I hope the post here aren't giving anyone a bad view of the festivals. I have only been to one official fest but inspite of a few ( and I do mean few) rude folks the rest of the time was a blast. I would recomend everyone try it once and you will be hooked.
Two people I regard as my closest buds I met because of DS. One just happened to sit next to my at the banquet and we became fast friends and talk almost daily.
This years trip to California is a splurge for me but I started saving a year ago and realize I won't be doing as much outside of the fest due to money but hey, the ocean is still free out there isn't it?? Please tell me it is all you Calif people.
I'll be passing up on the Disney side trip. Been there once and once was enough for me. Didn't they do a tour of the QE at a Calif fest once? That would have been cool.
I can understand frustration on the fest only being east or west coast. It is hard living in the middle of the country sometimes but I love getting out of the middle of the country too.
If anyone was planning on going and has doubts about it because of the negative things that could happen. The positive outweighs it ten times so go and have a great time.