I remember the Horde Layout, that was impressive. I also remember my dad asking someone other than Neil Young to autograph either a VHS tape or catalog! (IIRC, they were selling tapes of the layout in operation from other stops on the Horde tour). Seems my dad knew Neil Young's role (at that time) in Lionel, but somehow didn't know exactly what he looked like. The gentleman my dad had approached who was running some of the trains in his engineer's overalls said something to the effect of "I'll sign the item if you like sir, but my name is Larry!" (he was then kind enough to point out Neil). Silly story, but something I will probably always remember!
I remember my first visit on just Saturday (I had only started my 1st job out of college about 1 1/2 months before, so wasn't taking time off from work yet - this was back when it was Fri-Sat, April 1997). My dealer who told me I should check out the meet neglected to tell me of the membership signature thing at the time(!). So when I arrived at the registration desk in the Blue Hall, I was informed. I told them my dealer friend's name, and I got an escort with a guard through what seemed like a maze from the Blue Hall to the Purple where my dealer had his tables. (as most first time visitors are, I was in awe of the magnitude of the whole thing) He and his brother in law then signed my application, I paid my dues and entry fee, and my long York journey began! 
Also on my first visit, I recall parking in what seemed like the very far boonies out under a decent sized tree near the perimeter (probably in an area not too far from the back door or Orange, nearest MTH). It could have been in that corner of the grounds, or possibly where the Orange Hall now stands, as it looked different with Horse stables using a lot of the area over there before the new hall was built.
While I am guessing I didn't' successfully see all the halls on my first trip (probably missed Gold if it was open then), I did walk most of the buildings. I recall exactly what I bought too. I had recently entered O Gauge by getting the Lionel 6-11909 N&W Warhorse set from 1996. While entirely un-prototypical, I decided that some N&W Maxi Stack cars would be a good alternate thing to pull with the steam engine (yes, I am well aware that never could have happened
). Anyway, I bought one car from a gentleman who had them marked $60 or 3 for $150. After walking the buildings and not making any other purchases, I found his table again and asked if he was willing to sell me 2 more of the cars to go with the first one at the combo price, and he was happy to oblige (after joking with me a bit about it, and thanking me for coming back).
In general, in later years, I remember always trying to park along the outer perimeter of the racetrack, slightly inside from the gate on Carlisle Avenue, as that was a decent somewhat centralized location before Orange opened.
Once Orange did open, I migrated into parking between it and the old Orange Hall (until I started getting a table). I remember the days when it was crowded enough that as others have said, you risked not getting a parking spot if you left. I remember chancing it a meet or two when I decided I needed to get some extra cash at a local branch of my bank, and I felt lucky to find a spot when I returned. These days, I would not worry at all about not finding a parking spot. It might not be exactly where I want it to be if I leave, but I know there will be spots.
I remember the year it was something like 95 degrees one day in April (probably a year or two before Orange opened), and the aisles were still so packed that the number of bodies crammed into the halls and walking in close proximity made it worse than it was outside. I specifically remember it being very hot and humid inside Purple.
-Dave
