Chapter 11.
Thursday
I awoke Thursday morning feeling refreshed and excited that we had finished only a little more than a week here and still had six days to go. I went to the bathroom door and greeted Jennifer with “Good morning, sunshine!” Unfortunately, she did not reciprocate the pleasant greeting I was expecting back. It was more of a moan.
“Are you okay?” I asked her.
“No, I was feeling sick again and didn’t sleep well last night,” she croaked.
All my excitement for the upcoming week quickly vanished. I felt so sorry for her. The stark reality of her condition was again made known. I reminded her we had an appointment that day to see Dr. Lee. I asked her if I should move up the time.
“No, I’ll be alright until then.”
“Do you want something to eat?”
“No, I’ll probably just throw it up.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No, just eat with Sally, and you two go and see the concert,” said Jennifer, “If I need you, I’ll call.”
We had tickets to see REO Speedwagon at the Harmony Theater at 11 a.m., and because we are WOE Members, it only cost us $15 each, instead of $30 each. Sally and I ate breakfast together, really missing Jennifer and wishing she would be okay.
“Mom is so selfless. She is always thinking of us before herself,” Sally said to me.
“I know sweetie. She is the most generous person I know,” I replied to Sally.
“What time is Mom’s doctor’s appointment?”
“3:00 p.m.”
We finished up breakfast and started to get ready. Jennifer was back in bed reading. I told her I put her breakfast in the fridge and hopefully we could all go to lunch together when Sally and I got back. Jennifer said she didn’t want to go to lunch and that Sally and I could eat at the Complex when we got done with the concert. I retrieved the portable Suite Butler to order Jennifer lunch. You can order lunch to your room for anyone, and the others can use their lunch credit somewhere else in the hotel or Complex. She picked what she wanted and placed her order. She asked for a 1 p.m. delivery time. Then Sally and I headed to the Harmony Theater.
The Harmony Theater
WOE has at least 6 concerts a day in the Harmony Theater, some of the shows can seat up to 25,000 guests. The Harmony Theater is so named because it uses Harmony Speakers; 1,200 of them throughout the entire Theater. Harmony Speakers are a brand name developed and patented by the WOE Systems Engineering Group. Absent are powered speakers hanging in front of the stage, pushing all the sound out, like in a traditional concert setting. The sound is superior to a home surround sound theater. Crystal clear and rich. The speakers range in size from giant subwoofers to little tiny high-end speakers. The Theater is a large, round complex that sits within a more massive square building. The square building that encompasses the Theater also hosts the Respites, concessions, and lounges.
The Theater has moveable, soundproof walls that can separate the Theater into many different seating configurations, depending on what’s needed. Before a show is put on sale, they estimate how many tickets will sell for that day. Since most shows run multiple days, they may set the seating, say for a Barry Manilow concert performing at 2 p.m., Monday, for 4,000 tickets and 6,000 for a Friday. They start with an estimate, but if they sell over that number, they can easily adjust the theater to fit that sized crowd. Basically, it’s custom fitting seating for each concert. This way, the seating looks great, and the sound is superior. They can configure the theater to run three shows at once. The larger shows are usually done in the afternoon and evening.
The moveable walls can move with a simple computer click; the lower half of a wall drops down into the floor, and the top half rises and bends at the top. The stage is enormous and consists of three separate stages when all connected for a full capacity crowd. The stages run on industrial elevators that rise and lower beneath to a stage waiting area. Underneath the theater, there are another 8 stages, most are loaded with the artists gear that are performing that day or the next. If an international headliner is performing multiple shows in a two or three-week period, they will keep that stage set just for that performer. The stage is made of wood and acrylic, with millions of LED lights built in under the acrylic.
It’s easy to get a concert ticket online. There are no service fees, convenience fees, and there is no reselling of tickets to anyone but through their website. Here is how their system works:
You usually start with their website, or you can purchase tickets at one of their WOE Ticket Centers, located in: NYC, Dallas, Orlando, LA, Seattle, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, and Barcelona. If you wish to sign-up as a member, you pay your membership fee of $100.00 and then you can buy your tickets to concerts, the Complex, or hotels, at the membership rate.
As a side note; all the locations listed above are also home to many of the Talent and Employee Scouts. They have their own offices and audition rooms in each location.
When you first register online, you will need to create an account and be approved. Upon your first visit to the WOE, you will need to show your ID and have your finger scanned for a Match. If you register at one of their remote locations, they will do this for you. Once you’re in their system, you will only need to have your finger scanned each time you show up to the WOE and when you go to a show or attraction. No tickets needed, and therefore, no ticket scalping. The biometric security is far better than using your smartphone or RFID wristband, which could easily be stolen and then used to enter hotel rooms.
Another fun fact about the concert tickets; all seats are a set price for each show. That’s right, no VIP. The selling of tickets for newly announced shows does have a priority order for those wanting to buy: WOE Members who already have reservations to stay on the property get first dibs on all new concerts playing during their stay, then WOE Members not staying on property, then the general public. On some shows, they let everyone buy a ticket without selecting a seat, then they do what they call a “shuffle,” which means all the seats are randomly chosen (those with more than one in their party will still be together), and you may get a front row seat.
