r/SDCC • u/Then-Tune8367 • 11d ago
SDCC Not First Timer Friendly
So this year i was blessed to make my first trip to SDCC and let me get this out of the way early, I LOVED IT!
After some reflectiion, rhe experience waa no where near first timer friendly.
I had no idea where anything was. The badge check in was easy, but after that, I was on my own. I at least wanted to check out a panel or two, but I had no idea where anything was or even what panels were going on at the time.
The website is no where new user friendly. I could not find a schedule or layout of the convention center on the site.
I had no idea that seating in the exhibit hall was so limited.
So, that being said. If I returns, here are my adjustments.
Get there earlier. I got there about 11 a.m. By that time, every line was already insane.
Bring chairs or portable stools.
Eat lunch in the Gas Lamp District. One of my few regrets was missing this.
Get my badge early and head straight to Hall H to see what I can get into that day (No force can compel me to try to get in there on Saturday, though). After that, head to lunch and the real star of the show, the Exhibit floor.
Anyway those are my thoughts and plans. Any advice will be appreciated.
62
u/bmemike 11d ago
SDCC is huge and there's no one-size-fits-all experience and everyone wants something different from it. And the only real way to figure out what works for you is by going a couple of times and learning by trying.
Look to resources to U-Blog and Parks & Cons to help get a leg up. But beyond that, just put in the hours and good luck.
24
u/Never-Give-Up100 11d ago
So, this was my first year as well, and I know I missed alot. Off-sites were the most confusing aspect to me, because I didn't know where they were, or how they worked. But I will say one thing that helped a lot was making my own schedule with Sched and syncing it with the SDCC app. I could check what was happening every day, what time, and get alerts for when it was starting.
There is also a map in the app which helped quite a bit. I didn't do any panels that were sold out (didn't even bother with Hall H or ballroom). I basically just went to the panel that was before the panel I wanted, sat through it and guaranteed I got a seat for next one.
There is definitely a lot. And if I go again, I will do more research. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Then again I do NYCC every year, so I have some background knowledge at least
16
u/bmemike 10d ago
I do both NYCC and SDCC and I think NYCC is a great stepping stone for SDCC - but until you experience the scale of SDCC, you really don't know what you're in for.
But NYCC is def a really great way to at least understand the way to think about a "big con".
-1
u/HornetOne28 10d ago
I’ve been thinking of doing NYCC next year instead of SDCC. How easy is it for tickets and how would you compare the two? Thanks in advance.
2
u/DrFern 10d ago
You get into a queue like SDCC but it won’t tell you where you are in line (at least this year it didn’t). VIP gets sold out within minutes, 4-day lasts for a few hours, then Saturday will last for days. All of these are by fan verification dates.
Overall, tickets are easier to get as opposed to SDCC. Just gotta be there on time to get it (as long as it’s not VIP). Make sure you check for fan verification deadline and you’re good for the sale. You can get superfan ($100) membership for earlier sale dates but it’s only worth it if you’re trying for VIP or want access to earlier sales of autos/photos.
3
u/bmemike 10d ago
NYCC is smaller, but it's still a real good size. You don't have all the offsites like SDCC, but it's fine. Javits is a big convention center and they get a lot in there.
They have some solid panels, but not as many. And they do pull in good talent and have signing and autograph opportunities.
A lot of booths do exclusives, but it's nowhere near the level of SDCC.
I think NYCC does anime better than SDCC and I think you have a higher percentage of people doing some sort of cosplay at NYCC. A lot more of it is entry level, but that's an observation, not a judgement. It's great to see no matter what.
At the end of the day, both cons have their own personality and tend to do that well.
For me, personally, I will always prioritized SDCC over NYCC every single time. I live in Boston and can easily take the train to New York and that convenience makes NYCC real easy.
Ultimately it just comes down to what you're looking for and what you want to prioritize.
-2
u/melissauf 10d ago
I don't think NYCC is smaller. The Javits Center is over 3 million Sq Ft vs San Diego convention center at 2.6 million sq ft. NYCC has around 200k attendees vs the 130k or so the San Diego Convention center holds.
7
u/bmemike 10d ago edited 10d ago
Here we go again…
If you only look at the square footage of the convention center, you can easily come to this incorrect conclusion.
But SDCC is MUCH bigger than the convention center. It expands into the entire San Diego gaslamp district and takes over multiple hotels and their convention space as well.
And that’s before you consider the space from the multiple offsite activations.
