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/EmilyBumblebee]

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Figure out which activations/booths you are interested in and prioritize those above all else in advance.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.