Concert and show prices range from $15.00 - $25.00 for WOE Members and $25.00 - $50.00 for non-WOE Members. As I said earlier, there are no additional fee’s, and sales tax is included. Each ticket sold has a built-in $5.00 for the theater’s maintenance and staffing, while the rest usually goes to the entertainer. Concert tickets can be returned for no fee, up to 48-hours before the show. After that, you can “offer” them for sale at the original ticket price to others on the WOE website only. If no one buys your ticket, sorry. There is no-reselling of tickets by brokers or other websites and no Ticketmaster or Stub Hub. That’s one more reason concerts are so popular here.
If you go to see a concert only, you cannot go visit the Complex, unless you are already staying in a hotel on the property or have bought a daily admission ticket to the Complex. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are certain times of the year, mostly around Halloween, the holidays and a sprinkling of weekends, that members can buy a $15 Special Event Complex ticket and visit the Complex after the 8 p.m. concert ends. That’s usually when they’re open until 2 a.m. or later. So, you’ll usually have from 11 p.m. until closing to enjoy the State Fair, Fun Town USA, and the other sections if you bought your ticket in advance. If you’re already staying there, then there is no extra charge.
My first trip to WOE
We have visited The Complex several times before. So, let me tell you how the WOE looks when you come from the Daily Visitor Parking Garage for a concert or show at the Harmony Theater or to visit the Complex for the day.
On my first visit here nine years ago, I wanted to experience a concert at the Harmony Theater first. So, I registered online for WOE and bought my ticket. I picked Barry Manilow, who is a Resident Entertainer at the WOE. The show was for 4 p.m. I drove about two miles from the area airport to their parking facility. Their parking garages are massive, and they thankfully provide great directions on where to go. The Daily Visitor Parking Garage is for guests visiting the Complex or the Harmony Theater for the day. Helpful, lighted LED arrows directed me on where to go and park.
Once I exited my car, I could hear music playing over the speaker system. Lighted signs direct everyone to where the monorails pick you up. The monorails run on the second and fourth floors, and you can quickly take escalators to reach those floors if you need too. The garage was very well lit in assorted colors, depending on where you parked, and the music was lively. Security was visibly present, as well as helpful and pleasant garage and monorail attendants. There were signs posted everywhere warning you that weapons of any kind were prohibited and were to be left in your vehicle.
Within just a few minutes, the monorail, decked out with Blue lights that ran along the bottom of the train and Red lights that ran along the top, came running into our stop. The monorail was also playing music inside and out.
Once the doors opened, I noticed all the seats were facing forward, with headrests and seat belts. The monorail took as many guests as would fill the seats, no standing was allowed. As I stepped inside and found my seat, the announcement came on to fasten your seatbelt and prepare for the doors to close. A musical chime sounded and the lights above the doors flashed as they closed. The monorail started pulling away, and the pre-recorded announcement greeted everyone and told us of the upcoming concerts at the Harmony Theater and shows at the WOE Complex for the day. It only took a few minutes for us to reach the Daily Visitor Hub (DVH). When entering the Daily Visitor Hub, we were all notified again that there were no weapons allowed. If you did bring a weapon, you must return to your vehicle to lock it up. Each person was body scanned, as was every bag and purse. Dogs were also sniffing people for bombs. Backpacks were not allowed and needed to be left in your car. Lockers were available for a fee if you did not want to return to your car to put something back.
Once I passed through security, and since this was my first time to the WOE, I walked straight to the Matching Station, where an attendant matched my fingerprint and my ID with my online registration and took a picture of me. This is called “Matching.” This is the same process I described when entering the Hotel Guest Hub. I headed to the Harmony Theater admission turnstiles, where I scanned my finger and was given my paper show ticket stub. The other turnstiles are for the Complex. Both are divided throughout. I then stepped onto a moving conveyor which traveled through the Welcome Center Tunnel for about 100 yards to the WOE Welcome Center. The Welcome Center Tunnel is filled with a beautiful rainbow of colored lights that circle the tunnel with mesmerizing, new age music playing.
Once I reached the end of the Tunnel, I entered this giant Earth globe with smoke and special effects lighting. Then I heard the voice message I’ve been dying to hear; “Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the World of Entopia.”
The Harmony Theater guests were still divided from the Complex guests at the end of the tunnel and into the Welcome Center. To the right was the Complex, straight ahead was the Complex Hotel and pathways to go to the Concert Lounge, and to the left was the Harmony Theater. My first impression was how slick the polished steel style facade looked, especially all lit up in assorted colors. The name of the theater was lit up in classic style spotlights that surround it. I decided to go to the Concert Lounge, located directly next to the theater, to get a bite to eat and have a drink before the show.
