A first-timer’s honest look at the chaos, cost, and pure magic of San Diego Comic-Con.
This was my first year attending San Diego Comic-Con, and it was quite an adventure. After leaving the convention and heading home, thoughts swirled around my head: “Was it really worth it?” This is a question that I am sure others have asked both before and after attending any large convention. Let’s break down some of the pros and cons of attending San Diego Comic-Con.
One of the many pros of attending Comic-Con was the vast number of experiences, both inside and outside of the actual convention center. Once you are inside the San Diego Convention Center, you are expedited through the entrance into the large area where you can branch off and make your choice of what to explore first. There are autograph areas, panel rooms, and the exhibitor floor. All have so much to offer. The panel rooms allow you to learn more about your favorite creators, multimedia, or movies and TV shows.
From jaw-dropping panels to endless lines—what you need to know before you go to Comic-Con.
The massive exhibitor floor is a sight to be seen, with displays, experiences, and booths, where you can purchase anything your heart desires at a convention. Some of these locations include giveaways or exclusive merchandise. Both the created experiences and the talent of artists and cosplayers are astounding. It is very easy to lose yourself in the grandeur of the sights around you. In addition, the outside activations are numerous and offer a change of scenery. They also provide a space for different experiences for badge and non-badge holders, which range from activities, photo ops, giveaways, to games.
With the plethora of things to see and do inside and outside, you can sometimes feel overwhelmed. One of the cons of SDCC is that there is so much to do, you will not be able to see and do everything. Planning is essential. Even with planning, you will have to pick and choose the most important things that you want to accomplish. Make reservations ahead of time. Prioritize the panels that are ‘must-sees’ and plan enough time to experience the exhibitor floor, at least for a short amount of time. The sheer size of the convention center creates another obstacle… time. You need to pay attention to the time, especially if you want to attend a panel. Build in travel time to get to each location and time to acquire a seat in that panel room.
Despite the overwhelming nature of San Diego Comic-Con, you get to be immersed in a space, surrounded by your interests. There is something for every fan, from the casual to lifelong. The feeling of stepping into that building is immeasurable. Being in the presence of others who feel the same giddy joy is electric. Kindness and helpfulness are common among attendees, exhibitors, and volunteers. I never felt afraid to ask questions. This extends to the outside of the actual convention center. Several studios set up activations and experiences that can be enjoyed by attendees with and without badges. Spreading that feeling of excitement.
As enjoyable as all of these things are at SDCC, there is the dreaded experience of having to stand in line for some activities and possibly spending money. These lines can range from a short amount of time (if you have reserved times or wristbands) inside, to multiple hours outside in the sun. While some of these activities are free and worth the wait, some will cost you money if you have to purchase an item or an autograph. Spending money is also a part of attending a convention. Badges to attend the convention, buying exclusive merchandise, purchasing food and drinks, and booking hotels all cost money. This could be a sticking point when choosing whether attending San Diego Comic Con is feasible.
Overall, I had a wonderful time, and even though it was not the cheapest experience, it was completely worth it for a fan of the genres. It was a bucket list item and something I will gladly do again. You will have to decide if it is right for you. If you really want to go, you can make it work. Again, planning ahead is the key. Book travel needs, like hotels, as far in advance as possible, and think about staying outside of the Gaslamp area. Plan your ‘must-do’ items and allow time for them. And on that note of preparation, be on the lookout for information about next year’s badge sales and events by following the blogs and social media accounts of studios and the convention itself. See you next year in San Diego.
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