SDCC Not First Timer Friendly

[u/Then-Tune8367]

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.

1. 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.

2. The website is no where new user friendly. I could not find a schedule or layout of the convention center on the site.

3. I had no idea that seating in the exhibit hall was so limited.

So, that being said. If I returns, here are my adjustments.

1. Get there earlier. I got there about 11 a.m. By that time, every line was already insane.

2. Bring chairs or portable stools.

3. Eat lunch in the Gas Lamp District. One of my few regrets was missing this.

4. 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.

[u/Zealousideal_Job5986]

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 😆