The Concert Lounge is quite large and can comfortably seat 5,000 people, if not more. You can sit at a bar or table. TOA’s (Touchpad Ordering Assistants) were on each table. They displayed the menu and drinks offered and allowed you to order. The device also had a finger reader for identification and payment.
There are tiered rows of counters designed for one or two guests to sit with others, like at a bar. But these row counters overlooked large video screens that showed videos of the upcoming concert.
After a very affordable meal and an adult beverage, I walked over to the Harmony Theater, as it was only 15-minutes before the show. When I entered the Harmony Theater doors, I was immediately blown away by how modern and how beautiful the Theater looked, especially with all the colored lights on the walls, ceiling, and floor. There were photo’s being shown on video screens of Barry Manilow. The seats were spacious, leather recliners with ample leg and elbow room. Each chair was spaced so that everyone had their own armrest. There were little lights under each chair for ambient lighting (in case you drop something). There are no drinks, except water, allowed in the Theater. Also, no food. WOE encourages everyone to eat and drink beforehand, as to not distract those around you by munching on chips and popcorn.
The Harmony Theater utilizes the height and viewing software I mentioned earlier in Show Town. This really helps everyone see the stage and not someone’s head. Some of their seats can raise and lower by computer. Man, what a great view of the stage. The next time you order tickets online, you’ll know why you may only see specific seats available to your group, based on your groups’ height.
Ten minutes before the show, a video montage of Barry started playing. It was a short video highlighting his career. There is also a video of the upcoming artist playing on monitors around the outside of the Theater while you’re waiting to get in.
One thing you may not notice because it isn’t there; is advertising. There is no advertising for any company or product anywhere on the property. No beer signs, no “sponsored by,” no “brought to you by,” no advertising LED ribbons in the Harmony Theater as you see in arenas or stadiums. I remember going to college football games and seeing a quarter of the jumbotron screen was used for two or three advertisers, stacked on top of each other. These same places have advertising LED ribbon screens going around the arena or stadium. And the ads change colors. Distracting guests from what’s happening on the field. There are also no beer sales in the stands. No “beer, beer, beer” chanting.
They also don’t sell tickets that are behind the stage. I’ve often seen ticket websites sell seats for shows at other concert venues that are behind the stage, mostly at arenas designed for sports. How can someone see the entertainer? The promoter doesn’t mind what view you have. Profit, that’s their desire.
Once the video ended, a cool Harmony Theater pre-show played with lighting and sound. When the 1-minute show was complete, the announcement was made for us to welcome Barry Manilow. Mr. Manilow’s show was top notch, and I truly enjoyed the seating, the view, and the sound, which was what I expected. Imagine yourself sitting in your car with the sound up. Yes, better than your surround sound in your car, home entertainment system, and headphones. Think of how crystal-clear music was when CD’s first came out. Well, this is at that next level, and you could hear everything with perfect sound. By far, the best way to see a concert.
It is said by their sound engineers; “If an artist doesn’t sound good, it’s not the sound system, it’s the artist.”
When the concert was over, you take a separate conveyer back to the Daily Visitor Hub, where the monorails will take you back to the Daily Visitor Parking or Brand Name Hotels. If you’re staying on property, you will “cross-over” from the Harmony Theater area to the Complex area. The cross-over is merely a finger scan station to verify you either have access to the Complex or to the Harmony Theater. If you wish to go back to your hotel, you can take the Circle Shuttle to the Show Town & Dark Room Hub for the Couples Hotel or Mayberry Town or take the moving conveyor to The Continents & Fun Town USA Hub if you’re staying at the Family Hotel. In either Hub, you then take the Zipvators back to your suite or townhouse.
Arriving for the day to the Complex for the first time is also amazing. When you step off the tunnel and go through the Globe, many guests go right to the very tall glass windows overlooking the Complex, it’s breathtaking. You can see what looks like a hundred midway rides, all lit up in a rainbow of lights. I could see the World Stage to the left with its shell roof. The State Fair ceiling was lit in sky blue, with a few puffy clouds. Imagine 25 million LED lights and the size of 3 football fields in front of you. People were in such “awe” that they moved to the sides and just tried to take it all in. Since I’ve been traveling to other world-renowned landmarks, I’ve always enjoyed seeing the looks on people’s faces when they first visit a new place. Some are so inspired or “blown-away,” that they just stop and try and absorb what they’re looking at. This “Oh my God” reaction is the same as you get when you see the Complex for the first time from The Family, Couples/Mayberry Town Zipvator Stations.
About 30-feet from the Globe, there are these massive platforms that are about 20 x 20 in size. They are called The Grand Platform Elevators. People load on them like an elevator, but with no roof. They then slowly take you out horizontally, then downward, at an angle, to the main floor. It’s sort of like riding an elevator that acts like an escalator. It had railing all around it and was lit with blue neon colors. The floor is made of see through acrylic. All you could do when riding down is just marvel at how stunning everything was. You can also choose to ride the Circle Shuttle to other Hubs or even take a Shuttle Pod to “Shuttle” to a particular section if you decide not to go to the main floor. Getting around is so effortless!
