We have one of these coming up and my fiance and I were considering going. I'm sure this one will be no different and she'll be awfully disappointed, but I think we're still going to go try to make the best of it. Sorry to hear your experience was so unsatisfying. 

 It sounds like you had a bit of a mixed experience at the Gilmore Girls festival in Brighton, MI. On one hand, it's great that they tried to create an immersive experience by decorating local stores and businesses with signs inspired by the show.

On the other hand, it seems like the long lines and crowds might have been overwhelming. And giving up on trying to eat at "Luke's Diner" (which was likely a cleverly-branded food stand) and opting for a more conventional eating experience suggests that the festival didn't quite live up to your expectations.

The photos you shared do show some creative signage and decorations, but it's also clear that there were lots of people trying to take pictures and interact with the "Gilmore Girls"-inspired elements. It's possible that the festival was just too popular and crowded for its own good!

Did you end up having a better experience at the Coney Island restaurant by your house?