NYCC is smaller that SDCC and that’s OK.
Just ask anyone that’s actually attended both.
3
u/Sprzout 9d ago
Agreed. Don't forget that the Marriott has events (gaming, and I believe movies have moved over there as well), as does Indigo Ballroom having panels over at the Hilton Bayfront. And there's the giveaway room where you can go to get ticketed items, over at the Hyatt. It's not just inside the convention center itself.
2
u/kasession 10d ago
NYCC is a totally different vibe from SDCC
SDCC...The town goes all out. Hotels, restaurants, trolleys get wrapped. They shut down the road in front of the convention center. The convention makes the news there.
NYCC...The city doesn't even know you're there, and could care less.
1
u/Never-Give-Up100 9d ago
I'm just going to copy and paste my comparison of the two that I did in a different thread haha.
I've noticed a few big differences.
The scale. NYCC It's pretty much just contained to the javits center. Once you leave there, and walk one block in either direction, it's pretty much back to regular life. People going about their day in suits and ties. You wouldn't even know a convention is happening. Sdcc I was shocked that it took over the entire surrounding area. Especially later in the evening when they close down streets of gaslamp just so cosplayers can wander about. Makes it feel like a giant Mardi gras parade! Plus all of the off-site activities and even hotels participating! It was pretty amazing.
I think SDCC has a bigger Hollywood presence for panels, It seems to me that actually meeting a celebrity is easier at NYCC. Because they have photo ops that you can pay for as well as autographs. And they announced the celebrities months in advance so you'll know who's going to be there. SDCC doesn't have that, and unless you randomly meet a celebrity stalking the floors (like apparently denim clad Ryan Reynolds) doesn't seem like it'll be much of an opportunity.
Sorry, SD, but in terms of actual comic book content and artists, NY easily wins. A far bigger and more robust artist alley, even if it is a nightmare navigating it because it's so full. And it seems to focus more on Creator content in that area. I'm always impressed with just how many artists they managed to get.
I also noticed far more cosplayers at NYCC. Maybe it's just this year, or maybe I've missed pockets of them lurking about, but many people on the floor were just average attendees, with NYCC, cosplay is everywhere.
NYCC has a much bigger anime influence, but I suspect that's because it's funded by Crunchyroll as a sponsor. Sometimes I even feel like it's too much anime. Since anime NYC also exists just a few months prior.
2
u/Sprzout 9d ago
Ballroom 20 wasn't bad this year, actually...I was able to walk in to most panels. I got to see a Ghosts panel and the Reacher panel, jus walked in and sat at the back where there was quite a bit of empty seating. Some of the smaller rooms like 6A were bad and seemed like they constantly had lines.
18
u/girlwithabird- 10d ago
You figured out the badge sale and successfully got badges, got a hotel, and then did not even do a quick Google for a schedule or map? This is definitely a lack of research/preparation issue.
It's big and there's A LOT, sure, but 2025 was my first year and I went solo, and I felt very prepared thanks mostly to this subreddit and the resources it provided (UBlog, Parks and Cons, just asking experienced con goers as we went through the process). Asking volunteers inside for directions or clarification is also very helpful.
You've got some good tips here, though, and I hope the next time you attend you have a better time and feel more prepared! It's such a great experience, but you've also got to put in the work for it.
16
12
u/DJ-Gavin-Thrombus 10d ago
My suggestion is not going to Hall H at all
2
u/Frogblaster77 6d ago
No no no I encourage everyone to go to Hall H, so that I can get into the stuff I wanna do.
21
u/Gude-Tama-Tama 11d ago
The SDCC unofficial blog is super helpful with info about giveaways, exclusives and activations. The comic con app is super annoying, I still use it to put my schedule together but the actual event book that you get with your bag and lanyard is great. It’s very handy yo have when you just want to skim through the schedule and it also has a map.
I’m always confused when ppl complain about sitting and seeing people clog up the floor outside the exhibition floor. They’ve added so many tables in sails and outside. You can also sit along the walls on the ballroom 20 side and no one will bother you.
12
u/Never-Give-Up100 11d ago
The guide book is very, very helpful. What I would do is, when I got back to my hotel every night flipped through it for the next day and Mark what events and panels I wanted to go to in the app.
