The San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is one of the largest sci-fi, fantasy, and comic-based conventions in the world. People flock to sunny San Diego every year to attend panels featuring their favorite sci-fi/fantasy movies, TV shows, artists, celebrities, and comics; check out the awesome cosplay costumes; and possibly get an autograph or some face time with their hero or favorite actor. Getting tickets to attend such an epic event is no easy feat so if you're lucky enough to score tickets, you want to make the most of your precious time there. Here are 8 tips you need to know to have the best time possible:
Beware the lines for Hall H
(Photo credit: Strawberry Avalanche Photography)
Hall H, the massive 6,500-seat room, features some of the most exciting panels at the Comic-Con, but if you don't plan in advance, you could end up waiting 3 – 4 hours under the hot, California sun for the Game of Thrones panel, and never get to see it. Some of the SDCC regulars don't even bother trying to go to the panels in this room. That's not to say you shouldn't ever go to a panel in Hall H, but if you do, be prepared. If you're going to try to make it to a panel as popular as Game of Thrones, you'll need to get there super early; at least 6 hours in advance, maybe more. Remember, San Diego gets hot in the summer, and you'll be waiting outside so bring sunscreen, snacks, plenty of water or other liquids to stay hydrated, and possibly something to read to help you pass the time. Another option is to see a not-so-popular panel in Hall H on a Sunday. Sundays are not as crowded as Fridays and Saturdays; and if less people are interested in the panel, the lines won't be as long.
Have a Plan A,B, & C
At the San Diego Comic-Con, a change of plans will have to be expected. You may not get to attend every panel you want to, or have face time with every celebrity you plan on meeting, or miss the opportunity to get a photo taken with Nichelle Nichols. Make sure you have a backup plan, or two, or three.
You're more likely to get to meet your favorite actors, writers, or artists in panels held in smaller rooms than those held in larger rooms like Hall H or Ballroom 20.
The rooms are so massively huge that unless you're seated right up there in the front, everyone on the panel looks so extremely small it's hard to even see them. They have many large screens placed throughout the room that people can look at to get a closer view of their favorite celebrities. At the end of the panels, the celebrity guests leave without anyone getting a chance to meet with them. In the smaller rooms, sometimes after the panels; some actors, celebrities, writers, or artists will hang out a bit and chat with their fans. There's a lot more opportunity for personal interactions.
You can walk outside behind the Convention Center to Avoid the Crowd
The San Diego Comic-Con is a big place, and there's at least 130,000+ people there every year so things can get a bit crowded. If you have a panel that's in a room at the Hyatt, and your next panel is all the way in the Hilton, walking through that pathway in the back overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay is your best option. Plus, it's such a beautiful view. (And yes, panels are also held at the Hilton, the Hyatt, and the Marriott.)
Be prepared to walk the length of 5 marathons.
The San Diego Convention Center is a very large place, and only part of where the Comic-con is held. As mentioned earlier, there are panels held in the Marriot, the Hilton, and the Hyatt hotels. Plus, there's also the walking to and from your car or to the hotel you're staying at. You might also find yourself walking around the Gaslamp, enjoying the festivities and costumes, or looking for a bite to eat.
Make sure you have enough time to get from one panel to the next.
It's always possible the panels you want to see are held in rooms on opposite sides of the comic-con. It's always good to make sure you know in advance where your panels' rooms are located. If you have back-to-back panels and they're located miles apart, you may want to have a back up plan. See Tip # 2.
You're going to need to park a few miles away from the Comic-Con.
The parking areas near the Comic-Con are always full, and it's next to impossible to find a spot. Your best bet is parking around 2nd or 3rd street near Ash or Beech Street in the downtown area, and either walking to the convention, taking the trolley, or a Lyft, or an Uber.
Only take a pedicab if you're willing to pay $25 or more a person, even if you're traveling a short distance.
(Photo credit: Fat Man Photography)
Pedicabs can be a nice way to get acquainted with San Diego's downtown Gaslamp area. They can be a fun way to travel back to your car from the Comic-Con and give you a rest from being on your feet all day, but it's definitely not cheap. If you don't ask how much a ride will cost, the pedicab driver may not offer up that information until the end of the ride. There's a little sign on the pedicab that states how much a ride will cost, but sometimes people don't notice it. Even a short ride with 3 people could end up costing you $75 or more. There are less expensive ways to get back to your car. As mentioned earlier, you can take a trolley, a Lyft or an Uber, or call yourself a cab.