Heather M.

Just like many other fans, Wheel means so much to me. It is the show I watch, along with Jeopardy!, every single weeknight. From the age of 2, I would sit on the knee of my dearly departed grandpa Marvin to watch this show together. I am certain that this has made me an avid reader and lover of game shows. Trying out for the show in 2019 was such a fun experience. None of had any idea that 2020 would be what it was, but I decided to try out again, virtually, at the beginning of 2023.

Every step of the way was a new, exciting experience. Each time I got another step closer, I began to really believe that this might be happening AND IT DID. Once I heard that I made it on the Secret Santa week, I knew that this was written in the stars. It was my trifecta to not only be on my favorite show ever, but during my favorite season and during a week that I could play for someone else that might not have the confidence to try out for themselves while ALSO having DISNEY there?? I squealed with excitement many times, and started studying all the past episodes as though I didn't already know exactly what I was doing. The excitement was palpable.

Arriving to Culver City was surreal. My husband and I watched Wheel in the hotel room and thought "THAT IS GOING TO BE ME!" Arriving the next morning to Sony was the next step in the adventure. Seeing all of the other contestants and hearing how excited they were was so much fun. Not often do we get to participate in something in life where everyone there is just as excited to be there as you are, but these people were. After walking in and going to the set, I was googly eyed from the get go. Everyone was so kind and excited for us to be there. I still cannot believe that I had my hair done by the same person that does Vanna's hair and has for years.

From there, we stepped onto the absolutely incredible set, and I cried. It was finally real. Seeing the iconic wheel and then the puzzle board all in the middle of the most beautiful Christmas set magic. I couldn't believe that I wasn't dreaming. At that point, we really started getting to know each other, and I was beginning to really get to know some of my fellow fans. We all got the chance to spin, call letters, and soak in what was about to happen. About that time, Vanna White herself came in and said Hello! I couldn't believe it was her. She was so down to earth and kind.

From there, it was about time to get started. I was thrilled that we got to sit in the audience to watch every episode. It's still so much easier in that audience than it is once you are on stage. Such a surreal experience to sit and watch the people I had spent a few hours with. The happiness and fun was something I will take with me all of my days. Everyone was wonderful, but two of the other contestants and I will be friends for life - which is amazing to think about considering we only spent one day together, and one beat me terribly :-). It was quite the surprise to learn that of all the family that was there that my husband could have hung out with, he too connected most with the family of the two contestants I was with all day. I really love that!

I knew the time on stage was going to go amazingly fast. I was not prepared for just how fast! I was surprised at how heavy that Wheel was. I was surprised that despite being the shortest one in the room my whole life, I was extra short on that stage and needed lots of boost. Once our show started, it felt like it was over in five minutes. I can't even really remember the words that Pat said. I just remember my cheeks hurting from smiling and laughing so much all day. As awesome as I knew the experience would be, it exceeded every expectation. This iconic show that has held a special place in my heart for over four decades, is now a piece of my very own memory book. My bucket list has been broken open and now I have a spark to keep filling those goals. Thank you to every single person that had a part in this for me!