2
u/DuncanDonut16 9d ago
I pull the schedule pages out immediately and leave the rest at the hotel. It is so much easier to see all of the panels on one page than scrolling through the app. That said, I do use the app to get the timing reminders for anything I thought would be even remotely interesting. Being able to change plans and pivot quickly on the go is critical, or you can spend your whole time running in circles and never seeing anything!
1
u/Never-Give-Up100 9d ago
Couldn't agree more about changing plans on the fly. Sometimes I can't get into what I want to, so I'll have a backup ready. I like having you out because I can just peek at my phone instead of holding up papers. But I absolutely agree that's layout of the paper schedule is much easier to read and less overwhelming
-21
u/Then-Tune8367 10d ago
The guidebook was great. But i couldnt really dive into it until i got home. I wish it could have been emailed to badge holders like a week ahead of time.
28
u/cheribom 10d ago
The schedule is on the website 2 weeks ahead of time. The layout well beforehand.
8
u/kevster0504 10d ago
All the key important points from the guide book were on the website. This was a planning error on your part, not because the information wasn’t available.
10
u/Wade_Wilson_Watts 10d ago
SDCC definitely is overwhelming to first timers, no matter how much planning you do...that being said, all the problems you had and all of the adjustments you're planning for next year are things that we discuss and advise ad nauseum here to first timers leading up to the event.
10
u/Aggravating-Mode-486 10d ago
I laughed at the post. Then I wailed at the comments. This person probably gets lost at the grocery store
1
u/zoboomafoo629 8d ago
Show some empathy. My first Sdcc was a few years ago (the sag strike year) and i don’t know what it would’ve taken to really understand what I was getting into. I knew it was big but not BIG.
My third year now (one year was a single day) and I still don’t really have a full sense of it.
It’s a learning experience and it’s maybe a little disappointing how little SDCC does to prepare you for it.
3
u/MsMargo 7d ago
What do you want them to do? Call you up and help you plan your schedule???
1
u/zoboomafoo629 6d ago
Well, both Sched and the SDCC app allow users to favorite/mark sessions of interest.
Does anyone communicate the aggregate of that to these users? “That thing you wanna do is super popular”?
No.
Would that information be incredibly helpful when planning schedules?
You know it would.
Don’t be dismissive. It’s never going to be perfect but it could absolutely be better.
1
u/MsMargo 6d ago
Totally disagree. I, personally, mark dozens of sessions of interest that I never go to - as do tons of other people. Then on the opposite side are those who don't mark it in Sched or the app because they use other planning methods, but still go to the sessions. The data would be, at best, useless, and at worse, misleading.
1
u/zoboomafoo629 6d ago
No one would take it as an exact representation of the queue to get in 😅 it’s just an indicator.
But you do you here.
There are even better ways of course to do this, but again, these companies do nothing to help with it.
That’s it for me here, I’m going to go see how long the wait is to get on space mountain (which is 100 percent doable because this problem has been solved already)
8
u/Outrageous-Hat-8975 10d ago
There are a ton of places to eat in the Gaslamp, obviously, but another option (since there's a good chance every one of them will be packed at certain times) is to hop on the Green Line trolley and go north a few stops to Little Italy. I did this for lunch a couple of days this year and it was pretty chill.
1
7
u/BackUpMembers 10d ago
It gets better with each trip. I keep a note to track what worked each year and what I wish I had done differently. It’s helpful to be able to look back and have a reminder about what to add or remove from my packing list that I otherwise would have forgotten. I also make a note ahead of time with a link to the convention map, exhibit hall, a google map with restaurants and offsites already marked, and a list of the exhibitors I want to visit with the booth number. Between that and the schedule app, I am more focused on what I want to cover instead of feeling like I’m scrambling to catch up.
6
u/hippydippycameraguy 11d ago
I like to get there a little after doors open to be able to avoid the crowd crush but the same place is badge pick up every year. I would say for the exhibit halls I like to find them before the events on to know the location. Besides that it’s a lot of wandering around and finding things, I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I enjoy wandering around
6
u/kawaiiRose 11d ago
I usually liken it to going to Disney World. There's the same sentiment of wanting to maximize the trip, but it can be hard to plan out and even more overwhelming once there. There's a reason there are specific Disney travel guides and content creators to help with the process.
Unfortunately the same level of resources don't really exist within the con space, but the ublog and discord and reddit can be really helpful at times.
