Comic-Con is about a week and a half away! It is such a blast! But for you first timers out there, there are a lot of things to know. I had no idea what I was in for at my first Comic-con, I had been to local comic and sci-fi conventions but none at this caliber. Now I have only been to San Diego's Comic-Con Twice, this month will be my third time. Each time I learn new things and think of ways to improve my time there. So here is a list of tips I have compiled so far on how to enhance your Comic-Con experience.
1. Go with friends! I go with the same amazing group of people every year. We carpool together and my friend knows how to drive his Prius in the most efficient way, that the amount we each chip in for gas is not a lot at all. Plus it is a lot more fun to have good company on a long drive like our trip from Sacramento to San Diego is. (Bonus also when ordering tickets you all wait in the virtual line and who ever gets through buys everyone's tickets and then everyone pays them back, very helpful because it sells out FAST)
2. There is a lot of waiting in lines. Depending on the popularity of the panel you want to see, you might even have to camp-out overnight in line. Which sounds horrible but if you bring along certain things it will make your time in line more enjoyable:
- A small fold-able stool (For waiting in lines)
- Blanket/Sleeping Bag/small pillow (For camping out)
- Snacks & Beverages (You might be in line or in one room all day)
- Entertainment like cards, travel size games, magazines, books, tablet, laptop, etc. (to help pass the time while camped out or waiting in line)
2. There is a lot of waiting in lines. Depending on the popularity of the panel you want to see, you might even have to camp-out overnight in line. Which sounds horrible but if you bring along certain things it will make your time in line more enjoyable:
- A small fold-able stool (For waiting in lines)
- Blanket/Sleeping Bag/small pillow (For camping out)
- Snacks & Beverages (You might be in line or in one room all day)
- Entertainment like cards, travel size games, magazines, books, tablet, laptop, etc. (to help pass the time while camped out or waiting in line)
3. Bring your big bag! As seen in my pictures above you are given a HUGE bag when you pick up your badge and you may think, "Why in the world would I need such a big bag"? Well believe me when I say you so do. You will need it for all the free swag you get, everything you buy, and all the things I listed above. (Also when it comes to free swag the HBO panels, in my opinion, ALWAYS give the best and most swag).
4. Stay charged! Bring a portable cordless charger and a power strip! You will make friends fast with the power strip because the outlets at the convention center are in high demand.. You can keep your laptop, cell phone, and whatever else you need charged..
5. If you are cosplaying and your character requires makeup, always bring a makeup bag and a mirror for touch-ups.
4. Stay charged! Bring a portable cordless charger and a power strip! You will make friends fast with the power strip because the outlets at the convention center are in high demand.. You can keep your laptop, cell phone, and whatever else you need charged..
5. If you are cosplaying and your character requires makeup, always bring a makeup bag and a mirror for touch-ups.
6. Follow the convention on twitter! They will post telling you to "be a this booth at this time and say this to receive this free". It can be really worth it though because that is how my friend won me a ticket to meet Seth Green!
7. Make new friends! Of course always be careful (especially as a girl) never go off with strangers alone. But while waiting in line or for a panel to start or simply just walking around you can meet so many awesome people who have so many similar interests. I am a shy person normally, and when it comes to meeting new people but at Comic-con every one who is there are just as nerdy and fun as you and I have always enjoyed the company of the people I have met there.
I hope these tips can help anyone interested in and/or going to comic-con, it really is something everyone should do! I will link the website at the bottom :)
7. Make new friends! Of course always be careful (especially as a girl) never go off with strangers alone. But while waiting in line or for a panel to start or simply just walking around you can meet so many awesome people who have so many similar interests. I am a shy person normally, and when it comes to meeting new people but at Comic-con every one who is there are just as nerdy and fun as you and I have always enjoyed the company of the people I have met there.
I hope these tips can help anyone interested in and/or going to comic-con, it really is something everyone should do! I will link the website at the bottom :)