Back, for now, but heading out again this afternoon. The Mrs. wants to do some other shopping, and I still need to pick up the books, etc. So far, this is what I've done:
-Headed to Wal-Mart (tent one) at about 11:45 last night. The wife wanted to go with me (she's great), and helped by just holding a cart while I went in and got what I wanted. There were probably a dozen or so other people there, and the WM employees pretty much just let collectors open the cases themselves. I was sort of on the outside, waiting for my chance to get in the melee, and just picked up out of the cases when others were done with them. Overall, everyone was very cordial with one another, and trying to help everyone else find what they were looking for. Our particular Wal-Mart had #1-32 as well, and I found all I wanted outside of Emperor Palpatine. He definitely seemed to be the hottest figure last night here. I skipped the duplicate Yodas, Obi Wans, Anakins, and Battle Droids...but got the majority of the rest of the first 32. I left Mon Mothma for now as well, but figured I could pick that one up later fairly easily. I also picked up the Boga w/Obi Wan, BARC Speeder, and Obi-Wan's fighter. They didn't have the AT-RT there, or the large scale ships. Skipped all of the 1st Wave of Deluxe, and picked up Unleashed Anakin and Obi-Wan (Grievous was gone). They also had the next wave of ROTS Galactic Heroes, so I picked those up as well.
-This morning, I headed out to Target/Wal-Mart around 8 or so. Went to Target first, and they didn't seem to be doing anything with Lava Vaders/tickets, etc. I didn't ask, and didn't really care if I got one anyways. I picked up the Unleashed Grievous, a SaeSee Tiin that I couldn't find the night before, and two of the cup sets (didn't get the Grievous one yet). Also ended up picking up the 2nd Anakin figure, sort of an impulse buy, might end up returning it. They had the ARC Fighter as well, and I think I might end up going back to get that. Then I went to the Wal-Mart "tent sale", which was kind of neat. Cashiers were dressed up as Jedi and there video games occupied by the kiddos. I picked up an Early Bird set, found the Palpy I missed the night before, and another Clonetrooper.
All in all, a fun...and expensive...experience. I was a little disappointed there wasn't anything beyond 32 (the clones in particular), but its just as well because I'm spending more than enough as it is. I was surprised to see the new Galactic Heroes, which was nice. I've never had this big of a haul, and it is kind of overwhelming. We're heading out later on today, and I might try to pick up the ARC Fighter, and a book or two. Good luck to everyone in their searches!