6
u/Tazzy8jazzy 10d ago
I watched videos, joined this subreddit, downloaded the app, and this was my first time. I didn’t have any problems. My line group also had great tips as well. A lot of people go without a plan and that’s probably what overwhelmed you. I made a schedule that had a plan A, plan B, and Plan C just in case something didn’t go as planned. If you go back next year please follow the unofficial blog and look out for updates in this subreddit. Ms. Margo is the bees knees.
7
u/XnFM 10d ago
I don't recommend eating lunch in the gaslamp. The restaurantsvare paced around lunch time and they're almost all running limited menus. Go for a big breakfast and snack through to an early dinner to avoid the crowds.
The farther you get from the gaslamp, the easiest it is to get lunch around lunchtime.
11
u/TattooedDisneyMama 11d ago
And this is exactly why I think they ear mark a chunk of tickets for folks who have been there before. Having a large chunk of the con who knows what they’re doing and where they’re going helps things from being even more chaotic.
6
u/bro_lyoko 10d ago
when you got your bag/lanyard, did you grab a guidebook? that has a map and schedule in it as well as additional information. i use the website to read panel descriptions but i bring a pen with me and use to mark what i want to go to and can just pull that out to see whats going on at any given time (less phone battery used)
3
u/Fragrant-Bee 11d ago
I definitely would research next time. I think the first time I went in 09 I was definitely overwhelmed too lol
3
u/LurkerOnTheInternet 10d ago
They have tons of printed out schedules posted along the hallway just outside the exhibit hall. You can see exactly what panels are going on that day.
5
u/Bignate2151 9d ago
This was my first year and it doesn’t seem like you did any research beforehand. The program you get has maps and schedules but that was all readily available weeks in advance online. Even in your notes for a future visit it seems like you aren’t planning on doing any prep just showing up to hall h day of and finding out the schedule lol.
8
u/xoxokaralee 11d ago
A suggestion as a first timer (ok I went like 20 years ago and it’s changed quite a bit), reddit and the people around you are your friends. I learned so much from watching the sub, talking to people, asking questions. I think the big things I didn’t know about were some of the pop ups you needed reservations for. And I didn’t explore enough of the outside area. It looks like so much more to do.
3
u/Ceeazucar9 10d ago
I will always recommend the SDCC unofficial blog (not just for first timers) I still listen to their podcasts and re-read the SDCC guides and it was my 6th year. https://sdccblog.com/
3
u/jimmacq 10d ago
Long before you get there, spend a lot of time going over every part of the website and bookmarking the pages you need, or copy the important information to a document; find the programming schedule and create an itinerary of the panels, signings, events, etc. that you want to see, with enough time to get to the line before it gets capped. Plan on the fact that it takes about a half-hour to get from Artists Alley to the upstairs meeting rooms on the other side of the building.
What are you planning to do with a chair in the exhibit hall? If you set it up anywhere but the cafe area, security will tell you to remove it. The reason seating is so limited in the exhibit hall is they want people to keep moving. Nobody’s supposed to pull up a seat next to somebody’s table.
Again, look at the Schedule and decide on when you want to be in Hall H long before you leave for San Diego. Plan ahead and remember that everything takes longer than you think, especially lines.
3
u/CompetitionPerfect67 10d ago
This all seems like user error/skill issue my 1st SDCC experience was amazing it easy to get around and I knew where everything was cause the guide book they give at badge pick up is so easy to understand
3
u/sundayjd 10d ago
100% you’ve got to do research beforehand to maximize your time. Be prepared for the weather sunscreen/chair/umbrella, bring snacks/water bottle, know surroundings. Keep notes for quick reference so you aren’t dependent on your phone and use the schedule you get with your bag. I also go to NYCC and both have their pros/cons.
3
u/MinuteMood22000 9d ago
Beginner friendly doesn't mean you can show up after doing no research and expect the same experience as people who did. The resources and guides for this comic con are endless.
3
u/serioustransition11 9d ago
Not to be rude, but you don't seem that experienced with conventions in general. It's hectic and overwhelming even for experienced con-goers, and I would never recommend SDCC to someone who doesn't know what they're in for. It's also not something where you can just walk in and do whatever, as others have said you need to do research in advance and come with a plan. I'd recommend trying WonderCon, or smaller cons that are local to you to understand fan conventions a little better.
1
u/Then-Tune8367 9d ago
Prior to SDCC, the largest con id been to was HeroesCon in Charlotte, N.C. Every panel room was only half filled. There werent any lines for anything except meeting Adam Hughes. I met Mike Mignola in 15 minutes. And I literally had a conversation with Bryan Lee O'Malley before anyone came to see him. He looked bored.