Getting back to the concert Sally and I went too – the REO Speedwagon concert was amazing! After the show, Sally and I “crossed-over” to the Complex and took the Grand Platform Elevators to the main floor and walked to the State Fair’s 70’s Themed Picnic concession for lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausages, fan favorites, are freshly cooked on grills right there. You walk up to the grill with your plate and order what you want. They put your desired selection right on your plate, just like you would do at an actual picnic. We listened to the entertainment coming from the World Stage while we ate. We each had a cheeseburger, hot dog, baked beans and potato salad, and our food never had a chance to get cold. We used our meal plan, so there was no charge and no chance of me losing any weight that day.
We went back to our suite and were happy to see Jennifer up and eating. She only ate a small portion of her lunch, but that was still good. She said she was feeling a little better after a nap and shower. We told her about the great concert and how REO sounded. She was happy we enjoyed ourselves.
We received a call from the concierge desk, reminding us that they would take us over to the medical facility at 2:45 p.m.
Upon arriving at the medical facility and checking in to exam room four, Jennifer was starting to feel sick again. Jessica, the same nurse who helped us the last time, came into the room and talked with us, “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well Jennifer. I’m going to get you some anti-nausea medication. Dr. Lee will be here in a few minutes.”
Jessica returned with the medicine and then took blood from Jennifer to run a few tests and see where her levels were. Sally was with us this time because she wanted to see everything that was going on. Dr. Lee came in and exchanged greetings. “I understand you’re not feeling well Jennifer.”
“No, I started feeling sick again last night.”
“Well, I think we may have a few options to help treat you, but I’ll wait until your blood tests come back before I discuss them with you.”
We all went to the waiting lounge for about 30 minutes until we were paged to go to exam room one. Once inside, Dr. Lee, Jessica, and now Dr. Peterson were all there. “Okay, Jennifer,” said Dr. Lee. “You know Dr. Peterson, he is the medical director here. As I mentioned on Monday, I did talk to my colleagues about possible treatments for you. We were hoping you would remain stable a little while longer before treating you, but your blood levels are again not where they should be.”
“Where are they at?” Jennifer asked.
“Your red blood cells are again low, and your white count is too high; meaning something is changing. You should have been good until at least this coming Sunday with the blood transfusion we gave you Monday.”
“So, what does this mean?” I asked.
“Is my mom going to be okay?” Sally asked, nervously.
“We’re going to do everything we can to help your mom feel better, Sally,” Dr. Lee said.
Dr. Peterson then spoke, “We would like to give you another blood transfusion and start you on a new Genome treatment that we believe could help your immune system attack the cancer cells themselves, thus eliminating the need for additional chemo and radiation.”
“Do you think this will help?” I asked.
“This treatment is not used elsewhere because it is still new and therefore expensive. It is also not covered by insurance,” said Dr. Peterson.
“How will we be able to afford it, then?” I asked.
“There will be no charge to you while you are visiting us. You didn’t come seeking treatment, you came seeking a family vacation. Therefore, we are going to help you as best we can,” Dr. Peterson said.
Jennifer started crying, “I can’t tell you how grateful we are for your generosity. We are wiped out financially and had to borrow money to get here. I felt like this might be our last vacation together.”
When Sally heard that, she immediately started sobbing. “Last vacation? I didn’t think your cancer was that bad. I thought this was for Dad and his interviews.”
Jennifer embraced Sally, and they both started holding each other tightly, and then they started bawling. I just sat there in disbelief, so very scared. I felt terrible for Jennifer and Sally. Then I started thinking about life without my wife and Sally without a mom.
“Please, please, do everything you can to help her,” I pleaded.
Jessica spoke up, “Believe it or not, you will get the best medical care in the world here. We have the most caring staff and resources for treatment. We have contacts with some of the best physicians in the world, and we have a group of scientists that teach here, with knowledge and scientific results beyond Ivy League schools.”
As Jennifer and Sally calmed down, Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson said they would start Jennifer on the new treatment, which meant they would discontinue her current treatment she was prescribed from her doctors back home. They warned us that she might get worse before she gets better.
“It might take a little time to get things moving with your white blood cells. The cancer may get worse until they do. The only other option is the chemo you took before, which made you very sick and only lasted a brief time. This cancer is very aggressive and tolerant to most of the drugs out there. You must be patient and have faith,” explained Dr. Lee.
“I’ll do it! I believe it will work, and I want to be here for my family!” exclaimed Jennifer.
With that, Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson excused themselves and said they would see her next Monday. Jessica took Jennifer back for the blood transfusion, while Sally and I went back to the waiting lounge. While there, all I could think about was my poor, sweet wife. She was such a great teacher, mom, and wife. She had supported me through everything; my failed business, my eyesight, just everything. I couldn’t lose her now.
I told Sally I had to go to the bathroom. Once inside, I locked the door, sat down, and cried. I cried and cried. My poor wife!
“Please, Lord, please, I beg you to help her. Please don’t let her die! Please!”
