So you want to be a contestant on The Price is Right? I know I did. I wanted to win “a brand new car,” play Plinko, and bid $1 when the going got tough.

A few weeks ago I had my window of opportunity. On a trip to celebrate my friend’s 30th birthday in Los Angeles, I decided to scratch off an item that is on bucket lists around America and get a ticket to The Price is Right.

So I  went online to On Camera Audiences and chose The Price is Right afternoon taping-because I’m on vacation and don’t plan on being up by 8 am. My ticket was a “Line Voucher” which meant I didn’t have a “Priority Ticket” so I had to be there early, which for me was before 1 pm.

I arrived at CBS Studios at around 12:20 pm, and went to the wrong entrance. I should’ve been paying attention in the Uber because there is a line of at least 100 people on the one side of the CBS Studios gate.

But while I was walking to the correct entrance, I saw Ariana Grande doing Carpool Karaoke with James Corden so that was plus.

Seeing all the people in line, I thought I wasn’t going to get in. Since it was early August, it was very hot with limited shade. You are allowed to bring in water bottles of any kind so that definitely helped. 

As I stood in line, there were a few workers walking around with clipboards and checking tickets. I was only in line for less than 10 minutes when I showed them the ticket in my email and I was told I can enter the CBS Studios waiting area.

I was soon stopped at the gate for having a backpack. They said it was too big and that I needed to put it in my car (which I didn’t drive there) or a buy a locker from a company located directly across the street from outside line.

The company doesn’t have any affiliation with CBS but it was a good set-up for people like me who needed to rent a locker.

After I dropped off my bag, I went into an outside area of the CBS Studios and got in line again. Here I was given a number. My number was 132, which I thought was a good sign because my classroom number is 32.

While in line, we filled out some disclosures and had our picture taken a couple of times. There was also a small gift shop, and snack bar (which only takes cash).

Next, we waited in line for a group interview with the producers. The group was with about 10-15 people. One by one we were asked where are we from and what we do for a living.

It was during this time you had a small amount of time to make an impression on the producers so they don’t forget you. The idea is for you to be excited at all times, a little bit crazy, and hoot & holler about everything. In all reality, this isn’t me at all.

Now, I also didn’t make a t-shirt or have a group of friends with me. I was solo…solo dolo as the kids say and when you’re solo, it’s hard to be super excited at all times.

Once we had our interviews, we inched closer to the actual The Price is Right studio. We were directed to another waiting area where we went through a metal detector and had to have our cell phones stored for us.

There we waited for a little over an hour. There was a snack bar and a T.V. that had an episode of The Price is Right going that had everyone pumped.

When it was time to start the show we headed up a couple flights of stairs and noticed an “air” date (which was set 6 weeks away) to the right as we entered the studio.

I remember thinking the studio was a lot smaller looking in person. When we got inside, we were all strategically seated, based on how many in each group and I think, the color of the shirt we wore. I had on a black shirt dress and was seated in the 3rd or 4th row directly in the center. That was cool!

Then, the announcer went over a few things like how they show your name on a cue card when it’s time for you to “Come on down!” and just reminded us to be overly excited, yell out prices, and clap…a lot. Music played to get us ready and before you knew Drew Carey came out and riffed with us before the show.

The show was just like on TV, with “commercial” breaks where they moved the set around for the different games.

Although, my name wasn’t called every bit of the experience was exciting.  A lady from Missouri, who had number 133 (remember my number…132) won the showcase showdown and everything you could think of. 

I was able to get to know her from our long wait area chats. Her name was Mary, and it was all meant to be for her. She and her husband were celebrating their anniversary and it was her birthday. So shout out to Mary!

The only downside was how long the process took. It was at least 5 hours long. So be prepared for the long haul. Also, it says no open-toed shoes but I saw a few people with sandals on. You can also bring in small backpacks and purses just as long as it fits under your seat. They don’t want the camera to pick up on anything.

If you get the opportunity to have a day in Los Angeles, check out The Price is Right, it’s FREE and will be an experience like never before. You will meet new people and cheer them on in the process.

If you ever went to The Price is Right, please comment below and share your story!