San Diego Comic Con

[Stardust]

Hi, I'm thinking of going to the Comic Con in San Diego this year since I recently found out about it. I thought I'd see a discussion about it in Toon Zone, but I wanted to know what it's like there. I'm only going to go for a day but will I be able to still get tickets at the door? The website had a pre-registration to reserve your spot to get in, is the Comic Con really THAT packed that you need tickets in advance? And for me, who's finding about this 2 weeks prior, will I still be able to get in? Is this something people usually reserve in advance months out??

What's the atmosphere like? Is there a line to get into the building or can you mill in and out as you please?

If there is a discussion going already, I'm sorry. I'm cramped on time so I just did a general search and didn't see any topics.

Thanks!

[Ruffian]

You should still be able to get tickets at the door. There's always two lines for registration: one for people who haven't pre-registered and one for those who have. Just make sure you get there early enough to stand in line for registration. After you register you can go in and out of the convention site as long as you have your badge with you.

Last year was the most pack it's been. I think it's the first time they announced they might even have to cut off registration on Saturday because of too many people. The exhibit hall was packed tighter than a sardine can. I'm 5'2" female and once I stepped in I pretty much disappeared in a sea of immovable people. I patiently shimmied my way to the closest doors and then just stayed upstairs for the rest of Saturday for the programming. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are not as bad. Saturday's always packed.

Also, don't drive into downtown San Diego if you plan to. You will not find parking.

[Narfcake]

As one who has gone for several years now ...

- It's not just a might close Saturday, but I'm absolutely certain it will happen again. Every year, the crowd just keeps getting bigger.
- Got a place to stay? If not, good luck finding a room in San Diego county. Last 2 years, I stayed up in Escondido, about 30 miles north. Prior to that, San Marcos (36 miles). At this poit, my guess for affordables rooms would be Temecula (Riverside county, 60 miles north) or Tijuana (need a passport, and expect 2+ hours to cross the US-Mexico border).
- If you're not arriving at the convention center by 8:30am (7:30am on Saturday), don't expect cheap parking. Last year, some lots hit $30/day; I don't expect it to change this year.

That said, you can have fun and learn some good stuff; it's not just comic books anymore, but a variety of media. It's not exactly "stress free" either, as dealing with the dense crowd isn't for the faint of heart - expect being shoved around a little here or there and needing time to get into or out of an area.

[Michael24]

Parking was a nightmare last year when I went. Thursday and Friday weren't too bad, but on Saturday it took me nearly two hours to find a spot. An hour of that was spent in traffic driving from one end of the convention center to the other. It'll be much easier if you have friends or family in San Diego who can just drop you off, or if you can afford a hotel right across the street. But if you're staying any good distance from the con and need to drive, best to get there a few hours before opening if you want to find a decent place to park. Last year I stayed a hotel about 10 minutes away, but had to get there 2-3 hours earlier for parking.

In 2005 I went for just one day, and the line wasn't too bad to register just for the day.

If this is you're first time, make sure you were comfortable shoes and be sure to pace yourself. Also, if you can, bring some snacks of your own. They have food, but it tends to get pricey and isn't very good, IMO. But since you can come and go all you want throughout the day, there's plenty of great places around the convention center to grab something for lunch.

[Ruffian]

- If you're not arriving at the convention center by 8:30am (7:30am on Saturday), don't expect cheap parking. Last year, some lots hit $30/day; I don't expect it to change this year.



But if you're staying any good distance from the con and need to drive, best to get there a few hours before opening if you want to find a decent place to park. Last year I stayed a hotel about 10 minutes away, but had to get there 2-3 hours earlier for parking.


I did the driving thing into downtown up till 3 years ago. It just got worst and worst each year and I couldn't do it anymore. Waking up early is hard and waiting 2-3 hours for the doors to open was a pain too. Now I park at Qualcomm Stadium, which has plenty of free parking, and hop on the trolley to the convention center.

[Michael24]

I won't be attending this year, but I'll have to remember that if I return next year. We can never afford a hotel right downtown, so we always have to stay somewhere else and drive there. On Thursday last year I was lucky enough to get a spot in the underground lot. Very convenient, because I bought a few heavy things and could run them down to my car really quick. I don't mind waiting 2-3 hours for the doors to open, though. I just bring my iPod or a GBA to pass the time, and chatting it up with other people in line is fun, too.

[BrendaBat]

Originally posted by Stardust
I'm only going to go for a day but will I be able to still get tickets at the door? The website had a pre-registration to reserve your spot to get in, is the Comic Con really THAT packed that you need tickets in advance? And for me, who's finding about this 2 weeks prior, will I still be able to get in? Is this something people usually reserve in advance months out??

3 year veteran of the Con here. Hope I can help ya out. :D

I highly recommend buying tickets in advance (it might be too late to do that now, but keep this in mind for next year). I used to buy tickets at the door on the first day with no problems. But last year it was so crowded that the line wrapped around the building and it took me over an hour to get my damn badge! :( So this year I wised up and got my ticket online from the con website. Not only are pre-ordered tickets cheaper (especially if you buy them really early), but people with pre-orders also get to collect their badges on Wednesday and get a goodie bag full of free stuff. :)

The length of the ticket line will probably vary depending on which day you go. If you plan to go on the same day as the Kevin Smith panel (which is Saturday, I believe); you better get your butt in line as early as possible because, if last year was any indication, the crowd will be INSANE!


Originally posted by Stardust
What's the atmosphere like? Is there a line to get into the building or can you mill in and out as you please?
The atmosphere can get pretty overwhelming at times. The crowds seem to get bigger every year and if you're a small person like me (5'1") and Twilight it can be easy to get all claustrophobic and lost in the crowd if you're not careful.
And you can mill in and out of the building all you want as long as you keep your badge visible at all times since security people will randomly ask to see it before you enter the building and will almost always make you show it before letting you into the dealers room and panels.

And whatever you do, don't buy food at the convention if you don't have to. It's insanely expensive and it all sucks. So bring your own snacks and water bottles.

And I don't know what you plan to do about transportation. But if you go to the Comic Con and/or San Diego City websites you can find trolley and shuttle routes and schedules that might be helpful to you. The shuttles are free and the trolleys are pretty cheap and they'll save you the nightmare of driving around downtown and trying to find parking within walking distance of the convention.

Here's another tip: The convention center has a fantastic information kiosk in the front lobby that can give you help with almost anything you want to know. For example, one year my sister and I asked about Chinese restaurants in the area and the kiosk lady gave us a map that marked all the Chinese places within a 10-mile radius. :)

[Bakasama]

And for me, who's finding about this 2 weeks prior, will I still be able to get in? Is this something people usually reserve in advance months out??

I'm a 15+ years con vet, I might know trick or two to the con.

Depends on what day you're planning to go. If it's Saturday, it's not looking too good since that's the day when the con has the most people. Last year, the con had to turn away alot of people because there was too many people at the con. You may consider volunteering for the con, you get a badge for working for three hours and if you can work before the con opens, you don't have to wait that big line to get in.

If you're looking for a hotel room it's too late since the hotels are booked for Con goers AND American Idol contestants.


What's the atmosphere like? Is there a line to get into the building or can you mill in and out as you please?

I expect the crowds to be large and packed. In some areas it's hard to get a around. You can mill around the con as long you have badge.

[Matt Hazuda]

Word of warning if you take the trolley and stay for any evening programming that runs past midnight. The trolley service does stop pretty early and you're SOL unless you plan on taking a taxi back to your parking lot or outlying hotel. I happened to me and the people I was with last year and really sucked. The con planners said they'd mention it to the city, but San Diego really really hates the congoers, since they don't spend money around the city like other tourists would from what I have heard.

I'll back up what everyone has said and say to get your tickets now if you still can. Pre-registering makes things so much easier on you, especially when you're in the building and not waiting outside in line to purchase a badge.

If you're planning on going to any panels, especially the high-profile ones, line up early. Also, if there's a less popular panel before yours in the same room, just go sit in on that panel, it'll save you the wait in line and you're guaranteed a seat to your own panel. Heck, you may even find out you like whatever topic they are discussing.

Another tip, bring a camera. You wouldn't believe some of the really nice costumes you'll see or a celebrity who may be there, so you gotta make sure you snap some pics. I've found cosplayers love it when people go up to them and ask to take a photo, but be aware when there's a line for taking photos for someone down in the exhibition hall, don't try and get a picture by standing around, security will make you move along.

You won't likely be able to find a room this year (but do check the hotels (http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_hotel.shtml) page at the SDCC site as often as you can during a day, last-minute rooms do pop up till the day of the con, or you can just get wait-listed), for next year though, if you want to guarantee a room, you have two options. You can wait till hotels open up their rooms for whatever week SDCC will be next year (it's usually sometime in October I believe. Hotels open rooms about 30 weeks before the actual date you want them), and get a room for a good rate (not con rate cheap, but still good, especially if you want like a room next door or directly across the street), or you can wait till January or February for SDCC to open their block of rooms. If you do this, plan on checking their website as soon as it opens and also trying to phone the service at the same time. Everyone will be attempting to get a room at this time, so just keep trying if you can't get through. You should still be able to get the room you want. 2 or 3 more hotels are opening up in time for 2008's con, so there'll be about 1500 or so more rooms next year, helping out the room demand problem a little, but still plan to get your room early as they will fill up fast.

Also, plan some time away from the con if you can. Companies provide passes to free movie screenings and such, and this is a good time to get out of the convention center for some entertainment. You can also take in a Padres game at the stadium right down the street (hopefully there isn't though, this exacerbates the crowding problem greatly) if you have the money. Tijuana is about 30 minutes away by Trolley, and the hotels have day tours, but if you do plan on going, make sure you have your passport, since you need that for crossing the border now.

Also, don't go overboard on the freebies. Most of them are useless junk and trinkets that just take up space and adds to the stuff you have to bring back on the return trip, plus you may have to stand in line for a freebie that it turns out you really have no use of, which is a waste of time (free tshirts are always good though).

One last thing, daily bathing is a must. I have not noticed a fan-stink problem in the 2 previous years I have attended, but it's just common courtesy. Oh yeah, don't bring all shorts and tshirts to wear. San Diego can and will get a little chilly in the evening, even in late July and some of the panel rooms are downright frigid. I was shivering last year at one due to this. At the very least, a light jacket will help you out in a cinch and is easy to carry.

God, I really ramble on about this, don't I? Anyways I'll wrap this up now. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Ruffian]

Oh wow! I just read on CBR that 4 day membership registrations have sold out for Comic-Con.

SDCC: Four-Day Memberships Sold Out (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11123)

[Narfcake]

And whatever you do, don't buy food at the convention if you don't have to. It's insanely expensive and it all sucks. So bring your own snacks and water bottles.

Emphasized the key aspects. ;)

Walk the block and a half up to Ralphs and hit the deli instead. Real food, cheaper, and despite having to exit the con and walk up there, it can still be faster.

I do the $6 chicken dinner deal ... whole chicken (or 8-pcs. fried), a 1# of side dish, and rolls. Don't even need to finish off what's enough food for 2-4 people ... you're already ahead monetary-wise of just about anywhere else for a full meal.


Oh wow! I just read on CBR that 4 day membership registrations have sold out for Comic-Con.
Not suprised at all here ...

[Stardust]

Hey all,

Thank you SO MUCH for your experiences at the Comic Con. I've been talking to my sister and she can't make it out with me and I would be willing to go at it alone, but this is definately out of my budget for a weekend trip. I could either rent a car or fly, but I couldn't get out early enough on Friday to make the most of the weekend. I had no idea the Comic Con was so hugely anticipated in San Diego but now that I know about it I can do some prior planning in the future. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend next year but I am definately writing it on my to do list for 2009. I'm seeing now that this is not a get up and go event.

Everyone's been so helpful with their comments and experience. Thanks to Twilight and BrendaBat for bringing up the height issue because I am about your heights and that gave me insight to what it may be like.

Now I have a definate reference if my sister decides to go next year without me and I hope it will help anyone else who is going to go to the Comic Con.

So now this means I am going to live vicariously through you guys who ARE going to the comic con. :)

Thanks,
-C

[Bakasama]

no problem. In all the 15+ I've been going to the Con, I was always been able to get in without pre-registration. It just meant I had to wait in a big line that went all the way to Seaport Village for three hours in the morning. Still, the news of the four day passes being sold out means I really should think about getting a badge months the next con.

[Matt Hazuda]

I think it's fair to say that this is the "official" topic for the con, so any new stuff you have can go here for now. Anyways, on with the post.


In case anyone attending was thinking of going to Fox's main presentation, Forget about it (http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/07/19/fox-pulls-out-of-comic-con/).

I wonder how the heck they're going to fill an almost 2 hour block in Hall H (whoch can hold over 6000 attendees). Should prove to be rather interesting leading up to the con as the organizers scramble to find a replacement.


Also, the full schedule for autographs (http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_autographs.shtml) is now up.

[Ultra8]

Thought I'd throw in my own 2cents of advice.

1. Sundays are always the cheapest of the days to go, and even though the all the big stuff was handled the days before they usually have some good stuff to see(a big plus if you have kids in your party due to their kids events for that day). Also some vendors in the dealers room have some decent/big sales since it's the last day.

2. Don't be surprised if you see some panels you would like to go to but both are scheduled for the same time. It happens alot(at least to me:sweat: ).

3. Also have a back up plan should the panel you wanted to attend gets canceled or is filled to capacity. This really helps when their are 2 events you want to see but they are both scheduled for the same time.

4. Pay attention to where you are, the panel you might want to go to next might be on the other side of the building from where you are. Take some time to read the signs and make use of the map/schedule they give you at the admission desk.

Always helps to be a bit prepaired.

[Kolbar]

I wish I could go, but I was just in California and didn't realize I should have delayed my trip and gone to Comic-Con.

Just curious, but do they allow people to videotape the panels or are videocameras not allowed? And what websites cover the event, besides Toon Zone?

[Matt Hazuda]

I wish I could go, but I was just in California and didn't realize I should have delayed my trip and gone to Comic-Con.

Just curious, but do they allow people to videotape the panels or are videocameras not allowed? And what websites cover the event, besides Toon Zone?Videcameras are typically forbidden in panels.

Depending on what info you're looking for, various sites cover Comic-Con. Toon Zone obviously covers all animation news. Sites like ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com) and Anime on DVD (http://www.animeondvd.com) will cover anime news. Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com) and Comic Book Resources (http://www.cbr.cc) cover comic book news. I can't think of entertainment sites, but a lot of them will cover things as well.

[JTurner954]

1. Sundays are always the cheapest of the days to go, and even though the all the big stuff was handled the days before they usually have some good stuff to see(a big plus if you have kids in your party due to their kids events for that day). Also some vendors in the dealers room have some decent/big sales since it's the last day.


Based on my experience from last year, the best deals on Sunday happened one hour before the convention was over. While some vendors were yelling out their new deals (50%-75% off), others were giving stuff away as people walked by just so they wouldn't have so much to pack before they left.

I'm happy to see a thread on this convention early as I always get the feeling people are scared to admit they went. This will be my second year at Comic-Con; this time, I plan on seeing more than just the convention center.

[Bakasama]

If anyone going, you should bring lots of $1 bills. Dealers LOVE $1 bills because they tend to run short of those at the con.

[ThePeterNetwork]

[pause hiatus]After experiencing the New York Comic-Con and hearing all this stuff about San Diego, despite the fact that it's the "it" spot for comic geeks of all types, I have developed an original fear of congested places with lines that go nowhere. I call it "conophobia."

Now don't get me wrong. I have been at the last few hours on a Saturday at NYCC, and it was very peaceful and very relaxing. Stan Lee wasn't available, but I already got an eyeful of him at MoCCA during his opening exhibit (eating dinner, no less), and I never ventured up towards Artist's Alley, but I did get a neat looking scar from the special effects makeup booth.

But by and large, I, myself, would not go all the way to San Diego and face a crazy-go-nuts crowd. I just don't do well that way. JMHO.[resume hiatus]

[DR.MID-NITE]

If anyone is going and can pick me up the JLU exclusive Shayera/Ray/GL 3-pack. I would be willing to pay?

Thanks! :)

[ElBarto]

I leave for Comic-Con tommorrow :)

[Narfcake]

For anyone crazy enough to consider doing such now and have no place to stay ... and don't have $300+/night to blow on a hotel room now ...

RENT! Seriously - some will be VERY willing to take in a month's rent for you only staying a week. They get $$, you're still saving $$.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/roo/
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/sub/

Just a last minute suggestion. ;)

(YMMV, of course)

[Beyond Batman]

What will make or break your convention experience: COMFORT!

All the little things really do make a difference if you can afford it. I've gone for six years consecutively up until 2006. Staying at the Omni and the Hilton across the street from the convention center is priceless, and I'm thankful I was always able to book those rooms at con rates. Being able to take 30 minute power naps, dropping off things you buy, and being able to party in the Gaslamp at night is nice when everything is within walking distance.

Conveniently, G4 started covering SDCC just as I stopped going. And as much as I miss the experience, I don't miss the endless growing crowd that seems to be getting bigger and bigger every year. The amount of people there is just insane. These days, I don't mind watching it from the comfort of my own home. It almost feels like a Superbowl experience. G4 said there are 40,000 more people than last year. Crazy!

[DR.MID-NITE]

Just curious. With the crowds everyone is talking about. Can you even get to see the celebs that are there? For example the cast from Smallville. Is it even possible to get their autographs? Or would you have to arrive hours before they appear to wait on line?

[Matt Hazuda]

arrive hours before they appear to wait on line:-D

[Beyond Batman]

Just curious. With the crowds everyone is talking about. Can you even get to see the celebs that are there? For example the cast from Smallville. Is it even possible to get their autographs? Or would you have to arrive hours before they appear to wait on line?

It's possible, but there are several things you have to take into consideration:

1. You must win a raffle to meet them and or get an autograph.
2. You'll find them randomly roaming the con with their entourage (this doesn't happen often, and it's very very rare with A-list celebs)
3. They'll be at a booth doing a signing
4. Crowds are unavoidable at SDCC. It's best to just accept it.

For the most part, meeting celebs is usually luck. Being at the right place at the right time. 95% of the time, it's a matter of getting in line super early to win or receive raffle tickets.

[Bakasama]

2. You'll find them randomly roaming the con with their entourage (this doesn't happen often, and it's very very rare with A-list celebs)

If you happen to meet, say, Stan Lee out in the exhibit hall you can get his autograph easily. I saw that happen in one of the past Comic Cons. He's always happy sign an autograph.