PSA: Dragon*Con 2011

[rogueslayer452]

I am going to be attending Dragon*Con this year. Tickets have been bought, so it's officially official.

This will be my first official big convention. I know this is completely and totally different from the conventions I've gone to from Creation Entertainment, so it's an entirely new beast altogether.

So I pose a question: For all who have attended Dragon*Con before, can you give me your own experiences and stories? Advice, your own personal anecdotes, anything for a newbie who hasn't yet appeared at something like a big event like this before. I've looked things up beforehand about what to expect, pros and cons, experiences at panels and other people there, especially those who cosplay, however it's different for everyone and opinions vary. So, anything that would allow me to get a better picture of what I should be looking forward to would be greatly appreciated.

Also, is anyone else going to D*C this year as well?

Comments

[aelora.livejournal.com]

WE MUST MEET UP!!!

I've been attending D*C off and on since the late '90's. It's actually gotten a bit too crazy in the last few years in my opinion - you used to be able to just hang out with the actors and get candid photos with them and not have to pay each of them $20 to do so. The con was still huge and crazy but it also used to allow you to just hang with the actors and have fun. Now it's even more about the money. But still fun!

Last year, the panels for Star Trek were INSANE. If you weren't in line at least four hours ahead of time, you didn't get in. It's not as bad as Comic Con, and there's ALWAYS something to do, 24 hours out of the day. Always. In fact, the problem is narrowing it down from the four choices all going on at the same time.

Comfortable shoes are your friend!!! The hotels are spread out and you will be walking between them. Constantly. Also, don't get stuck in the middle of the Marriott in the middle of the night if you are claustrophobic. I made that mistake last year and luckily had a friend rescue me because I panicked a little. You honestly cannot move because of the thousands of costumed people.

So, money, comfortable shoes, and patience. Also, last year the pre-purchased ticket holders had the longest line - standing out in the heat for four hours. Insanity. I hope they made it better this year. The buy at the door line? Took me 20 minutes.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

OMIGOD SERIOUSLY? YOU'LL BE THERE? AWESOMENESS. AND YESYESYES WE MUST FIND A WAY TO MEET UP AT SOME POINT DURING THE EVENT. :D

Seriously, you've been attending since that long? That's impressive. And yeah, the differences between then and nowadays is definitely the money, cashing in on people wanting to just have fun. Unfortunately that's the downside I see to this because I do want to get autographs and pictures but I'm afraid that certain actors will charge you extra for that when I'm like, ummm, I'm broke. I get that's the benefit for them being there, however I just feel like it's taking advantage of people in some way. It makes no sense. O_o

(so says the girl who goes to Creation cons where they charge you an arm and a leg for photo ops and autographs, also $300+ dollars for an hour meet and greet as well, lol)

Okay, so here's what I want to know: the event is spread out in different hotels, right? Not just one? I keep hearing people refer to this so I want to clarify that's what it is. Different hotels in one area where all the panels and events are going to be held.

Also, last year the pre-purchased ticket holders had the longest line - standing out in the heat for four hours. Insanity. I hope they made it better this year. The buy at the door line? Took me 20 minutes.

I heard about that. I also hope things are better because I don't want to be standing around waiting forever to get my ticket/badge :/

Anyway, thanks for the advice bb! If there's anything else I'm concerned about I'll come back to ask you. :)

[aelora.livejournal.com]

We'll definitely make plans to meet up! I usually love having a get-together dinner with LJers at some point!

Yes, the main parts of the events (panels, dealers rooms, autographs, photos, gaming, etc) take place in the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton with some additional things that take place at the Westin (like the Firefly ball was there last year, things like that). The Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott are basically on top of each other. The Sheraton and Westin are a couple blocks away in opposite directions. It's fun to have to hurry from the Sheraton to the Westin in 90 weather, lemme tell ya!

And yeah, the autographs/photos are ridic now. Like I said, you used to just get candids, but ever since they started bringing in professional photographers, now the stars who don't do that charge you at their tables. And autographs run from $25-$50 average... Brandon Routh was charging $125 last year. I laughed at him.