much more than i had thought it would be, but for the better ^^
so this was the first time i have been to any sort of convention, and i really didn't know what to expect. now, several days after the convention, i can easily say that i had the most fun i have ever had to date. the sheer magnitude of people, all the amazing fursuits, everything. i'll admit it took me a day or two to get used to the suits; i used to be slightly creeped out by mascot suits; yet i found that once i met some of the people in the suits they are very nice indeed. also got to meet a bunch of fellow dragons. so overall, i really enjoyed the con and am very much looking forwards to going again next year. if i can get the money, i may even have a full suit next year ^_^
Hi Dragon! 
My first time, too, and also one of the most fun things I've ever done.
See you next year.
I'm always amazed when people say they're creeped out by the fursuiters - I do hear this a lot and I'm not sure why it's so weird to some folks, but I'm really glad you came around. While there's lots of awesome things that go on at a convention, the fursuiters are ALWAYS what really makes it for me.
I agree that its strange when most mundanes have no problem cheering the team mascot at a sporting event, or posing for photos with Chip & Dale or Bugs Bunny at a theme park. I guess location makes all the difference.
It's sort of like the fear many children experience the first time they are made to sit on Santa's lap. And not everybody is comfortable with sports mascots or theme park characters either. It can be very stressfull when someone comes in contact with a stranger who has a concealed identity. (Consider the common response to clowns and mimes.) Also, the characters at theme parks are "name brands", household names from a trusted source. (Implying certain warrantees of safety and suitablity.) Who knows where that guy on the street in the dog suit has been?
It's funny, isn't it? My first time to AC, back in 2004, I was definitely a bit weirded out by the fursuiters. Now, I don't even remember why, and I can't figure out what would make anyone, myself included, feel that way. Back then, I suppose I was nowhere near as open minded, and "different" enough was still "wrong"...I guess I was raised that way, and it took a little while for the furry fandom to break me of it.
Now, though, I'm just hoping I can afford to get my own suit done in time for next year ^^
well, i've always been a bit self critical, so that was probably part of my problem. you know, self criticism translating to general shyness and all. but just going to the con and having so much fun has really broken that in half ^_^
Heh heh. be careful about purchasing a full-suit 
Make sure you can handle a partial first, or a full-suit that can be partialled with T-shirts.. ;P
well i've got paws with elbow length sleeves commishioned, and if the feet from the fullsuit come separate and the head is separate, than i should reasonably be able to half suit it pretty easily ^^
That's how I felt last year! Last year was my first time at any convention and I proclaimed it to be the single most fun thing I'd ever done in my life!
that is until this year o: