After attending five San Diego Comic-Cons over 10 years, I've learned a few things about this attending this annual comics, sci-fi, games, toys and manga convention. Sure, it gets more crowded and crazy every year, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. Here's 10 sanity-saving Comic-Con survival tips that have helped me get through the 5-day weekend. Have more tips to share? Add 'em to the Comic-Con forum!
See photo highlights from San Diego Comic-Con 2007
1. Plan Ahead
© Deb Aoki
As Comic-Con gets bigger and bigger, it requires more advance planning to attend this show. Don't have a hotel room? Sorry, most of the downtown hotels have been booked since January. Don't have your tickets for the weekend? Sorry, they're all sold out as of a week before Comic-Con started. 2008's show marked the first year that registration was only available via online presale.
If you don't have tickets yet, your best bet is to check the online classifieds – but only if you're very desperate to attend. Otherwise, make a mental note to start your planning for next year's trip to Comic-Con in January.
Check out Comic-Con's Registration page and Hotels page for information about attending Comic-Con.
2. Look at the Schedule And Pick Your Spots
© Deb Aoki
The schedule of events is usually posted at least a week prior to the show. With so much going on at Comic-Con, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to go and what to see first. Do yourself a favor and make those decisions before you hit the show and you'll be a little less frantic amongst the crowds.
If you really want to attend a panel, plan on being there at least a half hour before it starts – allow more time for super popular events. Remember, those ballrooms may look large, but they quickly fill up for popular panels, especially those with major Hollywood star power.
Check out this year's schedule of events.
3. Bring Cash and Lots of It
© Deb Aoki
While many Comic-Con vendors accept credit and debit cards, many of them don't. Avoid time in the ATM line (and those obnoxious service fees) and bring as much cash as you're willing to spend at Comic-Con.
Remember, keep your cash safely stashed. Pickpockets aren't a major problem at Comic-Con, but be sensible and keep your wallet in a secure, zippered pocket in your bag or get one of those chain wallets and latch it to your backpack. Nothing ruins a weekend faster than an unsuccessful trip to the Lost and Found desk.
See a list of Comic-Con exhibitors and download a map of the Comic-Con exhibit hall (PDF file, requires Adobe Acrobat).
4. Plan on Taking Public Transportation
© Deb Aoki
Parking can be difficult to find in downtown San Diego during Comic-Con, and it's usually pretty pricey too. Either plan on catching a bus or one of the many shuttle buses available from downtown hotels to the show. Visit the Comic-Con Transportation page for tips on how to get there from wherever you are.
If you insist on bringing your car, check the Comic-Con parking map for the nearby lots.
5. Bring Snacks and Water
Convention Center food sucks. And it's expensive. So save yourself from dehydration and $8 hot dog sticker shock and bring some snacks and a bottle of water to keep yourself fortified during the full day of fun.
6. The Best Things Come To Those Who Wait
And wait and wait. Lines are a fact of life at Comic-Con. So make the most of it and bring something to read, a game to play, a sketchbook for doodling or strike up a conversation with the next person in line. By virtue of going to Comic-Con and standing in line for the same event, you already have something in common with your line-mate. Who knows, you might make a new friend!
7. Become a Ticket Master
© Deb Aoki
Many of the most coveted events at Comic-Con are ticketed events, which means you have to be at the designated place or buy something ahead of time to get one of the tickets to buy that limited edition toy, attend that very cool autograph session, movie screening, or the ever-popular Comic-Con Masquerade on Saturday night. Check the listings and be sure to do this early, since tickets are always snapped up quickly.
See the list of special guests scheduled to attend Comic-Con.
8. Dress Like You'll Be Standing and Walking All Day
© Deb Aoki
Because you will. The San Diego Convention Center is HUGE and walking the entire show is a day-long adventure. The constant crowds mean that getting from point A to point B will be a time-consuming process no matter what you do. Wear comfy shoes and clothes. If you're in it for the long haul, bring a lightweight backpack.
But leave the wheeled cart or backpack at home. They are prohibited from the exhibit halls because they're a tripping hazard. If you do bring a wheeled cart to make hauling stuff back to your hotel easier, you'll have to check it in at the bag check in the lobby.
See more tips, rules and general no-no's for Comic-Con attendees.
9. Make Dinner Reservations Early
After the exhibit hall closes at 6 pm, the entire con makes a mad rush to the nearby Gaslamp Quarter for dinner – all at once. So if you've got your eye on eating at that cool restaurant you passed on the way to the show, make reservations ahead of time so you can just breeze in, get seated and eat after the show with a minimum of fuss. This is especially useful if you have a large group.
For a few dining tips, check out About.com's San Diego guide for downtown restaurants to try.
10. Meet and Talk With The Artists
© Deb Aoki
Sure, you're there to buy stuff and gawk at all the sights – but one of the true pleasures of Comic-Con is meeting the creators of your favorite comics, or discovering a new talent in Artists Alley or the Small Press section.
Love their work? Tell them so! Ask them questions about their craft and strike up a conversation. If you're so inclined, commission an original sketch or buy a print or a sketchbook. This is the stuff you can't buy at your local comic shop and I promise, it's these purchases that will be your favorite souvenirs from the show.
Check out the artists who'll be at Comic-Con's Artist Alley and Small Press area. Also, check out who's scheduled for an autograph session in the 2nd floor autograph area.