Thursday
I awoke Thursday morning feeling refreshed and excited that we had finished only a little more than a week here and still had six days to go. I went to the bathroom door and greeted Jennifer with “Good morning, sunshine!” Unfortunately, she did not reciprocate the pleasant greeting I was expecting back. It was more of a moan.
“Are you okay?” I asked her.
“No, I was feeling sick again and didn’t sleep well last night,” she croaked.
All my excitement for the upcoming week quickly vanished. I felt so sorry for her. The stark reality of her condition was again made known. I reminded her we had an appointment that day to see Dr. Lee. I asked her if I should move up the time.
“No, I’ll be alright until then.”
“Do you want something to eat?”
“No, I’ll probably just throw it up.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No, just eat with Sally, and you two go and see the concert,” said Jennifer, “If I need you, I’ll call.”
We had tickets to see REO Speedwagon at the Harmony Theater at 11 a.m., and because we are WOE Members, it only cost us $15 each, instead of $30 each. Sally and I ate breakfast together, really missing Jennifer and wishing she would be okay.
“Mom is so selfless. She is always thinking of us before herself,” Sally said to me.
“I know sweetie. She is the most generous person I know,” I replied to Sally.
“What time is Mom’s doctor’s appointment?”
“3:00 p.m.”
We finished up breakfast and started to get ready. Jennifer was back in bed reading. I told her I put her breakfast in the fridge and hopefully we could all go to lunch together when Sally and I got back. Jennifer said she didn’t want to go to lunch and that Sally and I could eat at the Complex when we got done with the concert. I retrieved the portable Suite Butler to order Jennifer lunch. You can order lunch to your room for anyone, and the others can use their lunch credit somewhere else in the hotel or Complex. She picked what she wanted and placed her order. She asked for a 1 p.m. delivery time. Then Sally and I headed to the Harmony Theater.
The Harmony Theater
WOE has at least 6 concerts a day in the Harmony Theater, some of the shows can seat up to 25,000 guests. The Harmony Theater is so named because it uses Harmony Speakers; 1,200 of them throughout the entire Theater. Harmony Speakers are a brand name developed and patented by the WOE Systems Engineering Group. Absent are powered speakers hanging in front of the stage, pushing all the sound out, like in a traditional concert setting. The sound is superior to a home surround sound theater. Crystal clear and rich. The speakers range in size from giant subwoofers to little tiny high-end speakers. The Theater is a large, round complex that sits within a more massive square building. The square building that encompasses the Theater also hosts the Respites, concessions, and lounges.
The Theater has moveable, soundproof walls that can separate the Theater into many different seating configurations, depending on what’s needed. Before a show is put on sale, they estimate how many tickets will sell for that day. Since most shows run multiple days, they may set the seating, say for a Barry Manilow concert performing at 2 p.m., Monday, for 4,000 tickets and 6,000 for a Friday. They start with an estimate, but if they sell over that number, they can easily adjust the theater to fit that sized crowd. Basically, it’s custom fitting seating for each concert. This way, the seating looks great, and the sound is superior. They can configure the theater to run three shows at once. The larger shows are usually done in the afternoon and evening.
The moveable walls can move with a simple computer click; the lower half of a wall drops down into the floor, and the top half rises and bends at the top. The stage is enormous and consists of three separate stages when all connected for a full capacity crowd. The stages run on industrial elevators that rise and lower beneath to a stage waiting area. Underneath the theater, there are another 8 stages, most are loaded with the artists gear that are performing that day or the next. If an international headliner is performing multiple shows in a two or three-week period, they will keep that stage set just for that performer. The stage is made of wood and acrylic, with millions of LED lights built in under the acrylic.
It’s easy to get a concert ticket online. There are no service fees, convenience fees, and there is no reselling of tickets to anyone but through their website. Here is how their system works:
You usually start with their website, or you can purchase tickets at one of their WOE Ticket Centers, located in: NYC, Dallas, Orlando, LA, Seattle, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, and Barcelona. If you wish to sign-up as a member, you pay your membership fee of $100.00 and then you can buy your tickets to concerts, the Complex, or hotels, at the membership rate.
As a side note; all the locations listed above are also home to many of the Talent and Employee Scouts. They have their own offices and audition rooms in each location.
When you first register online, you will need to create an account and be approved. Upon your first visit to the WOE, you will need to show your ID and have your finger scanned for a Match. If you register at one of their remote locations, they will do this for you. Once you’re in their system, you will only need to have your finger scanned each time you show up to the WOE and when you go to a show or attraction. No tickets needed, and therefore, no ticket scalping. The biometric security is far better than using your smartphone or RFID wristband, which could easily be stolen and then used to enter hotel rooms.
Another fun fact about the concert tickets; all seats are a set price for each show. That’s right, no VIP. The selling of tickets for newly announced shows does have a priority order for those wanting to buy: WOE Members who already have reservations to stay on the property get first dibs on all new concerts playing during their stay, then WOE Members not staying on property, then the general public. On some shows, they let everyone buy a ticket without selecting a seat, then they do what they call a “shuffle,” which means all the seats are randomly chosen (those with more than one in their party will still be together), and you may get a front row seat.
