

[Mily]

Wow, that sounds like so much fun! Sorry to hear you had some pretty rude people on the plane... when I'm, on planes I usually don't talk to people unless they talk to me first... I dunno, it's my shyness.

Anyway, I would love to see videos of the panel! It sounds great! I wish I could come and see all the video you took. I already saw a lot of the pictures.

well I can't wait to hear more!

[Michaelangelo]

Well I understand if people don't want to talk, though I am ADHD so I do at least try to test the waters to see if anyone is willing to talk.   I can understand quiet people, but the rudeness that was shown on that plane ride was really uncalled for.  Cutting me off when I'm talking someone else, willing to talk with others around like they're good friends even though they're just meeting... but treating me like that.  Blah.  Though I did bring it up in my review... let's not focus on the bad and go to the good... like Friday *G*  

Though the trip... now that was the blast part being in Vegas was awesome.  I'll write up a Saturday review when I get the chance.  Keeping busy lately though, so I'm not going to do it just now.

[RichS]

HI All,

Once again thanks for coming all the way to Las Vegas for our tiny little convention.  But do not forget to thank the staff and not just me.  They really did all the work, I am just the chair, so I am always the one getting credit. So say thanks to the Staff and Minions.  I am glad you liked the event this year and we are already working on next year.  The staff will meet in a couple of weeks to go over what we can do to improve the convention next year and make announcements in late December, or early January of when and where the event will be held. Look for it then!

Rich

[Kazari]

I think everyone did a great job! It's better than some cons I go to! True it's the staff and minions and u were the only chair person. But everyone needs a good leader

[ninjaplease!]

Copied here from my LiveJournal.  Sorry for it being so long.

Anime Vegas
I have finally gotten around to writing about my trip
to Anime Vegas. I have been trying to decide what to
write and that is why it has taken me so long. There
are certain aspects of Vegas that I can not write
about without causing trouble so I am going to omit
them. Also I have been going through con withdrawal.
REALLY long post ahead.

Woke up really early friday
morning and our first flight was at 7 am. Traveled
for about 7 hours and arrived in Vegas at about
11:30am-12pm Vegas time. It was Lea, my sister
Elaine, and I going together. First our taxi took us
to the wrong hotel. There are two Best Westerns along
the same street about two blocks apart. We walked to
the other one and we were really happy when the lady
at the front desk checked us in early. We were kinda
amused when she told us that travelocity had not
listed us as three adults but as two seniors. Luckily
Phyllis overlooked the fact that there was three of
us. We dropped our stuff off in our room and Lea and
I changed into our first costumes.

We went to the con and were amazed that there were so
few attendees. We walked around the dealer's room. I
bought a really cute Yuki purse and Elaine bought a
Yuki wallet. The first panel we went to was From
Japan to America. It was great when Mike walked in
and he was so excited to see us and Kazari. I
especially loved his reaction to seeing Elaine at the
convention. He knows she doesn't go to as many cons
as Lea and I. Elaine didn't think he would remember
her that well. It had been more than a year since he
had seen her but considering the amount of time we
spent with him then it is not surprising that he
remembered her. The panel was interesting. I learned
more about the process of an anime coming from Japan
to the American shelves then I had ever thought to
know.

We went to a few more panels including one with Darren
Dunstan, Veronica Taylor, and Wayne Grayson. We tried
to go to the opening ceremonies but decided to shop
some more instead. I bought a cute new Mandarin style
shirt and so did Elaine. I later found out I got one
that was too small but the girl at the stand was
really cool and let me exchange it. We had dinner and
Elaine set my hair before we all went to bed really
early.

Strangely woke up really
early. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a
morning person. We ate breakfast at the little
restaurant at our hotel. It had great food and was
really well priced, we ate there all weekend except
for once. I got dressed in my Gothic Lolita outfit
and Lea was dressed as Naruto. We went to the con to
get to the first panel, which was the TMNT panel. I
was so glad Rich was able to change the time for us
though I felt bad that my emails started such a huge
response, especially among Lea's LJ friends. As we
were sitting there waiting for the panel to start
Veronica looked over and me and said "I like your
wig." To which I had to reply "It's not a wig it's my
hair." Veronica-"I like your hair" It was so cute and
funny. I love Veronica so much. She remembered me
and Lea from AnimeNext this year and the year before.
The panel was interesting and I got to ask the VAs
some fun questions. We did find out that apparently
Sam doesn't watch the show that often considering how
often he was surprised by things that had happened.
The VAs all loved their gifts from everyone. Mike
looked speechless when Lea gave him the drawing of Leo
she had commissioned for him from the Mirage guys when
we were at CNanime. Its a good thing he now has his
own because he seriously seemed like he wanted to
steal hers last year.

We got stuff signed and walked around the con some
more. I am quite proud of myself, by the end of the
con I had managed to get most of the guest to sign my
con badge. When we were standing in line me and my
sister got to talk to Darren about Ireland. The
conversation started b/c of his ring and we found out
that when he went he stayed with one of the members of
Boyzone. We went to a dew more panels and then went to
dinner. After dinner we changed and went to the
cosplay competition. The Ayame's House of Fashion was
the best in my opinion but that might be b/c Fruits
Basket is my favorite anime. After the cosplay we
stopped by the party that Ivey, Brina, Crittle, and
Fae were throwing. I was amazed when I walked in the
room and saw all the TMNT decorations. We couldn't
stay long b/c Elaine wasn't feeling well and was a
little out of it. We had intended to go into Vegas
but that fell through. Amazingly went to bed kinda
early.

Sunday we actually didn't spend
too much time at the con. We went to a few panels and
got more stuff signed. I got all the FB VAs that were
there to sign my DVD! Before we headed out for the day
we saw Mike and Lea gave him some Leo lines he had
asked her to write up. He wanted her favorites cause
he had to record a new demo. As he was reading them
over he asked her what her favorite scenes with Leo
were and why and the rest of us just groaned. Lea
could seriously write you a book on Leo, trust me I
know *smiles*. After we left the con we changed and
headed into Vegas. We tried to find In & Out Burger
but Mike's directions were off, big surprise. So we
ate at this cool restaurant at Caesar's Palace. We
not only had good food but entertainment. We could see
the kitchen and the staff was singing and dancing
with the music not because they were supposed to but
b/c they felt like it. Those are the best kind of
shows, when the people don't even realize they are
putting on a show. We walked around Vegas for about 8
or 9 hours. We had so much fun. Melinda and her mom
headed back to the hotel a bit earlier then us but
they had an early flight and we were planning to stop
by Circus Circus but we got sidetracked by some of the
other hotels. We headed back to the room and relaxed.


Sadly Monday was the day we were
heading home to Buffalo. Fortunately our flight was
not until afternoon so we did get to go to Circus
Circus after all. We were so glad we went cause it is
closing for good on the 17th of November along with
the Stardust and Westward Ho. We were joined by a
friend and had a great time. We tried a few of the
carnival games on the midway but didn't win anything.
We did get a really cool invite but we couldn't go
cause we had to catch our flight. We arrived home
with no problems and safely.

I would seriously think about going back to that con
again. I ha so much fun and it is always nice to get
away for a few days. Now I have to save up for
Ireland. Christmas will soon be here and I can't wait
to see all my relatives, well most of them *smiles*