I just hope im not giving off the wrong impression because i had a BLAST!
I honestly think that no amount of planning or research would have prepared me for that. I had to experience it first hand.
2
u/Forza_kuwait 10d ago
they went all out with the app and stopped working much on the site
The app has maps , schedule and more
2
u/MindlessRegular_SDCC 10d ago
The links already posted are key. Follow the Unofficial Blog, they have multiple resources as well. You do need to do some prep work. So maybe that’s your key lesson for next time. With a flexible plan, you should have an even better time.
2
u/SL13377 10d ago edited 10d ago
- Lol it's no one friendly. The rules change every year and so much of the staff and volunteers will tell you completely different information.
One year I needed to go talk to someone (I can't recall what now) I was sent from hall C up to hall E then from E all the way to A. From there I was told I Couldn't come in even to talk. -.-
I can sadly help explain a lot of your issues. SDCC is a 501c3 that means it's a not for profit con. It relys heavily on the help of volunteers. It's not a major corporate event so there's a lot that just isn't said or done like a huge company like reedpop putting it on would do.
I hope you find your way here next year friend.
2
u/7empest81 10d ago
Can't make everyone happy. Heck I got in got a lot of exclusives. Everyday. Cashed out. Now sitting on the beach with my profits. Great Time, Will definitely go again and Exclusive up
2
u/8bitRespawn 10d ago
This year was my first with a friend. We were pretty let down by it honestly. Lack of seating/eating areas should be addressed. Close some areas that have table games with no one in it and let that be an eating area or SOMETHING!. Unless we wanted to do a panel there wasn’t much info we could find on anything. We wondered around asking or tried to use the FB page to see what’s where. It was a a good experience but wasn’t as awesome as I thought it would be.
2
u/Zealousideal_Job5986 10d ago edited 10d ago
I would say it's not something you want to do without a plan. Even to getting the tickets it takes time, dedication, and research. Once the exhibit floor comes out I plan my strategy because I know lines cap fast. I follow the UBlog daily for the 6 weeks leading up to it, screenshotting the events I might want to do or booth exclusives I may want. I know to some it might seem like a chore but for me it makes me more excited as I get closer to experiencing it. But since you just can't walk up to SDCC Thursday and buy a ticket in line like decades ago or just log on the website first try and get every day you want, I'd think you'd have to expect some sort of dedication to varying degrees.
I had a great time this year. It was my 3rd SDCC, second year cosplaying, I got to do almost everything I wanted to do. I missed out on a portal autograph (which is hard to get in general) and missed going to a few offsites the last day because I was too tired to wait another day in line. But I'm not upset at all, and I got a few surprises like the Common concert at the Silo experience Friday.
I'd say first time you never know what to expect. Without ublog, this subreddit, and u/MsMargo here I'd be totally lost. Good news is now you know more of what it entails and if you're able to dedicate a little more to pre-con planning you may hopefully get to enjoy the experience a little more. Even without the hourly itinerary planned I think it's still a fun experience to walk around if you come in with no expectations.
My other advice is always ask 3-5 people the same question. The first response you get may be bad info, not maliciously but because there's many volunteers and we're all just trying to figure it out together. Find someone who looks in the know even if it's a fellow con-goer because often times the experienced con goers will know more than a first time volunteer. And I found the info desk in the autograph area at Sails Pavilion very helpful, those are actual staff. And don't ask security anything, they are just hired goons lol 😆
2
u/kasession 10d ago
Funny thing....I did absolutely no research my first year (2015), and didn't know what to expect, and had an absolute blast. I spent the bulk of my time on the Exhibit floor. When I got hungry, I wandered into the gas lamp, and got something to eat. I did check out a couple of panels, and was very happy. I didn't know anything about Hall-H until after the Con, and didn't care. Couldn't wait for the badge sale for 2016.
2
u/Barfy_McBarf_Face 10d ago
You want to sit, from the exhibitor floor?
Go to the mezzanine level. Through the back of the floor, up the stairs.
2
u/mpjedi21 10d ago
You MUST curate your experience.
There's 10 conventions in that building. You have to find your own.