Concert and show prices range from $15.00 - $25.00 for WOE Members and $25.00 - $50.00 for non-WOE Members. As I said earlier, there are no additional fee’s, and sales tax is included. Each ticket sold has a built-in $5.00 for the theater’s maintenance and staffing, while the rest usually goes to the entertainer. Concert tickets can be returned for no fee, up to 48-hours before the show. After that, you can “offer” them for sale at the original ticket price to others on the WOE website only. If no one buys your ticket, sorry. There is no-reselling of tickets by brokers or other websites and no Ticketmaster or Stub Hub. That’s one more reason concerts are so popular here.
If you go to see a concert only, you cannot go visit the Complex, unless you are already staying in a hotel on the property or have bought a daily admission ticket to the Complex. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are certain times of the year, mostly around Halloween, the holidays and a sprinkling of weekends, that members can buy a $15 Special Event Complex ticket and visit the Complex after the 8 p.m. concert ends. That’s usually when they’re open until 2 a.m. or later. So, you’ll usually have from 11 p.m. until closing to enjoy the State Fair, Fun Town USA, and the other sections if you bought your ticket in advance. If you’re already staying there, then there is no extra charge.
My first trip to WOE
We have visited The Complex several times before. So, let me tell you how the WOE looks when you come from the Daily Visitor Parking Garage for a concert or show at the Harmony Theater or to visit the Complex for the day.
On my first visit here nine years ago, I wanted to experience a concert at the Harmony Theater first. So, I registered online for WOE and bought my ticket. I picked Barry Manilow, who is a Resident Entertainer at the WOE. The show was for 4 p.m. I drove about two miles from the area airport to their parking facility. Their parking garages are massive, and they thankfully provide great directions on where to go. The Daily Visitor Parking Garage is for guests visiting the Complex or the Harmony Theater for the day. Helpful, lighted LED arrows directed me on where to go and park.
Once I exited my car, I could hear music playing over the speaker system. Lighted signs direct everyone to where the monorails pick you up. The monorails run on the second and fourth floors, and you can quickly take escalators to reach those floors if you need too. The garage was very well lit in assorted colors, depending on where you parked, and the music was lively. Security was visibly present, as well as helpful and pleasant garage and monorail attendants. There were signs posted everywhere warning you that weapons of any kind were prohibited and were to be left in your vehicle.
Within just a few minutes, the monorail, decked out with Blue lights that ran along the bottom of the train and Red lights that ran along the top, came running into our stop. The monorail was also playing music inside and out.
Once the doors opened, I noticed all the seats were facing forward, with headrests and seat belts. The monorail took as many guests as would fill the seats, no standing was allowed. As I stepped inside and found my seat, the announcement came on to fasten your seatbelt and prepare for the doors to close. A musical chime sounded and the lights above the doors flashed as they closed. The monorail started pulling away, and the pre-recorded announcement greeted everyone and told us of the upcoming concerts at the Harmony Theater and shows at the WOE Complex for the day. It only took a few minutes for us to reach the Daily Visitor Hub (DVH). When entering the Daily Visitor Hub, we were all notified again that there were no weapons allowed. If you did bring a weapon, you must return to your vehicle to lock it up. Each person was body scanned, as was every bag and purse. Dogs were also sniffing people for bombs. Backpacks were not allowed and needed to be left in your car. Lockers were available for a fee if you did not want to return to your car to put something back.
Once I passed through security, and since this was my first time to the WOE, I walked straight to the Matching Station, where an attendant matched my fingerprint and my ID with my online registration and took a picture of me. This is called “Matching.” This is the same process I described when entering the Hotel Guest Hub. I headed to the Harmony Theater admission turnstiles, where I scanned my finger and was given my paper show ticket stub. The other turnstiles are for the Complex. Both are divided throughout. I then stepped onto a moving conveyor which traveled through the Welcome Center Tunnel for about 100 yards to the WOE Welcome Center. The Welcome Center Tunnel is filled with a beautiful rainbow of colored lights that circle the tunnel with mesmerizing, new age music playing.
Once I reached the end of the Tunnel, I entered this giant Earth globe with smoke and special effects lighting. Then I heard the voice message I’ve been dying to hear; “Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the World of Entopia.”
The Harmony Theater guests were still divided from the Complex guests at the end of the tunnel and into the Welcome Center. To the right was the Complex, straight ahead was the Complex Hotel and pathways to go to the Concert Lounge, and to the left was the Harmony Theater. My first impression was how slick the polished steel style facade looked, especially all lit up in assorted colors. The name of the theater was lit up in classic style spotlights that surround it. I decided to go to the Concert Lounge, located directly next to the theater, to get a bite to eat and have a drink before the show.
The Concert Lounge is quite large and can comfortably seat 5,000 people, if not more. You can sit at a bar or table. TOA’s (Touchpad Ordering Assistants) were on each table. They displayed the menu and drinks offered and allowed you to order. The device also had a finger reader for identification and payment.
