ConGaloosh 2009 Recap

This is just a teaser to help us recall the 2009 event. I hope it will become a collaborative project and others will contribute and edit to share their memories and impressions.

We arrived Friday morning and checked into the host hotel. There were already a lot of Adventurers in evidence in the lobby and the portico - evidenced by the steamer-trunks (OK, wheelie-bags) and hat-boxes... Once we settled-in and garbed-up it was time to head to Downtown Disney for the Show in the club.

When we arrived at the club we met a number of other travelers - some from quite far away - who had also arrived early. Much cameraderie ensued as we sat around and took turns fetching drinks for the crew... We sang a song or two, earning some strange(er) looks from the passing Muggles... We were all just drinking in the atmosphere and I think trying to pretend it was just another night waiting to get into the club... not knowing who might turn up from near or far to renew old acquaintanceships or with some fantastic stories or souvenirs from their travels. (Once upon a time there was a tavern - TAVERN...)

Then the venerable organizers turned-up and started to get things in order. Lines were formed... badges handed-out... and directions given. (Up & Down, North, South, East & West...) Like the experienced adventurers we are, we queued-up in a fairly orderly fashion... no pushing or shoving for us! We were all just so jazzed to be there!

Then at last it was time to go in.

First impression:  the Club itself was unchanged. We had a sumptuous buffet and enjoyed circulating among fellow adventurers. Hands were shaken; stories exchanged, but soon enough ConGalosh President Michael Gavin was welcoming everyone...then, just as he began to read the Articles of Incorporation of the Society, WOW!  The horn blew upstairs, and the night festivities STARTED with the Rhythm Ritual!  The cast was simply amazing, and the usual improvisational byplay had a special magic.

Soon we were enjoying all the old shows..Beezil, Claude and Arnie, Babylonia, all made appearances.  There was the Radiothon...and it ended with a check for $2000.00.

That was our last memory of the old home-place. The rest of the weekend's festivities were in the parks, at Downtown Disney, & at the host hotel.

Some folks took a special ride on the Jungle Cruise in Disney's Magic Kingdom Resort Saturday morning, and then a few of us grabbed some lunch at the Earl of Sandwich restaurant in Downtown Disney's Marketplace East.

Saturday night, it was all about getting to know our fellow adventurers from around the world and drinking in some history and reminiscence with Jungle Jim Korkis and some of the AC Cast Members. First there was a meet & greet with a "Dress for the Hunt" theme. Some of the costumes were really amazing - like Claude, sprung from the wall of the AC as a living breathing person, ram horns and all! There was a whole crew of maids, half-a-dozen Hathaways, a gaggle of Pamelias, and too many original characters to name. Everyone enjoyed a drink or two, taking the deep lines at the lone bartender's station with a certain wry good-nature. Frankly it reminded me of nights the AC was crowded. Then into the banquet-hall for food and more.

The banquet food was actually quite tasty, and in short order it was gone & we were on to the evening's entertainment.

There were costume awards, and a Balderdash competition with a lot of groaning laughs. Then Jim's slideshow and history lesson. It was absolutely fascinating and we would have enjoyed a lot more than we had time for.

Finally, the cast-members got a chance to reminisce and answer some questions. Everyone got misty, and laughed a lot, and all too soon it was time to get pictures with our favorite cast-members and say good-night. We all promised to stay in touch and do it again, and some of us toddled off to bed to dream about the glory-days of the club - though we heard in the morning that Graeme and some of the other cast-members and fans closed the hotel bar playing cards, talking, singing, and yes... drinking.

Once upon a time there was a tavern, where we used to lift a glass or two... Can't wait for this year's event!

PS - A few of us met for breakfast at Boma... a perfect ending to a sensational weekend!