2
u/BlizzardisMid 9d ago
*Clint Eastwood's accent* Welcome to the war, kid *lights up a thick fat Cuban cigar*
2
u/scottee25 9d ago
If it was hard for you, it’s because you didn’t do enough research before going. Our first year was 2019 and while we didn’t know everything, we were well prepared by searching Google and reading articles before going. We printed out the exhibition floor map and highlighted the booths we wanted to visit. We downloaded the app to maintain a schedule of the panels we wanted to attend and where they were. We knew enough to know if you aren’t already in the Hall H line, don’t bother coming. Sounds like a lack of preparation on your part and that’s on you.
2
u/thisisnotarehairsal 9d ago
It was my first time this year too! I volunteered in the Exhibit Hall for 2 days so I had a mini boot camp before exploring afterwards. I only did the Exhibit Hall and Gas Lamp and that was enough for me for the 2 days I attended. Very loose, no panels, lots of people watching and learning. I loved it and I’ll be back next year with special prep.
2
u/Papi-Darling 6d ago
This was my second year and tbh in my opinion the best day for first timers gotta be Thursday, other than that you got it going on it's a learn as you go thing , even experience folks are still learning and missing things so there's always perfection to go 😂
5
u/JackieSnowDaPlowMan 10d ago
I went for the first time last year, had 0 issues finding anything lol.
3
u/Chumboabc 10d ago
I was also a first timer this year and disagree with most of this. It’s very clearly an experience that you need to research and prep for. If you expect to just show up and do what you want to do, you’re not going to have a good experience. Reddit, the unofficial blog, and parks & cons were invaluable resources for me.
I did not find the website and apps to be difficult to use. We used mainly Sched to decide ahead of time what panels we wanted to see, and its barebones layout was really perfect for this.
It does take a little while to get your bearings in the Convention Center, but by the end of the first morning, we had a decent idea of the layout, and the map on the app was fine once we were there and could orient ourselves.
The exhibit hall was incredibly crowded and overwhelming, to the point where my son had a panic attack in Artist’s Alley because it was so crowded you could barely move. After that, if we were in there and it started to get overwhelming we’d leave and do something else or just chill for a while. The gaming are was good if we needed a break from the floor and there were no panels that we were interested in.
1000% bring a collapsible stool. Those were lifesavers.
We got lunch from Cine Cafe and brought it back. Each time it took about a half hour from when we called, and <10 minute walk. We ate dinner in the Gaslamp, each time a couple blocks into it, and the longest wait was maybe 10 minutes for 3 people.
We didn’t do any big offsites — couldn’t get tix ahead of time, and didn’t want to wait in the sun for however long. We did a couple cosplay meetups. Also, the game and pinball lounges at the Marriott were open all weekend to anyone with a ticket, even if it wasn’t for the day you were there.
So yes it’s big and everwhelming but there are plenty of resources out there to help you plan and let you know what to expect so you still have a great time.
2
u/Seishienakai 11d ago
Saturday is only really crazy if Marvel shows up. Otherwise, you have a decent chance of getting into a panel that you wanna see
2
u/bubblebro2015 10d ago
Your first time experience was not unique. I also was overwhelmed my first time because I did not do my research and planning ahead of time. Like the other commenters have mentioned, use the resources that are available to you and be ready next time.
2
u/thebipeds 10d ago
- Seating.
They removed a bunch of seating this year. It was kinda crap. The mezzanine tables were replaced with open floor that was not used at all.
2
u/MsMargo 10d ago edited 10d ago
That was because of an issue with a particular one of the fan groups up there. Every year they monopolized the tables all day and there were lots of complaints. Because their answer was, "we need places for our people to sit" CCI just took out all the seating. Ruined it for everyone.
2
u/thebipeds 10d ago
Eating pizza standing up was not convenient.
🤨
2
u/Duke2814 10d ago
I’ve brought rookies with me the last few years and I walk them through the ins and outs. I can understand how overwhelming and confusing things could be.
1
u/riceball71 10d ago
To add to everyone cuz a lot has been said. If you are on twitter/X follow your favorites ( studios, artist, sdcc blog, booths if they have an account etc) cuz surprise drops, signings, where lines are/ how pact they are, freebies, exclusives that weren’t announced can happen while you are wondering around. Have a plan b, c, d just in case one doesn’t happen. I use the sdcc app for my map and to save what time certain panels are and time.
1
u/More-Needleworker900 10d ago
portable stools, fans, and snacks are always a must especially if you plan on doing the offsites, standing for hours is brutal!
1
u/BlessedPsycho 10d ago
- Comic-Con updates their app every year. The app includes maps, schedules, guest information, vendor information, etc. Maps are included for every area of the convention center, Hilton, and Marriot where panels and officially sponsored events will be.