There are tiered rows of counters designed for one or two guests to sit with others, like at a bar. But these row counters overlooked large video screens that showed videos of the upcoming concert.
After a very affordable meal and an adult beverage, I walked over to the Harmony Theater, as it was only 15-minutes before the show. When I entered the Harmony Theater doors, I was immediately blown away by how modern and how beautiful the Theater looked, especially with all the colored lights on the walls, ceiling, and floor. There were photo’s being shown on video screens of Barry Manilow. The seats were spacious, leather recliners with ample leg and elbow room. Each chair was spaced so that everyone had their own armrest. There were little lights under each chair for ambient lighting (in case you drop something). There are no drinks, except water, allowed in the Theater. Also, no food. WOE encourages everyone to eat and drink beforehand, as to not distract those around you by munching on chips and popcorn.
The Harmony Theater utilizes the height and viewing software I mentioned earlier in Show Town. This really helps everyone see the stage and not someone’s head. Some of their seats can raise and lower by computer. Man, what a great view of the stage. The next time you order tickets online, you’ll know why you may only see specific seats available to your group, based on your groups’ height.
Ten minutes before the show, a video montage of Barry started playing. It was a short video highlighting his career. There is also a video of the upcoming artist playing on monitors around the outside of the Theater while you’re waiting to get in.
One thing you may not notice because it isn’t there; is advertising. There is no advertising for any company or product anywhere on the property. No beer signs, no “sponsored by,” no “brought to you by,” no advertising LED ribbons in the Harmony Theater as you see in arenas or stadiums. I remember going to college football games and seeing a quarter of the jumbotron screen was used for two or three advertisers, stacked on top of each other. These same places have advertising LED ribbon screens going around the arena or stadium. And the ads change colors. Distracting guests from what’s happening on the field. There are also no beer sales in the stands. No “beer, beer, beer” chanting.
They also don’t sell tickets that are behind the stage. I’ve often seen ticket websites sell seats for shows at other concert venues that are behind the stage, mostly at arenas designed for sports. How can someone see the entertainer? The promoter doesn’t mind what view you have. Profit, that’s their desire.
Once the video ended, a cool Harmony Theater pre-show played with lighting and sound. When the 1-minute show was complete, the announcement was made for us to welcome Barry Manilow. Mr. Manilow’s show was top notch, and I truly enjoyed the seating, the view, and the sound, which was what I expected. Imagine yourself sitting in your car with the sound up. Yes, better than your surround sound in your car, home entertainment system, and headphones. Think of how crystal-clear music was when CD’s first came out. Well, this is at that next level, and you could hear everything with perfect sound. By far, the best way to see a concert.
It is said by their sound engineers; “If an artist doesn’t sound good, it’s not the sound system, it’s the artist.”
When the concert was over, you take a separate conveyer back to the Daily Visitor Hub, where the monorails will take you back to the Daily Visitor Parking or Brand Name Hotels. If you’re staying on property, you will “cross-over” from the Harmony Theater area to the Complex area. The cross-over is merely a finger scan station to verify you either have access to the Complex or to the Harmony Theater. If you wish to go back to your hotel, you can take the Circle Shuttle to the Show Town & Dark Room Hub for the Couples Hotel or Mayberry Town or take the moving conveyor to The Continents & Fun Town USA Hub if you’re staying at the Family Hotel. In either Hub, you then take the Zipvators back to your suite or townhouse.
Arriving for the day to the Complex for the first time is also amazing. When you step off the tunnel and go through the Globe, many guests go right to the very tall glass windows overlooking the Complex, it’s breathtaking. You can see what looks like a hundred midway rides, all lit up in a rainbow of lights. I could see the World Stage to the left with its shell roof. The State Fair ceiling was lit in sky blue, with a few puffy clouds. Imagine 25 million LED lights and the size of 3 football fields in front of you. People were in such “awe” that they moved to the sides and just tried to take it all in. Since I’ve been traveling to other world-renowned landmarks, I’ve always enjoyed seeing the looks on people’s faces when they first visit a new place. Some are so inspired or “blown-away,” that they just stop and try and absorb what they’re looking at. This “Oh my God” reaction is the same as you get when you see the Complex for the first time from The Family, Couples/Mayberry Town Zipvator Stations.
About 30-feet from the Globe, there are these massive platforms that are about 20 x 20 in size. They are called The Grand Platform Elevators. People load on them like an elevator, but with no roof. They then slowly take you out horizontally, then downward, at an angle, to the main floor. It’s sort of like riding an elevator that acts like an escalator. It had railing all around it and was lit with blue neon colors. The floor is made of see through acrylic. All you could do when riding down is just marvel at how stunning everything was. You can also choose to ride the Circle Shuttle to other Hubs or even take a Shuttle Pod to “Shuttle” to a particular section if you decide not to go to the main floor. Getting around is so effortless!
