If you're going to kick off a 7-day road trip, why not start with a fan convention, a costume change, and a cross-state drive that ends at sunrise? That’s exactly how our first day unfolded—and honestly, we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
👑 Cosplay, Crowds & Comic Book Magic
We hit the ground running at Phoenix Fan Fusion—and yes, we came to play. Aaron and I went full throwback and dressed up as Milo and Princess Kida from Atlantis (because underrated Disney movies deserve more love), while Adelyn rocked her own style as Poppee the Performer, a whimsical character from a YouTube series she adores.
Let’s just say… we got a lot of compliments.
The convention was buzzing with creativity. Think rows of comic art, shelves of collectibles, and every costume you can imagine—from Jedi to Sailor Scouts to some cosplayers who clearly spent 100+ hours on their armor builds (you know who you are—and we see you!).
🛍 Handmade Magic & One Perfect Purchase
We spent the day weaving through booths, admiring all the custom designs, geeky gear, and handmade artisan wares. You could find everything from resin dragon eggs to holographic stickers to spellbooks-turned-journals. But we kept it simple (and friendly on the wallet) and came home with one absolutely perfect souvenir: a recycled Atlantis T-shirt tote bag. Cute and eco-conscious? Sold.
We fueled up with a quick pizza break (because no comic con is complete without greasy, cheesy goodness), then took one last lap around the vendor floor before calling it a day around 5 p.m.
🚐 The Real Road Trip Begins
With fan fusion behind us and our hearts full of nostalgia, it was time to get this adventure really rolling. We picked up our rental van, packed to the brim with snacks, blankets, and good vibes, and hit the road.
At 8:30 p.m., we left Cottonwood behind, driving through the dark desert hours with music playing and excitement in the air. I took the first stretch and made it all the way to Moab, Utah by about 3:30 a.m.—and yes, I was running on pure adrenaline and caffeine at that point.
Aaron took the wheel for the final push, and right as the horizon started to glow, we crossed into Colorado.
🌄 A Sunrise We’ll Never Forget
That first Colorado sunrise? Absolutely stunning. Pink and orange streaked across the sky, mountains in the distance, and the kind of quiet you only get before the world wakes up.
It felt like we had arrived—tired, giddy, and completely ready for the wild week ahead.
Next up? Day 2 at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park! Think mountaintop thrills, underground caves, and one unforgettable gondola ride. Trust me—you’re going to want to see this.