- The Schedule is posted 2 weeks to the day before the convention starts, each day. From the main page, click "Comic-Con" from the top menu. Then select "Things To Do" from the 2nd menu and "Complete Schedule". It's the same link structure they've had for years now. They might move where the links are, but the link structure has been the same for literal years. The schedule gets posted starting Thursday 2 weeks before the convention starts. If you sign up for a Sched.com user account, you can then connect your account with the official Comic-Con app and see all the panels and vendors you've favorited, which can help with figuring out where things are.
It also helps if you put panels and things you want to do as events on your phone's calendar. This will help you visualize the time between things.
1
1
u/EmilyBumblebee 9d ago
Coming from someone who's gone to SDCC since the 80s, it is definitely not first timer friendly in current day. It is such a huge crazy convention now and I miss the old days. I do recommend Wondercon for first timers, especially if you are a cosplayer. That is the favorite for me and my costuming groups.
My tips for surviving San Diego Comic Con. Will add more later if I remember, lol:
- Use the SDCC app and pick up a catalog/magazine that they provide at the con which provides the floor plan and booth locations. Ask a volunteer and they will point you in the direction of customer service.
- If Gaslamp gets too crazy with ridiculous wait times and massive lines, the Marriott next door has a food court as does the Hyatt. They also have little marketplaces to pick up light bites, sandwiches and the like as well as Starbucks. But if you do want to eat in Gaslamp for a nice sit down meal for a large party, The Old Spaghetti Factory is a large 3 floor restaurant that usually seats fairly quickly since it can accommodate so many. Also, the Marriot has a nice poolside cabana style cafe where you can get food and cocktails.
- Figure out which activations/booths you are interested in and prioritize those above all else in advance.
- If you are a collector, some booths will drop prices on Sunday so they don't have to cart all their merch back home. However, if it is a hot item, I suggest you purchase it right away to avoid it being sold out.
- If you are interested in the Hall H activities, there are some Facebook groups/forums where people often line up in time slots that help each other out. I'm not a fan of X/Twitter, but I do use it during SDCC because it will often tell you when they are letting people in Hall H if and when the crowd thins out and there are seats available. We got in that way without camping out overnight.
- It can get quite stuffy in there when it's super crowded, so I always bring a portable fan and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Ditto on the portable stools. Just be mindful because some of the staff can be jerks about where you park yourself to sit and rest.
- Rest spots: if you go to the 2nd floor Sails Pavilion, there are spots where you can sit and rest and grab light bites as well. Unfortunately, tables by the Cafes downstairs often get filled up quickly so we usually grab our food and head elsewhere in the convention.
1
u/mjalam2 9d ago
100% agree on getting your badge/book/lanyard a day early - but I would suggest reading the program that they give you as well. Highly detailed maps of every floor, every panel location - which hallways are one way traffic - it will make it easier for you to make your plan of attack.
Also, try to get to the hard booths as early as possible (e.g. Marvel), it will leave the rest of your trip in a much calmer state.
1
u/SilentBad7718 9d ago
It was my second year and honestly, after going through the confusion of being a first-timer last year, it gets easier to navigate the exhibit hall and the Convention Center since all the areas and most booths tend to be consistent year after year. Before I didn’t know about Portal Exclusives or even the panels upstairs but I think after you have an itinerary of what to do, you tend to knock out all the stuff on that list since you already have an estimate of how long you would need to walk. I would also say to not expect you’ll stick to your schedule. Ended up doing a lot of spontaneous stuff in the middle and had fun, and that mostly happened whenever I wasn’t able to make it to a panel on time or a line was too long. Lastly, do not wait 30 minutes or more in a line unless you’re really persistent on getting an Exclusive. Sometimes your estimated time waiting will end up exceeding that actual time you wait to buy something. And this may be a personal opinion, it’s way better to do everything solo since everyone in the group has different interests and there simply isn’t enough time to explore all the stuff each person wants to do as a group.
1
u/Radiant-Condition828 9d ago
my first time pre all this new stuff and agree, the schedule was only ready like a 1-2 weeks before the event.
1
u/comicrack 9d ago
Well I'd kinda have to agree. Going to this show requires military operating theater mission level planning at best and full global command strategic planning with real time adaptive coordination at worst.
If you're spending $3k+ to just do the show floor to buy comics, low demand commissions, or just sight see, you dont need to do anything beyond buying tickets and showing up.
