Day 4. I can’t believe my very first Comic Con is nearly over already! It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend, but I have had so many great experiences and am taking away some really great memories.

I’m usually the kind of person who avoids crowds as much as possible, so one would think New York Comic Con is a place I shouldn’t go near, but it didn’t bother me to be surrounded by thousands of people all day. Sure, there were times when I really needed to just seek out the quieter atmosphere of the press area, but being in the crowd of NYCC was much easier than I anticipated. Maybe it’s because these people are all like me. In this crowd, a nerdy fangirl doesn’t have to worry about being judged; everyone is accepted here (except maybe Hydra — no one likes those guys).

I took my time getting to the Javits Center this morning, knowing the line wouldn’t be as crazy as it had been yesterday with The Walking Dead panel happening. I was right, as it was easy to walk in and get in line for this afternoon’s Sleepy Hollow panel. Then, my morning of waiting in lines began.

As soon as I had my wristband for Sleepy Hollow, I went over to the autograph hall and purchased a copy of Cary Elwes‘ new book, As You Wish, which chronicles the making of The Princess Bride. I then got in line to have Elwes sign the book.

The line seemed long but moved quickly and, before long, I was face-to-face with a man whose image I’ve known my entire life. I was young when The Princess Bride was released in 1987, and I honestly can’t remember a time before its existence. It has been my favorite movie my entire life. I still can’t believe I’ve now met Westley in person.

Following my brief encounter with Elwes, it was time to prepare for several great hours of Sleepy Hollow scoop. First up was interviews with several cast members and writers of the show, then the actual Sleepy Hollow panel. Everyone was tight-lipped on details of what to expect in the rest of season 2, but they promised they’re doing everything they can to build on the success of the first season. The panel included a screening of the first half of Monday’s episode, featuring a Sleepy Hollow version of the Pied Piper, which, from what we’ve seen so far, looks super creepy.

After the Sleepy Hollow panel, it was time to get in line for not only my last panel of the day, but the last panel of New York Comic Con 2014. I decided seeing Elwes was a good way for me to both start and end the day. The actor took the stage to enormous applause and regaled the audience for an hour with stories from the set of The Princess Bride, most involving Andre the Giant. Elwes was emotional discussing the professional-wrestler-turned-actor who died in 1993.

Elwes shared many humorous anecdotes and was a great storyteller, performing voices for each person he talked about: from the gruff voice of Andre, to the New York accent of Rob Reiner. Elwes had the audience roaring in laughter with a story of how Andre unexpectedly (and loudly) broke wind during their very first scene together, the scene where they give Westley the pill they procured from Miracle Max. Elwes was wonderful to listen to, and I can’t wait to sit down and read his book, which contains even more reminiscences from the filming of The Princess Bride.

And then, all too soon, it was over. The long weekend seems like it flew by too quickly. But I would say my first every Comic Con was definitely a success: I was able to see and do everything I had set out to, and to experience as many aspects of the Con as possible. I was able to meet people I’ve admired for years, and I even managed to control my fangirl urges while doing so.

I had no idea what to expect going into this weekend. I have friends who go to San Diego Comic Con every year, but I didn’t know how this would compare to their experiences. I still don’t, but the weekend was even more fun that I had hoped it would be. I already have my calendar marked for next year!