San Diego Experience

How to Enjoy the Comic-Con

Transportation, Food, and Other Tips
By Erik Stevens
Posted on Tue, Jul 15th, 2008
Last updated Wed, Oct 29th, 2008

For many, the San Diego Comic-Con is the highlight of the year. For others, it's a legendary mecca of pop culture, science fiction, art, and entertainment that can't be believed until it is actually seen. We believe that every visit to the 'Con should be special, whether it's your first or your twenty-first. Our Comic-Con veterans have put together this list of tips to help you make it so.

• do preregister

Pre-register at comic-con.org and do it early. The San Diego convention center is a big place, but even it can hold only a finite number of people. Once this number is reached, no more attendees will be registered, no matter how long they've been waiting in line.

• don't try to park downtown

Unless you have a guaranteed parking spot, such as at a hotel, consider taking the San Diego Trolley. A number of locations along the trolley route have ample (and free) parking. An all-day pass is only about $5.00. With an all-day pass, you can ride back to Little Italy, Old Town, or Mission Valley for a casual (and reasonably-priced) bite to eat later.

• do bring plenty of cash

Though there are a few ATM's in and around the Convention Center, and some Comic-Con merchants do take credit cards, it's a good idea to bring just a bit more cash than you think you'll need. You never know what sort of gotta-have-it merchandise you'll encounter on the convention floor. But...

Convention Floor

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• don't carry around heavy or awkward objects

Got to have that scrap-metal Dalek sculpture or the giant, framed, Spider-Man poster signed by Stan Lee? You may change your mind after lugging the item around for a few hours. Exhibitors are often happy to hold on to such items for paying customers until the end of the day.

• do bring a backpack or bookbag

Even if you spend miserly, there's a very good chance you'll collect a lot of swag, such as stickers, bookmarks, and sample issues. You'll definitely want somewhere to stash this stuff other than a plastic bag in your hand. A backpack or bookbag that can be slung across the back is a must.

• do bring your own snacks

Although the Convention Center does have a small cafeteria, and a number of snack vendors (including Starbucks,) the lines are long and the snacks are somewhat pricey. It's a good idea to bring durable snacks of your own, such as a few food bars, some trail mix, or even a sandwich or two. You'll also want a bottle of water. Just make sure you've got a leak-proof cap.

• do bring sunscreen

Although you won't have to wait outside for a pass to the 'Con if you've preregistered, lines for especially popular panels and presentations have been known to stretch all the way out of the convention center and around the building.

• do show up for events early

Since the convention staff don't clear the auditoriums between presentations, it has become almost a tradition for convention-goers to attend some or all of a preceeding event in order to secure seating to a desired event.

• don't wear uncomfortable shoes

Unless they're vital to a costume, wear the most comfortable shoes you have. You're going to be doing a lot of walking and a lot of standing.

Costumed fans

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• don't forget the cell phone

If you're traveling in a group, it's very easy to get separated on the crowded convention center floor and it's almost impossible to locate anybody by sight alone. But if the members of your party can't all bring phones, at least set up a few times and places to meet up after you do get separated. It will happen eventually.

• don't bring a stroller

Whenever traffic on the convention floor becomes hopelessly jammed, chances are that it's due to a carelessly maneuvered stroller. Whether the little ones within will actually reap any fond memories of the 'Con from this hiney-level perspective is debatable.

• do bring your camera

You never know who (or what) you'll run across. For that matter, bring extra batteries, extra film or memory sticks, and a blank journal and Sharpie pen just in case you run across the cast of your favorite sci-fi TV show.

• don't try to see everything in one day

Although it can be done, trying to sample each and every experience that the Comic-Con can offer in one single day can be an exhausting experience. Remember also that since seating for the various events and discussions is on a first-come basis, budget some time to spend waiting in line, especially for big events.

• do see the sights and have a great time!

Comic-Con International

July 23- 27, 2008

San Diego Convention Center

111 W. Harbor Dr.

San Diego, CA 92101

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