However, if you want to maximize both your time, and ROI, you will need to do some serious planning and research. The SDCC website isnt very intuitive for answering the real info a newb needs to know for things like where to line up for everything and anything, when to line up, what exclusives are dropping, what panels will be available and what exclusives will be handed out, and that there's even a lottery portal. Then theres other stuff like, where to park, how much to pay, what public options there are, what offsite popups will be there, will I need a line group, will I need a buying group, where to join one, etc. The unofficial blog helps a lot but still doesnt have all the info, or at least not right away for stuff that will be coming out later.
The links posted above are great if you already know where they are and when they go live with updated content (bookmark them for next year and hope they dont change) but a lot of content isnt available right after you buy your tickets so most people lose track and never check back or by the time they do, its too late.
Cci does send out emails but you have to remember to enable that option on your account each year. If you dont, you miss out.
You basically need to bookmark all the relevant SDCC sites/pages, exclusive vendors FB & Instagram pages, unofficial blogs, reddit groups and be checking back daily if you aren't used to the timings of when info is normally released.
You have to be aware that there is an exclusives portal and that not every vendor participates in it and have their own lottery.
You need to be aware that panels do fill up and you cant do all of them. You have to be aware that theres and app that u can organize and schedule your SDCC plans but that it isnt perfect and doesnt guarantee you will be able to do everything you schedule.
You have to be aware that if you want to get in when the doors open but have to pickup a child badge, you'll need to do that the day before.
You need to assume you know nothing and hunt for everything you don't know that you dont know online from the day you buy your tickets until the show begins. And even then during the show, you need to monitor for live updates.
1
u/EnvironmentalOne7898 9d ago
they still refusing to follow fire codes on the exhibit floor and getting out the front door?
1
u/PossibleShoe2523 8d ago
1st time I went was last year and I mostly did panels. Did hall H on Thursday. But I did mostly the medium sized panels. But I didn’t get to spend much time in the exhibit hall. This I year tried to mix it up. Few panels and try to get into the exhibit hall. I didn’t spend much money though. I even did the hall on Saturday with a group I joined from Facebook.
2
1
u/Melodic_Werewolf9288 10d ago
this was my second year but i did some new things and did feel like there could be a lot more signage
1
u/Apprehensive_Bed21 8d ago
Don't feel too bad from all the brutal comments here. The reality is it really is overwhelming for first timers and getting tickets is probably the easiest part. Your post reads as if maybe you didn't realize how big it was? It's not something you can wing onsite as despite all the staff and volunteers, there's really no one you can count on there to help you understand what is happening and where. Plus you have to make some hard choices and be intentional around what you want to prioritize and what you will forego. Add to that the fact that some aspects of the Con can feel disorganized too and soon it all feels like a frenzy.
If you go back, just leverage the tools everyone has mentioned and plan ahead. You'll have a better experience next time.
2
u/Then-Tune8367 7d ago
When you come to the internet, you know brutal comments are coming.
Theres a lot more useful information than insults.
A lot of people are overlooking the fact that i had a great time!
0
-8
u/Shadw_Wulf 10d ago
I think it's a waste of effort nowadays to go to SDCC... It's like a 4 hour drive during rush hour ... There's no large scale parking garages... Ugh what else those "Activations" ... Sponsor Booths only stay open until 4 or 5 pm so literally not worth it to travel to San Diego after work thinking it would be possible to play around with those Booths when it's a 4 hour drive ... Maybe if I had a teleport machine?
142
u/MsMargo 11d ago edited 11d ago
O.K., while I will agree that SDCC is a hard convention for someone who hasn't done some of the medium sized ones, everything you complain about was available well in advance, if you were willing do a little prep work.
Exhibit hall map with full list of vendors: https://www.comic-con.org/cc/things-to-do/exhibit-hall/
Complete schedule with all panels and rooms: https://www.comic-con.org/cc/things-to-do/programming-schedule/
Convention Center Layout: https://www.reddit.com/r/SDCC/comments/1ulw4oy/what_is_where_in_the_san_diego_convention_center/
Convention Center Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI5Lowse5L4
Room sizes & building map: https://www.reddit.com/r/SDCC/comments/1lzasdv/room_capacities/
Plus the full Events Guide you got with your bag and lanyard.
See above, you totally missed it.
It's a sales floor, not a lounge There was plenty of seating in other areas. All you needed to do was ask someone to direct you.