Thursday had arrived. I'd been waiting my whole life (it seemed like) for this day.
All the contestants had to be in the lobby by 7:15 to catch the shuttle to Sony Studios by 7:30. We arrived in the parking garage and waited for the producer to pick us up. There were 20 of us...3 contestants for 6 show tapings and two alternates. I must say, it was a lively group.
Although I cannot share too many details, I can tell a few bits of "A Day in the Life of A Wheel of Fortune Contestant". It's like your a celebrity for a day! They filed us in a single line from the parking garage into the WOF studio...we weren't allowed to talk to or make eye contact with any of the employees, and we walked directly into a small room where we spent the rest of the day.
There were chairs, a table full of food, and a door that connected into the make up room. Restroom visits had to be authorized by the producers. Some might call it a jail...but if you think about it, they can't take any chances of sneaky cheaters :)
We had plenty of time to practice spinning the wheel, screaming letters, and solving fake puzzles. Here's a few facts I learned that are deceptive on the television:
*The studio is so much smaller in person than it appears on the screen. Amazingly smaller.
*There is a flat screen hidden that the contestants can refer to to see what letters are still available
*When you stand behind the wheel at your color assignment, they adjust the floorboard! That way, everyone has more of an even height when they stand together.
*During EVERY commercial break, contestants turn around and walk off the wheel, where the producers tell them what's happening next, the make up lady does touch ups and water is served.
*You are not allowed to look at or speak to any of your friends or family in the audience at ANY time.
It was the most incredible day ever. Being a huge fan of WOF and watching it my whole life, it was incredible to see Pat and Vanna, watch what really happens behind the scene and actually get to be a part of it!
Like I said yesterday, they don't allow cameras on the set, so I have nothing to show, but of course you can see it on TV on Friday, December 19th!
And oh, a little side story...My mom said that when I came out on the floor before my show started taping, she was watching me get my mic put on, make up touched up and final rules being explained. She noticed how calm I was, and how I didn't seem nervous at all. As she's noticing this, she also notices my husband rocking back and forth, clenching his hands...almost hyperventelating. She asks him if he's ok, and he says, "Yes, I'm just really neverous". My Mom said that the last time she saw him like that was on our wedding day. :) How incredibly cute and sweet is that?!?
After the taping, I met up with my hubby and parents and we took a few pictures. We also found this great restaurant, The Warehouse, on the marina where we had our celebratory dinner. LOOK! You can see my ACTUAL WOF NAMETAG! :) Yes, they let you keep them!
We had the most incredible steaks for dinner. They were delicious. This is us, after our feast, leaning back with our full tummies :)
And also, since it was the night before Halloween, the restaurant was decked out Halloween style. This guy was by the door, passing out mints. Do you think this is a real guy? Or a maniqune? :)
And finally, after a wonderful day, we took a bottle of sparkling white grape juice down to the hot tub at the hotel and had our own mini celebration. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!