Getting back to the concert Sally and I went too – the REO Speedwagon concert was amazing! After the show, Sally and I “crossed-over” to the Complex and took the Grand Platform Elevators to the main floor and walked to the State Fair’s 70’s Themed Picnic concession for lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausages, fan favorites, are freshly cooked on grills right there. You walk up to the grill with your plate and order what you want. They put your desired selection right on your plate, just like you would do at an actual picnic. We listened to the entertainment coming from the World Stage while we ate. We each had a cheeseburger, hot dog, baked beans and potato salad, and our food never had a chance to get cold. We used our meal plan, so there was no charge and no chance of me losing any weight that day.
We went back to our suite and were happy to see Jennifer up and eating. She only ate a small portion of her lunch, but that was still good. She said she was feeling a little better after a nap and shower. We told her about the great concert and how REO sounded. She was happy we enjoyed ourselves.
We received a call from the concierge desk, reminding us that they would take us over to the medical facility at 2:45 p.m.
Upon arriving at the medical facility and checking in to exam room four, Jennifer was starting to feel sick again. Jessica, the same nurse who helped us the last time, came into the room and talked with us, “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well Jennifer. I’m going to get you some anti-nausea medication. Dr. Lee will be here in a few minutes.”
Jessica returned with the medicine and then took blood from Jennifer to run a few tests and see where her levels were. Sally was with us this time because she wanted to see everything that was going on. Dr. Lee came in and exchanged greetings. “I understand you’re not feeling well Jennifer.”
“No, I started feeling sick again last night.”
“Well, I think we may have a few options to help treat you, but I’ll wait until your blood tests come back before I discuss them with you.”
We all went to the waiting lounge for about 30 minutes until we were paged to go to exam room one. Once inside, Dr. Lee, Jessica, and now Dr. Peterson were all there. “Okay, Jennifer,” said Dr. Lee. “You know Dr. Peterson, he is the medical director here. As I mentioned on Monday, I did talk to my colleagues about possible treatments for you. We were hoping you would remain stable a little while longer before treating you, but your blood levels are again not where they should be.”
“Where are they at?” Jennifer asked.
“Your red blood cells are again low, and your white count is too high; meaning something is changing. You should have been good until at least this coming Sunday with the blood transfusion we gave you Monday.”
“So, what does this mean?” I asked.
“Is my mom going to be okay?” Sally asked, nervously.
“We’re going to do everything we can to help your mom feel better, Sally,” Dr. Lee said.
Dr. Peterson then spoke, “We would like to give you another blood transfusion and start you on a new Genome treatment that we believe could help your immune system attack the cancer cells themselves, thus eliminating the need for additional chemo and radiation.”
“Do you think this will help?” I asked.
“This treatment is not used elsewhere because it is still new and therefore expensive. It is also not covered by insurance,” said Dr. Peterson.
“How will we be able to afford it, then?” I asked.
“There will be no charge to you while you are visiting us. You didn’t come seeking treatment, you came seeking a family vacation. Therefore, we are going to help you as best we can,” Dr. Peterson said.
Jennifer started crying, “I can’t tell you how grateful we are for your generosity. We are wiped out financially and had to borrow money to get here. I felt like this might be our last vacation together.”
When Sally heard that, she immediately started sobbing. “Last vacation? I didn’t think your cancer was that bad. I thought this was for Dad and his interviews.”
Jennifer embraced Sally, and they both started holding each other tightly, and then they started bawling. I just sat there in disbelief, so very scared. I felt terrible for Jennifer and Sally. Then I started thinking about life without my wife and Sally without a mom.
“Please, please, do everything you can to help her,” I pleaded.
Jessica spoke up, “Believe it or not, you will get the best medical care in the world here. We have the most caring staff and resources for treatment. We have contacts with some of the best physicians in the world, and we have a group of scientists that teach here, with knowledge and scientific results beyond Ivy League schools.”
As Jennifer and Sally calmed down, Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson said they would start Jennifer on the new treatment, which meant they would discontinue her current treatment she was prescribed from her doctors back home. They warned us that she might get worse before she gets better.
“It might take a little time to get things moving with your white blood cells. The cancer may get worse until they do. The only other option is the chemo you took before, which made you very sick and only lasted a brief time. This cancer is very aggressive and tolerant to most of the drugs out there. You must be patient and have faith,” explained Dr. Lee.
“I’ll do it! I believe it will work, and I want to be here for my family!” exclaimed Jennifer.
With that, Dr. Lee and Dr. Peterson excused themselves and said they would see her next Monday. Jessica took Jennifer back for the blood transfusion, while Sally and I went back to the waiting lounge. While there, all I could think about was my poor, sweet wife. She was such a great teacher, mom, and wife. She had supported me through everything; my failed business, my eyesight, just everything. I couldn’t lose her now.
I told Sally I had to go to the bathroom. Once inside, I locked the door, sat down, and cried. I cried and cried. My poor wife!
“Please, Lord, please, I beg you to help her. Please don’t let her die! Please!”